BL Bloke's Motors - 205 still here but the garage has gone

[BL Bloke]

Thanks, at least I won't have to worry about the airbag light with the Peugeot. ?

[dozeydustman]

On 6/22/2019 at 6:42 PM, BL Bloke said:

Quick update. Not much has changed since last time but I did take it out for a run on Wednesday as I thought that if I looked under the bonnet with the engine running while it was hot I might be able to see where the coolant was escaping from. The coolant didn't go down during the run and I didn't see any evidence of a leak while I was looking under the bonnet for about 5 minutes so I switched it off and thought I'd go out in it again on Thursday. Sure enough on Thursday morning the coolant level had gone down. Prime suspect is still the radiator hose so I'll be ordering a replacement . I did have a chap knock on my door and ask if it was for sale but I told him it wasn't, maybe I should have said yes.

As you may have read elsewhere I've won a Peugeot 205 on eBay which I plan to pick up some time next week. 

 

It's located in the Colchester area so I'll have a 180 mile, three and a quarter hour drive home in a smoll engine 33 tear old car that's averaged 300 miles a year for the last 13 years that I haven't even seen, let alone driven, WCPGW. To be honest I am a little concerned about the possibility of an FTP, hopefully my concerns will be unfounded. ?

Provided is has oil and coolant these little suitcase engines are pretty tough. No cam belt to worry about either as OHC with chain. Just be gentle with it at first. All the best for the collection, glad I saw this on the fleabay!

[BL Bloke]

I'll be sure to check the oil and coolant before setting off in it. I may try and find a route home that avoids motorways as much as possible as I'm not sure what effect 100+ miles of motorway driving might have on a car that probably has only been used for a weekly run to the shops for the last decade or so. I am looking forward to some proper back to basics motoring though, I haven't operated a choke or wound down a window for a long time. ? 

[dozeydustman]

Non motorway roads should be a hoot in a 205, even a lower spec one like this. 

[BL Bloke]

That's what I thought. I've never driven a 205 but I have read that they handle well. .  

[Mally]

I prefer motorways, you don't need brakes, and the AA can find you easily.

[clayts450]

Wonder how it's going.....

[BL Bloke]

On ‎6‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 6:42 PM, BL Bloke said:

I'll have a 180 mile, three and a quarter hour drive home in a smoll engine 33 tear old car that's averaged 300 miles a year for the last 13 years that I haven't even seen, let alone driven, WCPGW. 

What went wrong was much getting lost and enjoying the delights of various villages on the Essex/Suffolk border because the driver was a complete chump and didn't check the route before setting off (no satnav). How lost? Well, instead of a 163 mile, 3 and a quarter hour journey it turned into a 227 mile, 6 hour journey (including a stop), finally arriving home at 11.30 pm. I can't complain though as the Pug took it all in it's stride, even if I did keep going for the non existent fifth gear. I'll give you the full story tomorrow but for now I'll leave you with this.

DSCF0436 by timothy jones, on Flickr

[Lord Sterling]

Long drive innit to Colchester? Did that run a mad number of times as I worked dor a company who's head office was located down there.

I once did a 4.30 hours drive up to Newcastle in a Peugeot 205 Diesel which was a pretty good journey. The bigger steel wheels it was on made the mpg clock read exactly to the point. That was a nice journey and the 205 didn't miss a beat.

What are your plans for this? Please tell me you'll be at least chucking the poundland wheel trims in the bin replaced with period Peugeot trims?

[Amishtat]

If you tried to escape Colchester on the A134 then one of the villages you went through was probably the one I live in. Any other time I'd have offered a lift from the station or something but I'm on holiday in Scotland at the moment. Your 205 looks pretty good, haven't seen a pre-facelift example in a while now. 

[BL Bloke]

Here's what happened on collection day.

After breakfast it was a walk down to my local railway station for a train into Brum and on to London.

DSCF0429 by timothy jones, on Flickr

Once there it was 12.30 and I was feeling a bit peckish so an M&S sandwich and a drink were purchased before catching the tube to Liverpool St and on to my final destination.

DSCF0430 by timothy jones, on Flickr

I'd found out online that I could catch a bus from the station to the road where the car was so the final stage was under way.

DSCF0431 by timothy jones, on Flickr

So far everything had gone according to plan but that stopped when I couldn't find the place where the car was, so I rang the seller who said that he was located just off the roundabout at the end of the road, not actually on it. Before then I'd spotted another car for sale on the same road for the grand sum of £295.

