Ask a Shiter

[dieselnutjob]

I just broke my bench vice and so I need to buy another.

 

I was putting a Z bend into some flat bar.  I put a piece of metal on one side of the bar, and another on the other side a bit further up (not over lapping).  Then I stuffed the whole lot in the vice and cranked it closed.  The bar is forced to go on one side past one piece and then cross over to pass the other piece on the other side.

 

Anyway I was stuggling a bit so I put a tube over the T handle of the vice to help a bit.

 

It actually did the job and then I guess bottomed out.  There was a bang and the vice jaws went all floppy.

 

So I over abused it; I accept that.  I'm an idiot.

 

So what's the most idiot proof bench vice that I can buy to replace it?  used is fine as well?  If I buy some cheap thing presumably it won't stand up to the same abuse?   or does it not matter?

[dieselnutjob]

so looking at machinemart I see that cast iron=cheap and "forged heavy duty steel"= expensive

 

so I guess I need the forged one if I am going to abuse it?

[mitsisigma01]

Dieselnutjob, what size of vice are you needing and whereabouts are you?

[dieselnutjob]

No idea, a mediumish one I guess.  Whatever I need to restore a Peugeot 604. Nothing else matters any more.

Usually when I have resorted to the vice it means I'm beating or crushing the crap out of something

 

Ruislip, west London, but I do travel about a bit for work.  I have trips to Bristol, Hatfield and Ipswich and visit to mum in Norwich possibly.

[mitsisigma01]

I'm darn sarfth near Gatwick, I know I've got 1 around coz I kicked the fkin thing in the dark the other day and I'm sure that I've got a couple of others out there somewhere. Will let you know what I find . Reasonable price for a Autoshiter. Do you ever get down Gatwick /Horsham way?

[Des]

I broke my cheapo vice similarly many years ago, the boss with the female thread broke away but was easy to fix with a nut and bolt. Next time instead of scaffold pole, bat the jaw with a hammer while tightening.

[adw1977]

I'm darn sarfth near Gatwick, I know I've got 1 around coz I kicked the fkin thing in the dark the other day and I'm sure that I've got a couple of others out there somewhere. Will let you know what I find . Reasonable price for a Autoshiter. Do you ever get down Gatwick /Horsham way?

I live near Gatwick (on the other side at Horley, but I seem to end up in Crawley at least once a week for something or other) and commute by car to Morden in South London, if that's any help for getting a vice a bit nearer to Ruislip.

[Fat_Pirate]

I need to change the brake fluid on the 2002 Merc CLK.  Apparently it's just DOT4 but the fluid is a lovely blue/green* colour - is it OK to mix with ordinary stuff?

 

*the brakes work so it's not screenwash 

[sierraman]

I couldn't recommended anything other than a Record 21 Fitters Vice or failing that a Paramo, but definitely a Record if you can find one, get an old one, that the important bit. Reckon on £60-70

[sierraman]

What sort of economy might I expect from a Mk3 Mondeo V6?

[davehedgehog31]

Recommendations sought chod fans. 

 

Room at the Inn for a workhorse diesel commuting chod. 

 

Economy and probable dependability are the name of the game. Budget of around £700. Really hoping for something that's been well looked after and quite easy to work on. It will do around 400 miles each week but will have Rover McRoverface for backup should it shit the bed. 

 

The immediate car that springs to mind is the Peugeot 306 1.9 TD. I'm struggling to find many good ones though. I think they had the right balance of economy, complexity and shunt. So probably something in that mould. Wouldn't really be interested in anything that much larger than the 306, it's almost always just myself in the car.

 

Would consider something smaller and normally aspirated like a 106 but not sure if that would destroy my soul doing 450ish miles a week. 

[sierraman]

Focus 1.8TD, if you can find one that the pump isn't about to crap out. Rough though.

[Anthony]

The immediate car that springs to mind is the Peugeot 306 1.9 TD. I'm struggling to find many good ones though. I think they had the right balance of economy, complexity and shunt. So probably something in that mould. Wouldn't really be interested in anything that much larger than the 306, it's almost always just myself in the car.

Don't rule out the later 306 HDi - I've had a couple now and providing that they've seen a degree of care and servicing during their lives, the oily bits will rack up big mileages without issue. Yes they're slightly more complex than the earlier XUD engine, but still simple enough that they don't have the usual modern diesel woes with DPF, DMF etc.

 

Plenty of shabby and over-priced examples of course, but £700 is plenty to find a cared-for example with sensible mileage and history. Aim for Meridian trim level if you a comparatively plush spec or DTurbo (3dr only) if you want better handling, as they were basically as per a GTi-6 suspension wise. Check the rear beam is in good order (excessive camber, squeaking or knocking spells problems), belts are easy enough if you're handy with a spanner (no special tools needed) and it's accept that it's almost a given that the AC will be dead - it won't be "just a re-gas" but rather a failed pipe and almost certainly the rest of the system if it's been left empty for a long period. A late (Y-2001 on) example is cheaper tax, and a sub-£100 remap considerably improve performance.

