MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Common Room => Reader's Rides => Topic started by: The Arch Bishop on July 15, 2017, 18:13

Title: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 15, 2017, 18:13
Having recently decided to reduce the number of running-restos (rust buckets) and project cars (money pits) imagine my abject surprise when that all went to pot and the call of the MR2 came through the celestial wire (Gumtree).

I'd had an alert set up on Friday Ad and Gumtree for the best part of a year just on the off-chance that a super-cheap Roadster would crop up in a 10 mile radius (I'm quite lazy). One morning about 5 weeks ago, one of these alerts popped up on my phone and I wearily tapped on it expecting another lovely, but financially out of reach, low mileage FL car for £3,000. But this one, well, it was cheap (£500 no offers), it was local (less than 3 miles away) and it was silver with red leather (like a bit of red leather but not in a sexy way). Oh and it was an MOT failure but only for a rusty cross member and a knackered windscreen wiper. I had the money stuffed away that I was intending to spend on a Playstation 4 Pro, but cars are more fun and I'm not far off being 40 years old, so I thought what the hell and gave the number a ring.

The seller sounded tired (I found out why later) but genial but informed me that I was third in the queue for viewing. The first caller was booked to see the car that evening at 5pm. Bum. So I asked if I could take a look at the car afterwards fully understanding that there would be someone before me for second dibs. Yep - no problem if the first person didn't buy - I could perhaps use my charm and witty repartee to jump the queue into second if the first person didn't take it.

At 6.30pm I had a call - first buyer hadn't turned up and I was welcome to drop around to take a look. So I grabbed my waterproof coat, torch and waders and set out in what can only be described as biblical rain. Least I'd be able to tell if the roof leaked.

Arriving at the next town along, I was genuinely shocked to find that the little PFL looked remarkably straight. No dents, dings or noticeable scrapes. The seller was happy for me to take a good look around, but it was obvious that it was in good shape (MOT issues aside). New brakes last year, engine sounded fine at 120,000 miles (other than an exhaust shield rattling) and a bulging Toyota history file dating back to when the car was bought. The wheels had been refurbed last year, the tyres were a decent brand with plenty of tread, the roof was perfect and leak free and everything worked as it should.

I asked about the other buyers. Buyer one had phoned him at 1am asking to see it (the reason the guy was so tired on the phone) but had been an utter no-show and the second person in the queue was mucking around and asking for money off before he'd even seen it. If I wanted it, it was mine for the asking price. And want it I did. Very much in fact. So a deposit was paid and the following day, the guy kindly drove it over and took the remaining money. And once again, the driveway was full of cars. My wife, as you'd expect, was thrilled.

As arrived;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4281/35163267885_3c017ac5e1_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4238/34776670660_b758f5f7de_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/34776670760_d663c559d5_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4200/35163268195_61297a5c23_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4257/34776670130_f6a440dbb5_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4208/34776670010_549306ca37_o.jpg)

Absolutely loving the old tape/CD head unit;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4260/34776670230_d2acc19494_o.jpg)

So that's where it began!

So, first job was to take a look at the subframe and see if I could find the rot. You never know, might be weldable.....

.....or not.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4233/34856389250_c8493bccc2_o.jpg)

Yes... probably scrap that then.

Up on the axle stands and then the battle to remove the nappy (lots of snapped bolts), it also became apparent that the sump had been weeping oil for some time. The under tray was coated in it along with various vegetation and a few old fag butts. Then there was the reluctant catalytic converter to remove as well as the "no we're quite happy where we are thanks" toe-arm ball joints (required a joint splitter to get them off the taper and the noise they made when they finally released was like a gunshot), and the multitude of other stubborn bobbins that had to come off before I could eventually wrestle the subframe off. But off it came;

Oh dear....

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4217/35354800442_436f61f5c5_o.jpg)

Yes, that's certainly scrap;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4205/35354800542_aef9069b1e_o.jpg)

Fortunately, with a birthday approaching and a dad who's as keen as I am to get this on the road, a cash injection went a long way towards this eventually arriving;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4231/35377016560_415a3bcc15_o.jpg)

Some new exhaust gaskets and cam-bolts seemed a worthwhile investment while I was in the spending mood.

Also arriving in the post was a new (£35 eBay special) sump, 5 litres of oil and a filter from Opie oils and a second hand rear arm from a well-known MR2 breaker.

