sylvanlights

First of all, I want to thank everyone here on the board for all of the amazing information that you have given out so generously! Your thoughts, ideas, and careful instructions do not go un-noticed!

I have now had my 2002 Midnight Blue Protege 5 for almost three months, and I have enjoyed every morning commute! I have formed a special bond with my car and I think it may be time to buy it a present or two. As I am heading up to Edmonton for a course next weekend (Sorry, don't think I can make it out to the meet) I thought it might be a good time to do some shopping. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have heard a few shops mentioned form time to time, but was hoping you guys/gals could help me figure it all out.

If it's not too much to ask, adresses and phone numbers may be beneficial as well. I thank you in advance because I know that you will all pull through.

By the way, if anyone would like to get together for coffee or something that weekend I would be game. I am a relative newbie to the car scene, but am really eager to have some fun with my "5".

Thanks again!

90210brandon

Ok, I don't know if anyone else will say it buy you are being really nice. What's up? What do you want? Just kidding. To easy to be a hard-a$$. Sorry. I'm sure someone from the Edmonton chapter will more than cladly help you out. Maybe start with a CAI or even painting the calipers. Cost is low, the only thing you would have to buy is 'engine paint'. Happy to have you on the forum though!

neuromancer

What kind of shopping are you looking to do? Car stuff?

What days/times are you going to be down?

Jay

sandman

screw shopping man.. we don't have anything good in this lame-o town.. JK..

seriously though.. instead of buying junk you could find in your home town, why not go climbing or something instead?

Go check out Vertically Inclined. If you've never been climbing, this is a perfect opportunity to start. If you have, check it out, they have an amazing facility..

www.verticallyinclined.com

if you've never climbed before, it'll cost ya about 24 bucks for gear and an orientation.. if yah have, then it'll be about half

you can climb all day for that price. maps and more info can be found at the above url

if you HAVE to do some shopping though.. may as well go to west ed.. they have pretty much everything.

sylvanlights

All right, sorry, I guess I should clarify a few things.

First of all, I AM a nice guy. That's who I am. Pardon me if I come off as such!

Second of all, I want to do some car shopping. There is no such thing as a good shop in Red Deer (that I have found, pardon my ignorance if there is!) so I wanted to check out a few things while I was up in the big city. It's not like I've never been before, just never looked for car stuff. As far as Red Deer goes, I can go look at Honda and Sunfire parts all day long. Was hoping Edmonton may have a better selection of the rare Mazda accessories. Even if there is a good dealer up there that has sprinkled a corner with a few shiny parts I might be keen. I hear Jim at Jarman knows his way around a 5.

As for climbing, been to VIRG many a time. "been there - done that - got the T-shirt" But hey, thanks for the heads up. I am an avid climber (both rock and ice) that's part of the reason I bought a P5 ... lots of storage for all my gear. Are you a climber Sandman?

Anyhow, thanks for all the replies. Still looking for some recommendations of some good CAR shops to check out probably Friday morning - afternoon. But if there is something else I should be checking out at a later date (even Calgary) let me know. I frequent both places about as often.

CIAO!

-=Doug

sandman

Sweet!! A fellow climber!

I just recently got into it - within the last year and a half I'd say. Haven't actually done any REAL climbing yet. Just been going to VIRG and very occasionally the butterdome.

I'm actually more into bouldering than roping, but i find both to be pretty fun.

With planning my wedding I've been to busy to do ANYTHING this year.. I've been to virg twice i think, and i've only gotten out mtn biking (my true passion) once that's ok though.. I'm gettin pumped for snowboard season now that the weather's dipping and the wedding's done..

As for places to shop in e-town -

Jim at Jarman is great - he doesn't have a lot of 'in stock' stuff, but is super helpful and would probly be willing to ship it out to you... 9590-125 a ave - 474-3458

Check out the JBs on Fort Road and talk to Shane - he's on the board here as well. ( 13528 - Fort Road ) 406-7030

Just across the street from jarman is PHAT Performance and Detailing. I haven't been there yet, but i drive by them like everyday. 12467-97 st - 479-3702

Last place I can think of is maybe FX Audio and FX Designs Auto Accessories 10929-101 st - 440-4576

What course are you taking btw?

sylvanlights

Excellent! I am looking forward to seeing some some of the new goodies available for my car! I think my course is up in the North-East, but not too sure. I was planning to go up to Jarman to see if they have any 2003s on the lot. I want to see the new changes they have in person.

As for climbing, it souds like you may have more time on your hands soon. You should definitely get back into it. It's a great sport that never gets any easier!

Will keep your shop recommendations on paper, and let you know how it goes.

-=Doug

sylvanlights

Oh, sorry ... I'm taking a window painting (advertising) course in Edmonton. I used to work at a sign shop, but now just do some seasonal stuff from time to time. Keeps me busy. More importantly it pays for the car!

-=Doug

MAZDA44

Thanks Jason, if you keep talking nice about me I might have to give you something for FREE. Hey Doug come by say hi, if your looking for some accessories for car and I don't have it I'll get it to you! We can also work out a good price

Jim

neuromancer

Hmm...I say nice things about you all the time...what have you done for ME lately??

Jay

-I should quit well I'm a head.

sandman

Doug - window painting eh? Kinda cool! I've seen some really neat stuff painted on windows..

Well, if you're headin northeast you'll be relatively close to jarman and phat, and really close to JBs so you should be set!

Yeah, now that the wedding furor is dying down, i'm hoping to get back to virg.. Only problem is that as the weather cools off, all the outdoor climbers come indoors and the place gets swamped.. I hate lineups to get onto a wall.. SO - i'll just work on my snowboard and wait for the first snowfall..... aaaahh..

Jim - regarding that FREE item.. something like.. ohhh.. i dunno.. labour on my escort!? :P hahaha..

skyhawk174

And Jim would want to do this why?? It's an Escort . Okay so I'm kidding. I'm sure it was a real good car but it seems it has reached the end of the road, so to speak. Sorry If I am making fun. You can return the favour when we see each other next. I had a, wait for it, Hyundai Pony.

Okay quiet down and you can get up off the floor now. I got something like 275K km with the same rings and stuff. Only had to change the timing belt and a couple of gaskets, once.

skyhawk174

I've been there already and unfortunately they had something I had to buy. They are really a Honda specialist (go figure) but have lots of the general stuff, like lights, mufflers, pedals, ***** etc. I found my dead pedal there to match my other pedals.

Stick with Jim or Shane and they will take care of you.

Doug, send me a PM and maybe we can hook up for coffee on the weekend. I know you 've seen my car but what the heck right.

sandman

Yeah.. I really can't complain too much about it.. I've definitly gotten my moneys worth out of her, but we need to keep her around for just a little while longer, you know what i mean?

Not even remotely expectin jim to take me up on that.. but it's worth a shot, right?

sylvanlights

Well, it looks like I am set up for a few shops to check out in my free time! Thanks guys.

Chris, would love to hook up for coffee sometime that weekend. I am at work right now (lunch break) and do not have my course schedule here. Will try getting back to you tonight. I would really liketo have a better look at your leather seats as I am VERY close to ordering some for myself.

Talk later, and thanks again guys.

-=Doug