The new news 24 thread

[grogee]

5 hours ago, SiC said:

Presumably the Chinese automotive invasion in action?

Vietnamese. VinGroup is a big deal in Asia Pacific. I have done a bit of work for them but it's very boring. 

Well jell of your Amsterdam mission. What a great city. 

[Stanky]

Agreed on the Heineken Experience being worth a visit, NEMO science museum in the Oosterdok is good too, and the Kattenkabinet is great for cat lovers. 

I'm over that way a few times a year with work and its a good place to visit, once you've been a few times the young Americans (though fewer in number since weed was decriminalised in many states) and twat head brits abroad are easily spotted and avoided. Speaking a smattering of Dutch seems to get you a lot of credit with locals and shopkeepers too.

IIRC 'Vinfast' are actually a Vietnamese electric car startup/company?

The Canta microcars are spectacularly shite and I think they're great! 

[SiC]

41 minutes ago, JakeT said:

Ah yes, Amsterdam. Home to some of the best museums in the world (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gough museum), and some of the worst (The Sex museum). The Heineken experience is good though, and The Louwman museum is a great car museum in the hauge, not too far away.

 

I used to travel to Amsterdam semi regularly with work, and getting off the first flight of the day with a load of lads and ladettes wondering where to get high, have a steak and giggle at wimmin in a window was always something.

 

With all of the activities, I would recommend a visit to all, just visit some of the former museums. Amsterdam is trying to clean up its act, and seems to be semi working. Either or, good city break.

Only over there for two full days, so limited on what we could pack in.

We went to the following museums/attractions:

 - Red Light Secrets: excellent and very interesting

 - Erotic museum: crap

 - Sex museum: was recommended here but it was crap. Out dated and not very interesting

 - Royal Palace Amsterdam: okay and a few spectacular sights. Tbh I've been to a few national trust properties in the UK that are just as impressive too. 

  - Dungeon Amsterdam: not a museum and more of a tourist attraction (it's a Merlin attraction after all). Good fun and enjoyed it

 - Anne Frank museum: had high expectations for this and it thoroughly disappointed. Probably a controversial opinion. However it felt like it's basically "Here is her house. Have a wander through the empty rooms (but don't stop too long as many people flow through) and make sure you buy a copy at the end". You look around and its a facsimile of the original property. Fresh paint, panelling and even wallpaper makes it feel a reproduction rather than a historic property. It was a horrific and tragic event that's in a historically significant building, but it just doesn't do it justice. Not even as a memorial. It was probably a good 25yrs ago since I read her diary (at school) so I don't remember much but . Only the bare basics were covered (including the pre tour presentation we paid extra for) and nothing covered her/their experience or time when there. A very impersonal experience that I feel younger generations won't click with if they just went around it.

Honestly I'm not an art museum type. Much more for my older ("professional" artist) sister on the other hand loves to stare at art pieces. 😅

Science and technical museums much more my thing. Probably go round them if we go back. Cheap flights and now we know the city better means we might go a bit further out where it's cheaper and different places to explore. 

We flew back yesterday evening and didn't bother stopping the Saturday. It was a lot more expensive to stop another day with flights+hotel and I reckoned it would feel very different being there at the weekend. Wandering around the city on the Friday night confirmed that. My wife felt uncomfortable with the crowds but tbh it just felt like a night in any UK city. (Tbh she's not really gone out in a city in an evening for years). Just with the ladies in the window and weed being openly sold in a shop. 

[EyesWeldedShut]

Looks like the latest Bini is a keeper - had an interesting day tinkering and fettling various body parts (fnar! fnar!). 
Paperwork shows a new short engine fitted in 2018 @ 88K miles with some interesting previous history that suggests maybe a DPF gutting that failed and killed a turbo/engine. It has EOLYS in the tank and reader shows a recent regen so I'm guessing no remap was done back then. 

Swapped the 205/45/17s  for the much tamer 175/65/15s that were in the shed. The weight difference is very, very noticeable when fitting/removing them and the ride quality is much less harsh.  It's not going to be as stickable to the corners but it's a commuting hack - cheap tax and circa 60 mpg wins the day there.

[Ghosty]

On the flip side, things like this are a lot easier now: 

 

 

[stuboy]

Whilst looking for my drill I remembered I had this buried somewhere, freebie from my old job, hopefully this will resolve the issue with the galaxy

 

..

[wuvvum]

This bush in the front garden apparently decided yesterday that it was spring and therefore time to burst into flower.

It may have regretted that decision this morning.

Went to see a mate on Friday night and he gave me a present.

