The new news 24 thread

[Lankytim]

Fixed the XM! (i think) The thing was being starved of fuel on hills and other times of increased fuel demand, I found that the fuel feed pipe from the tank was restricted somehow, I removed the gauze on the fuel tank and an inline filter i;d fitted but nothing seemed to work. Eventually I blew down the fuel feed with the other end disconnected and a big flake of red paint was ejected. I've no idea how it managed to bypass the pick-up gauze and get into the fuel system but with everything reconnected the XM seems have even more poke and flies up hills. The air leak seems to have gone, too!

 

I raided the spares XM for bits of suitable pipe and hose clips and found an aftermarket non-return valve, it's quite a beefy thing. I stuck it on for luck. The XM seems to start better with it on anyway.

[vulgalour]

Want to know what living with depression is like?  Took me from noon until half past seven in the evening to get myself together enough to change a radiator, a job I did in under half an hour.  Still, it's done now so that's something.  The rad didn't leak when I removed it and hopefully it hasn't developed a new leak since, we'll see when I refill the system again.

[Shep Shepherd]

^

 

I feel your pain.

[Crusty Sills]

Had an afternoon off work so my mate Steve came round and we got the engine fired and running on my Beetle. First time its been run in 4 years after a partial strip and rebuild, so rather worried it wouldn't work.

Got it going after a couple of hours so I'm made up.

House smells of exhaust fumes which is great, makes me want to go and start it again just to hear it.

Next Sunday sorting all the electrics then it's rapidly heading towards MOT.

[dollywobbler]

Picked up a Jimp roof for SambaS from Llanelli.

 

Attention Reliant lickers

 

Seller has a garage of delights, all of which are up for grabs (genuine reason for sale).  There's a Reliant fox, a c.1986 Kawasaki GPZ1000 and some other sort of late 80s Kwacker.  All have been standing since about 2009 (at least), but in a nice dry garage;  the Fox and the GPZ look like a wash, a battery and some EasyStart might be three quarters of the battle.  (Might not, mind you.)

 

Fox looks very like this one, except it's dusty, on steelies and has less air in the tyres:

 

 

 

If anyone is interested, PM me and I'll put you in touch. 

 

Please don't say things like this. Especially if it's beige! And in Wales. This can only end badly. I'll get shot if I replace the BX with something dreadful.

[Skizzer]

Oh, it's beige alright. And it's got a galvanised chassis and stainless steel door frames. AND it's only in Llanelli.

 

*evil laugh*

[dollywobbler]

Sadly, I can't really justify buying another car when I can't afford to tax the ones I've got. VED is a real pisser for Autoshite stuff! I've got a good mind to ring a Nissan Leaf.

[vulgalour]

Mum's in hospital in a medically induced coma.

 

We can't speculate as to what's wrong, nobody yet knows, she's going to be undergoing some tests and Dad is at the hospital while my brother and I wait at home.  All happened earlier this morning with Mum struggling to breathe but a very rapid 999 call, Dad's NHS nurse training and a super fast paramedic and ambulance crew got Mum whisked away and in professional care in under ten minutes.

 

We're very worried for Mum, especially since there was no warning for this at all, and hope she pulls out of it and is okay.  Doubt I could sleep even I wanted to at the moment... tricky to call anyone at 4am too so posting here is just a way to try and vent some of my worry into a place where there are people that are supportive.

[cort1977]

Very sorry to hear that Mr. Vulgalour.

 

Sounds like she is in good hands and the quick response from the 999 call is a big factor in her favour.

[vulgalour]

Not good news, I'm afraid.  Mum's in an induced coma because she has a massive bleed on her brain stem.  There's no reason behind it, this is just one of those freak things that happen and it's inoperable.  We've been told chances of survival are practically nil.  Not really sure what to do with myself at the moment because Mum is still alive and there's still that chance, no matter how tiny, but equally I shouldn't grasp at false hope.  She looks really peaceful and comfortable and those that love her have been with her on the toughest day of her life.

 

Later I have to call my grandparents (Mum's parents) to tell them.  That's going to be an impossible phone call, but I'm the only one in any fit state to do it at the moment.  I hope against all hope that Mum pulls through this, as much as we've had our differences I can't really imagine a world without her just yet.

[Skizzer]

God, that's horrible - I'm so sorry. There's probably not much we can say that will help, and still less we can do, but you know you've got friends on here who'll be thinking of you.

 

You'll probably be on a kind of autopilot for the next few days, if my experience is anything to go by. Autopilot is good. You will get through this.

 

I really hope you get some good news.

[Lankytim]

Shit, i'm so sorry Vulg. you all must be in a state of shock. Anything I can do let me know.

[vulgalour]

All phone calls done.  Felt like I'd actually stuck a knife into my grandparents when they got the news.  I have a teapot full of Earl Grey and Whiskey and I want to sleep but I can't.

[dollywobbler]

Difficult times indeed. You have my sympathies. These things can and do randomly appear to remind us of our mortality, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with at the time. Just reminds us to enjoy life at all times. Very sorry.

[Parky]

That's awful Vulg, my sympathies too. Am sure pretty much all of us here are thinking of you and hoping for the best.

[catsinthewelder]

God,  that's dreadful news Angyl.  Thoughts and sympathies from here and almost certainly everyone else.

[mrbenn]

Awful news indeed, my thoughts are with you and you family.

[twosmoke300]

Having dealt with the early loss of my mother I can totally feel what you are going through and my thoughts will be with you.

I realise this is just an internet forum but I really think that there is a lot of genuinely caring people on here and dont be afraid to ask any of us for help and advise . Even if its just to go out and get blotto (our families standard grieving procedure).

[messerschmitt owner]

Angyl

sorry to hear this. If there's anything you need, you are among friends.

[xtriple]

So sorry to hear this. All the best wishes for your Mum and of course you and your family.

[cms206]

Jesus Angyl, that's shit. Owt we can do just holler, I'm sure there are plenty of shiter's front rooms open to a visit if you need to get out for a bit. Even mine, but I'm about 300 miles away.

Keep the chin up fella.

[derskine]

Really sorry to hear that Vulg, hoping for the best for you and your family.

[nigel bickle]

Sincere condolences.

 

Nothing we can say will make it better, but we do feel for you. Sad times.

 

Do your best - no one will ask for more.

[beko1987]

My sympathies. My step-gran went one night when some main artery seperated from her brain, ambulance got there at 8am when my step-grandad realised she was dead.

 

Sad sad times.

[trigger]

Terrible news Angyl, I don't know what I'd do if it was my mum. Wishing you all the best.

[wackywacerwill]

Best wishes Mr. V, sounds like she's in good hands and they'll do all they can. 

[HillmanImp]

Bad news Vulg. Thought with your family. If the worst happens and your mum is insured through work or you have any questions about her pensions etc feel free to drop me a PM and I will be happy to help as that's what I do. 

[michael t]

Very sorry to hear your news Vulg, I recently lost my own mother (2 weeks ago) only really now beginning to get over it and move on, bad thing is college is almost done for the year so I'll have a whole summer to stew over it, if you need any help or support drop me a DM 

[Ratdat]

Sorry to hear this Angyl. Really awful news. I have a good friend who's mum suffered this out of the blue in her mid 50's, even though she seemed fairly healthy. It's a tough break and one that's hard for everyone to deal with. 

[phil_lihp]

Deepest sympathies VA, I can't think of anything worse.  All the best to you and your family.