PAGE 3..... a new two!
So I'm finally a fully fledged bona fide member and have a car!
Doesn't have a name yet, but it's fairly standard - has some side, front and rear sills.
(http://i.imgur.com/MNG4WwEl.jpg)
Originally came out of the factory apparently with a hard top, but someone bought it and immediately traded it on because that was all they wanted from it.
Other than 2 deep scratches near the petrol cap, the paintwork is in excellent condition.
Engine sounds great too - it's only covered ~64k so hopefully a bit of life left.
So... having owned this for 24 hours, travelled around 150 miles (I drove from the seller to my Mum's in Norfolk yesterday, then home to Bedfordshire today) as well as having quite a good look everywhere, I've got some ideas. Some are easy, some are achievable. Some are slap and tickle.
And about me? Well, I'm mid 40s on my 2nd marriage. Have 2 kids from the first (one lives with me, one lives on his own) - 15 and 19.
It's not my main driver. It's strictly a toy - I am fortunate that I have a company car. SWMBO has a 57 plate Panda with about 3 miles on the clock (she doesn't drive anywhere). OK, I exaggerate. It has 10,600 miles on and is 10 years old in October.
Things to do. I'll start with the easy and the achievable.
- Clean and tidy inside - it's not messy, but it could do with a good polish and a proper hoover. Might get the wet and dry to the carpets too.
- New ICE. The Fisher Price radio is awful. But I'll keep hold for when I want to sell. I've ordered an android based head unit. Fixed
- New speakers. See above. I'll order them when I've worked out what size they should be
- Get it detailed (well, as much as I can). When my son gets off his behind, I've asked him to get a clay bar kit, traffic film remover, tyre kit and so on. He works for the orange place and gets discount. I'll buy him a fridge / freezer in return (It's a bad trade, I know)
- Fix the leather seats. They're cracked. Have to work them hard (Have some leather restorer here for sofas I used to own)
- Order up a proper scissor jack Done
- Get the right wheels Done
Now the slightly more difficult. Definitely achievable by me though.
- Fit a K&N filter system. I like noise. Not Cobra exhaust noise, but a rasp in my ear.
- Find the rattly heat shielding that starts when the engine is warm at around 2000rpm
- New rear light (I missed that one discussed on Facebook) - it's cracked and glued. So won't fail an MOT, it's just I would like it fixed.
- Change the steering wheel. Preferably to a smaller one, with volume control if nothing else.
And the stuff I'm not entirely sure of, was mentioned as an advisory on the MOT and I'd like to get it fixed before the next MOT in 2 weeks
- Handbrake has no spare travel - it works brilliantly. But you can pull it all the way to the top. I have a feeling it just needs tightening slightly rather than a calipers job these normally need
- Offside road wheel has a slightly distorted bead rim (?)
- Front coil springs are corroded. Firstly, they look pretty new to me, but they might not be. But that might be why it's ticked.
- Rear brakes imbalanced - now I'm concerned about this. But it brakes very well.....
Now, there are ticks on the MOT certificate against those 4 items. That doesn't necessarily mean they've been fixed though. I've a place lined up for the MOT so I might just not tell them and put it through. They're a fairly good bunch and generally have far too much work on at the best of times so not the sort to make stuff up to make money.
I might have a slow puncture on the rear right. The tyres are, well, cheap. One of the front ones looks like it's starting to show signs of degrading.
Might be an opportunity to put some branded tyres on. After all, tyres are not as expensive as they were 15-20 years ago!
I have a want list too.
- New hood. This one has a few little splits and the odd fixed hole. I quite like the sound of these mohair ones
- hard top. I'd like a silver one I think
- Twin exhaust. Not really necessary, but if I decide to spend a bit of money.
Sounds pretty good tbh.
Rear brakes can be a problem most of us get it.
100% fit some quality tyres.
Toyo t1r and falken 914 are used by a fair few but if it is just a toy and you have the funds go Yoko AD08R.
Also make sure you are fitting the correct sizes.
Exhaust TTE/Remus is probably the best twin but expensive so go for a fox a few guys have fitted those.
Enjoy
Nice car.
I've got the same with my handbrake and it's due for mot Saturday so I'm hoping it goes through otherwise I'll let you know what's needed to sort it!