 

My current one I bought for £400 odd with 125k miles on the clock and it's now at 205k. Previous one I eventually called time on at 250k and all the oily bits were still in good order, tired injectors aside.

[davehedgehog31]

Focus 1.8TD, if you can find one that the pump isn't about to crap out. Rough though.

I actually had a MK1 Focus 1.8 TDCi, I totaled it into a big tree. I do like them, they all seem pretty rotten though.

 

The MK2 does seem to fare a bit better though.

[sierraman]

Mk2 a better car I think, plenty of 1.8td knocking about. They do rust but usually its only cosmetic stuff. If it starts and runs well and doesn't suffer a catastrophic breakdown upon booting it it should be OK. Run it until it drops then start again.

 

Also Astra 1.7d can be OK if the oil pump isn't on its way out or the injector seals pissing diesel everywhere. Alternators can fail as well, job a bit of a PITA if you aren't on a ramp.

[Supernaut]

What sort of economy might I expect from a Mk3 Mondeo V6?

You won't see 30mpg very often, if at all.

 

I had a hatchback 2.5 V6 manual and I think it averaged about 27mpg with mixed driving.

[Ghosty]

Diesel R8!

[sierraman]

Probably not worthwhile when a 2.0 does easy 32mpg.

[davehedgehog31]

Don't rule out the later 306 HDi - I've had a couple now and providing that they've seen a degree of care and servicing during their lives, the oily bits will rack up big mileages without issue. Yes they're slightly more complex than the earlier XUD engine, but still simple enough that they don't have the usual modern diesel woes with DPF, DMF etc.

 

Plenty of shabby and over-priced examples of course, but £700 is plenty to find a cared-for example with sensible mileage and history. Aim for Meridian trim level if you a comparatively plush spec or DTurbo (3dr only) if you want better handling, as they were basically as per a GTi-6 suspension wise. Check the rear beam is in good order (excessive camber, squeaking or knocking spells problems), belts are easy enough if you're handy with a spanner (no special tools needed) and it's accept that it's almost a given that the AC will be dead - it won't be "just a re-gas" but rather a failed pipe and almost certainly the rest of the system if it's been left empty for a long period. A late (Y-2001 on) example is cheaper tax, and a sub-£100 remap considerably improve performance.

 

My current one I bought for £400 odd with 125k miles on the clock and it's now at 205k. Previous one I eventually called time on at 250k and all the oily bits were still in good order, tired injectors aside.

Cheers Sir, good advice. Would be fine with the later engine just the same. 

 

This one is near me and might be worth a gander.

 

https://www.dvsscotland.co.uk/used-cars/peugeot-306-1-9-d-lx-5dr-sunroof-airdrie-201806137459864

[davehedgehog31]

Diesel R8!

To be honest, the only thing that stops me using the R8 as my only car is that I absolutely need a car for work, there's no public transport option whatsoever. I worry about it because it's 25 years old, but other than a flat battery it's never had FTP, so I probably worry over nothing. It's a bit thirsty, doing 400 odd miles a week it would probably add up. 

 

The logical answer to this conundrum is to run a pair of R8. 

 

The R8 is without doubt* the best car ever conceived and built. 

[bramz7]

Something I've often wondered when seeing XUD engined cars for sale, if the previous owner had run it on veg constantly, and I then run it on diesel, will it kill it?

[bramz7]

To be honest, the only thing that stops me using the R8 as my only car is that I absolutely need a car for work, there's no public transport option whatsoever. I worry about it because it's 25 years old, but other than a flat battery it's never had FTP, so I probably worry over nothing. It's a bit thirsty, doing 400 odd miles a week it would probably add up.

 

The logical answer to this conundrum is to run a pair of R8.

 

The R8 is without doubt* the best car ever conceived and built.

Is this when I step in and offer my 605 for £700? No not this time, as I actually like it.

 

Don't rule out a XUD11. Its a pretty refined engine for the family it's in, and my weighty 605 auto managed 50mpg on the way back down from Scotland. Rare as though..you'll find more 406s with it but be warned, the speedos were known to break for fun.

[HillmanImp]

Sure I got this from the Tat thread.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Visa-Super-E/253694329394?hash=item3b115c4232:g:6jMAAOSwvmNbJlfv

 

Anyhow, if you didn't read it, the car is located in Northern Spain.

 

It's currently on Ebay at £195 with 7 days to go.

 

I estimate the chances of the buyer making contact after the auction to be somewhere in the region of zero to minus one.

 

I'm thinking about contacting the seller to say that in the event of it not being collected by the Ebay winner, I might go and get it for scrap value. If he does go for this, there are several reason why this won't actually happen but before I discount this stupid idea for any of those reasons, does anyone have any idea how long it would normally take to drive across France to the Costa Brava and back with a trailer? Reason is, I have a big project going live in October and will probably not be able to take any time off work before then and they want it collecting between 8 Sept and 10 October. I could probably wangle a day or two off if I happen to be ahead of schedule (unlikely that I will be ahead considering I am currently 2 months behind where I should be) but want to know if doing this in 2 or 3 days is realistic?

