Schaefft's Bargain Barge Extravaganza - Oldsmobile Resurrection

[2flags]

That is a scary situation. Just glad it didn't let go as you were driving it.

[grogee]

On 06/12/2024 at 17:28, Schaefft said:

The entire steel sleeve it's sitting in is trying to pull out of the aluminium carrier

This sort of happened to our Alfa 159, the sleeve came out with the BJ instead of staying put. I can't remember how I got it off to replace it but I may have just had to buy a new one. As you say, another fine mess from Italia.

[spike60]

Is the ball joint seized so the hub turns around the sleeve instead of the ball joint rotating?  My 156 did something similar but it just creaked like fuck on lock, the hub carriers lived to tell the tale.

[Schaefft]

On 09/12/2024 at 06:28, spike60 said:

Is the ball joint seized so the hub turns around the sleeve instead of the ball joint rotating?  My 156 did something similar but it just creaked like fuck on lock, the hub carriers lived to tell the tale.

I haven't looked at it in person but considering how far it has pushed out I wouldn't be surprised if that sleeve was spinning in the hub carrier, the ball joint definitely isn't seized though. For those who are wondering how much a rebuilt replacement control arm will be: over 550 quid. That's 50% off compared to Maserati's price already 😬

No other news really, took the E65 to Christmas carols as I trust it the most to keep the rust at bay.

There are some great news on the house side of things though, I got the final confirmation today that our mortgage application was successful (pretty late in the process I know but several mortgages in principle were given over the last 12 months) which was really the last blocker on our side before signing the contract. Seller still has a meeting with the(ir) slowest solicitor in the world tomorrow to officially state that he was never refused access via the private road to the property, which should hopefully be the last thing on their side. That means I can finally start thinking about the initial storage for the cars.

This paddock behind the gate is right next to the drive. I'm thinking about covering some of it with gravel to keep the moisture away for the time they are parked there, if anyone has any recommendations for how to best approach this let me know (crushed brick would be the cheapest solution I'd assume).

It's supposed to be temporary but realistically it'll be a year or two before some of them will be in covered storage.

[Dave_Q]

How about this?

On a more serious note, I am using this stuff for temporary parking at the moment, stops the grass getting totally destroyed.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331154963534

I think gravel to cover the sort of area you need will start to get expensive and you're better to put the money towards a more permanent solution.

[Schaefft]

1 hour ago, Dave_Q said:

How about this?

On a more serious note, I am using this stuff for temporary parking at the moment, stops the grass getting totally destroyed.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331154963534

I think gravel to cover the sort of area you need will start to get expensive and you're better to put the money towards a more permanent solution.

I'm less worried about the grass and more worried about the cars sitting on wet grass for a year, hence the gravel. Planning permission for construction and then actually building something would take long enough for most of them to be nice and crispy by the time a building stands.

[loserone]

Level an area, fixed boundary, fill it with hardcore.  You can then scoop up and reuse the hardcore when Sierraman comes to bodge you a nice big barn.  

 

P.s. @Dave_Q can you knock me up an architectural drawing for a nice big barn for me please?

[Cookiesouwest]

1 hour ago, Schaefft said:

I'm less worried about the grass and more worried about the cars sitting on wet grass for a year, hence the gravel. Planning permission for construction and then actually building something would take long enough for most of them to be nice and crispy by the time a building stands.

I think gravel is nearly as bad as grass. Still retains the water.

[tooSavvy]

Would a 'beer mat' of [salvaged] ally roofing sheet work.... OK a bit jiggery-pokery about shuffling cars but if they were planned to be above a flooded line/canted to drain.... Would that constitute a form of 'hard standing' 🤔

Dunno....

Nice spot for home 👍

🚙💨

[yes oui si]

14 hours ago, Schaefft said:

I haven't looked at it in person but considering how far it has pushed out I wouldn't be surprised if that sleeve was spinning in the hub carrier, the ball joint definitely isn't seized though. For those who are wondering how much a rebuilt replacement control arm will be: over 550 quid. That's 50% off compared to Maserati's price already 😬

No other news really, took the E65 to Christmas carols as I trust it the most to keep the rust at bay.