Looks like you have a ducktail spoiler too.
Good luck with those rear lights! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Interesting that you eat the hands brake is ok, but the brakes are imbalanced. Worth having a quick check with the wheels off that the handbrake is working and there isn't something else going on with the caliper.
Oh and the best thing is that you bought blue and not ran with the silver crowd! s;-) ;-) s;-)
hello and welcome.
Well done a finding car with the GB body kit skirts n spats.
64K miles. Plenty of life. But whilst new to you, just keep a close eye on the oil for the first month or so.
Thanks all. So obviously the ducktail is something else I need to go find out about then.
Particularly as the rear light needs replacing s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Strangely, the Missus has come to accept it will be a moneypit.
Quote from: "Stu"Thanks all. So obviously the ducktail is something else I need to go find out about then.
Particularly as the rear light needs replacing s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Strangely, the Missus has come to accept it will be a moneypit.
Sounds like she's a keeper.
And the car, too s;) ;) s;)
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Hello
Nice mr2 did you buy it from gumtree cat d repaired still was a good buy.
Quote from: "madman"Hello
Nice mr2 did you buy it from gumtree cat d repaired still was a good buy.
Yup, see my previous thread about insurance. Can see where it's been repaired - it's a very good job too - the whole frame was cut out at the weld, new frame put in and welded and treated. Everything else (including rear subframe) has been replaced.
So ..... update. She's still un-named btw.
First couple of jobs. One I'm very, very confident with - electrics.
Tonight, ripped out the standard Fisher Price radio. Thanks to all who have contributed to the "how to". I read it this afternoon, it all made perfect sense as soon as I started to take it apart.
Radio came out really quickly. Then a shock. The Fisher Price radio has a number of connectors in the back. The 2 regular toyota looms, plus 2 more. I have absolutely no idea what they do, but I don't appear to need them.
Bought one of these
(http://www.ericselectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Bosion-62-inch-Double-DIN-Gps-Navigation-for-Universal-Car-Free-Backup-Camera-0-0.jpg)
Well, except that it didn't come with a surround (At least I don't think it did). So it looks rather odd because it's a bang on fit for a double din, whereas the OEM actually fills a huge area. Sorry no pictures, it's 11pm and it's rather dark. I'll sort some out over the next couple of days.
EDIT: Found a surround from China. It's advertised with the same radio in it, so clearly I'm not the first person to have the problem
(http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB122PNJXXXXXcxXVXXq6xXFXXXb/Universal-6-2-178mmx102mm-double-2-Din-Universal-Installation-Fascia-Dash-Frame-Installation-Fitting-Kit.jpg_640x640.jpg)
I've attached the GPS mouse on the front of the car, hidden in the plastic under the window and wired under the edge of the frunk.
The rear camera s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
What a royal PITA. First bit was fine - took out the glove box, ran it tidily around that, using lots of tie wraps. Then ran it along the loom, using the same method until I got to the back. Out came the bins behind the seat. Then ran it underneath and through the hole. Went to take the battery out.
I'm sure you've all done it, but is it me, but the battery is really close to metal, particularly the positive side. So every time I went to undo the terminal, I was getting really close to the body and that made me uncomfortable. I'm going to have to do something clever in the future.
Anyway, eventually pulled the wire through, along the side of the loom, along the rubber grommet.
I saw Shnazzle (I think) had run his round the side of the battery and the relays. I did the same, again with lots of tie wraps. Ran down the back, and took all the number plate and surround off. Managed to screw it to the underside of the surround.
I've not wired it up to the rear light yet, although I've done this before (On my self-build camper, I had a full reverse camera).
I'll take some pictures tomorrow. I'm dead impressed with the unit. It's really, really easy to use. Because it's android based, you can install your own Sat Nav program (I have TomTom for Android, so I'll be using that). It's got built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. It has a USB port which you can actually put a 4G Dongle on if you wish! Also has a USB on the front (it's a mini USB but provides an adapter). Also has a line-in, microSD card, DVD player and even a TV (although I have absolutely no idea where you would get an Aerial and I think it's only Analogue which doesn't work in the UK anyway).
