MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Common Room => Reader's Rides => Topic started by: rich_p on June 28, 2017, 19:00

Title: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: rich_p on June 28, 2017, 19:00
My second MR2, bought to scratch an itch after getting rid of my MK2 and moving to a Celica T sport (which I still have). I've named it my Tincan as its worlds away from the from the MK2 and even Celica, everything about it just seems built for being lightweight and it's wholly impractical. Perfect as a second car to play with!
It's solver with black leather, I was hoping for something a little fancier with red leather but after seeing a few rotten, worn out tatty examples I decided on this one as it seemed solid and well cared for.

Dealer photos

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/6851A29B-AE1D-4DAB-95D4-8115EAF6F988_zpsyezniw0p.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/6851A29B-AE1D-4DAB-95D4-8115EAF6F988_zpsyezniw0p.jpg.html)

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/FDD5DC66-2690-415F-B67E-9AB6C7D3C1DB_zps9xle31zv.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/FDD5DC66-2690-415F-B67E-9AB6C7D3C1DB_zps9xle31zv.jpg.html)

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/95AADA37-B435-4D66-BB59-8346EC45BAC0_zpszloasecd.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/95AADA37-B435-4D66-BB59-8346EC45BAC0_zpszloasecd.jpg.html)

Turned out it wasn't as solid as I'd thought, despite being aware of sunframe issues and this one appearing to be ok when I checked it failed it's MOT before the dealer realeased it to me. It has subsequently been welded and zinc painted which has bought me a little time before the inevitable replacement.
You may notice it has LED DRL units in place of the fogs, I wouldn't have put them on myself but they're neat enough so they'll stay for now.


So far I've fitted a set of 5000k HID's which I had laying around my garage with accompanying LED's and swapped the standard stereo for a single din with USB/Bluetooth, which again I had just sat in the garage so essentially free mods!
I've also chucked in some OEM mats and newer style gear knob (Avensis I think).
The awful 'twincam' side bages are gone as is the now redundant CD changer I found in the frunk.

AS it stands now,

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/E3404785-E9E0-412C-87CA-8FAB6AFABB1D_zpspjts9shj.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/E3404785-E9E0-412C-87CA-8FAB6AFABB1D_zpspjts9shj.jpg.html)

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/4E1AAA12-1FA2-4A29-85D4-D0A06BFCCC6D_zps41eoialy.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/4E1AAA12-1FA2-4A29-85D4-D0A06BFCCC6D_zps41eoialy.jpg.html)

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/B847B5B8-6E85-4975-82BE-78DACD0071CC_zpsexnflclf.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/B847B5B8-6E85-4975-82BE-78DACD0071CC_zpsexnflclf.jpg.html)
Bonus screaming chicken logo from a previous owner.

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/B4492528-FAE5-43B3-8AC8-4BF28F844D7E_zps1umaa0nr.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/B4492528-FAE5-43B3-8AC8-4BF28F844D7E_zps1umaa0nr.jpg.html)

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w162/richard_p88/7294E6FD-02E9-43FC-885E-A0F1351B8A03_zpsmigfm1dx.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/richard_p88/media/7294E6FD-02E9-43FC-885E-A0F1351B8A03_zpsmigfm1dx.jpg.html)

I need to overhaul the brakes, rears especially, and the clutch is ready for a change. I've just fallen victim to a particular group buy on here too.

Other distant plans include a lip Kit, most likely TTE/Toyota GB, perhaps a wheel change, and one day a 2ZZ before keeping it forever.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: The Other Stu on June 28, 2017, 21:03
Have you checked the fogs aren't dual use?
Hamish on here sells some fogs that double as DRLs.

That needs dropping a little and maybe a little body kit?
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: m1tch on June 29, 2017, 07:17
Any engine work done to it etc with regards to removing precats?
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: rich_p on June 30, 2017, 22:50
Quote from: "The Other Stu"That needs dropping a little and maybe a little body kit?

Couldn't agree more   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

The DRL things seem to be available on ebay for £10 and up, so nothing as fancy as those in the group buy, just 4 LEDs in the round housing, They're pretty inconspicuous otherwise.

No evidence of the pre-cats being removed but is something I will be looking into doing.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: The Other Stu on June 30, 2017, 22:57
I'll be absolutely straight, I don't have Hamish's DRLs - I followed Les's guide in the "how to" and did angel eyes for considerably less than half the price.
But I had to do the legwork.