DSCF0432 by timothy jones, on Flickr

After finally getting to the Peugeot I gave it a quick once over, checked the oil and water and handed over the money. I then mentioned that I had to tax it so after the seller tried unsuccessfully to do it online he gave me the address and directions to the Post Office. With that it was into the car and off to Colchester town centre and a dimly lit multi storey, where I parked next to some SUV thingy.

 DSCF0435 by timothy jones, on Flickr

By the time I'd got back from the Post Office it was around 5.30 so I was immediately plunged into rush hour traffic before getting onto the A12 heading north (I should have gone south). The car didn't sound happy doing over 40 or maybe it was me not being used to it so as soon as possible I was off the dual carriageway and spent quite a while driving through picturesque villages totally lost, I passed through Stratford St Mary twice in the space of around half an hour but the extensive pottering around did give me a chance to get to know the car better, even if I did keep going for the non existent fifth gear . Eventually I found my way to Bury St Edmumds and the A14. After three hours and 120 miles (told you I got lost) I pulled into Cambridge services.

DSCF0436 by timothy jones, on Flickr

After a bite to eat and a visit to the gents it was back to the car and 30 of the Queen's pounds were exchanged for some of Shell's finest pez.

DSCF0437 by timothy jones, on Flickr

By now the car was well into its stride and was cruising at a steady 60 up to J3 of the M6 which was closed so after a detour through Coventry and the A45 back to Brum where I saw someone who thought it was OK to drive without lights on at 11pm. By 11.30 I finally got home and the Pug met the Rover for the first time.

DSCF0440 by timothy jones, on Flickr

It was a long day but worth it as the Pug is a great little car and I can see why people like them so much. I have to admit that when I first set off I wasn't sure if I liked it  but well before arriving home I was loving driving it. I think this one's a keeper. ? 

 

[BL Bloke]

The Peugeot has been home a couple of days now so I took it to a local park for some photos. I looked at the bodywork yesterday and saw that there are no dents or scrapes anywhere on it which is remarkable considering its age.

 DSCF0468 by timothy jones, on Flickr

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The inside of the boot could do with a clean but no sign of rust at all, same under the bonnet.

DSCF0451 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0452 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0459 by timothy jones, on Flickr

When I saw the interior in the eBay ad I thought it was grey so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was blue. Once again it could do with a good clean but apart from some wear on the driver's seat bolter and a tatty gear knob it's in very good condition. Plus it has internally adjustable mirrors.

DSCF0441 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0442 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0445 by timothy jones, on Flickr

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DSCF0455 by timothy jones, on Flickr

Back to the body there are a few minor rust spots and a larger one one the bottom of the NSF door.

DSCF0458 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0457 by timothy jones, on Flickr

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It still has its original dealer plate on the back. In case you can't read the name it's Branwhite Motor Co, Frinton on Sea with the name flanked by Talbot badges.  

DSCF0450 by timothy jones, on Flickr

The rear tyres were both advisories on the Mot as they are cracked and perished. I'm not surprised as I think one of them may be one of the originals judging by the date code and the fact that it's a Michelin X.

 DSCF0448 by timothy jones, on Flickr

I haven't decided what to do with the stickers in the windows but this one on the door is staying.

DSCF0467 by timothy jones, on Flickr

So overall it's in very good condition for its age and runs well. There are a few things that need doing as you'd expect with a car of this age and those rear tyres will have to be replaced asap. Oh, and I will be replacing the Poundland wheel trims when I find something more suitable.

Fun fact, this is the second car I've owned that has been white with a blue interior, the first being a 1970 Morris Oxford I bought in 1980 and was first registered in Essex. Coincidences eh. ?

 

 

[dozeydustman]

I have a PDF of the HBOL for this if you need or want it. It's a shame you can't easily put a 5 speeder box on one of these as it's quite a major job. The 1.1 with its whopping 49.5bhp will pull 5th on the motorway easily (some of the XR & GR 1.1s had the 5 speed as an option). They are happy little cars though and will plod on for ages at 55-60mph and give a decent MPG when kept in good fettle, plus the Gallic version of A-series gear whine give these early 205s a bit of charm lost with the TU engined versions.

I wish you happy motoring and I am actually quite jealous.

 

[Noel Tidybeard]

has this got the early nutso heater controls where up is down?

[BL Bloke]

18 hours ago, dozeydustman said:

I have a PDF of the HBOL for this if you need or want it. It's a shame you can't easily put a 5 speeder box on one of these as it's quite a major job. The 1.1 with its whopping 49.5bhp will pull 5th on the motorway easily (some of the XR & GR 1.1s had the 5 speed as an option). They are happy little cars though and will plod on for ages at 55-60mph and give a decent MPG when kept in good fettle, plus the Gallic version of A-series gear whine give these early 205s a bit of charm lost with the TU engined versions.