Electric aerial works fine with it, as do all the speakers.
The only other thing so far is that I got the Scissor jack delivered this morning. The one that came with the car is the worst piece of rubbish I've ever seen - it had a screwdriver covered in paint to help it go up.
Going to pick up some wheels tomorrow (I'll take the big car) and then I'll take it out tomorrow night. SWMBO has asked to go out in it on Sunday too.
Good times s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen: s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
In relation to your handbrake mine failed the mot today for similar with insufficient reserve travel so woth getting it set up/adjusted.
Think we need a separate thread for the naming. s;-) ;-) s;-)
I'm waiting for a glimpse of the plate for inspiration.
Until then I shall offer up
Betty. (Betty blue from Beds)
Over to you Stu
Quote from: "Ardent"I'm waiting for a glimpse of the plate for inspiration.
Until then I shall offer up
Betty. (Betty blue from Beds)
Over to you Stu
I'm still waiting for the V5 (to be fair, it's only been a week)
Some of us are impatient fella. Don't mind us! s;-) ;-) s;-)
Doh!
Just for clairty. My "over to you Stu" was meant for StuC as my post followed his.
Sorry for the confusion
Quote from: "Ardent"Doh!
Just for clairty. My "over to you Stu" was meant for StuC as my post followed his.
Sorry for the confusion
Worst thing is, I'm also a StuC
I really need a name change don't I. Well, if the car gets a name, I'll ask for a name change s;) ;) s;)
Quote from: "Stu"Worst thing is, I'm also a StuC
All the best ones are! s;-) ;-) s;-)
Well played!
Updates so far.....
I had a rattle around the exhaust area. Fortunately, searching through the forum, I found other people had also had trouble with a 2000RPM rattle.
It was indeed the cat heat shield. One bolt was entirely missing, the other was a blob of rust which pushed out with a screwdriver.
Replaced both with stainless bolts, although I'll get some proper brass locking nuts. I've got some spring washers too which might also help.
Today, I had these delivered.
(http://i.imgur.com/1tptQOQl.jpg)
Tomaky has kindly offered a couple of old keys so I'll get the inserts. s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Someone else very kindly offered me an ears strap too s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Some really kind people on this forum. I hope that I can repay the favour some time (If anyone needs any small decals doing, I'll start offering them out)
Sorted the tyres out - I'm getting some Bridgestone Potenza RE040s fitted to the spare rear wheels tomorrow.
I'm thinking I might hold onto the original alloys that came with and put cheapo winter tyres on, but I'm unsure - I might need a few quid back yet.
Hopefully I've sorted out a hard top too with fitting kit - I decided in the end silver would definitely work with the silver wheels.
Took the nappy off. The previous owner had it replaced, so I was worried that it might be hiding a multitude of sins underneath.
So good and bad. The clips that hold the nappy on had been put upside down, so it was all hanging off a self-tapping screw s:crazyeyes: :crazyeyes: s:crazyeyes:
The good though was that it looks like the cross member has been treated and it could well be that the subframe was replaced at the same time - it's very, very clean with no rust and looks like it's been treated too.
I'm away this weekend camping, so I'll not be up to much, but the next plan is the bit of rust around the front arch as it meets the bumper. It's going to be a bumper removal, but I'm not thinking this will be a bad thing because it's slightly loose on that side anyway, so there might be a missing screw or pin!
did you buy the keys from toyota?
Quote from: "frootloops"did you buy the keys from toyota?
Blimey, no!
Aliexpress - although I believe you can buy them from eBay.
Car is looking very happy today, she has some new rear boots to put on later
(http://i.imgur.com/oFpgrOS.jpg)
was hoping so, got a link?
You should call it the cookie monster - bright blue and a big grin.
Quote from: "jinxedkitten"You should call it the cookie monster - bright blue and a big grin.
That's a very good point. I love cookie monster too!
Hey, a little cookie monster hanging from the mirror? job done!
Quote from: "jinxedkitten"You should call it the cookie monster - bright blue and a big grin.
+1 good call
So as an update (keeps me sane).....
Bought 4 wheels which came with 2 good and 2 not so good Bridgestones. Have replaced the not so good.
Fitted the wheels.