 

The other problems I foresee are:

 

1) I don't have a trailer.

2) I don't have a car with a towbar.

3) I don't have anywhere to put the car when I get it back to Blighty.

4) I have no money.

5) I already have a Visa, I don't actually want another.

6) Mrs Imp who will repeat all of the above, ad infinitum.

 

I presume that I would be able to blag customs and will not have to pay any import duty on this as it is a UK car? I won't be much if I go for it anyhow as it's not worth my while if I pay more than scrap value.

[castros_bro]

Sure I got this from the Tat thread.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Visa-Super-E/253694329394?hash=item3b115c4232:g:6jMAAOSwvmNbJlfv

 

Anyhow, if you didn't read it, the car is located in Northern Spain.

 

It's currently on Ebay at £195 with 7 days to go.

 

I estimate the chances of the buyer making contact after the auction to be somewhere in the region of zero to minus one.

 

I'm thinking about contacting the seller to say that in the event of it not being collected by the Ebay winner, I might go and get it for scrap value. If he does go for this, there are several reason why this won't actually happen but before I discount this stupid idea for any of those reasons, does anyone have any idea how long it would normally take to drive across France to the Costa Brava and back with a trailer? Reason is, I have a big project going live in October and will probably not be able to take any time off work before then and they want it collecting between 8 Sept and 10 October. I could probably wangle a day or two off if I happen to be ahead of schedule (unlikely that I will be ahead considering I am currently 2 months behind where I should be) but want to know if doing this in 2 or 3 days is realistic?

 

The other problems I foresee are:

 

1) I don't have a trailer.

2) I don't have a car with a towbar.

3) I don't have anywhere to put the car when I get it back to Blighty.

4) I have no money.

5) I already have a Visa, I don't actually want another.

6) Mrs Imp who will repeat all of the above, ad infinitum.

 

I presume that I would be able to blag customs and will not have to pay any import duty on this as it is a UK car? I won't be much if I go for it anyhow as it's not worth my while if I pay more than scrap value.

 

Sir,

 

Though i have not recently done UK-Costa Brave I have done Surrey to Tomar (Portugal) and back  many times in things like Pug 106 1.5D, Citroen ZX n/a 1.9D ie not very speedy.  Always it was a two day journey each way so one night's sleep, 2000Km and approx 24hrs driving each way. Your trip would be about 3/4 the distance and time  ie 1500Km and 18hrs so realistically a one person 3 day 2 nights away trip is possible but 4 days is more likely unless you want to be completely knackered.  If its still on DVLA then no import is necessary, ie no paperwork (apart from V5) and no tax nor NOVA.

[Mally]

Sounds fine* to me.

Buy car with towbar.

Hire trailer.

Buy recovery to cover car and trailer.

1,000 miles each way.

Ferry for car and trailer x2

Have a days holiday whilst you are there.

5 days in all.

Bargain*

[Guest Hooli]

Foot passenger from Plymouth, buy car, drive car back to ferry & return home.

 

Simple....

[djimbob]

Sir,

 

Though i have not recently done UK-Costa Brave I have done Surrey to Tomar (Portugal) and back  many times in things like Pug 106 1.5D, Citroen ZX n/a 1.9D ie not very speedy.  Always it was a two day journey each way so one night's sleep, 2000Km and approx 24hrs driving each way. Your trip would be about 3/4 the distance and time  ie 1500Km and 18hrs so realistically a one person 3 day 2 nights away trip is possible but 4 days is more likely unless you want to be completely knackered.  If its still on DVLA then no import is necessary, ie no paperwork (apart from V5) and no tax nor NOVA.

 

Agree. I recently did Leeds - catalonia (Tortosa) the other year, in a Kia Sedona people carrier, probably doing 80mph on most of the motorway journey, and I would say two days there, two back, maybe even more if you are towing  - don't risk it, it's proper knackering and stressful - top tip, go by Calais, as if you miss the ferry, they don't mind shunting you on the next one, no penalties and they're every hour or so anyway

 

Otherwise this seems eminently ridiculous so I say go for it Sir

[Dave_Q]

Think you're looking at 4 days really, most realistic to me would be..

 

Drive to South coast, stay over, get 8am ferry from Poole to Cherbourg or whatever

Drive Cherbourg to Costa Brava (approx 1200km and probably 12—13 hours with a trailer?)

Do a small kip at sellers house

Reverse the above.

Win.

[Aston Martin]

I received my V5 for the Alessi the other week, but I forgot to do the sorn thing,

I've just received a letter saying "pay tax or declare sorn immediately or be stabbed with a screwdriver "

 

So I tried online...

 

"Tell us you’re taking your vehicle off the road

Unable to use service

Unfortunately you cannot use this service yet as the previous keeper of the vehicle has not told DVLA that you are the new keeper."

 

But every letter is getting sent to me.

 

I rang the automated sorn number and it says it has a valid sorn...

[castros_bro]

There is a Spain (Santander or Bilbao) -UK ferry about 500 mile trip from Barcelona so could possibly get "Shipley" Spain to shift it and pop it on the ferry under its own steam + wonky tyres.