THE GUBBERMINT ALWAYS KNOWS BEST

[cort16]

Most likely one of the holes that holds the spring loaded pin in has rusted through causing one of the shoes to come loose. You can fix it (warning bodge alert) by putting a bolt through the handbrake shoe and sticking a nut and washer on the otherside were the pin would normally go through.

[Rover414]

Yesterday had a chance to look at the Rover 200 which has front nearside corner damage, which meant it would not pass its MOT without repair. Though it's been off the road since the end of December 2008 it's still in good condition and I also noticed that it has its original dealer plates and stickers on it (from Birmingham) so have decided when there is some space back closer to home to drag it down and attempt to fix it. Wouldn't get much for it scrap anyway (and currently have nothing to get it there with) and it would be just something to pass the time when there is little else to do. I think the fact that its a Rover might be a reason why I want to keep hold of it but I can't see the repair being too difficult and since the car isn't needed anymore is just worth doing as a project. Of course this will be done probably alongside the 414 which needs the engine changing and probably need to source another 1.4 engine for this now, not sure if earlier or later is better though?

[Shep Shepherd]

Was dragged along to an amateur radio tat fair in Newbury yesterday, where I bought some stickers for the Volvos:

 

 

 

I truly lament the fact that quite a few good old Volvos must have been sacrificed for the sake of £2000 off a brand new Kia or Hyundai

 

At the same venue, I saw this faded French beauty:

 

 

GR69 in my opinion, especially as it was a TD

[dollywobbler]

The Range Rover has probably failed its MOT by now. Logistics meant I didn't get chance to watch the test like I usually do, but hoping to hear first thing in the morning. It will be a fail - both rear tyres show much inner-edge wear. I suspect they've been on the front at some point, though the wear is still pretty unusual. May check the viscous coupling when I get it back here. I'm only fitting two tyres, having decided to ignore the OMG U MUST FIT 4 NU TIRES OR IT'LL EXPLODE folk. Most of those folks seem to be in the tyre industry...

 

I did bodge up the washers for the test. The front ones aren't working. I reckon the pump's knackered, so I swapped all the connections over for the rear one, as that's not a testable item. Should do the trick until I can purchase a new pump. Otherwise, I'm pretty hopeful of it passing. Then I can actually get some pictures of it...

 

Drives really nicely. Yes, it's a bit laggy, but you can drive accordingly. Engine is surprisingly smooth once you're under way. Am hoping for an easy time on the test. I've risked a bang of sand on the purchase price, trusting a year-old French CT as some indication of an attempt at roadworthiness. I think that price is a bit steep to be honest, but when the mood takes you, common sense goes out of the window. If I can get away with just a couple of tyres (looks like that'll be £150 a pair, which ain't bad) then I'm doing alright. Then I can get on with some minor fault-finding. Like trying to ensure that more than one electric window works (very tempting to just fit keep-fit windows, which I generally prefer) and maybe even the heating/air-con, which doesn't blow cold (not sure how much that matters in Wales!) and doesn't blow at all when not using air-con.

[dollywobbler]

When you say mis-matched, was it two different good brands or HEROs and something actually grippy at the other end? The tyres have been ordered, though I had been scouring ebay for wheels/tyres. If it all gets a bit 'exciting', I'll still do that - though having leapt straight from the Mini to the Rangie this afternoon, I know this baby ain't for hustling!

[trigger]

Tanye. Now that your back can you add an avatar please, I don't recognise you any more. Thanks

[dollywobbler]

Yeah. New tyres are going on the back to try and avoid that. Fronts have plenty of life in them, but I'll be monitoring their wear.

 

Of course, towing has its own risks. I think people get a bit carried away the whole 'oh, it can tow 3.5 tons' thing. Yeah, but that doesn't mean it should do it quickly, or if the trailer's badly balanced (or your tyres are bald for that matter!).

[dieselnutjob]

got some spannering time (much of it in the rain though)

I now have a 604 with four working electric windows and a working electric sunroof

it's all done with relays (ten of them) so that the switches won't burn out

how cool is that ?

 

Some of the windows seem to stick and slow down in certain places though

I have squirted silicone spray all over the place which helps a bit

the rubber runner must be a bit distorded in places

not exactly sure what to do about that

[M'coli]

got some spannering time (much of it in the rain though)

I now have a 604 with four working electric windows and a working electric sunroof

it's all done with relays (ten of them) so that the switches won't burn out

how cool is that ?

