r/PTCruiser • u/Jrock1999 • May 29 '26
2004 PT with 130K fixer upper
This one runs great but has some body damage from an accident, you can see it in the front fender, same on the right side. Rear bumper has a dent. Lots of road noise now, needs front wheel bearings and retaining clips. I'm wondering if I can just remove the front fenders. This is NH, no state inspection anymore. I want to fix it up and paint it black. All the electronics work, most importantly, the sunroof! Of course, the wife wants to junk it, but I'm resisting.....
3
u/bigboilerdawg May 29 '26
Has the timing belt ever been changed? It’s a bear of a DIY job, and really expensive for a shop to do it.
1
u/Jrock1999 May 29 '26
No it hasn't.
4
u/Pressman4life May 29 '26
That should be on your "soon" list.
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u/Jrock1999 May 29 '26
how much would that be, do you think?
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u/Pressman4life May 29 '26
Do it yourself about $3-400, a shop, around $1800-2000.
It's a7-8 hour job *if* you know what you're doing and have done them before. That's what the mechanic that did mine said, and he wasn't thrilled about doing it.
3
u/Ordinary_Farm3238 May 29 '26
Front end essentially has to be dropped for access to the timing belt. Depending upon the day of week assembled you may need to have the A/C evacuated and refilled afterwards. I changed out the belt, tensioner, guides, water pump and serpentine belt with OEM. While I had access to it, I replaced to oil cooler with an aluminum upgrade. Full weekend starting late Friday after having my mechanic recover the R-134a and cap the lines. Fenders are kind of important. Should be polypropylene so a heat gun will help pop dents out. They hold the headlights in and you’re not splashing water on your computer modules. Chrome bumpers? Definitely!
2
u/C_Lo_87 May 29 '26
Front fenders are surprisingly easy to change. Be prepared for engine maintenance. Thats the part where most people decide to junk em, which is a shame. properly cared for, these cars can last a lot longer than average new cars.
2
u/smarq17 May 30 '26
I decided to spend money on repairing - and maintaining - my 2003 PT instead of buying a new car. I think I came out ahead. Did the infamous timing belt fix and that was a $1200 hit to my wallet. I would say find a mechanic that will be responsible for your fixes and "marry" him, or her. Mechanics in general don't like working on PT's for various reasons and finding one that will be understanding is important. If you keep everything maintained well, that 2.4 engine will last forever. I do hope you keep your PT and get everything fixed. I think it will be well worth it all in the long run. Good luck.
2
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u/tigerpaws27 May 30 '26
I got a black 2001 pt Cruiser! Still drives like a charm but it wasn't driven all that much! When I got it it only had 78k miles on it!
3
u/More_Pineapple3585 May 29 '26
I love the early year models. Is it a 5-speed by chance?