There are some great news on the house side of things though, I got the final confirmation today that our mortgage application was successful (pretty late in the process I know but several mortgages in principle were given over the last 12 months) which was really the last blocker on our side before signing the contract. Seller still has a meeting with the(ir) slowest solicitor in the world tomorrow to officially state that he was never refused access via the private road to the property, which should hopefully be the last thing on their side. That means I can finally start thinking about the initial storage for the cars.

This paddock behind the gate is right next to the drive. I'm thinking about covering some of it with gravel to keep the moisture away for the time they are parked there, if anyone has any recommendations for how to best approach this let me know (crushed brick would be the cheapest solution I'd assume).

It's supposed to be temporary but realistically it'll be a year or two before some of them will be in covered storage.

Road planings probably cheaper. 

Good to read that things are moving forward, hopefully you're in fairly soon. 

[primeradoner]

10 hours ago, yes oui si said:

Road planings probably cheaper. 

Good to read that things are moving forward, hopefully you're in fairly soon. 

Road planings would be my choice too. They dont turn to mush when wet like the "fines" in dolomite and hardcore. Laying it on a geotextile membrane is always a good idea. 

[Schaefft]

16 minutes ago, primeradoner said:

Road planings would be my choice too. They dont turn to mush when wet like the "fines" in dolomite and hardcore. Laying it on a geotextile membrane is always a good idea. 

First initial quote would be 144 quid per bulk bag covering 5m2. Over 3 grand then for space for 10 cars, certainly not cheap! Incl. Delivery though.

[Dave_Q]

Be much cheaper delivered on a tipper.

Place near me on eBay is offering 20tons for £200 collected, even if it's another £2-300 for delivery you're laughing.

It's basically a waste product from resurfacing roads so you're doing them a favour by taking it away, it shouldn't be expensive.

[primeradoner]

5 minutes ago, Schaefft said:

First initial quote would be 144 quid per bulk bag covering 5m2. Over 3 grand then for space for 10 cars, certainly not cheap! Incl. Delivery though.

 

1 minute ago, Dave_Q said:

Be much cheaper delivered on a tipper.

Place near me on eBay is offering 20tons for £200 collected, even if it's another £2-300 for delivery you're laughing.

It's basically a waste product from resurfacing roads so you're doing them a favour by taking it away, it shouldn't be expensive.

Dont buy in dumpy bags. As @Dave_Q has said its much cheaper bought in bulk. Best bet is contacting one of the road planing companies and see if they have a job near to you. From memory I would try  Bruce Cook, Rainton Construction or even N. B Clark .

[Schaefft]

16 minutes ago, primeradoner said:

 

Dont buy in dumpy bags. As @Dave_Q has said its much cheaper bought in bulk. Best bet is contacting one of the road planing companies and see if they have a job near to you. From memory I would try  Bruce Cook, Rainton Construction or even N. B Clark .

 

27 minutes ago, Dave_Q said:

Be much cheaper delivered on a tipper.

Place near me on eBay is offering 20tons for £200 collected, even if it's another £2-300 for delivery you're laughing.

It's basically a waste product from resurfacing roads so you're doing them a favour by taking it away, it shouldn't be expensive.

That sounds a lot more like it, thanks for the heads-up guys!

[yes oui si]

JEM Road Construction near Lintzford were decent on tipped price. 

Membrane down, get it tipped and you'll have an easy job levelling and packing it. 1 days hire of a roller should pack it easily. 

[Schaefft]

1 hour ago, yes oui si said:

JEM Road Construction near Lintzford were decent on tipped price. 

Membrane down, get it tipped and you'll have an easy job levelling and packing it. 1 days hire of a roller should pack it easily. 

Awesome, think I'll have to give them a ring and see what they are saying then, much appreciated!

[DeanH]

1 hour ago, Schaefft said:

Awesome, think I'll have to give them a ring and see what they are saying then, much appreciated!

Just be aware of what does/doesn't require planning permission... I'm by no means saying don't do it - I probably would. But if you're moving to an area people are precious about, keep it in mind.