 

Some of the windows seem to stick and slow down in certain places though

I have squirted silicone spray all over the place which helps a bit

the rubber runner must be a bit distorded in places

not exactly sure what to do about that

I found a product like Rain-x made the Saab's windows go quicker.

[dieselnutjob]

I can see that there are tight spots in the runners that support the edges of the glass

one back window visibly tilts as it hits the tight spot which causes the front edge to slow down whilst the back keeps going

on one front window I can see that the groove in the rubber is actually narrower where is runs up the small triangle bit where the more modern ones have a door mirror

I fear heavy corrosion in the rails that the rubber slots into but I don't know

I don't thank it's sticking on the rubber lip that runs across the top of the door skin/door trim

[dollywobbler]

Hoorah! Rangie has passed its MOT just needing that pair of tyres. Unfortunately, it isn't showing as being on the MID yet, so I'm going to have to actually go to a post office to tax it. Annoying also that we're close to the end of the month, but I'm not waiting another week and a bit!

[Spottedlaurel]

Just about to catch a train up to Leicester to pick up the latest acquisition. Hopefully meet up with Rootes_Arrow if he’s nearby too.

[HillmanImp]

Volksy took the Saab for its MOT today in return for me welding up his camper the other day.

 

It was a FAIL but only a small one.

 

Sticking caliper

Some brake pads (cant rememebr which ones he said)

Bit of welding in a really awkward bit under the front wheelarch.

 

Result! He is doing the caliper this afternoon. I will get the welding done one night this week (weather permitting) and just fit the brake pads as soon as I have been to the local motorfactor.

 

Am pretty happy with that.

[M'coli]

[HillmanImp]

 

Indeed. Am proper chuffed with it. Will buy you a couple of pints next time I see you.

 

As I dont think the spraying course is going ahead, as it looks like I am keeping the SAAB I am going to sort the wheel arches out on it and spray them as a practice, move onto the minor bodywork on the DAF (its welded just needs finishing) and then the GT6 (some pretty big repairs) before finishing on the Imp (welded but down to bare metal shell plus Hydrate 80) to practice my bodywork finishing. It should hopefully be passable by the time I get to the Imp.

[Volksy]

Just run in from 'Doom Rain' that has just started...

 

Autoshite bike: Managed to free the N/S caliper off, but the piston is proper crusty, tried cleaning it up as best I can but may need further work. Needs a set of rear pads (£18.50), and this welding on the inner wing/chassis leg just above where the lower wishbone passes through. Looks a bit of an awkward place, but after welding the Renault Master up on sat, M. Imp should be well used to a bit of contortionist action

 

New caliper if needed is about £43.00, which is still pretty reasonable...

 

In other 'Look North' news....

 

Ordered the steering rack gater for the master, has gone on back order from the factory, which sucks, as I needed it finished for Saturday, so a change of plans may be in order for themove south this weekend. Bumhats!!

 

Although the Volvo is back on the road after is six months in storage and running great, forgot how much I love this car, with it's lazy, almost V8 esque burble, and super comfy seats.

[dollywobbler]

I am feeling dead chuffed. Not only has the Rangie cleared its MOT, it's absolutely sound underneath! Some very slight surface corrosion on the rear crossmember and the rear bumper's a bit knackered, but the sills, rear arches, body mounts, chassis etc are absolutely spot on. Brilliant! However, proving it possesses a large dose of HERITAGE, the driver's door refused to open after I taxed it. I think the combination of poor lock adjustment and a slightly broken interior lock thingy combined to force me to clamber aboard from the rear seat.

 

Sorry, still no pics as I've got a spell of work to get on with, but I'm hoping to give it a good jet wash tonight and take some photos afterwards. You know, the classic "Ebay - I've just washed my car" shots.

[michiel]

Oh dear, after just 11 weeks of 2CV-ownership I have swapped it.... for another one! More later.

 

[Angrydicky]

Just taken a deposit on the Landcrab from a nice couple from Westcliff so it's staying local, which is nice. They didn't even try to haggle either!

[Cavcraft]

Squeezed 30mpg out of the Cav which isn't too shabby really considering it's a 2.0 automatic. Is the Hyundai off to a new home? Watch this space...

