1986 Vauxhall Carlton CDi, daily use of a 38yr old car. Show prep.

[Rocket88]

I do like these old barges… close relative…

[sutty2006]

8 hours ago, Rocket88 said:

I do like these old barges… close relative…

That’s nice, always wanted one. Looks even better with a 24v up it! 

[camryv6]

Am i right in saying they didn't make those 24v as standard ?

[Rocket88]

1 hour ago, camryv6 said:

Am i right in saying they didn't make those 24v as standard ?

You are… it’s not! Out of a Carlton GSi

[N Dentressangle]

A Monza is deffo still on my 'want' list, especially with the hi-tech digital dash

[Rocket88]

On 11/02/2026 at 11:02, N Dentressangle said:

A Monza is deffo still on my 'want' list, especially with the hi-tech digital dash

Which this has….🥴

[sutty2006]

Not much to update, still running and driving. 
 

I fitted the Autodoc springs and shockers today, to my surprise were completely the right items! It drives much smoother now, the old shocks had probably had enough of the local roads. It sits about 10mm higher on the rear now too. But I’ve kept the rear springs as they aren’t broken and don’t look that old. Maybe just sagged a little.

 

no pictures unfortunately as did it at work on the ramp. Took around half an hour 👌

[sutty2006]

I’ve been quiet on this one. It’s been tough since January after the Discovery FTPd in spectacular form. The Carlton has been in daily use ever since and it has taken its toll on the old lass. 
 

the exhaust started blowing the other day. The tail pipe end had a split in it. On my way home from work it started getting louder. Luckily the car came with a box of spares and a new/second hand back box was supplied along with a tube of fitting paste and a new C clamp. Old tail box came off really easy and the new one was fitted within 20 mins of starting the job. This is only good news, as I really didn’t want to be wrestling with it today! 
 

 

 

 

 

Nice ass. 
 

anyway, I’m prepping to take this car to the NEC this weekend for the restoration show, I’ll be on the VBOA stand but darting between there and the Omoc stand too! 

 

[Matty]

Says a lot about them that they are still a totally relevant and livable winter daily 4 decades on.

[High Jetter]

5 hours ago, sutty2006 said:

The Carlton has been in daily use ever since

Has the award for this been created yet? 

[Bren]

On 10/02/2026 at 09:07, Rocket88 said:

I do like these old barges… close relative…

On ebay currently is a royale coupe with a 24v conversion and manual box.

[Talbot]

15 hours ago, Bren said:

On ebay currently is a royale coupe with a 24v conversion and manual box.

why do these things appear when I have:

• Just purchased another vehicle
• Have no money left
• Have no space for another vehicle
• But I really really want it.

Arsebiscuits.

[sutty2006]

All set up at the practical classic’s restoration show. 
 

I need to change the front disks and pads this weekend! 
 

 

[sutty2006]

Main aim was to replace front disks and pads this weekend. 
 

 

 

weirdly, new disks are almost impossible to find. I’d found some NOS ones but they’ve got wet and gone crappy. 
 

I had no scraper 

so I made one 

 

 

[sutty2006]

New disks all fitted with new pads too. 
 

then gave it a polish 👌

 

 

[24vdiamond]

Don't forget drive carefully when you come out they will take a few miles to bed in 👍

Not teaching to suck eggs or anything just a reminder 😁

[High Jetter]

1 hour ago, 24vdiamond said:

when you come out

 😀

[sutty2006]

I was never confused! 
 

yeah they might take some bedding in. If they don’t feel right, I’ll take them back off and get my mate to skim them. 

[trigger]

Good to meet you yesterday, sorry it took a moment to realise it was you! 😂

[sutty2006]

1 hour ago, trigger said:

Good to meet you yesterday, sorry it took a moment to realise it was you! 😂

You too! Great to put a face to a username! 😎

[greengartside]

Same here too - the Carlton looks mega in the flesh!

[sutty2006]

She made it home from the NEC, arrived just after 7pm. Brakes work and feel perfect. 
 

Landrover back on the road for “light duties” so the Carlton can have a rest. I have a few jobs that need doing on her now. 
 

1x broken manifold stud

front drop links

heater control adjustment

central locking playing up occasionally. 

diff oil change

fuel tank replace or refurbish 

[sutty2006]

Got papped coming out of the NEC 

 

 

[NorthernMonkey]

On 19/03/2026 at 22:19, sutty2006 said:

All set up at the practical classic’s restoration show. 
 

I need to change the front disks and pads this weekend! 
 

 

Just recognised the stand…just out of curiosity, were you one of the three guys from the club who got a random show visitor to take a photo of you all on your phone on Sunday afternoon?

[sutty2006]

2 hours ago, NorthernMonkey said:

Just recognised the stand…just out of curiosity, were you one of the three guys from the club who got a random show visitor to take a photo of you all on your phone on Sunday afternoon?

That was me yes! 
 

Third from the left 

 

[NorthernMonkey]

58 minutes ago, sutty2006 said:

That was me yes! 
 

Third from the left 

 

Thought so…that was me taking the photo!! 😂

[sutty2006]

25 minutes ago, NorthernMonkey said:

Thought so…that was me taking the photo!! 😂

No way! I wish I’d known I’d have had a chat with you 😊