The new news 24 thread

[vulgalour]

Noisily trundled over to the exhaust place today in the Princess. There's one guy there who knows his old stuff and was less baffled by the Princess than the others, having dealt with the very same exhaust problem we're having.  His advice was not to spend money getting them to try and seal it since they'd only do what we've been doing and the success rate would be about the same.  It was also a joking "haha, you're on your own mate." sort of a conversation which... FAIR.  Mike and I will have another crack at it on Monday, at least we got some useful tips on why it's blowing and what to avoid when refitting now, so it certainly wasn't a wasted journey and, of course, it's money saved if I'm not actually paying someone else to do it.

[holbeck]

Finally got the keys to my lock-up yesterday.

 

First lucky car to go in.....

 

 

 

But does it fit?

 

 

 

Just!

[RobT]

Got my insurance renewal through today. £627 compared to £328 last year. WFT is that about? Five cars on a classic multicar policy, and taking the now departed Xantia off should reduce it a bit but still, that's some increase.

 

Maybe I've been spoilt these past few years as it's not really a huge sum to pay for several vehicles. Will tweak the policy I think as I'd rather stay with Peter James as adding a new car mid term costs peanuts (something I find useful!). Swapping one for another only cost me their £15 admin charge last time for example. Plus it comes with UK and EU breakdown cover, FJ charge extra.

[SRi05]

Had a fun moment with the panda today. The exhaust has been blowing for a couple of weeks since part of it became detached from the back box. As I'm a cheapskate I thought I'd do a quality* DIY repair and bought an exhaust bandage and gum from Halfrauds. Jack the car up, take the rear passenger wheel off for easy access and bodge the repair. Turn engine on, exhaust gas coming out of the tailpipe rather than underneath the car, success! Leave car running and jump upstairs to let the bandage harden. Come back down 20 minutes later and the jack has basically caved in on itself and the car is on its arse. FML. don't have another one so will need to go out shopping tomorrow, had enough for today and heading to the boozer!

[ruffgeezer]

Vanshite time.

 

No sooner had I got the C15 back then me m9 JJ needed a spare vehicle because he'd broken his £200 factory LPG'd Focus.

 

He lent the van, with its destroyed clutch and generally smelly characteristics.

Got a phone call in the evening saying it had run out of fuel pulling into the services on the A1. Went to the unit and brought him some tools and a booster pack.

 

 

Bleeding in tweed. Once burped with the plunger and unclipping the pipe to the fuel pump, it fired straight up.

 

 

Followed him for a bit and then swung round and headed back to Peebo. He's lending the Leon for a longer trip next week and I'm having the van for a few days.

CLASS.

 

This post is sponsored by Fenland hhhhhorses:

 

 

 

HOERSES.

 

 

Does he want a cheap focus estate with a new ticket on it? /hopefull

[alcyonecorporation]

Borrowed

 

Borrowing

 

Sorry, that's one of my pet hates.

 

Carry on, nothing to see here.

 

Ben

Oh, sorry!*

 

My pet hate is having to read the posts of bitter forum members who post solely to stir up shit.

 

Could just be a coincidence.

 

First name

[wuvvum]

Well the C4 fettling didn't go quite as well as I'd hoped.  The sidelight bulbs were nice and easy, and they're definitely a bit brighter now.  The brake light wasn't actually a bulb, but a dodgy contact in the wiring to the cluster - hence why it was working when I checked it a few weeks back but not when I took it in for a test.  I've had it apart and cleaned it up a bit and it seems to be working reliably so far.

 

The rear shock has turned out to be a bit more of a palaver.  I got the shock off the car with no problem at all, but getting the top mount off the shock has defeated me.  It's held in by a 16mm nut which is as rusty as you would expect for something that's spent 13 years getting salt and shit chucked over it.  There is a flat machined into the end of the thread on the shock, which can be held with a 7mm spanner, but you can't do that when there's a socket on the nut.  Can't use a ring spanner on the nut either as it's recessed into the body of the mount.  So I'm not sure how one is supposed to get it undone.  I gave up in the end and rang the motor factors to order in a shock top mount - 15 quid so not the end of the world, but they won't have it in until Monday afternoon now which means I will have to refit the shock on Monday night after work (when it will doubtless be freezing cold and pissing with rain) as it's going in for the restest first thing Tuesday morning.