I did however replace my fogs with regular ones from Hamish. One of mine was in a terrible state (and the other which was fine is about to go to Jane if I remember to take it with me). They are now white (were blue - see my sig)

Thing with the DRLs though, legally, they have to at least dim by 25% or something when you put your sidelights (or headlights) on. Because I use a relay, they simply turn off.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: 2 of the left on June 30, 2017, 23:37
TIN!!! ????? - The only motors on UK highways that are tin are French built!!!!!!!- BUT your 2 is a cracker!!
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: rich_p on July 1, 2017, 13:33
Hmm interesting to note that they must dim with sidelights too, that could actually be the final nail for them, as I've been undecided. They do switch off completely with headlights but stay on with the sides. It'd probably simple to rejig the wiring to them, but then I'd be tempted to simply leave them unplugged!

I only say Tin because lightweight racecar, it gives it character  s;) ;) s;)  honestly the celica which I expected to be similar is luxury compared to the '2, it has a few more creature comforts I've added, we'll see how the roadster develops but as it's not my daily it's fine being different  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: Call the midlife! on July 1, 2017, 14:23
Drls only need to go off when the headlights come on, they're ok to be on with sidelights without being dimmed.
And they have to be at the legal height and distance from the side of your vehicle. (Unlike mine...[emoji23]).
The theory being if it's not that dark to need dipped headlights the DRL won't dazzle an oncoming driver.


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Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: rich_p on July 27, 2017, 21:11
I've been meaning to update this for a while,
Over the past few weeks I've taken some better photos, stockpiled some parts and lowered it 'a little'.

(http://i.imgur.com/TMY8GC8.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/e3kLxsR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nKBHero.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8Pgtfof.jpg)

Now with Meister R's

(http://i.imgur.com/0d72CQ6.jpg)

Could still do with some fine tuning but the day was over with by then, ill sort it next time I have the wheels off the ground.

Waiting to be fitted now I've EBC green pads and new discs all round, new rear calipers, braided brake hoses and ofcourse fresh fluid to go with it all, new droplinks will be fitted too as I needed to buthcher them to get the suspension changed, I've brass shift bushes to fit and some keys to get cut before I attempt to code them.

Last weekend saw the simpler job of a MAF clean and proper single DIN stereo surround fitted.
I've an idea in mind for a few little cosmetic tweaks but I'll wait until I've everything I need before getting underway.
With one day off a week at the moment and working away from home I'm not making quite the progress i'd hoped or even getting out much in it but I'm carrying on with what I can when I can.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: delhusband on July 27, 2017, 21:30
Nice, great photos  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan
Post by: rich_p on August 15, 2017, 15:17
I've finally got myself a little time to get cracking on with this project so took yesterday to start my brake refresh.

It didn't go according to plan!

I've two new rear calipers, fresh discs, ebc green pads and braided hoses to go all round.

The result after a day on stop? I've done one corner! Albeit one of the rears with a new caliper. It was the handbrake setup which really decided it would ruin my day, there's a little pin which should just push out releasing the cable from the caliper. No amount of hammering would budge it so it was drill and hacksawed off then replaced with an M8 bolt and nylock nut. Not looking forward to the next side as that is the more seized of the two. I think even separating the old caliper and it's carrier will cause problems..
The front should be plain sailing, fingers crossed!

On a positive note, I've some shiny new wheels on order and I've swapped out the side vents for some black ones, as well as a few others little bits sorted out.

I'll update with photos once I've got the brakes done and can make the car look cared for again.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: steveash on August 15, 2017, 16:04
Looking good. You've gone lower than I have with the Meister Rs. I'm tempted to go a bit lower now. Do you bottom out over kerbs or speed humps?
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: rich_p on August 15, 2017, 18:32
Thanks!