A 3D jigsaw puzzle in the shape of an essentially complete but broken (snapped crank - TADTS apparently) Vespa GT125.  I really didn't need another two-wheeled project, but it was free so I couldn't really say no!  I've not done anything with it yet though, I've not even got it out of the back of the Zafira yet.  I did have a bit of a tinker with the Lexmoto today (one of the other two-wheeled projects) and got the headlight working - not got the tail light working yet as I ran out of daylight but that should just be a question of finding the correct wire from the back of the bike and joining it up.

The 75 is in for its MOT tomorrow morning so I gave it a quick look over - couldn't see any obvious fails but was a little surprised at how bad the front tyres have got - one is at around 2.5mm and the other still has loads of tread but is starting to crack.  So I'm going to have to fork out for another pair of tyres for it fairly soon - it had a great pair of nearly new tyres on the front but they both got nommed when the springs snapped.  Handbrake is still shite but it always has been and always seems to pass so fingers crossed it will again.  I even gave it a quick hoover out as it was pretty grim inside.

[Marina door handles]

Better late than never but finally found a good spot for the Autoshite Calendar........

 

 

 

[Split_Pin]

I ordered 4 new tyres for the 75 today. 2 are perished and slow-punctured Avons and the front 2 are Falken Zeits nearly on the markers.

Normally I'd go for Falkens which are A rated for wet grip which is important to me on a 1.7 ton car.

But I noticed GT Radials, not normally a tyre brand I'd go for were on offer for £30 off for 4, so that would be £287 mobile fitted. They are identical to the Falkens in that they are A rated for wet grip , D for economy (not important with my low mileage) and 69db. That's about a £45 saving over the Falkens.

I have 215/50 on just now but you can equally fit the wider/lower profile type and they are much cheaper.

I also collected 2 good used complete front struts as 1 damper is leaking badly.

[egg]

@Yoss @wesacosaand our other Skoda botherers - just had an email from Czech parts supplier 'skoda parts' saying they can ship to the UK without customs and fees (seems they are also UK registered now). Might be of interest...

[vulgalour]

13 hours ago, wuvvum said:

This bush in the front garden apparently decided yesterday that it was spring and therefore time to burst into flower.

 

 

If it's not shown signs of distress in the past, judging by how mature it looks, a cold snap likely won't cause it any bother.  Once established, Camellias tend to be pretty tough old things.  If anything, the frost could improve its tolerance to cold snaps.  Keep an eye on any yellow/brown die back and chop it off to prevent disease, other than that you should be able to just leave it be and enjoy the lovely flowers.

[wesacosa]

19 minutes ago, egg said:

@Yoss @wesacosaand our other Skoda botherers - just had an email from Czech parts supplier 'skoda parts' saying they can ship to the UK without customs and fees (seems they are also UK registered now). Might be of interest...

ooh thanks that's good to know. looks like delivery fees are down too (was a flat €17 last time I used them)

[junkyarddog]

Small welding job on a mates 98 Starlet.

Rear hatch gas strut made a bid for freedom.

Reused the support bracket,spot welded it to the new patch.

Done!!

Good enough for a country job 😁

[paulplom]

13 hours ago, wuvvum said:

This bush in the front garden apparently decided yesterday that it was spring and therefore time to burst into flower.

It may have regretted that decision this morning.

Went to see a mate on Friday night and he gave me a present.

A 3D jigsaw puzzle in the shape of an essentially complete but broken (snapped crank - TADTS apparently) Vespa GT125.  I really didn't need another two-wheeled project, but it was free so I couldn't really say no!  I've not done anything with it yet though, I've not even got it out of the back of the Zafira yet.  I did have a bit of a tinker with the Lexmoto today (one of the other two-wheeled projects) and got the headlight working - not got the tail light working yet as I ran out of daylight but that should just be a question of finding the correct wire from the back of the bike and joining it up.

The 75 is in for its MOT tomorrow morning so I gave it a quick look over - couldn't see any obvious fails but was a little surprised at how bad the front tyres have got - one is at around 2.5mm and the other still has loads of tread but is starting to crack.  So I'm going to have to fork out for another pair of tyres for it fairly soon - it had a great pair of nearly new tyres on the front but they both got nommed when the springs snapped.  Handbrake is still shite but it always has been and always seems to pass so fingers crossed it will again.  I even gave it a quick hoover out as it was pretty grim inside.

Welcome to thr club.