 

I haven't done the headlight aim yet as I was waiting for it to get dark.  Now it's dark but I can't be arsed.

[BorniteIdentity]

Had a great day all told. My lad’s team won at footie, the sun has shone (which I’m finding more and more important for my wellbeing), and I dragged the sierra out. I had to move it out of the garage so I could move things out of it. I always take it for a quick burn rather than risk flooding the carb; the autochoke has once again disappeared but who cares?

 

Quick mile blast and then parked up. Went to put it back in the garage later and it was running on 3. Foxsake. Went for another burn and the striking cylinder returned to work. Scab. No idea really, but a full service will happen before it’s put into regular service this year.

 

I think I’ll have to get a new carb which is frustrating for two reasons. 1) I’m losing originality of the VV carb. 2) A Weber is the same price that a Zetec would cost me. I’m never going to put one in, but my opinion is such: Once originality is gone, there’s little difference between a new carb and a new engine. Don’t worry - I won’t do it, but it’d certainly make it more drivable!

 

I have never had a car like that bloody Sierra. I’m besotted with it. Turning that key is a real event, and taking it out will always be a treat.

 

No car has ever been more loved.

[fordperv]

Had a great day all told. My lad’s team won at footie, the sun has shone (which I’m finding more and more important for my wellbeing), and I dragged the sierra out. I had to move it out of the garage so I could move things out of it. I always take it for a quick burn rather than risk flooding the carb; the autochoke has once again disappeared but who cares?

 

Quick mile blast and then parked up. Went to put it back in the garage later and it was running on 3. Foxsake. Went for another burn and the striking cylinder returned to work. Scab. No idea really, but a full service will happen before it’s put into regular service this year.

 

I think I’ll have to get a new carb which is frustrating for two reasons. 1) I’m losing originality of the VV carb. 2) A Weber is the same price that a Zetec would cost me. I’m never going to put one in, but my opinion is such: Once originality is gone, there’s little difference between a new carb and a new engine. Don’t worry - I won’t do it, but it’d certainly make it more drivable!

 

I have never had a car like that bloody Sierra. I’m besotted with it. Turning that key is a real event, and taking it out will always be a treat.

 

No car has ever been more loved.

You can still get vv rebuild parts

 

http://www.carburetorcity.com/contents/en-us/p1751_Rebuild_Kit_for_Motorcraft_VV_carburetors_for_Ford_Sierra_1600.html

 

 

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-FOMOCO-VV-SERVICE-KIT/112464923017?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20171010182013%26meid%3D5fb63ad3c8534f30ac432fd344a20722%26pid%3D100890%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D7%26sd%3D222372399874%26itm%3D112464923017&_trksid=p2056116.c100890.m2460

 

A n.o.s choke unit

 

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-SIERRA-MK1-VV-CARBURETTOR-RS-1-6-OHC-KIT-CHOKE-6155665-GENUINE/332538242538?epid=26008223947&hash=item4d6cd2e5ea:g:30AAAOSwy0JZ9wc6

 

A n.o.s auto choke water housing

 

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-New-Genuine-Ford-VV-Carburettor-Auto-Choke-Assy-Capri-Cortina-Escort-Fiesta/292447279892?hash=item4417375b14:g:j94AAOSwbOFZz67D

 

Just a couple of examples but there is lots out there

[dave21478]

Noisily trundled over to the exhaust place today in the Princess. There's one guy there who knows his old stuff and was less baffled by the Princess than the others, having dealt with the very same exhaust problem we're having.  His advice was not to spend money getting them to try and seal it since they'd only do what we've been doing and the success rate would be about the same.  It was also a joking "haha, you're on your own mate." sort of a conversation which... FAIR.  Mike and I will have another crack at it on Monday, at least we got some useful tips on why it's blowing and what to avoid when refitting now, so it certainly wasn't a wasted journey and, of course, it's money saved if I'm not actually paying someone else to do it.

