1986 Pontiac 6000 STE review from North America

Electric ABS pump had to be rebuilt using brushes from a cross-referenced starter motor. Brushes are not available and garages will assume no liability for their labour. No bill was issued. Paid cash. Pump has worked for 8 years.

Re-upholstered drivers seat. $250.

Catalytic converter plugged with bad gas. Engine stalled and would not start. Head gasket had to be replaced. I rebuilt both heads at the same time. Maximum wear in one isolated guide was 4 thou.

Wiring in doors get brittle causing power window/lock failure. Replacing harness too costly. Soldering in new flexi wire with heat shrink lasts about 5 to 6 years.

Timing chain is due for replacement. Engine is very strong at 200,000 miles.

The ERS (Electronic Ride Control) is not available any longer. This is an automatic air-shock ride level control. Lasted 10 years. Pump got stuck on and ran the battery down and burned out pump. Replaced ERS with overload shock absorbers. Finally available. Work beautifully. I miss the ERS.

The plastic coating on the aluminum wheels had to be removed. Spray product worked well. Use a corrosion spray-on rinse-off product 4 times a year. Planning to have wheels machined to mirror finish in the near future.

This car is invisible to most eyes. Only the real car buff notices how well kept it is. No rust. I've repainted it and use the dent doctor when needed. You don't see these cars in excellent condition often. They are abused. "H" rated tires are fantastic. Thinking of taking the 16" wheels off a wrecked Chevrolet Eurosport for even more improved handling. These aluminum wheels looks the same, car for car.

I wish this car had independent rear suspension. A project would be to take the rear suspension out of the late-model Eurosport as well as the wheels.

Steering wheel stereo control is worth keeping alive. My goal is to tap into the pre-amplifier for more boost. Great radio! Way ahead of it's time for the period.

I also have the sliding moon-roof. It needs the cables replaced. About 4 hours labour and $150 for parts are scheduled.