Found rattle - was the cat heat shield. 2 new nuts and bolts.
2 new keys cut - await chips.
Named the car - now called Cookie Monster. Have ordered a couple of bits of tat for the car to reflect this s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
And the big one. Today, the car goes in for an MOT. When I replaced the wheels yesterday, I checked the handbrake travel - this indeed appears to have been fixed because it definitely won't go all the way up. In addition, the springs have been replaced (advisory says about corrosion). Although I don't think they were brand new.
The only other thing on the advisory was "Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met."
Well, there's not much I can do about that. If it fails or gets an advisory, I'll ask them to have a look.
Like the other advisories, it's ticked off on the sheet, so implies it was looked at before the car was sold.
Well, there's something right with the car! It passed!
Spoke to the Tester for a bit (I was early, so he finished silly early)
Handbrake is still not right. The left side appears to have been fixed - it hit 180. The right, not so. He thought it would fail, but threw the figures in anyway and it passed because the car is stupidly light. He's suggested replacing the cable (which sounds about right)
He said that the car was in very good shape from everything he looked at which pleased me.
Unlike others, I didn't warm the car up, so worried it might be a bit icky on emissions, but not this one.
Of the 2 CO2 levels, at idle, it didn't even register! HC level was very low too (about 10% of the max)
Lambda was exactly 1.00 - min 0.97, max 1.03.
Nothing else at all. Didn't even comment on the nappy!
Got talking about all kinds of things, including his Lotus (he showed me a picture). Almost exactly the same colour as mine s:D :D s:D
Oh and to stop the confusion, I've had a name change s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Congratulations to you both on your new names s;) ;) s;)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/JinxKitten/MR2%20ROC/MR2%20ROC%20Misc/oFpgrOS_zpslvtx505z.jpg)
Why thanks s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
(https://i.imgur.com/1SL8OEC.png)
Perfect JK. s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Liking what you have done with the name change Stu. s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Well, whilst you lot were having fun today (btw Stu, hope it all worked out OK).....
I was up at 6:30 this morning walking to my eldest Son's place ready to receive a washing machine and fridge freezer which arrived at 7:30!
(Do these people never sleep? Apparently, AO.com will deliver any time between 7am and 10pm)
The bonus was that once I'd plumbed the washer in (my Son had decided to go to a French Car show and leave his poor Girlfriend dealing with everything), I had the day to myself by 9:30am so I've kicked on.
Because I knew I had to try and get as much as I could done, first thing was to remove the bumper. Oh dear oh dear. The front right spoiler is cracked and I knew from receipts that the light had been replaced - there was me innocently thinking it has just had a crack or whatever. The car's had a front nudge - it looks like it's low down and has probably needed a new bumper.
Took it off, treated the rust. It's quite small. Then I got on doing other things whilst it dried.
What I've realised as I've put the bumper back on is that where it's dented the underneath metal, one of the screws doesn't go in properly and it's been bodged. But that's fine - it holds the bumper on really well.
However, on the other side, the plastic surrounding the screw has broken so it doesn't hold very well - in fact, I can see it coming out again.
There are a number of extra screws in the bottom holding the spoiler onto the bumper though s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
I might get one of you guys to have a look if we meet up and see what can be done (short of a new bumper)
I've put the first coat of red paint on the front calipers. It's looking good already - I can go put the second coat on in about half an hour (hence why taking a break). I've had a look at the deep scratches on the back. I've tried to tart it up with a paint pot (I had it mixed) but I think it's just not going to look right so it looks like I'll need a proper job. I reckon I can get the backs done tomorrow and that'll be a wrap! Whilst waiting for those to dry, I'll put the new bushes that Nathan sent this week.
Bought a clay bar too this week plus I want to have a go at a couple of areas with the Autoglym Paint Restorer, but I think it'll just get a clean this weekend - we'll see.
I'll see if I can take some pictures later. I was too busy fixing the bumper on to remember to take some with it off! But the good thing was, the frunk area is quite free of heavy rust compared with others I've seen.
Oh and the front light. Tried the oven trick. Made a complete mess of it. I'm just going to have to accept I need a new light. The one on the right (nearside) is only 3 years old and looks great. The one on the left is very milky and yellow and I just can't get it apart.
