The new news 24 thread

[JJ0063]

Trying to start getting our current gaff cleaned up so we make sure to get our deposit back, thought I’d tackle the oven last night.

Bought one of those Elbow Grease kits for £2.50 where you get the big plastic bags, bottle of potion and a pair of gloves. 
 

Put the trays/racks in the bag, poured some of the gel in the bottom of the oven and wiped it all over including the door glass. 
 

Tonight after work I set about scrubbing it all off, all I can say is wow. I expected to give that a go then pay £80 odd for a company to come in and do it properly however it’s worked beautifully! Can’t quite believe it for the money. 
 

Not going to lie, our oven was grim. One of those jobs you just never get round to. The glass was brown - could barely see through it. Metal racks were typically covered in shit. 
 

Quite proud of how well it’s come up for £2.50 and a couple of hours work! 
 

It’s not perfect but I’m sure it’s adequate enough for my landlord not to raise it as an issue. 

 

[GMcD]

22 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

 

Y THO?

[JJ0063]

8 minutes ago, GMcD said:

Y THO?

What?!

[SiC]

38 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Trying to start getting our current gaff cleaned up so we make sure to get our deposit back, thought I’d tackle the oven last night.

Bought one of those Elbow Grease kits for £2.50 where you get the big plastic bags, bottle of potion and a pair of gloves. 
 

Put the trays/racks in the bag, poured some of the gel in the bottom of the oven and wiped it all over including the door glass. 
 

Tonight after work I set about scrubbing it all off, all I can say is wow. I expected to give that a go then pay £80 odd for a company to come in and do it properly however it’s worked beautifully! Can’t quite believe it for the money. 
 

Not going to lie, our oven was grim. One of those jobs you just never get round to. The glass was brown - could barely see through it. Metal racks were typically covered in shit. 
 

Quite proud of how well it’s come up for £2.50 and a couple of hours work! 
 

It’s not perfect but I’m sure it’s adequate enough for my landlord not to raise it as an issue. 

 

Just double check it's not run dirt out the back of the fan in the morning. Ours did that on the bloody day we gave the keys back to the agent! Nearly lost our deposit until I whined that she looked around when we were there and didn't tell us. 

[richardmorris]

42 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Trying to start getting our current gaff cleaned up so we make sure to get our deposit back, thought I’d tackle the oven last night.

Bought one of those Elbow Grease kits for £2.50 where you get the big plastic bags, bottle of potion and a pair of gloves. 
 

Put the trays/racks in the bag, poured some of the gel in the bottom of the oven and wiped it all over including the door glass. 
 

Tonight after work I set about scrubbing it all off, all I can say is wow. I expected to give that a go then pay £80 odd for a company to come in and do it properly however it’s worked beautifully! Can’t quite believe it for the money. 
 

Not going to lie, our oven was grim. One of those jobs you just never get round to. The glass was brown - could barely see through it. Metal racks were typically covered in shit. 
 

Quite proud of how well it’s come up for £2.50 and a couple of hours work! 
 

It’s not perfect but I’m sure it’s adequate enough for my landlord not to raise it as an issue. 

 

Yes the oven pride packs are very good. 

[richardmorris]

8 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

What?!

Two knobs and an open door make a sad smiley face. I think.

[JJ0063]

4 minutes ago, SiC said:

Just double check it's not run dirt out the back of the fan in the morning. Ours did that on the bloody day we gave the keys back to the agent! Nearly lost our deposit until I whined that she looked around when we were there and didn't tell us. 

Good shout!

 

I have also made the mistake of doing it now and we have 6 nights left here 😂 so takeaways and microwave meals it is. Maybe a careful hob based meal. 

[richardmorris]

Just read that Brian May is doing his local Christmas tree lights on down the road in windlesham tomorrow. As celebrity in villages go it’s a bit of a midsummer murders set-up.

[richardmorris]

12 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

Yes the oven pride packs are very good. 

In fact you’ve just reminded me to buy one this weekend as I have the agent coming next week for the annual review and price increase. Hope they don’t want to put it up 10%!

