Need Help Putting 98 Convertible Completely Back To Stock Options

[TangledHeart]

Hey All
I have a 98 Convertible 5 speed, Black on Black
I am trying to just clean it up a bit by replacing parts and trying to return it back to complete OEM parts. I know this isn't the forum for selling, (cuz I already checked that out) but I thougt maybe I could get some direction. You have nooooooooooooooo hard it is to find even a single 6 gen car in a wrecking yard! It took me threeeeee months to find a air filter box so I could pass smog. The guys that owned it before me, did Mickey Mouse shizz throughout the car... Sad They couldn't figure out how to get the left rear window to work correctly, so they just frikken put a bolt in the track to hold it up.
Any way... Thanks in advance P
Oh, maybe someone can help me, my tranny started getting weird. It was whining in 5th. Now, as of today, it started making kinda 'clicking' noise. It seems like maybe it's tranny related, because as soon as I disengage the clutch, it isn't there. or if it is, it is very faint. When I first noticed it, it gave me the feeling of how it feels when you get a flat, and when it's airing down, you hear the sound of the road??? I dunno if that makes any sense, but I actually stopped and checked my tire.
ANY help of ANY kind would be greatly appreciated! I love my car and am limited on funds, but I figure I can do a little at a time... Peace ya'll

[TangledHeart]

I just changed the transmission in November... IF I could do it myself, believe me I would. It's not even paying someone else that bugs me. Although funds are tight and getting tighter after each gets their piece of what I had, it is the mere fact that they don't seem to be willing really hear what I try to share. They already have it set in their mind to replace it, I guess that's because it's easier to sell the cost of labor if they make it sound that way. I totally relate to the fact that not all understand the work involved and therefore can't justify the cost of labor for a $10 part, but I have made it clear that I DO. It's just like when replacing the water pump or timing belt, you may as well do it all since you have to go that deep into it. I have owned enough cars, especially Toyotas to understand that.
Honestly, I believe that biggest problem I have been running across is the fact I am a woman, and have half a clue. I don't want to stereotype all men, mechanics, but recently it has become evident that they would prefer to deal with someone that just bought what they had to say without question. I have been talked down to, patronized and disrespected because I am a woman that questioned what they said. I am in no way rude, nor do I act like I am all knowing, but some of the things that have been told to me, have been beyond ridiculous. I have had to resort to having a male accompany me,(even ones that know not a thing about cars) just to try to avoid some of crap. Pretty sad when they have to try to intimidate to avoid being called out on their BS.
Don't get me wrong, I have had good mechanics in the past, but lately it just hasn't happened. It's surprising to me. especially with the economy the way it is that there isn't more honest and pride. Work ethics seem to be a thing of the past, well at least with the people I have been coming across. SAD...