For the battery arcing problem - undo the earth terminal first and do it up last then you won't get any problems
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: "Smcknighty"For the battery arcing problem - undo the earth terminal first and do it up last then you won't get any problems
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Was this the right thread?
I've done loads this weekend. I've painted the calipers red all the way round. Cleaned all the brakes up too with brake cleaner.
Washed the carpets.
Where the skirts were re-attached at some point, the glue stuff they've used has faded. A pot of matched colour, and it blends in now.
Used the opportunity to paint under the engine cover grill where something has turned the paint white with a long brush.
Cleaned thoroughly, including the Frunk.
I've found the most wonderful product - Turtle Wax "Back to Black". It's amazing. I've used the whole tin on all the black bits on the car, the frunk, and the roof.
Cleaned the car thoroughly and waxed.
(http://i.imgur.com/6qU7FEo.png)
I don't want to take it out now s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Oh and JK, I won this on an ebay auction, so it's staying in the car.
(http://i.imgur.com/S1Wygnb.jpg)
LMAO
Cookie!
I'm sorry, I'm going to bore everyone with this thread, but because the car's new, it's having quite a bit done to tidy it up!
Following on from a couple of others, I'm having the blue roof treatment. Booked in on the 23rd August - I found out the reason for the long wait btw - Jack is on holiday for much of July.
I'm stealing Tomaky's picture to give you an idea of what it will look like done:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/tomaky/664034CC-BB6A-4BF1-B72F-1BBA1495BCD5_zps99liip2g.jpg)
Apparently, someone else is having the same thing done the day before. A member here?
I'm terrible at taking photos. I'll try tomorrow or Friday.
I've fitted the induction kit - I'll put more info in the induction kit post.
I've also fitted the replacement radio. This is a different model and it's much easier to play with.
It also came with a bezel (which is typical, because I've just bought one) so looks tidy. I took my huge snips I bought in the States and hacked the sides that you screw onto the radio so that it fits a bit more snug now.
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/StueyC07/MR2s%20Spotted/Stew-at-boro/Redhood.jpg) (http://s204.photobucket.com/user/StueyC07/media/MR2s%20Spotted/Stew-at-boro/Redhood.jpg.html)
Found this earlier thay I did for Stew when he had roof done. I reckon this works AND you would be unique.
What do you think?
I asked the wife about it when we bought the car. She said absolutely no red, hence why there were a couple I let go, including a black car I loved.
Shame. s:-( :-( s:-(
Wow! Looking at the original post I put together, I've done an awful lot.
Clay barred, wax and polish today. I've fixed the ICE (although I do need to think about Speakers)
I've also fixed the rear light (and the front one).
In fact, I've done most of those things.
A few bits and bobs today. Trying to get it at its best for Saturday.
However, I am a clown s:) :) s:) It's official. And I learned some new swear words tonight.
Firstly, as I took the bumper off (which already has issues as 2 of the "lugs" are snapped and it doesn't really fit very well), I loosened off the left bit of trim to try and tighten it up. The blinking bolt sheared off. What a palava trying to drill that out. It was a very "stuck" screw and even my special tool couldn't prise it out.
Unfortunately, that's the bit that has to be tightened to get the left side of my bumper even remotely close together s:x :x s:x
Anyway, took it off, replaced the Fogs with the lovely new ones bought from Hamish. In addition, I'd bought all the bits a few weeks ago as per Les' wonderful post about how to do the Angel Eyes. I thought "Whilst the fogs are off the car, why don't I do it at the table, it'll make it properly tidy"
And it was. Really, really tidy. No gel hanging about.
Wired it all in, including the relay. Kept all the wiring simple and went round with lots of tie wraps. Connected it to live.
Turned on the ignition, nothing popped. Looked out of the window and.............
I've only gone and ordered blue ones s:scared: :scared: s:scared:
What a complete idiot. Checked my ebay order and yes, I really did order the blue ones s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
So nice as they are, I've disconnected them for now. There's absolutely no way I can get away with those. I'd get pulled in minutes!
I might wire them back in, but with a switch so that I can use them for "show" on Saturday, but I've ordered some white ones.