[JJ0063]

30 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

In fact you’ve just reminded me to buy one this weekend as I have the agent coming next week for the annual review and price increase. Hope they don’t want to put it up 10%!

https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/elbow-grease-oven-cleaning-kit-356762
 

this is the one I used. Can’t believe it’s only a couple of quid. Bloody brilliant.

[AnnoyingPentium]

47 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

Two knobs and an open door make a sad smiley face. I think.

It's rather amusing, too. Here's my contribution.

[barefoot]

This happened to my Rover 75 yesterday;

I'll sort it some stainless pipes & boxes in the new year.

[Cord Fourteener]

14 hours ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

It's rather amusing, too. Here's my contribution.

That might blow your 12v outlet...

[Timewaster]

16 hours ago, richardmorris said:

Yes the oven pride packs are very good. 

 

[JJ0063]

On 11/19/2022 at 8:25 PM, JJ0063 said:

Just found you can fit normal shocks and just unplug the DCC button, meaning there will be no dash errors

That’ll do me, £30 odd for a shock rather than £280

Proper shiter, me.

Fitted my £18 brand new non DCC shock today, Jesus it’s made the world of difference. Ride is way less crashy and no more knocking! Unplugged the DCC button near the gear stick to stop it flashing. Just done 75 miles and it’s driving so much nicer. I didn’t think I’d notice any difference but the old shock had completely gone, there was no return at all on it. I think when funds allow I’ll get another rear and a pair of fronts to give it all a refresh. At 135k on the originals, the others can’t be far behind and I know you’re obviously really meant to replace them in pairs. 

[Lankytim]

On 12/2/2022 at 7:43 PM, JJ0063 said:

Trying to start getting our current gaff cleaned up so we make sure to get our deposit back, thought I’d tackle the oven last night.

Bought one of those Elbow Grease kits for £2.50 where you get the big plastic bags, bottle of potion and a pair of gloves. 
 

Put the trays/racks in the bag, poured some of the gel in the bottom of the oven and wiped it all over including the door glass. 
 

Tonight after work I set about scrubbing it all off, all I can say is wow. I expected to give that a go then pay £80 odd for a company to come in and do it properly however it’s worked beautifully! Can’t quite believe it for the money. 
 

Not going to lie, our oven was grim. One of those jobs you just never get round to. The glass was brown - could barely see through it. Metal racks were typically covered in shit. 
 

Quite proud of how well it’s come up for £2.50 and a couple of hours work! 
 

It’s not perfect but I’m sure it’s adequate enough for my landlord not to raise it as an issue. 

 

I did this to our slightly neglected cooker yesterday, I removed the door to clean inside the hinge area and removed the inner glass to clean too. I opted to put the glass in the big bag with the gel and the cooker shelves and after a few hours they were all sparking.

My joy was short lived however as the glass inner door exploded as I tried to get it out of the bag somewhat negating the whole exercise. Tbh we don’t use it much anyway as the air fryer has taken over. 
 

In other news, I IZ AMATEUR SLABBER. This hole is where a low wall and flower bed used to be. I managed to score some original 1960s council style 3x2 slabs and a friend from work helped me to lay them. (Well, I helped him). The rest of the slabs are wonky AF so it was hard work to get them level with the existing slabs but they don’t look too bad at all.  

[RoverFolkUs]

2 hours ago, JJ0063 said:

Fitted my £18 brand new non DCC shock today, Jesus it’s made the world of difference. Ride is way less crashy and no more knocking! Unplugged the DCC button near the gear stick to stop it flashing. Just done 75 miles and it’s driving so much nicer. I didn’t think I’d notice any difference but the old shock had completely gone, there was no return at all on it. I think when funds allow I’ll get another rear and a pair of fronts to give it all a refresh. At 135k on the originals, the others can’t be far behind and I know you’re obviously really meant to replace them in pairs. 

The replace in pairs agenda really gets me, no need whatsoever to waste money on replacing components that aren't worn out or otherwise faulty, unless it's a performance car the slight difference isnt going to be noticeable. It's just a myth circulated by fast fit centres to upsell. Maybe do the other rear at that price for peace of mind but I'd leave the fronts alone if I were you. 

