Crusty Carlton

[JohnK]

I got sent a link to this on eBay by a mate and I was hassled* into going for a look as it was local with the words 'buy it!'

 

Seller contacted, I popped up the next day to have a look. A number of faults identified, a price agreed at less than the eBay advert with the agreement he would drop the car off, which he did.

 

An '80s Vauxhall with 11 days MOT - it can't be that bad, surely?

 

She drives well though ...

 

 

I managed to get her squeezed in for MOT first thing Wednesday morning, errrrrm...

 

 

Okay that's doable I guess.

 

I was a bit worried that getting hold of bearings could be difficult, but some research told me that Corsa C rear bearings are the same - my local motor factor had them in stock at sub £10 each. Result!

 

I've started looking at the fails, welding completed today in a haphazard fashion but I'm just aiming to get her legal before the current test runs out

 

Front valance

 

Non-holy drivers sill

 

Looks like a weekend of spannering will be in order for the other bits!

 

In terms of the car the interior is immaculate and mechanically looks fairly well maintained with evidence of recent servicing and other new bits. Bodywork is best described as pogweasel and 3 arches are crusty, I will do something with them once she's through the MOT.

 

She's probably never going to be a minter but I should be able to get her presentable. Here's a picture I found on Wikipedia of her a few years back

 

 

 

Placing bets now for how long this lasts!

[chaseracer]

The parents had a 2.2i CD in this shape.  Top motor - lasted for years, but the rot got it in the end.

[Guest Hooli]

I'd forgot that shape existed. My dad had a J plate 2.0 GLi for years, nice motor but needed more grunt.

[Shep Shepherd]

Being a huge fan of 1970s-2000s big RWD Vauxhalls and Opels, I love the original shape Carlton. Pity that they are so rare these days.

[JohnK]

This is a 2.0 Carb, she's not that bad actually, perfectly adequate for day to day running. No doubt she will be even better once I've stripped and cleaned the rear brakes, them binding at the moment probably isn't helping

[vulgalour]

Quality trimz.

[Billy - Medhurst]

Nice cars these - good save. 3 raffle numbers please lol.

[barrett]

I genuinely reckon these are one of the smartest looking mainstream saloon cars of the era. Not in that colour, though. GOOD SAVE!

[trigger]

An approvable purchase.

[The Moog]

Top bombing. Lovely car and nice to see you back

[Skizzer]

Class!

[stuboy]

good luck

[mercrocker]

These are my favourite shape of Carlton.   Good work!

[D Spares & Tyres]

I know where there are loads of bits for one of these, should you need any.....

[jonathan_dyane]

Looks bloody gorgeous!

[purplebargeken]

Nice!

[Royale80]

Being a huge fan of 1970s-2000s big RWD Vauxhalls and Opels, I love the original shape Carlton. Pity that they are so rare these days.

I've always liked them as well-would like another Royale/Senator but a saloon.

 

Steve

[JohnK]

Cheers guys, I will get some pics of the car today. The idea is to get her on the road and use her as the 'main' family car which has gone down like a lead balloon. She just feels so 'right' to drive though, lets just hope she proves herself with some reliability.

 

She's already decided to dump coolant all over the floor at me so I'm already concerned about that last statement ...

[adw1977]

Excellent buy, a real rarity now.

[sutty2006]

Awesome cars. I've returned two of its younger brothers to the road recently! Top save that man!

[JohnK]

Here's some more pics of her - they really do flatter her

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CortinaDave]

That really is lovely. Cant remember the last time I saw one.

[New POD]

I was hoping to see a terracotta interior.

[johngarty]

Great car 

[Brodders]

That is awesome.

I saw it on the eBay tat thread the other day and hoped that someone on here would get it. Well bought and hopefully it shouldn't be too bad to get back into shape.

[worldofceri]

Superb.

[They_all_do_that_sir]

That's a lovely motor. Health to enjoy

 

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

[JohnK]

Quick update -

 

Brake pipe and hoses - Done

Rear brakes - cleaned, feel much better, going to test them On the rollers at my mates garage tomorrow

Headlight alignment - my mate will do tomorrow

Bearings - to do this evening

 

I've booked a re-test for 8.30 Friday morning, so the bearings better be an easy job/the right part!

[JohnK]

Latest update.

 

I had it re-tested on the Friday and it passed and was on the road.

 

It then re-paid me on the Sunday by developing a misfire.

 

After a quick check I'm fairly sure it's ignition lead related so a new set of leads were ordered and also plugs, but it's since been pushed to the back of the drive until i get chance to swap them over.

 

Anybody want a cheap Carlton once it's back running right ?

[bub2006]

Erm.... How much?