I wish you happy motoring and I am actually quite jealous.

 

Thanks for the offer of the PDF but I've already bought a HBOL from eBay which should arrive in the next few days.  The 4 speed box is fine, it's just that I've been so used to driving cars with 5 speeds that I kept forgetting. As I said it was quite happy cruising at 60 and so long as I'm going faster than the HGVs that's fine.. The gear whine does give it a bit more character and takes me back to my days driving BMC 1300s back in the 80's when they were just cheap old cars.

[BL Bloke]

On ‎6‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 10:54 PM, Noel Tidybeard said:

has this got the early nutso heater controls where up is down?

I'm not sure but they do go up and down.

DSCF0469 by timothy jones, on Flickr

I've been out in it a couple of times since I got it home and was surprised when a cyclist stopped to let me turn right. He was a young chap though so he probably hasn't seen a 205 since he was a kid. I've been looking online for 145/70 R13 tyres but it seems my options are limited. The rears do need replacing though as the nearside one is from 1990 and as I mentioned before the offside tyre may be one of the originals. 

[dozeydustman]

If you struggle with 145 tyres 165/70 are easier to get hold of. I think your rims may be a little narrow for them though.

[BL Bloke]

I was thinking that. I'm guessing that there isn't much call for 145 tyres these days, although there are some out there. 

I got a new upper radiator hose for the Rover today, hopefully once the new hose is fitted and new coolant added the issue I've been having with it will be solved and I'll be able to go for a decent run in it without worrying about the coolant disappearing.

DSCF0474 by timothy jones, on Flickr

On the Peugeot front I ordered a repro gear knob from eBay as the original was falling apart.

 DSCF0455 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0475 by timothy jones, on Flickr

I also got an original insert to go in it but some fettling will be needed to get a good fit as the inset on the knob is less than the thickness of the insert.

 DSCF0476 by timothy jones, on Flickr

While I was in the Pug I had a twiddle with the radio, which is only medium or long wave to see if I could pick up anything. After a bit of searching I found 'The Passenger'  by Iggy Pop playing on Classic Rock so I thought 'that'll do'.

 

[BL Bloke]

Today has been busy as the 205 has had a pair of new tyres to replace the decades old, cracked pair that were on it and a set of wheel trims arrived to replace the rather naff set it's wearing at the moment. I also fitted a new blade to the rear wiper as the wipey bit on the old one was missing. The  Rover went in for the upper hose to be replaced, along with the coolant this morning. When the garage rang to say that it was ready they said that the coolant leak is coming from the water pump. They have given me a price for replacing the pump and timing belt and as the last time it was done was 2012 it is due to be done but I'm undecided as to whether to have it done or try and move it on and buy something else. 

In other news, in an effort to add some colour to my monochromatic fleet I'm currently the highest bidder on this, which had the belt and water pump changed last year.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mark-4-1999/113818588281?hash=item1a801dd479:g:0IMAAOSw5N1dIh9v

[BL Bloke]

Just a smoll update. After spending the last couple of days looking for potential replacements for the Rover I booked it in for a new water pump and timing belt today as I thought 'better the devil you know' and as far as I can tell from the service history they've only been changed once in 16 years.  On the Peugeot front it performed faultlessly to and from FotU, and has just clocked up 44000 miles.

I don't know when I'll be buying another car as I really need to sell one first but the next one will probably be something from the 90's, preferably in the lower tax bracket and in a proper colour. 

 

 

[BL Bloke]

On ‎7‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 10:31 PM, BL Bloke said:

I don't know when I'll be buying another car as I really need to sell one first but the next one will probably be something from the 90's, preferably in the lower tax bracket and in a proper colour. 

 

 

When I typed the above little did I know that within a week something meeting all three criteria would be arriving after a Fiesta was posted in the 'Under £200' thread. A viewing was arranged, the car driven and a collection time agreed, which takes me to yesterday morning.

8.15 am, a quick walk to the bus stop at the bottom of my road.

 DSCF0582 by timothy jones, on Flickr

The bus turned up and we were off. This collection was a lot shorter and cheaper than the one for the Peugeot.

 DSCF0594 by timothy jones, on Flickr

Half an hour later and I had arrived.

 DSCF0583 by timothy jones, on Flickr

Paperwork was signed, money handed over and it was off back home in the first Ford I've ever owned in 40 years of motoring, stopping at the park on the way to take some photos.

