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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 11, 2006, 7:39 PM
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My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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I just recently purchased a wonderful Inferno Red 2005 PT Cruiser GT Convertible that happens to have the 230 hp 2006 engine with the plastic intake maniforld. It must have been a late-production '05 for this to occur. I call her the "Candy Apple Cruiser" because with the Crystal Pearl Coat finish it looks less Inferno and more Candy Apple compared to earlier Inferno Red cars without the pearl finish. At any rate, I joined the Puget Sound Cruisers Club and met some fellow PT owners, and went on a cruise to Oregon last weekend with some club members. It is really going to be fun!
My changes to the car so far have been mostly cosmetic, but for my first performance mod, I have removed the white silencer from my airbox and installed a K&M air filter. I intend to install an amx1397 TTAB pipe next. I've read some postings mentioning an intercooler-to-throttle body pipe also. For you experts out there - what kind of gain would I get from it and is it a hassle to install?
With the '06 engine rated at 230 hp, would I gain anything from Stage 1 or should I leave well enough alone? I recently had a nightmarish hassle with the ECM in my '96 Sebring convertible so I'm skittish when it comes to dealing with computers in cars.
Later I might go for the Borla dual exhaust, and I definitely plan on the strut tower brace (chrome of course). Any other mods recommended? High-performance plugs and wires? I'm not looking for a tire-spinning monster, just a bit more pull (and more fun!).
Thanks in advance for any answers provided!
The Candy Apple Cruiser
mods (so far):
Chrome beltline trim all around (Nick's Custom Trim)
Chrome side spears (Nick's Custom Trim)
Chrome 3rd brake light and back-up light trim
Chrome door and deck lid scuff guards (Nick's Custom Trim)
Chrome license plate frames and PT-logo snap covers
Chrome short antenna and bezel
Chrome PT logo wheel center caps and valve stem caps (Nick's Custom Trim)
Lighted chrome washer jets
Chrome headlight and taillight trim rings
Chrome fuel door cover
Splash guards (rear) w/chrome PT logo (Mopar)
6-disc CD changer (Mopar)
K&M air filter and airbox mods
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 11, 2006, 7:43 PM
Post #2 of 23
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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In the interest of accuracy, my previous post should read "K & N air filter", and not "K & M".
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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grammy189
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Mar 11, 2006, 8:26 PM
Post #3 of 23
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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I have one of those red soft top beauties too.........ain't it fun!!!!!
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Posts: 145 | From: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
| Registered: Feb 10, 2005, 10:42 AM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 11, 2006, 8:43 PM
Post #4 of 23
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Re: [grammy189] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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It sure is!. I really noticed a difference today with the airbox mods and K&N drop-in air filter today.
Yours is a pretty ride!
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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MrBastage&WendySMF
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 12, 2006, 4:41 PM
Post #5 of 23
(391 views)
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the club from Philly!
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Wendy & Greg, Members of the PTCC, PTOC and Del Val PT Cruisers
2005 PT Cruiser Convertible GT
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Dark Slate Gray Interior, 5-Spoke Chrome Wheels
Audio/Video/Navigation
Pioneer Hardware: AVIC-N2 Head Unit, Steering Wheel Remote with Voice Command, XM NavTraffic Unit, iPod Unit, Premier 6 Disc CD Changer, Rear View Camera.
Speakers: Front - MBQuart Premier Series 6.5" Component Model PCE 216, Rear - MBQuart Discus Series 6" x 9" Coaxial Model DKE 169, Subwoofer - Rockford Fosgate 12" Punch Model P212S4.
Power Amp: JL Audio Slash Series 500-5.
Add-Ons
Exterior Chrome: Side Spear Covers, Full Beltline Kit, Fuel Door Cover, Valve Stem Caps w/ PT Cruiser Logo, Headlight/Taillight Trim, Washer Covers, Handle Recess Trim, Rear Bumper Trim and Center Insert.
Interior: Billet PT Cruiser Cigarette Lighter, Brushed Billet Door Locks, Cruiser Seat Belt Covers, Windscreen.