[Schaefft]

Just now, DeanH said:

Just be aware of what does/doesn't require planning permission... I'm by no means saying don't do it - I probably would. But if you're moving to an area people are precious about, keep it in mind.

I think things like gravel drives and similar count as landscaping right? It wouldn't be too different from turning a piece of land to plain dirt.

[Dave_Q]

I believe new drives/hard standing would only need planning if they are between the property and the road and they drain outside the property boundary, but hopefully @rantingYoof can advise

[rantingYoof]

You've nailed it. More than 5sqm of impermeable surface needs permission if the water is not directed to a permeable area (i.e, turf or garden) or drain within the site prior to it intercepting the highway.

[Schaefft]

Since it's all on our land and draining straight into the paddock (grass) I don't foresee any issues there 

[Spottedlaurel]

1 hour ago, Schaefft said:

Since it's all on our land and draining straight into the paddock (grass) I don't foresee any issues there 

But make sure the area you're looking to surface is classed as part of the garden of the house. If it's still a paddock/agricultural there can be issues - Ratdat had to clear a lot of cars when he got caught with the same thing some years ago.

[DeanH]

35 minutes ago, Spottedlaurel said:

But make sure the area you're looking to surface is classed as part of the garden of the house. 

This is the bit I wasn't sure about. Might still be permitted development but check before ploughing ahead.

[Schaefft]

3 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

But make sure the area you're looking to surface is classed as part of the garden of the house. If it's still a paddock/agricultural there can be issues - Ratdat had to clear a lot of cars when he got caught with the same thing some years ago.

That's actually an important detail I haven't considered yet as most of the property will be for agricultural use as far as I am aware. Looking at the garden walls there would be space thats most likely not agricultural if needs must but it would certainly be a pretty significant inconvinience. I've asked my solicitor to see if we can get more detailed plans of whats what.

[DeanH]

10 minutes ago, Schaefft said:

That's actually an important detail I haven't considered yet as most of the property will be for agricultural use as far as I am aware. Looking at the garden walls there would be space thats most likely not agricultural if needs must but it would certainly be a pretty significant inconvinience. I've asked my solicitor to see if we can get more detailed plans of whats what.

If one door closes another opens. Look up agricultural permitted development. Mr Yoof will undoubtedly know what's what.

[Schaefft]

I'll be thankful for any advice I can get on this. Would be a shame to have 6 acres of land and not be able to park my cars on it anywhere!

Meanwhile, I decided to take the Velsatis into town tonight. Started right up after a week of standing so the battery seems to be healthy. I also confirmed that it actually has automatic headlights, it's just slightly awkward to turn them on as the stalk is the same with non-auto headlight equipped models.

[yes oui si]

Big shed as previously discussed, park cars in shed, also park ride on mower/baby tractor in shed, devote small amount of land to veg/hay production, shed is therefore an agri building. 

[Schaefft]

I knew I might be lying when I posted 2024's roundup of shite in the End of year tat thread as early as the beginning of December.

I really only had a single drink yesterday night and expected nothing after almost falling asleep on the couch (significant other on night shift) when I opened FB marketplace one last time for a quick browse before going to bed. Boy was I wrong when the dodgiest but also cheapest Citroen C6 with an actual MOT showed up on my screen. I honestly thought twice about sending the guy a message (it was already past midnight and need another project like a hole in my head) and I didn't exactly expect to receive a response before about a million other people would flood the poor soul's inbox. But lo and behold, at around 2am (waaayyy beyond my bedtime) I got a response, a confirmation that the car was still for sale and absolutely would make it back from Bradford. So an agreement was reached and a collection for the morning arranged:

Fast forward to quarter past 12 this afternoon and I was greeted by this sight:

A somewhat sorry looking Citroen C6 sitting in its corner with a completely dead battery, always a great start. I usually bring a fully charged jump pack with me anyway but the battery was dead enough that it alone might have not been enough. Good thing the seller came prepared (no that battery wasn't for me):

Two jump packs actually got it running! It idled pretty rough at first but at least wouldn't die straight away. I then was informed of a small coolant leak from a metal pipe I wouldn't have to worry about. Fortunately the seller already prepared a big box of water bottles in the boot of the car:

Thats about half of them after I emptied 5 liters into the coolant reservoir already, wondering how much of the system was even filled at this point. I couldn't see any slush in the oil and there really wasn't any leak underneath after filling it either so off we went for a test drive around the local mosque's carpark nextdoor. It only died once which required the whole process of connecting two jump packs on a car with an electric boot release again, at which point I decided that I would not turn the car off again until all the way back in Newcastle.

