Metro parts specialists/discounters?

[Old3banger]

Was surprised I did not find sponsors/links to Metro parts specialists & discounters here. Did I miss them?

Looking for a 2000 3cyl/1.0 crank timing belt sprocket. Local dealer would need to order it. Can anybody suggest a source w/large inventory of new and/or used Metro parts in stock.

The lower timing belt sprocket I need is p/n 91173455 it has the reluctor ring at rear to signal the crank position sensor.

[$400chevymetro]

Hey there O3b did you post about a wallowed out crank on Teamswift? I just answered it this morning, I had the same problem and welded it with my mig. So far it seems to be doing fine....

[Old3banger]

That's me. Did you take a couple of shots of Jack to steady your hand before pulling the trigger on your MIG? See my comments on TEAMSWIFT, I think I have everything I need to git'ur'dun now.

My $300 Chevy Metro is nearly a $450 Chevy Metro already, if I don't add the cost of gas for all the running around. Bet I've driven over 400 miles putting this Metro back together. Next week I have to get over to my favorite U-Pull near Jacksonville, they just got a white 2000 Metro in & I might just get a perfect fender.

Got an exc used crank sprocket & some other goodies today for $15. Had found an online GM '20% over cost' discount dealer, that happens to be in my hometown & who's willing to let me pick up in person & avoid s/h. May have to welch out of my 1st order Mon, $26 crank sprocket, that Chevy wanted nearly $50 for. I like my cheap recycled part better. A junkyard is the same joy it was in the 60's when I was a teen cobbling together my 1st cars.

Surprised/disappointed nobody replied w/links to discounters or Metro specialists. Guess the crusher got a lot of Metros. Only today I heard a sad story. Stopped at a yard sale, where they have a 4 dr Metro among other Dead Boys. Gal said the town has been after them for years for junk cars & had relieved them of 6 Metros!

Get the impression many Metro fans are DIY kindred spirits.

[Johnny Mullet]

Most Metro owners are mostly DIY type people who enjoy working on these cars. Glad you are getting the parts you need finally! Don't worry, after the car is fixed and running, it will pay you back in fuel saving rather quickly.

My Metro has paid me back $350.00 in four months by not driving my truck instead. This also includes deducting $800.00 in repairing mine.............

Rebuilt top end
Replaced transmission
New clutch kit
Repaired rotted frame
Replaced exhaust

Now that the car is like new again, I will actually be saving over $3500.00 per year in fuel savings!

[$400chevymetro]

I'll check out your reply. I was pretty lucky when I welded mine, for some reason the woodruff key never got any penetration while I welded the crank, I'm sure I could have stuck it if I had really wanted to but kept the weld aimed at the crank and just built up weld along the key. I welded very small passes so I wouldn't heat up the crankshaft. Then took a chipping hammer and knocked anything lose that didn't get good pentration. Only once did the woodruff key get any weld on it and I just ground it back smooth. One thing that would help is an auto hood to weld with since you have to be very precise with your aim and you can make the lense lighter. I usually go to about a 9 setting with my mig for small jobs like this.

My $400 metro and it had been sitting for over a year when I found it. The only thing wrong was 2 burnt valves. I did do the rings while I had the head off and of course a set of bearings. Like Johnny said in his post these cars pay for themselves over and over. Combine that with how easy they are to work on and these cars can last forever. Mine has over 200,000 miles on her and seems to be running better than ever. Cold air and gas mileage never below 45mpg and usually around 50mpg all for about $1000 invested. I have to feel sorry for these people buying hybrids and paying a small foutune to get what I paid about a $1000 for.

[Old3banger]

No doubt! My total investment in the Metro equals little more than 4 tankfuls of gas for my truck. Wish I had "an auto hood" welding helmet, as well as a Metro parts car.

Still don't know what else might be bad in motor or tranny, but remain intrepid fixing what's needed. Did find the EGR port on the good used exhaust manifold completely plugged. Will try to get my motor running before swapping manifolds, just to evaluate clutch & tranny. Had hoped to have it running by now, but enjoy restoring stuff. Will put the rear bumper & tail lites back on today-got a bunch of the hardware at U-Pull.