  
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Posts: 187 | From: Philadelphia, PA Area
| Registered: Jun 22, 2005, 8:03 AM
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sdp
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Mar 12, 2006, 5:10 PM
Post #6 of 23
(387 views)
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the club.
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Ordered 1-30-06
Delivered 3-17-06
2006 PT GT
automatic
inferno red crystal pearl coat
uconnect
heated seats
chrome accents
remote start (dealer installed)
am/fm 6cd disc
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Posts: 54 | From: chicago
| Registered: Jan 29, 2006, 5:27 PM
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mikemcl
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 5:04 PM
Post #7 of 23
(370 views)
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Congrats! I just saw an 05 just like yours for sale in a north jersey dealer...sweeet....wish I could have a red to go withe the NILLA-VERT!
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2005 Touring Edition Convertible
Turbo 2.4L LITE
Automatic, cool vanilla, faux Street Edition badging, K&N drop in filter, modded airbox, mini-chrome side flames, chrome gas cap cover, customized rear mud flaps, flying siberian husky fur when top dropped.
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Posts: 762 | From: NJ
| Registered: Jun 29, 2005, 6:48 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 6:05 PM
Post #8 of 23
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Re: [mikemcl] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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That's a pretty rig you have there. Congrats yourself!
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 6:06 PM
Post #9 of 23
(367 views)
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Re: [sdp] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Thanks for the good words. Wish I had heated seats...
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 6:12 PM
Post #10 of 23
(365 views)
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Re: [MrBastage&WendySMF] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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That's one pretty plum cruiser. I love all your add-ons - have a lot of it on mine too. The stock audio really needs help - how do you like the MB Quart speakers? That seems to be a fine system you've put together. I think the tweeters are the weakest link in the stock system but I like the stock 6-disc changer as it is so user-friendly compared to the Eclipse I have in my Sebring Convertible.
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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mikemcl
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 6:13 PM
Post #11 of 23
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Thx...don't fret the heated seats thing, I hear they are over-rated. I'm gonna get a sleeker shot of the nilla vert when the spring hits. Hopefully by then I'll have the Stage one installed as well as the BTG duals then my 180hp turbo lite will be speeding along with you GT types!!
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2005 Touring Edition Convertible
Turbo 2.4L LITE
Automatic, cool vanilla, faux Street Edition badging, K&N drop in filter, modded airbox, mini-chrome side flames, chrome gas cap cover, customized rear mud flaps, flying siberian husky fur when top dropped.
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Posts: 762 | From: NJ
| Registered: Jun 29, 2005, 6:48 PM
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MrBastage&WendySMF
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 13, 2006, 7:21 PM
Post #12 of 23
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Re: [mikemcl] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Well Wendy and I both have some back problems so the heated seats are a godsend. Plus they get nice and toasty in the winter.
As far as the MBQuart, some folks think they are too tinny. However we seemed to have EQed them pretty well. Make sure you put the money into the fronts, that's why we went with the better series in the front. They are component so they come with the fronts and the tweeters and a crossover in the fronts. Remember, the back speakers are fillers so they only need about 25% of the overall power going to them. Since there isn't a ton of room in the trunk for power amps, we decided to go with a one stop shop with the JL 500/5. It provides plenty of power to all of the speakers including the subwoofer.
Last year at Wild Thang 5 in Wildwood, NJ, I saw a great set up in a vert. They had a fake wall built behind the seats that houses the power amp and subwoofer. We're thinking about doing that in the future but in the mean time we just put the sub in a box that we can remove if needed. So far we haven't had to remove it becuase we can still fit a large suitcase, cleaning supplies and tools. We've never really put the back seats down for more luggage space so the idea of putting up a fake wall is very attractive. I've included a pic below.
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Wendy & Greg, Members of the PTCC, PTOC and Del Val PT Cruisers
2005 PT Cruiser Convertible GT
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Dark Slate Gray Interior, 5-Spoke Chrome Wheels
Audio/Video/Navigation
Pioneer Hardware: AVIC-N2 Head Unit, Steering Wheel Remote with Voice Command, XM NavTraffic Unit, iPod Unit, Premier 6 Disc CD Changer, Rear View Camera.
