N19

Amazing - small world! I suppose it's quite distinctive... What were you in?

Mondeo passed the MoT yesterday, phew. Capri had a nice little jaunt out to Cambridge today. On return I started the initial stripout for the upcoming welding excitement. Lots of labelling and trying to be organised. Seats and carpets out, temporary seat to go in.

That'd be if there were "borrowed" plates on it...

I had to work late last week and got a taxi on expenses. The receipt shows a MK3 cavalier, although sadly the taxi was one of those new TXE electric ones.

The bluebird returned yesterday after spending quite a while in the garage. Rear arches welded up, looking nice, with the trim refitted you'd not know they'd been done. Whilst it was in, a few other jobs were completed, namely replacement of a bloody brake hose to sort a binding caliper (which took several attempts to get hold of!) and fresh fuel line, stonechipping of the fuel tank. Now back in service and nice to be driving it again. £70 to fill up from almost empty. Next up, sort out the drivers electric window and the central locking.

If the garage know and trust you, you may find that advisories become verbal and/or "I'm going for a wazz and when I get back I'm going to look at your brake lights, here's a screwdriver and a new bulb". That said, I'd rather an honest fail where it matters.

B&%$rd parts. Can't find a brake hose for the bluebird anywhere - the o/s/f is correct, but the n/s/f hose that everywhere seems to list is the wrong one. Motor factors, who have the proper old books etc, couldn't get the part. Sigh. Don't want to fanny around taking a punt on things that 'might be ok' off ebay based on a picture...

Popped in to see how they're getting on with the Bluebird. Progress. Once it's painted over and the trim is back you'd not know it's been replaced Capri meet at the Ace this weekend just gone. Ah, the empty engine bay of a pinto.The latter picture doesn't show it perhaps, but the tops of the wings are definitely frilly.

Bluebird excitement continues at the garage. Welding completed to the rear arch, but they've found a rotten fuel pipe which is going to be replaced. I then have a nice list to get through... Capri will need stripping with lots of parts removing. I'm going to need a proper filing system... Probably beginning of October, interior out (save the clocks and bare minimum driver's seat), then glass out, bumpers off when it's in the garage. The small bits and pieces, I can work on in my lockup. Already have quite a few parts ready. Better sign up for overtime at work...

I didn't buy it from him although he's a friend of mine and lives not far away, he has 5 I think! Plus a Micra and primers. Makes me look like an amateur...

Fantastic thread - good to see you on here! Tom (of the blue Capri)

Had a nice day enjoying some country lanes and accidentally passing through a show at Croxley Green. Then on the way home noticed a bit more skidding than usual on roundabouts, then someone flashed me from behind... Changed to the spare (itself a perfectly capable pirelli of exactly the same size). Feels like the bead has gone on this tyre, holds pressure ok but a hand in the right place lets air out.

Odd as I thought most places would PRS headlamp aim?

If you see the Mondeo or bluebird there, I'm out in the Capri somewhere!

The appearance of a decorators wagon is purely because I closed the tailgate on a spray can a few months ago 😬 It's a wonderful vehicle and was parked there as I'd picked up the Capri to go to FOTU.

re: modern cars What might be an interesting addition for future years is an area for 'future unexceptionals' ie cars registered in the last 10 years that, in another 20 years time, will be the bread and butter of these events. (if we can afford fuel at £7.65 a litre, and the planned ULEZ expansion to Peterborough of 2037 doesn't materialise).

Random snaps.

Does the Bedford belong to someone on here?

Was very smooth and no queue when I got in. Three checkpoints in use. Long drive to the house and parking area. But smoother than last year by far. 4G connection non existent in the parking area!

Off we go! Got in the car to no working blower... Fortunately a dicky fuse replaced.

Yes, was checking the route and saw that. Will see how I do for time tomorrow.

Unless anyone else is closer, I'm near South Mimms and will be there. Could arrange to meet next week if needed.

Now this would be lovely to see next to @BorniteIdentity's bASe... a beautiful pairing! I'd love to experience the early diesel joy*.

I've spent a few hours this evening giving the Capri a check over before the weekend. Suitably 80s trinkets and bits adorning the rear seats.