I've actually raised the rear a little since the pic just to balance it a bit better visually. I've not bottomed out or scraped yet. I've honestly not done much mileage in it but my estate has got those big rubber square style speed bumps and the I've taken a few 'sleeping policeman' style mounds without issue.
As a side note, the Celica scraped like hell up and down a multi-storey today  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: Call the midlife! on August 15, 2017, 20:04
I dropped mine around 25mm on the front and kept the advised rake at the rear and I've had no problem with mine, I think there's only about 10mm left available to play with on the front anyway.
I'm on standard PFL wheels and tyres, much lower and I'd not get on the ramp for alignment without as it stands.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: smarty72 on August 15, 2017, 22:10
Quote - "was the handbrake setup which really decided it would ruin my day, there's a little pin which should just push out releasing the cable from the caliper. No amount of hammering would budge it so it was drill and hacksawed off then replaced with an M8 bolt and nylock nut. Not looking forward to the next side as that is the more seized of the two"


I had this the other week.  I found a soak with some plus gas before using a socket just big enough to fit over the back of the pin and a sizeable G clamp to push the other side did the trick.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: rich_p on August 15, 2017, 22:47
That actually makes perfect sense, and is pretty sound advice. Makes me wish I was better equipped and I almost bought a pair of G-clamps the last time I saw them 'just in case'  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: rich_p on August 20, 2017, 15:31
Sadly this project has met a premature end  s:( :( s:(  

I was side swiped by and old woman crossing two lanes of traffic on a dual carriageway not taking the time to make sure she a clear path. The car will most likely be written off.

I'm ofcourse hoping that insurance settle things quickly and I'll be shopping for a new one to continue my plans.

I'm gutted but it's nothing but metal at the end of the day, all involved walked away.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: rich_p on August 20, 2017, 15:31
Oops,
Double post to be deleted.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: delhusband on August 20, 2017, 15:38
That's terrible news. Hope no-one was injured, really sorry to hear that.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: shnazzle on August 20, 2017, 16:52
Oh no! Sorry to hear about that  s:( :( s:(  Glad you're OK. And also glad you're considering buying another one to replace it  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: Treboeth on August 20, 2017, 17:14
Sorry about the bad news, upgrade time though [emoji3]

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Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: K T M Rider on August 20, 2017, 17:19
a shame   s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: jvanzyl on August 20, 2017, 17:46
Wow... Glad you're ok...
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: 2 of the left on August 20, 2017, 17:57
Damn!! It's always a shock when I hear news, such as this - So another 2 gone!! - Glad to hear you are going for another one though  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: Chilli Girl on August 20, 2017, 18:57
Really sorry to hear your sad news.  RIP Tincan    s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Brake refresh underway.
Post by: MR TWO on August 20, 2017, 19:45
Quote from: "rich_p"Sadly this project has met a premature end  s:( :( s:(  

I was side swiped by and old woman crossing two lanes of traffic on a dual carriageway not taking the time to make sure she a clear path. The car will most likely be written off.

I'm ofcourse hoping that insurance settle things quickly and I'll be shopping for a new one to continue my plans.

I'm gutted but it's nothing but metal at the end of the day, all involved walked away.
Sorry that this has happened to you, but very happy you all walked away without problems.

A great new project is just around the corner!
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: m1tch on August 21, 2017, 07:54
RIP Tincan  s:( :( s:(  on the upside, you should have a good source of parts for your next 2  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: nathanMR2 on August 21, 2017, 08:31
Sad times  s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: rich_p on August 22, 2017, 21:26
Thanks for all the kind sentiments, I know I'm far from the longest served or most active member on here.

The latest with insurance is that it's been deemed a CAT B write off. I always knew the write off was coming but cat B does surprise me as they've based it entirely on images alone, I guess it may just be to cover their backs with the unknown element.  Basically this means I cannot keep the car as such for salvage as they wont make a payout without a certificate of destruction. However I have explained that would like to remove the Interior and some trim pieces for 'the next one' which they have kindly allowed. I'm already well underway with refitting the original struts and worn out brakes so all of my new shiny things will be transferred.
I kind of have no choice but to carry on with an MR2 as I've some rather nice Enkei wheels on order  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  
These have been under my skin since the MK2 I owned so I've no intention of giving up so soon.
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: Chilli Girl on August 22, 2017, 21:33
Well done Rich, keep going with the enthusiasm, these cars certainly do take you over, that's for sure!
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: 2 of the left on August 22, 2017, 21:38
Well done, sir - KBO !!!!
Title: Re: My Silver Tincan - Ended :(
Post by: delhusband on August 23, 2017, 00:30
Quote from: "rich_p"I kind of have no choice but to carry on with an MR2 as I've some rather nice Enkei wheels on order  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  
Excellent choice sir  s:D :D s:D  happy hunting