Speakers: Front - MBQuart Premier Series 6.5" Component Model PCE 216, Rear - MBQuart Discus Series 6" x 9" Coaxial Model DKE 169, Subwoofer - Rockford Fosgate 12" Punch Model P212S4.
Power Amp: JL Audio Slash Series 500-5.
Add-Ons
Exterior Chrome: Side Spear Covers, Full Beltline Kit, Fuel Door Cover, Valve Stem Caps w/ PT Cruiser Logo, Headlight/Taillight Trim, Washer Covers, Handle Recess Trim, Rear Bumper Trim and Center Insert.
Interior: Billet PT Cruiser Cigarette Lighter, Brushed Billet Door Locks, Cruiser Seat Belt Covers, Windscreen.
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Posts: 187 | From: Philadelphia, PA Area
| Registered: Jun 22, 2005, 8:03 AM
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mikemcl
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Mar 14, 2006, 7:27 AM
Post #13 of 23
(355 views)
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Re: [MrBastage&WendySMF] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Sure that all sounds great, but sacrificing so much trunk space for a nicer bass and high end won't work for me. Also from NJ here, hoping to attend one of the local events in the summer! I am always warm so no heat in my seat!
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2005 Touring Edition Convertible
Turbo 2.4L LITE
Automatic, cool vanilla, faux Street Edition badging, K&N drop in filter, modded airbox, mini-chrome side flames, chrome gas cap cover, customized rear mud flaps, flying siberian husky fur when top dropped.
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Posts: 762 | From: NJ
| Registered: Jun 29, 2005, 6:48 PM
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MrBastage&WendySMF
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 14, 2006, 8:21 AM
Post #14 of 23
(353 views)
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Re: [mikemcl] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Mike, I hear that. Wendy and I are huge music lovers, in fact I have a pretty nice recording studio set up in my house (yeah, I'm an ex-rocker...well actually I still rock pretty hard in my old age, just no longer in any band) so that's why we opted for putting about $5k into our A/V system. Hope to meet you at WildThang6 next year!
- Greg
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Wendy & Greg, Members of the PTCC, PTOC and Del Val PT Cruisers
2005 PT Cruiser Convertible GT
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Dark Slate Gray Interior, 5-Spoke Chrome Wheels
Audio/Video/Navigation
Pioneer Hardware: AVIC-N2 Head Unit, Steering Wheel Remote with Voice Command, XM NavTraffic Unit, iPod Unit, Premier 6 Disc CD Changer, Rear View Camera.
Speakers: Front - MBQuart Premier Series 6.5" Component Model PCE 216, Rear - MBQuart Discus Series 6" x 9" Coaxial Model DKE 169, Subwoofer - Rockford Fosgate 12" Punch Model P212S4.
Power Amp: JL Audio Slash Series 500-5.
Add-Ons
Exterior Chrome: Side Spear Covers, Full Beltline Kit, Fuel Door Cover, Valve Stem Caps w/ PT Cruiser Logo, Headlight/Taillight Trim, Washer Covers, Handle Recess Trim, Rear Bumper Trim and Center Insert.
Interior: Billet PT Cruiser Cigarette Lighter, Brushed Billet Door Locks, Cruiser Seat Belt Covers, Windscreen.
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Posts: 187 | From: Philadelphia, PA Area
| Registered: Jun 22, 2005, 8:03 AM
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mikemcl
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Mar 14, 2006, 5:10 PM
Post #15 of 23
(346 views)
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Re: [MrBastage&WendySMF] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Definitley love to hear that sound system up close! I have only had the nilla vert for a few months now, just put 2k on it. Will be planning to attend a PT get toegthr for sure for the very first time, and Wildwood sounds just like the right place!