While the seller was driving during the test drive the car actually felt pretty solid from the passenger seat. There was a bit of clunking coming from one of the corners when he casually took speedbumps at about 10 over the speedlimit but the gearbox shifted well, the brakes worked, the engine pulled well enough and there werent any abnormal noises aside from that clunk. The flat battery caused a bit of havok with the electric windows and self folding mirrors acting up a bit but at no point did the car feel like it would break down any moment (as long you wouldnt turn the engine off). The hydropneumatic suspension was doing its job pretty well. This was good enough for me to agree to buy the car for the asking price.

We then went inside to find the V5, which turned out to be a 2 hour process as it simply was nowhere to be found. A few other interested people showed up for various other cars sold by the same person which side-tracked the quest to find the vital document a little, it was nice to have a quick chat with fellow petrolheads though who appreciated the C6 for what it was. The '92 Galant found in the same yard was bought by someone looking for a parts donor for his own Galant VR4, not something you find everyday either. The Proton didn't start but apparently found a buyer very quickly as well. The C6 kept running the whole time, I regularly checked the coolant temperature which stayed rock solid just below the middle. It also started to idle much smoother giving me the confidence that this car really just needed a bit of run time to sort itself out, it's been standing for 2 months after all.

This little fella (found where the C6 was parked previously) had a little too much of whatever was leaking onto the ground there. As you can tell, we had to shuffle things around what was a fairly small yard to get stuff ready to go. 

The seller's friend and sisters showed up eventually (all genuinely lovely people), quickly found the V5 and eventually the deal was done and I was on my way home. At that point the fuel level was dangerously close to rock bottom and the passenger rear tyre badly needed some air. Fortunately the next petol station was only a mile away. The card reader of the tyre pump didn't work and I had not enough change on me, fortunately someone else filling their tyres was kind enough to move their car quickly for me to get all 4 corners back to the correct pressures again.

The rest of the trip home was completely uneventful. I took things easy and didn't really stomp on the pedal until way within walking distance of my final distination. Aside from the electrical issues likely due to the flat battery and a parking brake that audibly works but doesn't hold the car things are looking pretty good on the mechanical side, the brakes a solid, the car tracks straight, the wheels are well balanced, it pulls well and is nice and quiet inside where all the electrics appear to work. I've just moved it into the drive and didn't need a jump pack at all to get it going, there's a few error messages popping up though so we'll have to see how serious I should take them.

The photos will hide much but the paintwork is very poor, it used to be blue but was painted black a few years back, Apparently it was used to chauffeur diplomats around down south. Considering the age of the car and general condition I'm not so sure what diplomats would want to be caught in this thing but sure. It really is a project and probably wouldn't make it through another test without putting a bit of money into it. For what I paid for the car it was an absolute no brainer though. The car could break down tomorrow and I'd be able to make my money back straight away. I'll see how much I'll enjoy C6 ownership until then though, especially with the Velsatis already here, making this a very interesting comparison of 2000s French statesmen limousines now.

[Schaefft]

And something I just wanna stress here: Despite the digs at Bradford and the state of the car, the seller was a top bloke. He clearly just tried to make some money back trying to manage what is a massive fleet, much of which he inherited from his father. He loves his cars and the Citroen was priced fairly according to its condition. Knowing how hard it is trying to keep an overview of what a fleet of so many cars needs I cannot blame anyone for not having everything in perfect order. The car was bought and driven once or twice during his fairly short ownership so I wouldn't expect particularly deep insight into the issues of what was essentially bought as a parts car either. As always, its the buyer's responsibility to decide whether the car is for him/her or not. In this case I took a calculated risk and I think it paid off. So yeah, thanks again to the seller and his family/mates for being great people and reserving the car for me knowing that he could have sold it to 3 other people on the same day.