 

Would the exhaust benefit from a modern flexi joint being fitted between downpipe and the rest of the system? If there is a bit of movement from the engine rocking then the exhaust rubbers might not allow enough movement of the main pipe so put strain on the manifold and downpipe joins.

[cort16]

You can buy brand new dgav Webbers on eBay for couple of hundred quid. Would likely make a big difference but it's be a shame loss the old carb.

[alcyonecorporation]

Good thing you don't write for a living.

 

Ben

Who says I have to try on here?

 

I didn't realise I was being judged on the strength of colloquialisms by a troublemaker on a car forum.

 

We stopping now or are you having another go? Kettle's on; borrow me your ears.

 

I'm sick of you taking pops at me, Ben. I've done nothing to you, so pack it in.

[fordperv]

You can buy brand new dgav Webbers on eBay for couple of hundred quid. Would likely make a big difference but it's be a shame loss the old carb.

And the airbox

[Ghosty]

Had a nice little day of driving about A-roads in the north/West Midlands to go and pick up 2x Volvo steels from Sloth in a bowl who was holding them for me on their way to chez Ghosty from Danthecapriman. Thanks fellas, it’s been a big help - I can get on with refurbishing the wheels now, and start to get the car looking A1. I’m aiming to have it fully sorted in time for Shitefest.

[danthecapriman]

Had a nice little day of driving about A-roads in the north/West Midlands to go and pick up 2x Volvo steels from Sloth in a bowl who was holding them for me on their way to chez Ghosty from Danthecapriman. Thanks fellas, it’s been a big help - I can get on with refurbishing the wheels now, and start to get the car looking A1. I’m aiming to have it fully sorted in time for Shitefest.

No probs m8, glad they're of use to you. I was actually considering chopping and welding one about to make a hosepipe reel for my dad! So you've saved me the effort!!

 

Had a great day all told. My lad’s team won at footie, the sun has shone (which I’m finding more and more important for my wellbeing), and I dragged the sierra out. I had to move it out of the garage so I could move things out of it. I always take it for a quick burn rather than risk flooding the carb; the autochoke has once again disappeared but who cares?

Quick mile blast and then parked up. Went to put it back in the garage later and it was running on 3. Foxsake. Went for another burn and the striking cylinder returned to work. Scab. No idea really, but a full service will happen before it’s put into regular service this year.

I think I’ll have to get a new carb which is frustrating for two reasons. 1) I’m losing originality of the VV carb. 2) A Weber is the same price that a Zetec would cost me. I’m never going to put one in, but my opinion is such: Once originality is gone, there’s little difference between a new carb and a new engine. Don’t worry - I won’t do it, but it’d certainly make it more drivable!

I have never had a car like that bloody Sierra. I’m besotted with it. Turning that key is a real event, and taking it out will always be a treat.

No car has ever been more loved.

If your that set on keeping the VV I've got a very low miles one here (sub 20k from new). It's off my 2.0 Transit so you'd need to re jet it for a 1.6 but it's in pretty good order really. Probably just wants a check over and clean.

I've put a Weber on my Transit which I prefer so the original VV is surplus and just sat on the shelf.

If you want it just pm me...

[vulgalour]

Would the exhaust benefit from a modern flexi joint being fitted between downpipe and the rest of the system? If there is a bit of movement from the engine rocking then the exhaust rubbers might not allow enough movement of the main pipe so put strain on the manifold and downpipe joins.

 

It'd benefit from being thrown away and having a decent custom system made to eliminate the problem joint.  A decent flexi would probably help, the one fitted is a weird balljoint type that doesn't seem to do much in the way of actually flexing.  I want a decent stainless system (actually, I want a copper exhaust, they sound amazing, but that's another story), I just don't have the pennies for that at the moment.