[Yoss]

1 hour ago, egg said:

@Yoss @wesacosaand our other Skoda botherers - just had an email from Czech parts supplier 'skoda parts' saying they can ship to the UK without customs and fees (seems they are also UK registered now). Might be of interest...

Thanks, I got the very same email. It is good to know they are now UK registered. I've no idea how that works but it's good news. I must admit they don't have quite as good a range as they did a few years ago but still better than over here obviously. I guess even over there supplies will start drying up.

[wuvvum]

14 hours ago, wuvvum said:

The 75 is in for its MOT tomorrow morning so I gave it a quick look over.  Handbrake is still shite but it always has been and always seems to pass so fingers crossed it will again.  

Ho hum.

[Split_Pin]

I've never had a 75 with a decent handbrake. I'm surprised mine passed this year tbh.

[Burnside]

Our Panda 4X4 we brought for my Sister gained it's 2nd Mot with us Today.😁

Got some advisories to take care of but honestly can't grumble at all. Still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

[stuboy]

Went over to another base todo a drivers assessment, and his voice kept reminding me of someone... finally realised it was William woollard... have this lil treat for your pleasure..

 

 

[Bear]

Had to collect a greenhouse.

Range Rover isn't as big as you'd think inside, I should probably have spent the money on a pickup for the way I do things!

On the other hand not many 4x4s have the, er, pickup that this thing displays.  A New Defender tried to catch me on the bypass and failed.

And I suppose it could be pretty and fast. If I chucked £185,000 at a Cheiftain.

[puddlethumper]

I have a friend who bought an Evoque about 9 years ago and has traded it in for a new Defenceless. Depreciation on said Evoque was 4 grand per year. I could have at least a different car every year, if not more, with that. 

[Jazoli]

8 minutes ago, puddlethumper said:

I have a friend who bought an Evoque about 9 years ago and has traded it in for a new Defenceless. Depreciation on said Evoque was 4 grand per year. I could have at least a different car every year, if not more, with that. 

Shock horror in new cars depreciate scandal!

You could but you wouldn't have a new car with a manufacturers warranty, it's a good job cars depreciate as it allows others to buy them when they are older.

[loserone]

28 minutes ago, RichardK said:

pickup

Trailer!

[Schaefft]

On 25/02/2024 at 16:17, Ghosty said:

I used the sedan about ten times last year, if that. Couple of shows and runs on nice days. 

Coming out the house to it every day, I felt bad looking at it. It wanted for nothing, but left me lacking enthusiasm, and I've been taking my hatch Civic out over it every time. Drove it around Christmas and it felt weird. Not right, I'd fallen out of love with it. I drove it again on Valentine's day and I just knew it wasn't right any more. The Yaris has taken up its practical side, and the hatch Civic my passion and the fun side. What use was it to me?

My friend needed to borrow a car. I lent it out, 'cause I trust her with it. 

 

And well, she's ended up keeping it, cause she loves it. I've got my money back on it and it's gone on to a great home where I'll still see it about. Driving around with it there with me is surreal, but it's the right thing. I'm glad it's being used and that I get to vicariously enjoy it. 

It's in good hands, it's with a certain Favorit owner who doesn't do things by halves...

It's been a sweet two and a half years. But sometimes, if you love things, you need to set them free. 

Damn, I would have loved taking it off your hands. Let her know should she decide to pass it on!

[stuboy]

Up early so went out and drilled the broken lock out... then go to work

 

Battery stone dead 

[Split_Pin]

These Avons were 5 years old:

Falkens on tje front were fine but I wasnt happy with the amount of tread left. These need to steer and stop 1.7 tons+

New shoes all round now

GT Radials, A rated for wet grip

[Tickman]

Avon tyres seem to like cracking up in no time from my experience!

[Split_Pin]

4 minutes ago, Tickman said:

Avon tyres seem to like cracking up in no time from my experience!

This also seems to be the wider consensus.  I have heard the company is no longer trading.

[Sigmund Fraud]

17 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

This also seems to be the wider consensus.  I have heard the company is no longer trading.

They've been part of the Goodyear group for quite some time now, and their road tyres haven't been made in the UK for ages. Their old factory in Melksham (by the banks of the river Avon) still stands, but has only been making tyres for motorsport use, and is rumoured to be up for sale. 

[barefoot]

I don't think that any tyres are designed to last very long at all. The MOT stipulates 7 years max, and I've just replaced the set of four Hankooks that I put on my Rover 75 as soon as I bought it in July/August 2019. I suspect it's something to do with the fact that they are made of recyclable shit rather than the proper rubber and infinite-life hydrocarbons like they were in the good old days.