Shite Christmas

[Dobloseven]

Son, who's in the Household Cavalry and based in Windsor has a 2013 Vauxhall Adam he's owned since new.When he took it for last MOT,he was given a list of advisories and a large estimate,plus a good sized bill for work done to secure a pass.Had a look and nothing seemed too daunting.He was coming up on Boxing Day,so said oldest son and myself would have a go at doing the work.Bought all the parts last week and when he arrived yesterday,thought we'd crack on.Front suspension went well,new shock,top mount and drop links.Left the wheel off to help next job,water pump and thermostat.Had done these on the late Zafira,that seemed to have a similar 1.4 engine.However the Zafira engine bay was designed for a 2litre twin turbo diesel,so plenty of access and quite an easy job.Removing the engine mount and pump pulley proved very awkward,needing the AC compressor removing to enable the engine to be raised and lowered enough to access the long bolts.Turned out the pump was fine and the leak from the thermostat was running under the pump so it appeared to be leaking itself.However,the tensioner had play and felt rough,so not in vain.By now it's today,so I was able to assume the role of "the old guy who collects the parts".Local parts place was open,full of their delivery drivers hanging round the car park with nothing to do,as I'd guess most garages are shut.Parts counter dead as well.While I'd gone,the lads had snapped a screw off in the pump,so just as well as were replacing it anyway.Eventually got it done, leaving the drop link on the other side.They'd replaced the shock and top mount on that side so not sure why they didn't do the link as well,but apparently they wanted another 80 quid.Also both rear shocks,which proved problematic as they pulled the interior trim out to access the top mounts,only to find they were under the arch,behind the liner.Anyway,all seems good.Parts and coolant came to around 350quid,whereas garage quote was well into four figures.Try help the lad as he's got married this year and had a lot of expense.At least it didn't rain,even if it was bloody cold outside on the drive.