[tonedepear]

Is the Hyundai off to a new home? Watch this space...

 

Fingers crossed.

[Cavcraft]

You are the new lucky omen-it's gone!

[tonedepear]

 

Winnar.

[Volksy]

Good News: The Rack Gaiter for the Renault turned up this morning, so can get on with fitting that tomorrow!

 

Bad News: Went to the Volvo to go and get the above part, and the battery was as flat as a pancake, much comedy ensued as I had to get in through the boot, its a saloon, so not the easiest task. Turns out with being stood, the courtesy light switches are a little dodgy, meaning the footwell lights were on all night.. They are part of the lock mechanism, so ended up with both door panels off this morning to get some WD40 in their general location... Whats wrong with push switches in the door jamb..

[KruJoe]

-it's gone!

Collected already? £280! Winnar. Well worth the effort then, plus the bonus of a warm feeling that you've resisted the temptation to frag the bugger.

 

@DW, you must be well chuffed, and glad you weren't put off by the non-TDi-ness of it.

 

I've lost one of these

 

 

So the BX is looking proper tatty just now. I think it will be sporting silver Subaru trims one one side until I can find a replacement. Anyone have one lying about?

I still have the retaining ring that wedges into the rim.

[Cavcraft]

Tim on BXC will have one Joe, failing that try the legendary Doc on thje same forum.

[trigger]

I'm back to 4 cars again... My wife hates driving the Escort so I've been looking for a replacement as she's using my Mondeo and I'm not really a fan of using the Mk3 everyday for work.

 

I've been looking on ebay at lots of different stuff, Audi Coupes, Golf GTi's etc but she wants a convertible as she's says I always buy what i want, why can't she have what she wants.

 

So i spotted this Golf Cabriolet that was ending this evening on ebay tonight locally for sale, I didn't sell for £800 so I rang the seller to go and have a look.

 

It's a 2 owner, 70k 1.8 model, Full working electric hood, Tons of history, Drives well but has a scab on the arch that can be fixed, a few light scratches, top of the dipstick was broke, slight hum on the alternator, drivers side electric window doesn't work (Owner said it's the switch in the door?) and a blue dash and needs a bloody good clean, but with MOT until January and a few days tax left I managed to get it for £700.

 

The first owner was a 80 year old lady who was a friend of the current owner who died and they have owned it for two years but are now selling it due to a hip replacement. Mrs T is now happy again, I'll tell you in a few days when it breaks down or something falls off.

 

 

[Guest]

Nice purchase Trig.

 

I think Mk3 Golfs are fucking vile but provided Mrs T likes it, that's the main thing. I should probably explain the roots of my hatred, in that watanabe_Ex_girlfriend had a 1400 that was done up to look like a GTI. What a piece of shit. She then scrappaged it, bought a Bini One (that was done up to look like a Cooper S) and stuffed it into a bus shelter.

 

Yeah, I did laugh.

 

We don't talk now, actually.

[Pete-M]

Brilliant! However, proving it possesses a large dose of HERITAGE, the driver's door refused to open after I taxed it. I think the combination of poor lock adjustment and a slightly broken interior lock thingy combined to force me to clamber aboard from the rear seat.

 

Ah, yours will have the Montegoid internal door lock buttons. Crap design, the plastic surround catches on the button itself causing much hilarity when it comes to Rangie central locking and dead solenoids. Spend a bit of time making sure the button can move freely and it'll probably be ok, although it's odds on when you take the door trim off you'll snap the bloody thing Takes practice to get those things off without ending up with a handful of beige plastic bits.. Unless the lever on the back of the Marina external door handle has fractured (not unusual), or the release rod has bent.

 

More often than not a good coat of looking at and a bit of judicious lubrication is all that is needed. Rangies are buggers for it, but they're normally not that hard to sort out. I've had to fiddle with the door locks / handles on every one I've owned.

[tonedepear]

Mk3 golf window regs are notoriously prone to shitness. Easily available though.

 

I know it's not hip to admit, but I really liked my Mk3. It wasn't perfect (the rear window regs were wanked, for one), but it went ok, was ok on fuel, was comfy and generally a nice place to be. It also felt like an old car, even though it wasn't really. I'd have another. Course, they'll be worth fucking bajillions in 10 years or so, so maybe I should hoover up a tidy giffer spec one and stick it in the garage or something while they're still cheap.