I'd managed to get three arms off the old sub frame, but the last one saw the bush ripping the metal sleeve out. The arms were painted up ready for reuse as the bushes all seemed in really good shape. I also cleaned up and painted the old airbox shield as it was off.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4205/35839765445_3e04e8b382_o.jpg)

That'll do for now - I'll be back soon to bring this up-to-date.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: m1tch on July 16, 2017, 08:48
Awesome progress so far! Will be watching this thread, what are your plans for it? Have the pre cats been removed etc?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: alancsalt on July 16, 2017, 09:01
That rust. As long as it's only on replacable bits!  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2017, 09:03
No real plans other than to get an MOT on it then clean and repair where needed. Oh and enjoy driving it of course!

Pre-cats are still in there from what I can tell, but I'm going to see how happy the engine is before going to the trouble of sorting out the manifold. If it's fit and well, one of those rather nice stainless ones could be on the cards. Oh, and the aux belt - the one on it looks pretty old!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2017, 09:04
Quote from: "alancsalt"That rust. As long as it's only on replacable bits!  :-) :-) :-)

I'll get to that!! Early signs are good!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2017, 09:46
While I was under the car, I noticed that the rear of the sills looked pretty scabby. Picture flatters it a little;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/35670766242_1bdfb863c7_o.jpg)

This could have been the death of the project in all honesty, but there's no point beating around the bush so I attacked it with a screwdriver and wire brush. Luckily, underneath the flaky rust, it was all solid so I set about it with some products;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35550961870_5dde095a16_o.jpg)

First step (after chipping away at any loose flaky bits and cleaning up) - 2 coats of Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80 rust converter;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4215/35707699991_0e94bd2d73_o.jpg)

When this drys, it leaves everything solid and ready for paint - it's really good stuff and you can just leave it like that if you're in a hurry as it protects it from any more rot forming.

Next was 2 coats of Zinc primer;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35130073203_b776f94166_o.jpg)

And then 2 coats of Gravitex - expensive but very good stone chip. It's meant to be sprayed on but I've found it works really well brushed on and can be over-painted.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35130073323_9f3c3ae8db_o.jpg)

Finally, because I had some kicking about - a coat of good old Hammerite.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4261/35550961510_3f853ef377_o.jpg)

Irritatingly, the rough section of sill goes under where I had the axle stands fitted, so I've still got some to do, but hey-ho. Will get around to it!

Next job was to replace the rotten sump and replace the oil. Replace is not exactly the right word though. Draining the old oil out took about 2 mins as there wasn't much more that 1 1/2 litres in there... It's a good job this car hasn't been driven anywhere in a while other than the 2 miles to my house. What state the engine is in is uncertain, although with the low price of decent replacement engines, I'm not too worried.

A new oil filter was spun on and the old sump removed - not in the best of health there was no surprise as to why it was leaking;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35836885965_e36db84f93_o.jpg)

Mating surfaces were cleaned up with an old Stanley blade;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35836886255_f8811a1510_o.jpg)

RTV was beaded around the surface on the new sump (badly - me, sealant and a steady hand are not often uttered in the same sentence) and somehow I managed to smoothly put them back together without making a hash of it.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/35796535556_a6639b66d8_o.jpg)

Then added considerably more oil in than came out.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35836886075_56b3a89350_o.jpg)

No leaks so far - will be 'interesting' to see if that's the case when it finally gets started up again...

Final job before starting reassembly was to prepare the new subframe. I've gone for something a bit different on this as an experiment. First I filled the insides with Bilt Hamber Dynax cavity wax as they seem to rust out from the inside.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4293/35898430996_d9d4eda63a_o.jpg)

Then I got some reflective exhaust wrapping tape and put it on where the old one had rusted out - where the exhaust wraps underneath it.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/35898430826_d0d0ac866e_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4329/35130003693_c69498f7bb_o.jpg)

Now the reason I'm trying this is two-fold. One is to stop the cavity wax heating up too much and dribbling out and the other is to try and keep the temperature inside the subframe down. Moisture clearly gets in there and then the exhaust heats it right up and lifts the paint inside the subframe and then attacks the steel leading to it rotting out. The rest of the old subframe was very sound even after 17 years, so there's not a great deal of value in painting the outside with exotic paints in my opinion. It's the exhaust and temperature that does the damage. I'll have to keep an eye on the tape I've used to make sure it doesn't collect road spray and make matters work, but I thought it was worth having an experiment.