DSCF0588 by timothy jones, on Flickr

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DSCF0591 by timothy jones, on Flickr

There are some areas of crustiness on the rear arches and a nasty scrape on the rear bumper which probably looks worse than it is due to the dark colour of the car.

DSCF0592 by timothy jones, on  Flickr

DSCF0590 by timothy jones, on Flickr

The interior needs a good clean but otherwise is in good condition. The mileage is low for its age too.

DSCF0586 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0587 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0585 by timothy jones, on Flickr

The leccy windows work and the sunroof doesn't leak. On the downside there is a clunking from the suspension on bumpy roads and a squeaky front brake which will have to be looked into but for £ 140 it's pretty good  and quite nippy with the 1.25 Zetec S engine.

More soon but until then I'll leave you with this. ?

DSCF0593 by timothy jones, on Flickr

 

[BL Bloke]

I took the Fiesta out for a run yesterday. First stop was the petrol station.

DSCF0595 by timothy jones, on Flickr

Only having one trim per side was starting to irritate me so I swapped one over which improved the looks. ? 

DSCF0596 by timothy jones, on Flickr

DSCF0597 by timothy jones, on Flickr

The run appears to have got rid of the squeaky brake as I didn't notice it while I was out but the front and n/s rear suspension still clunks a bit over rough surfaces. Another small problem is that the central locking only unlocks the car with the key from the passenger side, although it will lock from either side.

In other news the Rover has gone in for a new timing belt and water pump this morning, which means that I should be able to give it a good run without worrying about losing all the coolant. 

[Dan302]

I had a fiesta this shape (but the old OHV engine) and the facelift shape, cracking little cars imo. Personally I'd take the trims off, I love bare steels on chod

[egg]

6 hours ago, BL Bloke said:

Another small problem is that the central locking only unlocks the car with the key from the passenger side, although it will lock from either side.

Welcome to Ford ownership. I think every 80s/90s/00's Ford I've ever owned or known of has some central locking quirk as they age...

[Eyersey1234]

Nice looking Fiesta there BL bloke, I've had a couple of Fiestas, an M reg Mk3 then a 56 reg Mk6. 5, good little cars. 

[Eyersey1234]

12 minutes ago, egg said:

Welcome to Ford ownership. I think every 80s/90s/00's Ford I've ever owned or known of has some central locking quirk as they age...

Funny you should say that egg, the remote locking on my Focus has always been a bit temperamental ever since I got it, sometimes it works fine others it doesn't want to know so it's a case of lock or unlock with the key, though if you unlock it with the key it can set the alarm off. 

[BL Bloke]

7 hours ago, Dan302 said:

I had a fiesta this shape (but the old OHV engine) and the facelift shape, cracking little cars imo. Personally I'd take the trims off, I love bare steels on chod

My brother has a facelift model with the old OHV engine too. I didn't know he had it until I went to visit on Saturday. He did have a modern on a PCP but when the agreement finished he gave the car back and spent £300 on a 52 plate Fiesta Finesse. ?

As far as the trims are concerned I'll be leaving them on the one side, I quite like the 'split personality' look. 

[BL Bloke]

The Rover arrived back home today after its timing belt and water pump replacement. It should have been finished yesterday but a wrong part had been delivered, at least it meant I didn't have to go out in the pouring rain to collect it. ? In the afternoon I took it out for a run for the first time in a couple of months, during which this happened.

 DSCF0599 by timothy jones, on Flickr

I don't think it'll take six months for the next 1000 to come round. All I need to do now is work out why the radio won't let me enter the code as I do like some music in the car plus I'd like the CD back that's stuck inside it.

[BL Bloke]

I was out in the Fiesta yesterday when all of a sudden there was an almighty banging from the rear end followed by a metallic scraping sound The car seemed OK but on checking the mirror I saw the spare wheel sitting in the road. ? Somehow the spare wheel cradle had become unhooked which was causing the scraping noise and the banging was the wheel making its bid for freedom.  The cradle was hooked back up and the spare slung in the boot.  On the plus side I now know that I need a new tyre on the spare wheel as this looks slightly illegal.

DSCF0600 by timothy jones, on Flickr

In other news the Rover has allowed me to enter the radio code so I now have music again and the Fiesta has had a small addition.

DSCF0601 by timothy jones, on Flickr

[Lord Sterling]

I *may* have a couple of thise wheel trims in that style spare. If I do, they're yours foc. I'll even drop them to Birmingham as I seem to be there most weekends.