Hello all,

It's my first post here, I'm the proud new owner of a '94 16v 4 dr Sidekick.  I got a great deal on it, but...naturally, it needs a little work.  Specifically, new ball joints.  I've already ordered the parts.

Anyway, I'm also fixing a lot of little stuff like the window crank that's stripped.  I got a new indoor handle and attached it, but for some reason it doesn't pull the latch far enough.  Anyone have any advice on that one?

I'm also looking at ways to replace panel clips so the interior panels look their best.

Other various questions:

How hard is it to replace carpet in these?
Have people done work with sound proofing to lower road noise?
Are there any other small things I should be on the lookout for?

I've done a little searching through the forums and I intend on doing some more.

Overall, my Sidekick is stock, but I might put a K & N filter in and a couple of other things.  I won't be taking it off-road much, so what I'm really after is the best, most efficient ride I can get.

I'm glad to be a part of the community and so far, I love my 'Zuki!

- Josh

If your worried about rust at all...look under the vehicle at the rear crossmember that the front gas tank straps go to.  These are so commonly rotted out on these things.  If theres rust, take it to a body shop and have them weld in some replacement steel, or do it yourself.  But i recommend getting it undercoated.   Saves time and money down the road.

How hard is it to replace carpet in these?
Have people done work with sound proofing to lower road noise?
Overall, my Sidekick is stock, but I might put a K & N filter in and a couple of other things.  I won't be taking it off-road much, so what I'm really after is the best, most efficient ride I can get.

-Carpet replacement is straight forward, you need to remove everything that's in the way. Here is a great place to shop for new carpets - http://www.automotiveinteriors.com/  I've ordered from them before, A+.
-Not with this vehicle(I just turn the radio UP), but I have in the past when I worked as a car audio installer, we used to use "brown bread" which has now been re-named - http://www.b-quiet.com/ultimate.html  It's great stuff, proper prep, and it's stuck good. There are other brands, I'd just check out a local mobile audio shop, and tell them what you want to do. If you want cheap, Home Depot sells a similar mat(roofing section i think) that's blue or gray on one side, and is sticky tar on the other, okay to lay flat(like on a floor), but on an inside door/quarter panel skin is a bad idea, it will get hot and slide down.
-Am I missing something with K&N? a friend of mine had one in his VW($68) he needed to clean it so he bought the cleaning kit($24) are they really worth this? I just bought new shoes for my son. ($28)
-If you're not going off road, stick with a "P" (passenger)rated tire, it will ride softer than an "LT" (light truck)