Realistically if a shock isn't leaking then it's not going to do it's job much worse than a brand new one. 

I always say you wouldn't be replacing it if the other hadn't gone so there's no reason to do it now, they're two independent components. 

Save your money

[Metal Guru]

4 minutes ago, RoverFolkUs said:

The replace in pairs agenda really gets me, no need whatsoever to waste money on replacing components that aren't worn out or otherwise faulty, unless it's a performance car the slight difference isnt going to be noticeable. It's just a myth circulated by fast fit centres to upsell. Maybe do the other rear at that price for peace of mind but I'd leave the fronts alone if I were you. 

Realistically if a shock isn't leaking then it's not going to do it's job much worse than a brand new one. 

I always say you wouldn't be replacing it if the other hadn't gone so there's no reason to do it now, they're two independent components. 

Save your money

I had a single shock replaced by a main dealer on a Subaru WRX. I queried it “shouldn’t you replace them in pairs?” They just laughed and said “ that’s how Kwikfit make their money!”

 

[RoverFolkUs]

10 minutes ago, Metal Guru said:

I had a single shock replaced by a main dealer on a Subaru WRX. I queried it “shouldn’t you replace them in pairs?” They just laughed and said “ that’s how Kwikfit make their money!”

 

It's true tho

I only recommend pairs when they're both worn (obviously) or when the other side is showing signs of following, e.g slight play in a ball joint /bush or a small weep from a shock when the other side has completely failed etc. 

The one that gets me most is springs! If the spring is intact how will there ever be a perceivable difference between it and a brand new Starline one which might only last a year or two compared to the 15 year old OEM one 🤣

[Cord Fourteener]

I feel stretched and lacking in time and and money to give three cars the care they need so I've been thinking of downsizing .

Then Wife Shite runs out of MOT without telling us and 740 steps in again. 

I'm so confused about the right thing to do now. Maybe be more organised... I think I'll need drugs for that though. 

[JJ0063]

Just spotted this in Dereham, no idea what it is but I want it.

[Ghosty]

6 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Just spotted this in Dereham, no idea what it is but I want it.

Jiffy - Mini front subframe and a fibreglass cab. 

[Amishtat]

4 hours ago, Cord Fourteener said:

      740 steps in again. 

 

And again.

And again.

There's your answer.

Fuck that other scrap off.

[wuvvum]

3 hours ago, JJ0063 said:

Just spotted this in Dereham, no idea what it is but I want it.

There was one of those parked up outside a garage in Bacton for ages.  Not sure if it was the same one though, I don't remember the graphics on the front.

[Asimo]

19 hours ago, RoverFolkUs said:

Realistically if a shock isn't leaking then it's not going to do it's job much worse than a brand new one

I have had dampers fail completely, with no external damage or leak at all. Absoutely zero damping effect and looked like new.

[RoverFolkUs]

2 hours ago, Asimo said:

I have had dampers fail completely, with no external damage or leak at all. Absoutely zero damping effect and looked like new.

In the case of a gas filled strut, entirely possible. But then you'd notice with the bouncy ride.

If there's no reason to suspect anything is wrong there's no need to change both

[wuvvum]

Got a few bits done this weekend, although not as much as I would have liked as yesterday I got up late and the weather today was rather grotty.

Yesterday I fitted the shiny new* back seat that @Lankytim had kindly nabbed for me off of social media into the Volvo.

Not done the fronts yet - that looks like a rather more involved job so it'll have to wait until I have more time and it's a bit warmer.  Definitely a big improvement though, and it didn't take too long to do - the longest bit was sweeping out the bits of broken glass that were under the seat from when the rear window got smashed about 15 years ago.

