Hey everyone, I already posted this in the new members and it was suggested i post in here.

i just got given a 93 Shadow ES (4 dr) with the 2.5L I4. It was kinda a b-day present from a friend who got a new car. The cars runs great, starts everytime but there is some body and cosmetic work that needs to be done. I am really mechanically inclined and have worked on all my friends cars but this is my first car (spent to much travelling). It has had all of its life-liquids changed (tranny, brakes, oil), new oil filter and a good washing. I will put some pics up soon and i will be creating a website to track the restoration and improvements....


If anyone can help or give any tips/tricks, it would be great fully appreciated. This is what i would like to fix in the coming weeks:

1.) Back passenger door lock is wedged into locking postion, cannot open the door; wondering if the door skin can be removed while the door is still closed?

2.) Driver door power window worked when i got it, then i went to close and window stayed but the lever that raises the window came up and between the inside door panel and window pushing the door skin out about an inch. Any suggestions to fix? i was think of removing the door panel and seeing whats up, justs wanted any tips on what to look for, etc. before i started the work.

3.) I've read some of the forums here and elsewhere and have gotten mixed reviews on both the K&N filter and removing the air intake hose to give a bit better fuel efficiency and HP? discussion anyone?

4.) The paint is chipped and faded in some areas, any way to restore without a new paint job? it doesn't have to look like a show car, just better than now (which isn't bad cause hey, the car was free).

Other than that, thanx in advance

 

If the paint is faulty (my 93 is and the clearcoat on my 91 is starting to peel) You could take some sand paper to the areas where its peeled and hit it with some similar color paint. As for the power window issue..im not too sure neither of my cars have power windows, my suggestion is to take the door panel off and check to see if the arm came out of the track (more than likely the problem). Rear door problem: You could try to take the door panel off with the door closed, but it might not come off (never tried) and see if you can get it un-stuck. The air issue, im not too sure of really..ive been thinking about making my own custom Cold air intake outa 3 inch tubing and an old air box.

Post some pix when you get em and if you want a decent site to post your pix on check out www.cardomain.com

 

thanx Bassboy for the reply,
I got the speaks installed but this morning the passenger front is really quiet compared to left side, even with balance full right, it is still quiet. I checked fuses and they are all good, any suggestion on what that could be? speaker cables were spliced properly and have been shielded so i don't believe it to be a loose connection there.
As for the backdoor, i was able to un-jam the lock, but the door will still not open, i think the latch is fused and needs to WD40. the drivers back door is sticky in warm weather and the latch is stiff on that side so i think the passenger side is just a bit worse, I think in the next day or so i will see if the door car be removed from the inside. It looks like i can get everything off while the door is still on....i'll update when i fix it. As for paint, my friend gave me some stuff that i will try today. Pics and website will be up by end of monday, i'll post the link.
cheers

 

I got some pics up at cardomain, check it out at:
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/836875

cheers

 

where'd you get the woodgrain trim?

 

The woodgrain trim is stock, came with every Shadow that had Tan interior. Asfor the door, did you try to open it from the inside? The rear passenger side door on my car opens extremely hard from the outside (seems like its locked) but opens with no problems from the inside. As for the speaker problem, any chance that it could be the stereo? or maybe a bad wire between the stereo and the speaker? The wires in my car were not spliced properly when I got it (paid 400 bux for my 93 and 400 bux for the 91). It had one working front speaker, and no rear speakers at all. I put some Rockford Fosgate 5.25 inch in the front doors and 6x7's in the rear. I also have a 140 Watt amp and 2 cheap subs from Circuit City. Sounds pretty good and can be heard a ways away..Im happy with it lol.

 

The back drivers door is sticky, but becoming easier to open day by day, ( iguess from lack of use) as for the passenger back door, i tried from the inside and my girlfriend was pulling on the outside, not even a budge. I will try to take the inside door panel off today and see whats up.

As for the speakers, i just rewired from the harness with better wire and voila.....i have full sound I put nice 3 way sony xplods (51/4) in the doors and the rears are still good but will be replaced in a month or so. I got a 500 watt alpine amp with a JBL P-1200 12" sub for the trunk (just need a box and wiring)

The faux wood grain will be going soon, i'm planning on painting the exterior in the end a nice metallic blue. as for the interior, its going to be redone, thinking of a black/grey color combo.

Fixed the paint with this stuff my friend gave me, brought the shine back out, removed alot of the minor scratches and oxidation, looks almost likem a decent paint job now...it shines in the light.