beko1987 Posted July 8, 2020 Share Posted July 8, 2020 Could you part convert it to a camper van for shitefest, car shows etc? May offset the cost a bit? And just use it for towing and that. Keep it light like Joe does (cheap folding bed and remove all the seats prior to set off) Guess you need a people carrier for your missus's sproglets so can't perma convert it... Nice vauxhall Zafira? LightBulbFun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted July 8, 2020 Share Posted July 8, 2020 Hubnut in a zafira would make youtube implodeSent from my SM-A202F using Tapatalk Fumbler, Bamboocarman, catsinthewelder and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_lihp Posted July 9, 2020 Share Posted July 9, 2020 18 hours ago, dollywobbler said: Decided to farm out some work... Assessed for welding by a current Mitsu tech stroke 4x4 mechanic. Probably needs £200 of welding, but did confirm the steering rack is leaking, and the PAS pipes are shite generally. So, awaiting a full quote and hoping for the best. Overall, he seemed to reckon it was surprisingly good overall. Hoorah! For his next video, Hubnut buys a cow. LightBulbFun, beko1987 and dozeydustman 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted July 13, 2020 Author Share Posted July 13, 2020 Took the GSA to the Field of Dreams last weekend, as some of you may have seen. Was a bit worried about chucking the kids in for a 200-mile jaunt, but they actually really enjoyed it, with no spewing! That was the return leg, which we decided to do off-motorway. A rear window refused to wind up at one point, but that was swiftly solved and otherwise, the car ran perfect other than a stink of petrol at times. I suspect it's fuel tank sender or pipework that end, as it's worse under harsh acceleration, especially after filling up. I was deliberately not completely filling the tank, so no MPG figures for a while. Other than wind noise, it's a real treat on a distance run, though crap around town. Queuing in Stratford on Avon (stupid idea! We didn't stay) was unpleasant, just because it isn't a nice car to drive slowly - transmission shunt and an engine that needs revs. It just won't potter along like a 2CV will (heavier flywheel for just two cylinders I guess). But, there is a fairly big problem. I know it was my first long drive in about six months, but my right knee (which does have a few pre-existing issues) was in absolute agony after about two hours of driving. The pic above is a stop necessary because I simply had to get out of the car. Which leaves me thinking. I'm sure I can engineer a way around this if I really wanted too, but do I want to? It's a lovely car, but perhaps a bit too nice for me really. Do I commit to long-term ownership or tick it off as an experience enjoyed right now? It has been a bit of an extravagance really, albeit a (mostly) enjoyable one. RobT, Bamboocarman and LightBulbFun 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Longbridge Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 Can't you buy a big family carrier like a Delica or something similar instead? Oh, wait... LightBulbFun, timolloyd, SteersWithThrottle and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LightBulbFun Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 11 minutes ago, dollywobbler said: Which leaves me thinking. I'm sure I can engineer a way around this if I really wanted too, but do I want to? It's a lovely car, but perhaps a bit too nice for me really. Do I commit to long-term ownership or tick it off as an experience enjoyed right now? It has been a bit of an extravagance really, albeit a (mostly) enjoyable one. is it still possible for you to run back to new zeland shouting "I have made a terrible mistake!" and buy back and import Betty the fairmont? (with money from selling the GSA?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobT Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 24 minutes ago, dollywobbler said: Do I commit to long-term ownership or tick it off as an experience enjoyed right now? It has been a bit of an extravagance really, albeit a (mostly) enjoyable one. Sounds like it's time to hit the classifieds again. As you say, the box has been ticked, but there's so much else to be enjoyed out there. A low cost, big liability mile muncher perhaps? Citroen C6... Bamboocarman, egg and Yoss 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quicksilver Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 Sounds like what you need is a Renault 11 automatic, still French and wafty but a bit easier to drive around town. You'll have to join the queue though, it seems everyone at the FOD wants to get their hands on it. dollywobbler, Floatylight and LightBulbFun 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrcento Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 Truthfully:?, i'd say move it on. Once you know a car hurts you, you'll start avoiding using it for certain journeys and taking something else anyway. Would be a different matter if it was a car that was really just a short hop type of car that you'd found caused an issue on longer journeys, but this is meant to be a long cruiser type, it's what it does, so really you'll only ever be using the car