[Joule]

So, it looks like the mouse mobile is on its way to becoming my daily driver (after some necessary attention).

I don’t have a lift. Brake work will be required since: 1). I lost the brakes (pedal to the floor) shortly after acquisition and 2) I will daily commute at highway speeds.

Given that it sat for a while before I got it and has sat for nearly a year waiting for me to get to it, I plan on replacing most brake parts just to be sure. The only parts I haven’t acquired are a brake booster and new flexible brake lines.

Are either the booster or flex lines known failure points on these cars?

 

[Balto]

So, it looks like the mouse mobile is on its way to becoming my daily driver (after some necessary attention).

I don’t have a lift. Brake work will be required since: 1). I lost the brakes (pedal to the floor) shortly after acquisition and 2) I will daily commute at highway speeds.

Given that it sat for a while before I got it and has sat for nearly a year waiting for me to get to it, I plan on replacing most brake parts just to be sure. The only parts I haven’t acquired are a brake booster and new flexible brake lines.

Are either the booster or flex lines known failure points on these cars?

I have never seen one fail on any insight, personally.

Also you don't need brakes, sounds like extra weight and wasted MPG to me!

Real talk though, I'd just replace the lines with the SS lines from that one company that sells them. I haven't heard anything but good reviews here on the forums.

 

[Joule]

I want the brakes to maximize regen.

 

[Joule]

Last I checked, Fine Lines didn’t offer a CVT set, although plans for same appeared to be in the works. I think I am going to end up using NiCopp. Also, since I don’t have a lift or heated garage, I am likely to have my local independent do only those lines needed to get me back on the road. I’ll revisit additional line work in warmer weather.

Plus, there is a huge cost differential between NiCopp (inexpensive) and Stainless ($$$).

Not sure I can justify spending more on brake lines than the purchase cost of the car.

 

[Joule]

So I looked at the master cylinder and it is bone dry. I am going to do a brake refresh. Spec is, I believe Dot 3 fluid, I don’t know what was in there before. Any recommendations for brake fluid?

 

[*sean*]

Not sure I can justify spending more on brake lines than the purchase cost of the car.

An exciting project!!! I can't wait to see it when it is done! Perfect car for your own customizations!!! Let's get a group together for a drive somewhere in the mountains to celebrate when that day comes.

And heck, the low original cost is to free up the funds to do it right. You now can go nuts with good brake lines that won't rust. I paid more to U-Haul my car back home from Vermont than I originally paid for it! At least you won't be able to do a money shift in yours

 

[Joule]

It already has an engine block heater.

I might have to get a few panels resprayed, but maybe I’ll see if Julian’s paint correction guy will take pity on me first.

Cheap is as cheap does, however. Goal here is maximun reliability for minimum spend.

Inconvenient that it probably needs brake lines and I won’t do that in an unheated garage in winter. Thus, I may end up paying my local independent to do such lines as need replacing.

 

[Gasoline Fumes]

Spec is, I believe Dot 3 fluid, I don’t know what was in there before. Any recommendations for brake fluid?

Any DOT 3 or DOT 4 should be fine. I think I got DOT 3 from RockAuto. I used to buy the Valvoline brake fluid with its higher boiling point, then I realized I've never had brake fluid boil. Buy the cheap stuff and flush it every couple of years and you'll be fine. I should probably flush mine!

 

[Gasoline Fumes]

unheated garage

Sounds nice! I have a gravel/mud/snow/ice driveway.

 

[Joule]

I try to flush brake fluid every 2 years.

 

[Joule]

Well, the mouse mobile is living up to its name, truly. Went to install Prolong grid charger harness and, guess what? I suppose it goes without saying that this is the first time I have had the rear compartment uncovered under my ownership (1 year tomorrow).

 

[Arbus]

Well, the mouse mobile is living up to its name, truly. Went to install Prolong grid charger harness and, guess what? I suppose it goes without saying that this is the first time I have had the rear compartment uncovered under my ownership (1 year tomorrow).

Extra sound deadening!

 

[Joule]

I guess this will provide the impetus to use my recently-acquired, but as yet unused, steam cleaner. Needless to say, I will steam clean the spare tire well before I remove the hybrid battery cover.

 

[Joule]

Pre and post steam cleaning. Don’t know why images duplicated.

 

[Joule]

So, grid charge harness (Prolong) is in. Sticks are orange wrapped as visible through the cooling fan shroud, so I am going to give grid charging a shot. Ambient temp is probably 48-50F. Voltage showing on charger is 161V. Not sure if that is suggestive of anything for an IMA pack that has been sitting unused for c. at least 15 months - since Sept. of ‘21, maybe even longer.

 

[*sean*]

Looking really nice. Steam cleaner? Dang. I saw a steam generator thing in a local thrift store the other day and didn't think of how I could use it. It had a nozzle where the steam comes out. Dang!!! What kind is yours?

But I did find an ionizing air freshener for $3 or so. It has a "catalyst" apparently, to return the ozone to something less ozony. The car smells fine (it has been a couple of months since I zapped it), but I think I will leave this new one in overnight. How does your car smell now that a few days have passed?

 

[Joule]

Still some residual mustiness and mousiness, but way better than before. I am getting essence of Mickey through the IMA cooling fan though.

Steam gun is a Wagner #905. $99 on Amazon. Seems to function well. Good for smaller jobs. I wouldn’t want to do an industrial type assignment with it but for home use seems fine.

 

[tervic]

"essence of Mickey"🤣🤣🤣

 

[*sean*]

I am getting essence of Mickey through the IMA cooling fan though.

Maybe run the ozone generator while those fans are running? HVAC in recirc mode? Need a way to power them during the treatment and the long rest afterwards.

 

[Joule]

Sadly, I think a complete interior tear down is indicated.

No time to do now. Will await warmer weather.