I think I just bought a VX!

[etlsport]

a lot of the carpeting would be easy to replace, the only place its really molded is in the front, but all through the rear the carpet is just kinda laying there..

havent done the headliner in the VX, but id imagine it would be fairly easy, ive done other headliners with no problems, usually the problem with headliners is dome lights, sunroofs etc, the roof of the vx is pretty clear, just use some good spray on adhesive and some patience

[nfpgasmask]

When I took out my rear seats, I bought a roll of rubber matting and put that down. Problem was the rubber smelled REALLY bad, like tar. The smell was overbearing for at least a month or so, and now the smell has gone away...or maybe I just got used to it I think if you just keep washing her eventually the odor will go away. I have a bottle of Armorall Ultimate Clean Protectant, and this stuff smells awesome. The leather lotions I use smell nice too.

IMHO, nothing is worse than the cigarette smell covered up with perfume. Especially on women

Bart

a lot of the carpeting would be easy to replace, the only place its really molded is in the front, but all through the rear the carpet is just kinda laying there..

havent done the headliner in the VX, but id imagine it would be fairly easy, ive done other headliners with no problems, usually the problem with headliners is dome lights, sunroofs etc, the roof of the vx is pretty clear, just use some good spray on adhesive and some patience

[PHO2GR4]

I've got an Isuzu dealership right by the state automobile license agency. I stopped by Westlund Isuzu on the way to register the VX, and THEY gave it a good once-over. When they hooked it up to their computer, that's when they got the misfire error code (is it PO303?).

So, yes: error code with no CEL...but again, it's idling so rough that I KNEW something was up.

Remember, in an earlier post I said that the VX's gas tank was essentially bone-empty when I took delivery. The fuel light was on SOLID, so I know I was pretty much out of gas as I drove it to the gas station. I can see where the drive from FL to WA would give plenty of opportunities for condensation, or how driving it on "EMPTY" might have allowed some bottom-sludge to clog the injectors or something. Or worse, it's a combination of bad fuel/condensation/sludge/water/old plugs/coils/intake gasket/fuel pressure/EGR/PCV/GREMLINS.

I hate them gremlins.

On the other hand, there's a certain joy in taking a vehicle and restoring it to like-new condition. The VX is a special ride, and we really have to take care of the few that remain.

On the other topic, maybe I should put in an order NOW for those Chambers? I don't need them today, so a back-order is fine. Besides, can't they be ordered directly from AR's website? They DID finally send me an email from their tech department saying that I should have no problems with the 16" wheels OR the 17" wheels. I guess 18" is pushing it, although since the 2000-2001 VXs had 18" wheels, I don't see the issue.

EDIT POST: Never mind, it looks like the "wheelsforless" site IS AR's 'special' dealer. Thanks for that link!

[Ldub]

Fuel filter would also be a good investment...
Also, how about unhooking the MAF or IAT or one of the other sensors to see if it will throw a CEL, just to make sure it works ?, then re-set it by disconnecting the batt.
Usually a CEL isn't "stop the car now SERIOUS" unless it's blinking.

Another option for the carpet & headliner is steam extraction. Though they should take it easy on the headliner.

My two cents 4 now...

[PHO2GR4]

Thanks! I appreciate everybody's 2 cents and 4 cents. It all adds up to valuable input! Pretty soon I'll have, like, 62 cents worth of good info!

Good idea about trying to force a CEL. It would suck if my VX died because of a dead bulb!

Oh, and on a side note: we're all site supporters here already, right? It's WELL worth the investment!

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, the Chambers are pricey. Most retail shops want like $220 a pop, and with shipping it can be around a g-ball just for the rims! I do not think you can order direct from American Racing, at least I did not see an option for this on their site.

I bought some diamond plate rubber mats from Kragen and put these up front and took out the Isuzu carpeted mats. They don't fit EXACTLY perfect, but they look good nonetheless.

Bart

[ZEUS]

I admit I merely browsed through this thread... so forgive me if this has been said... Maybe the Check Engine Light bulb has burned out?

[PHO2GR4]

a lot of the carpeting would be easy to replace, the only place its really molded is in the front, but all through the rear the carpet is just kinda laying there..

havent done the headliner in the VX, but id imagine it would be fairly easy, ive done other headliners with no problems, usually the problem with headliners is dome lights, sunroofs etc, the roof of the vx is pretty clear, just use some good spray on adhesive and some patience

Patience? What's that?!?

I know, I know...I'll have to take this project on one step at a time. I want to do it all NOW, though!

Let's call it "enthusiasm" instead of "impatience".

Sadly...yet, logically...it's the front carpet that seems the most worn and stinky. Like many VXs, I doubt there were many passengers stinkin' up the rear seats! For now I'll just shampoo the hell out of the front area, using some bio-enzymatic solution and lots of steam. Throwing out the old removable carpet mats and adding some new ones will also help. I rmember seeing some OEM Isuzu Vehicross mats on eBay awhile back, but they're gone now! And I worry that all of those cheapy aftermarket eBay mats will suck.

Again: patience!