Whilst I had the frunk off, I found a suitable place to hide the alarm. I'm going to have to work out how to do the "turn the tyre upside down" trick. But that's the easy bit. As it is, I've hidden the jack underneath the wheel which gets that out of the way s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Here's the blue lights (and new number plate - note, no screws)
(http://i.imgur.com/VKuF2WZ.png)
Probably for my own sanity here, but passed 65k on the drive to the restaurant from Beaulieu.
I had a few comments on the blue lights too!
This week:
Have replaced the blue lights with white ones.
Replaced Left hand Lambda sensor.
Hopefully fit the metal gear/clutch bush replacements this week
Wow! I've done loads.
I've been wanting to move the number plate since I bought the car. However, easier said than done. There's 2 huge holes behind the number plate, plus the 2 screw holes. So those needed filling and it wasn't an easy job. I had to throw some newspaper in first to partly fill the hole (I'll throw it away next time I take the bumper off). And whilst I was removing the cowboy hat, I noticed that all the paint behind it had bubbled. Despite being really careful, it managed to break 2 of the bubbles and scarred the paintwork. Considering the number of chips and scrapes on the bumper already........
Decided to repaint the bumper entirely between the lights.
Unfortunately, despite what I might have thought, the colour didn't exactly match. Whilst I knew it might not be perfect, it was way too dark. Nothing much I can do. I have put scans out around to see if anyone gets a decent blue front bumper anyway (I want to modify it, but I'd feel better if I had a spare, just in case). My bumper has 3 of the screw holes broken anyway, so it really needs sorting properly.
Whilst I was spraying, I did the rear scars. Was all looking ace when a gust of wind picked up some carp and blew it onto the newly lacquered surface. As much as I tried sanding etc., it's created a new problem now. Albeit, not as bad, and I might be able to salvage slightly.
T-cutting the paint over 2 nights has lightened the colour on the bonnet slightly (strangely, the bit on the rear wing is fine). The paintwork on this car has always been a bit suspect, so it looks no worse than any other bits.
Fitted new Alpine speakers tonight. Took the old ones out and I'm not surprised they sounded so awful. They're 20w RMS and cheap, nasty ones at that. One thing I've learned about modern cars is that they've started putting decent sound systems and speakers in the car. My Vauxhall Mokka has a 12 speaker Bose system as standard. A Nissan X-Trail I have for the next few days has similar. I test drive a lot of cars and they're all branded speaker systems now (my next car is likely to have Focal throughout). Because it's late, I'll leave it until tomorrow to see how good the speakers are. I'm quite into my sound systems and I know that speakers often sound poor to begin with and warm with age (I actually have some mission speakers at home which I was heavily recommended by the dealer to leave for 10 hours facing each other, playing music to bed them in)
Still haven't got round to fitting the bushes above.
Next up: Find somewhere to put the number plate. Probably down low, in front of the grill. I'm toying with ordering one of these for the future
(http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1fOa9MXXXXXatXVXXq6xXFXXXz/2016-hot-Car-license-plate-frame-carbon-fiber-license-plate-bracket-TRD-scale-converter-bracket-license.jpg_640x640.jpg)
They push the plate slightly forward, thereby leaving room for the air flow in front of the radiator. Can angle them up and down too.
And then to decide what to do with the front. I've got a Midship Runabout badge, but the rear is still entirely de-badged.
Oh and hopefully, I might be nearer getting the hard top and I am now the proud owner of a really, really shiny chrome luggage rack complete with £50 worth of leather straps!
Wow! I've not updated this in a while.
Updates? Starting at the front. My bumper was a right state - it had some holes missing and didn't really fit, although I think that might be me rather than the bumper. It was also in need of a respray. And for £75, I was offered one in a much better state of repair, so I went with it.
Removed the front spats, the left hand one fell apart again (it's been repaired), glued together using sika and filled. Hopefully won't fall apart again.
I've filled the holes under the number plate, resprayed that bit, and put the number plate at the bottom, in front of the radiator. I know I'm not the only person to do this, and it appears to have little effect on the rad.
Moving backwards, it's had a new hood. I need to treat it with something because it's looking messy already.