for what it's good at, to half its potential. Then there's the financial side. It's clearly a nice example, but let's be honest, it will get to a point where the hydraulics start going, seals start weeping and rust scabs are becoming visible. As it is now, it's well worth strong money but when it gets to the above stage, it won't be. If you are going to bail out, you're probably at the best point to do so on a really nice example. Bamboocarman, SteersWithThrottle and Sidclark96 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spurious Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 14 minutes ago, Mrcento said: Truthfully:?, i'd say move it on. Once you know a car hurts you, you'll start avoiding using it for certain journeys and taking something else anyway. This. I experienced this when driving the Jimny from Central Scotland to Manchester, about 320 miles. After about 3 hours I was stopping every hour as it was doing my lower back in. It's just the seat, I've considered replacing them, suspect it's something to do with being 6'3" It was so bad for the last 2 hours I was watching the GPS like a hawk and seeing the miles drop. I was meant to drive it to Ireland to show the aul lad and at the 11th hour I figured I couldn't face it and swapped the ferry for the C5 I love the Jimny and have no idea what to do with it, keep flip flopping on selling it. Flip side is that I drove the Audi back from Devon and it was amazing, seats and suspension is wafty. The miles flew by and I was relaxed and generally not a sore fella by home time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 I bought a car off eBay once which had my (also knackered) right knee in pain after an hour or so of driving, due to the position of the accelerator pedal. I can't immediately recall what car it was (there have been a few...). I got around it by alternating legs, using my left foot to press the accelerator for a bit then switching back after my right leg had had a rest. Either that or https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rostra-250-1223-Universal-Cruise-Control-Kit-for-OLDER-CARS-3592-4165-Relay/251653258020?epid=10030647875&hash=item3a97b3fb24:g:miAAAOSw-dBTuZYa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidclark96 Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Interior pics. It's a proper mish-mash inside, with a brown dashboard, upgraded with rev counter and digital clock, and beige door cards that were originally blue. The speedo is amazing. If broken. Revived four out of the six cars in storage today. CityRover and 2CV the only ones to start on their own. 2CV then helped Invacar and Tercel. Sadly, I can't publish pics without giving away where my unit is. 2CV and CityRover booked in for MOTs on Wed and Fri respectively. Now need to find the logbooks so I can tax them... I did have a slightly naughty drive in the Invacar. I reckon I'm over 300 miles in the GSA now. There's a whistle from the clutch with pedal up, so may have a go at adjusting it tomorrow. I suspect there isn't enough free play and the thrust bearing is being leant on. Otherwise, loving it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matara Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 I think the GSA box has been ticked. In fact as I mentioned to you when we met in Sydney, I had a hankering for an aircooled GS, but being 6ft 5in I think I might pass on that now. But what you have got me on now is a 2CV mission. With the GTV gone I have a space for a 2CV but the prices of them in Australia are pretty crazy! Happy to help source an AU falcon for you if you want and drive it up to Port Kembla to put on the ship to blighty! dollywobbler 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-cylinder Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 9 hours ago, dollywobbler said: But, there is a fairly big problem. I know it was my first long drive in about six months, but my right knee (which does have a few pre-existing issues) was in absolute agony after about two hours of driving. The pic above is a stop necessary because I simply had to get out of the car. How about fitting after market cruise control so you can rest your leg from time to time. timolloyd 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ETCHY Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Got to say having watched numerous video's of yours on the GSA right from when you first got it, I never quite got the impression you were absolutely mad in love with that car, it always did seem just like a nice car that you'd got = box ticked. Get rid. egg and Bamboocarman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St.Jude Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Welcome to the committee of f**ked knees. Depending on the knee problem, it can be resolved by either elevating or levelling the knee out. For me I found cars that raise the legs make it worse for me on long drives. Car's with seats that are flat, or allow my knee to be flat, don't aggravate the issue I have. Best thing to do really is look at your 2CV and how the chair is angled, then compare it to the GSA. Bamboocarman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 1 hour ago, matara said: I think the GSA