[richardmorris]

Ive never heard of a copper exhaust outside of veteran cars. Do tell please.

Edit.

I’d go for stainless given the option and do have a hand made one for the x1/9 in the garage to fit when the mild steel rusts.

[vulgalour]

Having heard a couple - admittedly on pre-war stuff - I just *really* like the noise compared to a steel exhaust.  They've got a nice ring to them.  Probably sound dreadful on the Princess since the engine is totally different to pre-war stuff and I've no idea what the longevity would be like on it, nor who actually be able to make one.

[BorniteIdentity]

I’ve been offered a 2001 C Klasse by a friend’s husband. It’s a C200 Kompressor - he is taking a company car as he’s customer facing and needs to look a bit more successful than rusty rear arches perhaps suggest to prospective clients.

 

Anyone know much? From memory it’s the coupe version, about 130k and has MOT until August.

 

Are they any kop? Mum has a 2006 DERV but I’ve somehow never driven that either!

[Parky]

Dad (71) got his insurance renewal today. Followed by a call from the broker company trying to get him to commit to the figure today "in case it changes with the new prices at the end of the month"

 

Basically he has driven for 50 years, has one claim for a broken windscreen 8 years ago, no accidents, claims or convictions and drives a 1400cc Diesel Nemo multispace.

 

He was quite happy with the figure of £468 fully comp as they are "such nice helpful people" but changed his tune somewhat when I pointed out the policy was with LV who would charge £214 for the same cover if he goes direct.

 

So having saved him over £250 you'd think he'd be pleased? Nope, he spent all day mutteri g revenge for having been taken for a ride for the last three years. And all because he "can't be doing with all that Meerkat shit"

 

Still he now gets 2 for 1 cinema tickets and an Oleg toy. Stay classy Parky Senior

[Tadhg Tiogar]

....having saved him over £250 you'd think he'd be pleased? Nope, he spent all day mutteri g revenge for having been taken for a ride for the last three years. And all because he "can't be doing with all that Meerkat shit"...

 

There's no pleasing some people. 

[SiC]

Did this today.

 

Before:

 

After:

 

And no I don't care what you think!

 

Also, no I didn't drive it today. I took 2 hours to remove, clean the mount, drill and fit the plates then fit new wiper arms and wipers. After that it started getting dark and cold.

 

However my Father-in-law is down tomorrow and I suspect he'll want to have a run in it. I might chuck the keys in his hand and let him take control.

[Mally]

Stainless exhausts I've had always seem to fracture somewhere.

You can weld them up, but I don't see that as an answer for the Princess.

[DodgeRover]

Did this today.

 

Before:

 

After:

 

And no I don't care what you think!

 

Also, no I didn't drive it today. I took 2 hours to remove, clean the mount, drill and fit the plates then fit new wiper arms and wipers. After that it started getting dark and cold.

 

However my Father-in-law is down tomorrow and I suspect he'll want to have a run in it. I might chuck the keys in his hand and let him take control.

Raised digit plates in white/ yellow would have looked more in keeping, now it just looks like someone has bunged a logbook they bought on ebay onto it for tax exemption.

Sorry

[SiC]

Raised digit plates in white/ yellow would have looked more in keeping, now it just looks like someone has bunged a logbook they bought on ebay onto it for tax exemption.

Sorry

I did briefly consider raised digits but I abandoned that idea when the numberplate man at the show said they were 60 quid. These were £28.

 

My only complaint is that they're a bit too shiny still. Maybe I need to take them off and drive over them a couple of times first.

 

I like them and given its a driveway ornament, that's all that matters.

[loserone]

Today I bought a car, then watched it being driven swiftly like a supermarket trolley with a fucked wheel.

 

I hope this works out...