Then I mowed the lawn - the first time I can ever recall doing so in December, but it did need doing quite badly.  I had been meaning to do it for a few weeks to be fair, but Saturday was the first time in ages that I'd been free at a time when the grass was dry enough (thanks to a combination of a bit of sun and a stiff breeze) to be mowable.  After that I went for a bike ride, which was quite chilly due to the aforementioned breeze but at least it was dry and reasonably bright (unlike today which was twilight pretty much all day).

Today I had a brief play with the Visa, and got the offside rear indicator working by running a wire directly from the multiplug to the positive terminal on the bulb, thus bypassing the knackered PCB.  It's a bodge but it works.  

I then slapped a liberal coating of Hydrate 80 over the most obvious rusty bits - it's going to have to spend the winter outside so I'm trying to stop it from deteriorating too much.  The car is actually starting pretty reliably now with the 123 ignition module connected to the battery, but it'll only run for a few minutes before it floods itself and dies.  I couldn't run it for too long at the moment anyway because the cooling fan is off waiting for me to drill and tap proper mounting holes for the ignition gubbins, but the carb is definitely going to need further attention at some point.

The only other thing I got done today was to connect up the backlighting on the Toyota's new stereo - I'd not done anything with that wire when I fitted the unit but now it's dark all the time I thought it better to have the buttons lit so I can see what I'm doing.  I gave up after that and came back indoors as it was just too bloody cold.

[Lankytim]

23 minutes ago, wuvvum said:

Got a few bits done this weekend, although not as much as I would have liked as yesterday I got up late and the weather today was rather grotty.

Yesterday I fitted the shiny new* back seat that @Lankytim had kindly nabbed for me off of social media into the Volvo.

Not done the fronts yet - that looks like a rather more involved job so it'll have to wait until I have more time and it's a bit warmer.  Definitely a big improvement though, and it didn't take too long to do - the longest bit was sweeping out the bits of broken glass that were under the seat from when the rear window got smashed about 15 years ago.

Then I mowed the lawn - the first time I can ever recall doing so in December, but it did need doing quite badly.  I had been meaning to do it for a few weeks to be fair, but Saturday was the first time in ages that I'd been free at a time when the grass was dry enough (thanks to a combination of a bit of sun and a stiff breeze) to be mowable.  After that I went for a bike ride, which was quite chilly due to the aforementioned breeze but at least it was dry and reasonably bright (unlike today which was twilight pretty much all day).

Today I had a brief play with the Visa, and got the offside rear indicator working by running a wire directly from the multiplug to the positive terminal on the bulb, thus bypassing the knackered PCB.  It's a bodge but it works.  

I then slapped a liberal coating of Hydrate 80 over the most obvious rusty bits - it's going to have to spend the winter outside so I'm trying to stop it from deteriorating too much.  The car is actually starting pretty reliably now with the 123 ignition module connected to the battery, but it'll only run for a few minutes before it floods itself and dies.  I couldn't run it for too long at the moment anyway because the cooling fan is off waiting for me to drill and tap proper mounting holes for the ignition gubbins, but the carb is definitely going to need further attention at some point.

The only other thing I got done today was to connect up the backlighting on the Toyota's new stereo - I'd not done anything with that wire when I fitted the unit but now it's dark all the time I thought it better to have the buttons lit so I can see what I'm doing.  I gave up after that and came back indoors as it was just too bloody cold.

I seem to remember the float continually sticking resulting in a jet of fuel down the carb when the float chamber was full, it’s easy to access by removing the top of the carb. Id get it all moving correctly only for it to jam again and cause flooding. So annoying! A word of advice though, there’s a manufacturers hole in the middle of the manifold and any liquid fuel ends up there leaks all over the top of the engine, it’s a bit of a fire risk. 

[wesacosa]

The Barn Find* Estelle 130 I went to view with @barrett in the summer has resurfaced for sale now with MOT and a bit closer to me. I had been having non-buyers regret given not much else has come up and the impending ULEZ expansion but not sure if the rose tinted specs are kicking in as it wasn't just the lack of MOT and the cost of trailering from Brighton which put me off

[stuboy]

Collegue asked me too checked out her car and the tester says it's high charging... so either regulator on the alternator or its the alternator itself I think... skoda octavia.