box has been ticked. In fact as I mentioned to you when we met in Sydney, I had a hankering for an aircooled GS, but being 6ft 5in I think I might pass on that now. But what you have got me on now is a 2CV mission. With the GTV gone I have a space for a 2CV but the prices of them in Australia are pretty crazy! Happy to help source an AU falcon for you if you want and drive it up to Port Kembla to put on the ship to blighty! Cheers. I am very tempted, and as much as I enjoyed Betty the Fairmont, I reckon it's possible to find a better one for lower cost in Aus. Definitely not ruling that option out. Spurious 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 1 hour ago, Six-cylinder said: How about fitting after market cruise control so you can rest your leg from time to time. Our route on Sunday was not really cruise control compatible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quicksilver Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 I'm inclined to agree with the consensus to move it on. We know you'd wanted one for a long time and there was a specific reason for buying it this year (the big 50th birthday party in France) but that's disappeared now anyway, there's quite a lot of money tied up in it and it will need more spending sooner or later to keep it in its current good state. You've had some fun and it served you well through strange times so you can tick that box and move on to something new. You've still got Elly to fill the flat-engined Citroen role in the fleet. LightBulbFun and Bamboocarman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 I'm also in the sell it category, FWIW. I wanted a GSA before you had one, and now I don't. So you've done me a service, lol. How about a Renault 16 before Brexit? (That would continue my wish fulfilment!). And I think would be popular for Hubnut-peeps. Bamboocarman and LightBulbFun 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 1 hour ago, dollywobbler said: Cheers. I am very tempted, and as much as I enjoyed Betty the Fairmont, I reckon it's possible to find a better one for lower cost in Aus. Definitely not ruling that option out. Needs to be a V8 though. Although the mental turbocharged straight 6 would be an acceptable alternative. egg and LightBulbFun 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spurious Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Money for a Balkans Yugo/Zastava parts/spare finding trip perhaps could be freed up post GSA. egg, Bamboocarman and LightBulbFun 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spurious Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 12 minutes ago, Spurious said: Money for a Balkans Yugo/Zastava parts/spare finding trip perhaps could be freed up post GSA. And with the change if the Falcon idea doesn't come to fruition. V6 waft? LightBulbFun and ProgRocker 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorrisItalSLX Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 I noted your Astra G love on Facebook, and you also need an Aussie motor in your life, plus something suitable as a family wagon would be useful. The perfect solution? https://www.gumtree.com/p/vauxhall/automatic-holden-astra-service-history-clean-reliable-/1378407281 LightBulbFun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Buy a volvo estate, replacing both the GSA and Delica in one move. All bases then covered, spend change on more chodSent from my SM-A202F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ETCHY Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 36 minutes ago, They_all_do_that_sir said: Buy a volvo estate, replacing both the GSA and Delica in one move. All bases then covered, spend change on more chod Sent from my SM-A202F using Tapatalk I think that's an excellent idea a 240 or 740 would be perfect, it may however be too sensible for DW/Hubnut. A Sentinel steam lorry would therefore seem the perfect replacement choice ? Eyersey1234, Bamboocarman, catsinthewelder and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyersey1234 Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 59 minutes ago, ETCHY said: I think that's an excellent idea a 240 or 740 would be perfect, it may however be too sensible for DW/Hubnut. A Sentinel steam lorry would therefore seem the perfect replacement choice ? I think @dollywobbler had a 740 a few years ago that he paid £150 for and apparently it was a pile of shit. ETCHY and egg 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 4 hours ago, wuvvum said: Needs to be a V8 though. Although the mental turbocharged straight 6 would be an acceptable alternative. InTech straight six is plenty enough for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fumbler Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 When a car begins to hurt you, you're not going to want to drive in it anymore. I say sell it and get another nice car. Bamboocarman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 7 minutes ago, Eyersey1234 said: I think @dollywobbler had a 740 a few years ago that he paid £150 for and apparently it was a pile of shit. I also had a free 740 which was also a pile of shit. Maybe I should try to find a nice one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now