| Newbie questions
I've had my '98 less than a week and am very pleased. I've read many pages deep in this forum, followed links, and learned a lot. I wish the search function worked, but it doesn't so...
- I see threads about antennas and am confused. My car has no visible antenna - where is it? I have no issues so far with radio reception but I admit I haven't done anything beyond locating my favorite NPR station so far. I'm guessing that my antenna is hidden somewhere and y'all are talking about replacing that with a mast type. Where is my antenna?
- I see threads about replacing the windscreen with an acrylic version. My car didn't come with a windscreen at all (unless I'm missing something). Apparently, the stock windscreen is a mesh net that stretches across the roll bars. Is that correct? Is it easy to get a factory replacement? I understand it reduces rear vision, but is it effective? I am very handy at fabricating acrylic pieces and am tempted to try making my own custom windscreen. Has anyone else tried that?
- I see threads about failing light bulbs but I have an odd problem. Starting Friday and continuing yesterday, my exterior lamp failure light comes on after I've been driving a while. Turns out to be the right brake light that's out, but it's intermittent. It always works when the car is first started and doesn't fail on the first application of the brakes, but instead after 10 minutes or so. I've always understood light bulbs as something that either was good or burnt out. This indicates to me that perhaps I have a poor connection to the bulb. Is it worth a try cleaning the bulb and socket or should I stock up on spares (or both)?
- At interstate highway speeds, the car seems to roll smoother with the top up than with the top down. Yesterday while rolling down I-75 with the top down it almost felt like I had a mildly unbalanced tire (I could see a tiny bit of vibration in my driver side rear view mirror). Is this normal or should I have the tires and suspension checked?
- One of the links I followed showed a modest rear spoiler for sale for the SLK for what seemed a reasonable price considering it comes painted to match the car. I'm not crazy about it but my wife thought it was cute. Has anyone installed one of these? How was the build quality?
I'm sure I'll have more questions and I've got a mental wish-list going that I'd like to post someday to see if I'm crazy or if others have the same thoughts. I'm very very pleased with the car overall though. Thanks in advance for any advice/tips on this stuff. |