(https://i.imgur.com/TZ69Gpt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nBERWYN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fbel9vC.jpg)
And finally at the rear end, after advice from Mike and Katy, I decided to go for the TTE exhaust. It is a great noise - not too noisy, but enough to know it's there. It does, however, make motorway and dual carriageway driving more tiresome (proper drone now), although I didn't buy the car to do this kind of driving, so don't really care.
Still seem to have too many jobs to do - brace still to fit and the gear bushings (some people say it's easy, others seem to have problems - so I'll be in the latter).
I'm very impressed with myself. Never replaced an exhaust before and particularly happy I did it without removing the troublesome cat and manifold cover!
2017 update. So, what have I done?
Well, took it to Roadster Rescue (Northants branch) yesterday to use the opportunity to have a look underneath at how bad the subframe was and put the brace on.
Firstly, the brace required quite a lot of fettling. The car has had a rear prang and moving the body around just a mm or so meant a bit of filing.
However, all fitted and can't decide if it's a placebo, but it does feel slightly stiffer.
As for the subframe, it's rotten. More holy than righteous. Dangerous even. So it's coming off. I've started soaking it and will do this every couple of days until the weekend at which point I'll try carefully to remove the bolts.
Whilst I'm doing that, my cat is in the winter of its life, so I'm going to use the opportunity to replace it whilst I have it off the car. Plus I'd been talking about putting a replacement manifold on, so I'll do it all at the same time.
On the plus side, fixed the squeaky brake - the pad was sat wrong on the spring and had separated. New pad springs and a part-worn pad later and we're all cooking. Plus replaced the battery which hasn't been right since I bought the car.
Still a fair few jobs to do, but right now need to get this back on the road!
Sounds good Stu!
Yes I can thoroughly recommend the Northants branch - very nice comfy reception and lots of stuff to look at!
I saw there was a rear subframe on eBay earlier with all of the stuff attached to it! it's in Birmingham though... and the pic doesnt show the bottom where it rots... but I can send you the link if you want?
Yup, took my second trip up there yesterday.
Carolyn and I are going to take a wander up to Deano's hopefully and go pick one out.
That way, we know what we're getting!
Then waxoyl inside, zinc prep and then anti-rust paint. Hopefully might be good for a couple of thousand miles then.
OK, a few updates as I've been a bit poor.
Firstly, took it over to Carolyn's. I'd been having brake problems and it appears that the problem was caused with cheap ferodo pads which warped on both sides.
Now replaced with Blueprint.
Whilst I was there, we decided to fit the Kimitech Brace. Took the nappy off to have a quick peek at the subframe and found this rather large sized child hole.
(http://i.imgur.com/NI822PP.jpg)
So returned the following week, to take a visit to Dean's place up the A1 past Peterborough. Picked up a rather good condition one (needed a rub down and wire brush, but otherwise fairly rust free). Now I may have done belt and braces, but firstly, filled the gaps at the end to stop water coming in (poor design if I'm honest) and then entirely coated it first in red oxide paint, then anti-rust paint (Orange was cheap). Waxoyled inside and waxoyl spray underseal too so it's not actually orange any more.
(https://i.imgur.com/LA9DZij.jpg)
So then I had the tracking done of course, but the car was driving like an absolute pig. MOT was coming up and I knew I'd fail on the handbrake, so used the opportunity to replace both calipers and handbrake cables. Whilst (eventually) that got me through the MOT, the problem still hadn't gone away. When braking hard, it was "nipping" at the rear right and pulling away, it would wiggle.
Tried everything, including putting sika in the engine mount (which removed the minor engine scuttle).
Chris GB suggested that perhaps torquing up the bolts might help. So I checked all the settings and went round one at a time. None of them were right really, but particularly concerning was the middle arm which has a bush on the end. Turned out, the bolt and nut had both threaded inside (I don't remember doing that, so I'm guessing when they did the tracking, they tried to tighten it). Was a lot of hard work and elbow grease, but it's now fixed!
I've since got a little knock on the left at really slow speeds, but doesn't affect the handling of the car. Will investigate shortly.