[MarvinsMom]

further adventures in Mini land....... (or even more mini-fondeling)

 

so we have had another productive day with the black mini. we got the front hubs back with new ball joints and bearings. we had to get a place in Malton the squeeze the drive flanges back on once we had put the new back plates on, with nice new studs (and a smeer of copper slip for good measure)

then it was on with the wheel cylinders, link pipe and brake shoes. what a twat of a job fitting those shoes and springs, next time this car needs them it'll be getting sent somewhere, another lucky* duck can change them!

then it was on with the bottom arms, and tie bar all with new bushes and washers fitted

new outer CV jont boots, the old grease has set like tar, so cleaning the joints up and adding fresh grease will i hope prolonge their lives.

and then back together, we are not quiet fiunished under here, there are new track rod ends to go on, but we cannot shift them. after a good soak in WD40, and a pair of spanners they just will not move. some heat is i think required here..... and the brake flexi's need to be connected into the rest of the brake sytem, the brakes bleeding and then a final adjustment, and then we will be finished under here

 

and then we turned our attention to the interior. the "custom" carpet set i odered has arrived. and its NOT what i had hoped for, i was expecting it to have 2 sets of foot pads on, one each side, and also the strips added under where the seat runners will be on the back piece. well they weren't fitted.....

 

bollocks,

 

bad seller i iz dizapoint, and will not use again........etc etc etc

 

still this is what we've got, so i'm just going to have to live with them. the instructions say to start at the bulk head and work towards the back of the car ive started at the back, with the big peice on the floor proper and worked forward instead....

.

well its not all that great, but it will do. ive cut holes fopr the seatbelts, and also for round the gear stick gaiter, there was a proper small hole here for that, so i've had that to enlarge, then the side trims, and some on the front wheel arches, before trimming the sill pieces down, as they were twice the size needed. that will teach me......

i have definatly gotta do something with that steering wheel.

 

the battery is now securerly fitted, and we have got a working horn too! but no side lights, so i think we may have nicked the front part of the wiring harness in the front when we drilled out the horn mounts, shit......

 

the indicators too work, but seem to be reliant on the stalk been wiggled, as i have a new replacement stalk to hand, we are going to change that, and see if we get a more "robust" operatiopn of the indicators.

 

we also have working windscreen washers and wipers, and the speedo works too.which is nice. as the previous owner has had the binnacle hanging off, then mine and kerry's fingures routing around inside it, i wanted to see what, if anything, was also not working.. (well it seems all except the side lamps are working, currently!)

 

and finally some frippery! maybe an Arther Daly dealer sticker would have been more suitable

and yes, it is officer, i posted the cheque yesterday....

 

still a way to go, but at least now i can see the car starting to come together.

 

just as well Kerry doesn't mind (all that much) buggering on with this on a weekend, cos she has done alot of the brakes and mechanical bits, while i've been doing the airey-fairey stuff inside the car....... we are both looking forward to seeing this back on the road though.

[Squire_Dawson]

Good work, some nice touches there on the Min.

[D Spares & Tyres]

BorrowedBorrowingSorry, that's one of my pet hates.Carry on, nothing to see here.Ben

Actually Ben, I do agree with you on that point.

 

However, and I'm not trying to be inflammatory here but what cars do you have or have had? What do you do regarding shite cars? Never once have I seen a post from you about shite cars. I'm intrigued as to why you are on here?

[clayts450]

I continue to do battle with the Streetwise's SCU, which is jammed between the a/c evap housing and the bulkhead. Need to get it out to send it off to technoboffin in Brighton to sort out electrical misery issues.

 

Today I managed to at least dislodge the top bracket of the SCU from the stud on the bulkhead so now it's a case of growing an extra arm overnight to be able to pull the housing out as far as poss, and jiggle it all around with my two usual hands.

 

All sound-deadening material is out (hmm, slightly damp, which explains a lot), evap housing hanging off at a crazy but stable angle (disconnecting aircon is for wimps).

 

Was at it for a good two hours this PM, but started getting dark, cold, and being hassled by local kids asking 'watchadoing mister' as half of my body was wedged under the dash, and my legs stuck out on the path. Lots of swearing, and my hands are starting to look like they've been through a mincer.

 

Ah well, phase two tomorrow.