Newb with a '04 GT in Brisbane

[Quick Jab]

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum as I am picking up a Liberty GT on saturday. I have been lurking around here for a few days now, learning tons about my new car. This is a really great resource for any Liberty owner, so thanks to everyone for their knowledge and enthusiasm for some pretty awesome cars.

Gotta admit I'm pretty damn excited as this will be my first actually decent car, and it has pretty much everything I was looking for. I had a crappy baby blue '96 Corolla (named Craig) which was my first car. Craig has now gone to a better place, and I've been searching for an upgrade for a little while. I was mainly looking at Mazda 6 MPSs and VZ Calais' when my dad found my soon to be GT on a dealership website. The rest is now history.

I don't have any pics yet, but it's a blueish (not sure on the actual paint colour name) manual sedan completely stock, although it does have the sportier grill fitted instead of one with the chrome highlights. As for mods, first thing I'll be doing is purchasing an Anylink adaptor to use my ipod with the apparently excellent Mcintosh stereo. After that any mods will have to wait until I save up some more money, unfortunately. But I would like to get some basic engine and cosmetic mods such an air filter and possibly other minor things, as well as new rims and a lip boot spoiler at the rear.

Anyway, hopefully I fit right in here and enjoy my Lib as much as you guys seem to! Will probably post some pics once I've picked it up on saturday.

[alessandro132]

Manual GTs are pretty rare so nice pick up! Look forward to pics pending arrival/celebatory first drive/hoon

[ferret89]

Welcome mate, another 04 GT owner in Brissy!

If its not the dark blue its the same as my blue, which is called Atlantic Blue Pearl. Excellent colour choice

I think you'll enjoy your purchase, its a great car and I hope you join us on the next cruise

[zch91]

I take it your car is an 2004 MY05

Nice car mate, I think saying the McIntosh is an excellent system is subject to oppinion.. Pretty decent investment to upgrade it, but worth it if you're that way inclined

[Quick Jab]

Thank you for the welcome guys. Ferret, I'm 99% sure you're correct and my car is the same colour as yours.

Zch91, I don't really know to be honest, but you're probably right haha. Anyway, this time tomorrow I will be driving it back to Brissy

I will have to look into coming along to a local cruise sometime soon.

[Quick Jab]

A little later then I originally stated, but pictures are finally here!

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=pya20&s=5

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=dwcjdx&s=5

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=fmnm89&s=5

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=hx8yty&s=5

There are a few little niggles with it, but overall I absolutely love it.

Small things that are bugging me are the wheels which aren't in great nick, some of the leather inside is quite worn and shabby, there's a little stain over the front of the stereo screen which is impossible to get out, and the little screen above the stereo with fuel economy and temperature readings isn't working.

I will have to take it to an auto electrician for that screen, as it seems the fuses are ok (coming from my dad who used to be a mechanic), and the buttons for it still appear to work, as the 'bright' button will brighten/dim all the instruments in the car.

And the stain I mentioned on the stereo is almost literally impossible to get out. My dad and I took the whole head unit out and dismantled it down as far as possible, and tried to clean the inside of the screen to get rid of the stain, and still no dice! So possibly there is two panels of glass/plastic there and the stain has somehow got between them?

As for the rims, they're not in overly bad condition, but still mildly annoying haha. I plan on getting new rims when I have the money, so I'm not too concerned about them.

On the topic of future mods, I would also like to get a black or carbon fibre front lip, and rear deck spoiler, as well as possibly painting or plasti dipping the hood scoop. For the rims I was thinking some black 17s with a chrome lip. Then some minor engine mods and possibly subtle side and rear skirts, and I will probably be set. Although I say that now, there is every chance that the modding bug will bite me too. For example, the thought just crossed my mind that a nice set of rims needs a nice set of brakes behind it to work best:p

As for plasti dipping or painting the hood scoop, has anyone done this before, and how did it turn out? I was thinking the smoke coloured plasti dip, but may just go black or carbon fibre wrap. Obviously the hood scoop, spoilers, and skirts will all match.

I think this will look pretty awesome, whilst still being quite subtle and sleeper-ish. Does anyone else have any ideas on mods and/or colours of any kind? I'm always open to good ideas.

[ferret89]

Nice front grille mate, must be a sports mesh one. I hope to be getting one of those soon...

Mods sound good, screen not working is common. I tried to resolder mine to get it working but I ended up just swapping it out for another one.

[Quick Jab]

Thanks, Ferret. I have been meaning to look into getting the clock display fixed, but kept on forgetting. I just looked up the DIY guide to soldering it, and will most likely give it a shot tomorrow. If not I can get it replaced for free under my warranty:)