Words of experience please

[ajedge]

Hi Guys,

I am new and this is my first post. I have recently picked up a 86 VL Calais 5.0. The engine seems to be in excellent order but the "cosmetics" need a heap of work - inside and out. As an amatuer, I am hoping someone may be able to help me with the following;
Rear brake lights - I have replaced globes from inside boot, but bottom half of brake lights is still not working. Are more globes required lower, or is this a wiring problem?
Paint work on the roof and rear (boot & spoiler) is peeling away pretty badly. I am not keen to respray at this stage. Is it wise to peel the remainder away, or should I let nature take its course for the time being?
Air conditioner is blowing hot air. Next to no air is coming through dash "side" vents. Is this a a/c gas problem? How about the vents? Is there an easy way to allow air to flow more freely?
If I pull the park brake on too full, it is near impossible to release. Is there an easy way to adjust this.
The electric windows, cruise control and electronic headlight covers?? have been previously disconnected. Where do I start looking for disconnected wiring for both of these?

That's enough for now. Thanks heaps to anyone who can help out a first timer looking for a new hobby - 308 motors and their shells!

Cheers

[harry3]

welcome
if the paint is metallic this usually didnt last long
my air cond has the same problem maybe a fault in the vacuum control system a valve on the vacuum line from engine to vacuum tank behind front bumper can jam, but I cant find the damned valve and nobody here seems to know where it is
might help to lubricate brake lever ratchet and adjust cable under the floor, use locktite as the double locking nut system seldom works

check for rust around the windscxreen and poorly done rust repairs, using a magnet

[ucwepn]

I don't remember the tailights having upper and lower globes just a central one for each lense, leave the paint that has faded in place as this will protect the surface underneath (to an extent). My side vents don't seem to work either, my aircon is getting removed shortly to free up some rpm so I'm not really phased about vents (aircon hasn't worked since I got the car anyway). Sounds like yours just needs a re-gas, as for the front clip popups there will be a plug that is disconnected (take off the front bar and grill and all should be revealed).

[mag]

welcome
if the paint is metallic this usually didnt last long
my air cond has the same problem maybe a fault in the vacuum control system a valve on the vacuum line from engine to vacuum tank behind front bumper can jam, but I cant find the damned valve and nobody here seems to know where it is
might help to lubricate brake lever ratchet and adjust cable under the floor, use locktite as the double locking nut system seldom works

check for rust around the windscxreen and poorly done rust repairs, using a magnet

Harry the vacumm valve is just behind the brake booster, look 4 the vacumm ball under the guard and follow the line up in to engine bay (next to battery) and it goes under the washer/overflow and comes out near the back of the booster..