Strangely, on the MOT, the guy refused to do it because the spacing on the plate I had on the back, (same as the front above) isn't right, despite being on a previous vehicle for 16 years and passing the MOT (including at the council depot) every time. The front, which is a very small plate, doesn't actually have the same trouble. Anyway, now the handbrake is fixed, the car has zero advisories. The emissions are honestly amazing too - decatted, but with a new cat and 3 new genuine O2 sensors.
(http://i.imgur.com/TyCJlmS.png)
And finally, the seats in the car were shoddy. They had badly faded and stained in the sun and something had been dropped on them, bleaching them slightly.
So I managed to pick these up for a song. The only other ones I've ever seen like this went for £500. They need a slight tidy and might require some professional work, but only in one place and that's being picky.
These are from a Honda S2000. They're much lower than the existing ones and weigh considerably less.
(http://i.imgur.com/RTAZfjq.jpg)
OK, I really should take some pictures, but I've bought me another. Completely unmolested.
(It's the one in front of course)
(https://scontent.fltn2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-0/p526x296/183850603_10159487894711103_2924774480862242794_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=hHPlN-PbW3EAX8UYdkw&_nc_ht=scontent.fltn2-1.fna&tp=6&oh=d8f479ff8ab59e516d600ec6a6020a8d&oe=60C7738D)
What's good? The interior. Apart from a few marks, the black leather seats are in remarkable condition. The mats are barely used. It came with a set of those bags.
The plastics (arch liners, frunk etc.) are in sparkly condition.
It has a working handbrake AND aerial (honest!)
It's had a lot of stuff. Basically, 2 owners. First one had it for 7 years and did barely 50k.
Second owner had it since 2012 and has done nearly 100,000 in it.
Both lady owners and both have had it regularly serviced and everything it ever needed - in the last 18 months, for instance, it's had front shocks, rear caliper, new tyres and so on.
Bad bits? Well the roof is an absolute mess. The most disgusting roof I've ever seen. It's ripped, has holes in it, just terrible. It's booked in for Swansea in October
Subframe has a hole in it. ARB is unsurprisingly in bad shape.
The last lady owner admitted she had a thing about hitting post boxes. It has a small dent in the rear wheel arch and lots of scrapes. Plus the bumpers are different colours - the rear has lots of lacquer peel.
Booked in next Sunday for an engine swap (and subframe). Then I'll get it tidied, get my other one sold off and get it wrapped. Then I'll start getting ahead of inevitable stuff like steering UJ. I'd like to get underneath it at some stage and give it a good clean and look at the state of it.
Plus I'm going to need to start looking for bits and bobs - braces and so on.
Not sure if I fancy another Toyota GB bodykit, but if I do, I'm going to make sure the blinking ducktail spoiler can be detached. It's an absolute PITA trying to get the rear bumper off the old one.
The unmolested car is now coming on.
It took a trip to SJ Autosport for the 2zz treatment (they use the Rogue kit)
I hope this works - engine porn.
(https://i.imgur.com/1qSZVOv.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/NExmPnC.jpg)
Really tidy setup!
Love the brown rocker :)
Quote from: s12vea on July 14, 2021, 18:32Really tidy setup!
Love the brown rocker :)
It's an acquired taste. I notice no-one took pictures of it on Sunday
I did of the car at DD but sadly not the engine! Whoops!
So all moved in now (although still living out of boxes somewhat over a week later).
One thing I've learned is that I have far too many car parts. Will be putting up a list soon enough.
New home is around 4 miles as the crow flies from Beaulieu.
Quote from: The Other Stu on September 12, 2022, 15:25So all moved in now (although still living out of boxes somewhat over a week later).
One thing I've learned is that I have far too many car parts. Will be putting up a list soon enough.
New home is around 4 miles as the crow flies from Beaulieu.
Glad to hear the move is done, how many tents can you get in your new garden?!
Great to hear you've finally moved Stu. I'm always good for a local meet up if you ever want to.
Quote from: Topdownman on September 12, 2022, 16:39Glad to hear the move is done, how many tents can you get in your new garden?!
Yeah, not so many ;D
Quote from: fawtytoo on September 12, 2022, 19:07Great to hear you've finally moved Stu. I'm always good for a local meet up if you ever want to.
that would be great. Very uch in boxes at the moment, but there are some lovely establishments in the forest, I'm finding.