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2005 Touring Edition Convertible
Turbo 2.4L LITE
Automatic, cool vanilla, faux Street Edition badging, K&N drop in filter, modded airbox, mini-chrome side flames, chrome gas cap cover, customized rear mud flaps, flying siberian husky fur when top dropped.
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Posts: 762 | From: NJ
| Registered: Jun 29, 2005, 6:48 PM
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MountainBlue1
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 15, 2006, 7:44 PM
Post #16 of 23
(331 views)
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Congrats on the red vert'!! YES STAGE 1 does put you to a new level. The stage 1 rating for 05 w/plasty intake is well below the real power output. Also their are two reasons for the 230HP rating for 06. 8hp from the intake and 2 from a new way they are rating HP for all 06 cars and trucks. If you install a boost gauge, you will see that you get maybe 11 psi with the stock PCM, after stage 1 you will be seeing 15psi. Plus the stage 1 allows you to up boost to 20 if you want to gain even more power without blowing up your engine or throwing check engine codes. Another thing it does is allow you to hold the boost during WOT shifts. I will assume for now that you have an auto stick. If you had a boost gauge you would see the boost drop to 0 during shifts adversly affecting performance. Stage 1 also allows you to run the BIG AGP turbo kits (400HP at the wheels, check ptcrew.com mod bible section or agpturbo.com for more info) Almost any of the real performance mods will turn your PT GT into a tire burner cause the badyear tires are too small and just well, suck big time. The Upper Charge Pipe or inncooler to TB hard pipes(install requires removal of battery temporarily to get the pipe in) are great along with the airbox to turbo hard pipe and air box mods. They help the turbo spool faster and make more power quicker. I recommend Iridum plugs (Denso or NGK) and high performance wires like MSD, Crane, etc. They are not all that neccessary unless you go for the S1 which reccommends hi perf plugs & wires. Do some searches here and the other site I mentioned and you will find yourself blindsided with potential mods! Just take a look at my 05 vert'-20psi and roasting ricers and BMW's with the top down!!
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05' GT 5spd
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Posts: 176 | From: Santa Fe, NM
| Registered: Feb 28, 2005, 8:39 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 15, 2006, 9:13 PM
Post #17 of 23
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Re: [Topless in Cali] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Thanks a TON for all the info. I really appreciate it all! Now I have some decisions to make.
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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MountainBlue1
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 16, 2006, 10:10 AM
Post #18 of 23
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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You do know that you are now totally screw'd and are caught in what I call the "mod vortex". Once you go in, you will never come out!! But the upside is a really cool cruiser!
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05' GT 5spd
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Posts: 176 | From: Santa Fe, NM
| Registered: Feb 28, 2005, 8:39 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 19, 2006, 8:39 AM
Post #19 of 23
(306 views)
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Re: [Topless in Cali] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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That is a great way to put it. It's like a black hole but you come out cruisin', better than ever.
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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SmittysPT
Cruiser Veteran
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Mar 27, 2006, 11:22 AM
Post #20 of 23
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Re: [softtop] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Welcome to the zoo that never ends. Gotta love the ragtops. Sounds like you are on the right track....mods are great and you don't need much of a reason to spend more money are fixin up the cruiser. For now,
Enjoy and BE SAFE.....
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Jack Smith (Smittys PT)
Webmaster
Colorado Cruiser Club
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Posts: 2750 | From: Colorado Rockies
| Registered: Mar 22, 2001, 12:00 AM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 27, 2006, 6:01 PM
Post #21 of 23
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Re: [SmittysPT] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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Thanx for the good wishes. You have a beautiful car there. I think if they ever outlawed softtops I'd take the bus...
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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softtop
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Mar 28, 2006, 3:54 PM
Post #23 of 23
(257 views)
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Re: [justpeachy] My new Convertible GT: The Candy Apple Cruiser
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You too!. That is a great color! Haven't seen many of those. These PTs are fantastic, aren't they?
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Ben Keller
Choirs and Convertibles forever!
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Posts: 14 | From: Lakewood, WA
| Registered: Jan 17, 2006, 3:45 PM
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