Is the Alpha worth the work?

[Ghostbuster]

Mine gets up and goes with 37's 4.10's and no supercharger.

No supercharger yet... Lol

 

[USMC_315]

so I am now 99% sure I'll be purchasing this truck, it is very clean and only has 50k miles on it. it's an '09 Alpha, anything I should be looking out for as far as issues go?

 

[Ghostbuster]

so I am now 99% sure I'll be purchasing this truck, it is very clean and only has 50k miles on it. it's an '09 Alpha, anything I should be looking out for as far as issues go?

Bring a gallon of water and pour it all around the sunroof weatherstripping and see if anything leaks in. The H3 drain tubes are known to become clogged and leak water into the interior. Many times water will drip out of the onstar microphone hole which is on the drivers side headboard. Looks like a little vent you can't miss it. Mine actually leaks in the rear, it runs down by the rear door. I haven't had the courage to tackle the job of unclogging the rear drain tubes so I put some marine grease around the two rear corners of the sunroof weatherstripping and that has actually solved my problem.
So if it does leak I would ask them to fix it or knock some money off their price.

Ask about some type of warranty. I bought mine used from a Hyundai dealer and they gave me a 10yr/100k mile power train warranty for free. It only includes internal engine components and transmission only but still it's better than nothing.

Also check the battery and battery terminals. The battery is probably 5-6 years old and the oem terminals are known to break and come loose and cause all types of issues.

Best of luck

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Bring a gallon of water and pour it all around the sunroof weatherstripping and see if anything leaks in. The H3 drain tubes are known to become clogged and leak water into the interior. Many times water will drip out of the onstar microphone hole which is on the drivers side headboard. Looks like a little vent you can't miss it. Mine actually leaks in the rear, it runs down by the rear door. I haven't had the courage to tackle the job of unclogging the rear drain tubes so I put some marine grease around the two rear corners of the sunroof weatherstripping and that has actually solved my problem.
So if it does leak I would ask them to fix it or knock some money off their price.

Ask about some type of warranty. I bought mine used from a Hyundai dealer and they gave me a 10yr/100k mile power train warranty for free. It only includes internal engine components and transmission only but still it's better than nothing.

Also check the battery and battery terminals. The battery is probably 5-6 years old and the oem terminals are known to break and come loose and cause all types of issues.

Best of luck

I lacked the courage to do them too...but after months and months I did the front and back and didn't take long and was quite "easy". I also opened all 4 holes to make the draining easier and avoid future clogs and so far so good. No more puddles inside or water pouring down on me.

 

[SedonaBound]

Mine gets up and goes with 37's 4.10's and no supercharger.

But who wants to commute in 4-Lo? :giggle:

 

[Cyouincourt007]

so I am now 99% sure I'll be purchasing this truck, it is very clean and only has 50k miles on it. it's an '09 Alpha, anything I should be looking out for as far as issues go?

Probably already mentioned but make sure the 4x4 works etc, no leaks underneath....rust or paint to cover rust underneath etc...sounds awesome buddy keep us posted :woot:

 

[derian06]

But who wants to commute in 4-Lo? :giggle:

Things get realll torquey when it's in lo

so I am now 99% sure I'll be purchasing this truck, it is very clean and only has 50k miles on it. it's an '09 Alpha, anything I should be looking out for as far as issues go?

Sounds great congratulations!

 

[USMC_315]

Thanks for the help guys!

Got a few more questions... I've never used plastidip on my deuce and this 3 has a considerable amount of chrome. I will eventually remove it all together, but in the mean time I'd like to just cover it up.

How many cans should I purchase for covering the rims, handles, side mirrors and the grill? I remember hearing 2-3 coats should do, is this correct? And should I remove the grill to plastidip it, or can it be easily done while still intact?

 

[derian06]

Thanks for the help guys!

Got a few more questions... I've never used plastidip on my deuce and this 3 has a considerable amount of chrome. I will eventually remove it all together, but in the mean time I'd like to just cover it up.

How many cans should I purchase for covering the rims, handles, side mirrors and the grill? I remember hearing 2-3 coats should do, is this correct? And should I remove the grill to plastidip it, or can it be easily done while still intact?

Its going to come off of your handles after a week or so. I would just go with bedliner.

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Thanks for the help guys!

Got a few more questions... I've never used plastidip on my deuce and this 3 has a considerable amount of chrome. I will eventually remove it all together, but in the mean time I'd like to just cover it up.

How many cans should I purchase for covering the rims, handles, side mirrors and the grill? I remember hearing 2-3 coats should do, is this correct? And should I remove the grill to plastidip it, or can it be easily done while still intact?

i did my rims including spare, front hooks and that under shield metal up front with about 5 cans I think. They say the more coats the easier it is to remove if you ever want to.
ive also heard what derian says that on frequent contact things like handles might come off quick supposedly.

havent done my grill so no clue there

 

[chaos254]

I did 5 coats on my rims and they have held up awesome. Ive been going back and forth on if I want to dip my grille or leave it chrome

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Post up some pics USMC...

 

[USMC_315]

How long has the plastidip lasted on y'alls rims?

Cyouincourt I got you, here's some pics from Carmax website, she should be delivered within a few weeks. I don't think this baby has ever been wheeled properly, I'll fix that haha

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Dang that rig is looking sweet, congrats! Did my plastidip bout dec or early January if I recall correctly and been fine ever since. Need to do touch up since I did em at night after a few drinks lol

 

[derian06]

How long has the plastidip lasted on y'alls rims?

Cyouincourt I got you, here's some pics from Carmax website, she should be delivered within a few weeks. I don't think this baby has ever been wheeled properly, I'll fix that haha

Worked fine on my rims until I tried to use a power washer to clean them. But it will work aslong as you don't do anything like that. Simple green and a microfiber towel works really well on it.