couple things that've been on me skull lately.

[mdelorie]

My Lumina's turn signal switch seems to be facked - it has to be in JUST the right position to flash for left, and you have to hold it up for it to flash right, or else it will just stay on. probably contacts or something. but my question is about the steering wheel. My Haynes manual says you need a steering wheel puller to get the wheel off, and "DO NOT USE A HAMMER" apparently. Is there any other way for me to get it off, without either of those tools?

Second, my starter does funny things (tho it hasn't since I took it off and put it back on) It used to just click when you went to turn it over. I've heard stuck bendix or faulty contacts in the solenoid. Anyways, last weekend I took it off to just take a peak, and I couldn't get the $*@ solenoid off the motor! it was stuck! Don't know if it's stock, but can you get starter / solenoid combinations that are permanently attatched? They look like separate assemblies, could be that it's old and hence just gunked into place so I can't turn it.

Lastly, my front grill took some damage, so I've got a new one from GM (e-spensive!!!) and a new bow-tie logo, and I wanna paint it, but I've never painted anything, so I'm gonna need some advice. I roughed it up with some 2000 grit sandpaper, and primed it from a spray can, but not sure what I should do next, re-sand and then paint my color? or should I seal it (whatever sealing is..) and should I use a top-coat?

 

Okay, this post is too long already. thanks for anyone that's got this far and can offer some advice.

 

peace.

[patgizz]

#1. get the steering wheel puller. theyre cheap. i've damaged wheels trying to get them off without a puller.

 

#2. you may find your paint color in a spray can in the "dupli color" or other such line at the parts store. i would do a fine(1500) wetsand on the primer to get it smooth. if in doubt if you will sand thru or not, put on another coat or 4. if the primer isnt smooth the paint won't be. if you sand thru don't worry just hit it with more primer and sand again. wipe down with rubbing alcohol(normally i'd say something stronger but the likes of laquer thinner will wipe spray can primer right off). then spray your color coat. spray evenly, keep a wet edge, and don't lay on too much at once. again don't be afraid to do several coats. i'd follow it up with clear for a nice shine, unless your car is kinda faded.

[Brian P]

A steering wheel puller is under $20 and a very worthy investment. Other people have pried between the wheel and column, other people somehow held it hard then reclined the seat and pulled with their body weight. Screw that, get a puller.

 

As for the painting, you should have roughed it up with 280 grit before the primer, then rough the primer with 400 grit before topcoat. With cans, the best idea is to have the grille lay flat, give it one very light "tack" coat, wait a few minutes, then follow up with 2-3 medium coats with about 5-7 minutes between each one. Finally (this is what will keep it from holding onto dirt/grime and losing luster) clearcoat it with acrylic enamel clearcoat. I'm assuming you're using the color matched car paint cans made by duplicolor or plastikote (Lacquer). Acrylic is compatible and much more durable. Don't use lacquer clearcoat, dirt/soot/road grime doesn't come fully off unless you use polishing compound all the time on it.

[ismellrealbad]

get a puller, it just makes life 20x easier. only thing is i dont know where to tell you to get one. i just happened to have 2 different kinds sitting around my garage

[JS91Z34]

Wait at least 2 or 3 days before you put a clear top coat on. The clear top coat WILL make the base color bubble and/or curl after it is applied. You got to let the paint dry before you do anything else to it.