And that's it up to date! I'll be keeping this updated with any progress made as I go along. Thanks for reading and I hope I haven't bored you too much!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: rich_p on July 16, 2017, 09:56
Making really good progress in rescuing the new project.
For the £500 you could do a lot worse. I looked at a few facelift models before getting mine and the subframe seems to be going on all of them now.
I like the idea of protection for the new one.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Justin.D on July 16, 2017, 09:57
Love it. Love the comedy in the writing. Great progress. I'll be following this with interest
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: m1tch on July 16, 2017, 10:15
Awesome photos, good idea with the subframe protection, my FL car's subframe seems to be ok but I have another subframe coming soon to put in the garage once the current one starts to rust/needs replacing.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 16, 2017, 10:32
I have had 2 different roadsters and changed the subframes on both of them.
Neither of them cost me anywhere near as little as yours.
I think it's not a bad car for the money.
Well done.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on July 16, 2017, 10:33
Excellent work so far
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2017, 10:41
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I love doing project threads (my Ford Puma one spanned 45 pages of elation, deflation and, for some reason, pies). They are a great means of gathering motivation from others and also ensure that I spend far more than is economically sensible on cars long past their best.

This one seemed like a good punt due to the body work. It's rust and dents that tend to cost the most to put right on old cars, so ideally I was just looking for something solid rather than mechanically A1. I've little doubt that this will throw up a myriad of daft problems and issues, but half the fun is working out the best way of dealing with them.

Very much looking forward to driving this one though - I was looking for something that had the dynamic abilities of my old Puma (if you've never tried one, do so - they are outstanding to drive) and the roof down fun of my freebie MGF. I have a fair bit of history with Mk1 MR2s (and plenty of other Toyotas) so a mk3 was a no-brainer.

Self-imposed deadline for this getting an MOT is the end of the month, fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: cptspaulding on July 16, 2017, 10:54
Well done. A good read so far & also good to see someone with a +ve attitude & their eyes wide open doing this.
I hope it's all plain sailing from here for you.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2017, 20:24
Plain sailing would be great! Probably unlikely knowing me but hope springs eternal!

A few more hours today saw me finally starting reassembly. I'm made of string and fat, but I somehow managed to bench-press the subframe back to the chassis while getting the bolts in there at the same time. Who needs the gym eh?

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4294/35794473892_50d92a4454_o.jpg)

Look at the state of that ARB! flaky like pastry!

Then I went around and bolted the abs wire brackets back on, fitted the gearbox mount and torqued the bolts up and began sorting out the exhaust. The catalyst heat shield was rattling like a box of angry wasps, but I found that one of the strange fixings had broken off leaving just the holes on both halves. This meant that it was an easy fix and a short screw and nut along with some oddly-shaped oval washers did the job admirably.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4328/35794474272_b00f69958d_o.jpg)

Then I removed the old exhaust gaskets. Removal of the manifold to cat' crush rings meant giving them a hard stare while they crumbled off. One was in a terrible state! The conical cat' to backbox gasket was less inclined to be removed so that involved lots of gouging and poking.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4293/35794474162_cd591562a1_o.jpg)

I've offered up the manifold end but if anyone can tell me if you need to centralise the gasket rings before tightening the 'three amigos', I'd be grateful for advice.

The conical gasket does not slip over the flange on the cat' like a bespoke shoe over a silk sock, so I'm guessing you push it on as far as you can by hand and then let the sprung bolts force it on the rest of the way while tightening? Again, any advice is welcomed!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: alancsalt on July 17, 2017, 15:27
You're powering.   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 17, 2017, 18:12
Everybody's ARBs look like yours they just need a run down and some hammerite.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 17, 2017, 21:32
Little more progress this evening. Exhaust is on although I'm not convinced I've got the gaskets right. If it sounds like an old spitfire when I start it up, at least I'll know why and it'll be easy enough to take it apart again! Lambda sensor was re-routed under the rear light and fitted. Lower rear arms are on and torqued up correctly.

Some bit of shiny in amongst the flaky brown bits;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/35989548515_15041ea20b_o.jpg)

Ran out of time and daylight so just the toe arms to do, which I think may be a little stinker mainly due to the start of the threads on the ball-joints being a bit chewed. I don't seem to possess the right die to clean them up either so.... ah it'll be alright.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Ardent on July 17, 2017, 21:58
TAB

Loving the enthusiasm. Well played.
Once the dirty bits are done get a "proper" geo done. Makes a world of difference. Actually scratch that.
Given that you only paid £500. You have some wiggle room for a suspension freshen up and and some fresh tyres.
Then get the geo done.
Where are you based?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 17, 2017, 22:34
Quote from: "Ardent"TAB

Loving the enthusiasm. Well played.
Once the dirty bits are done get a "proper" geo done. Makes a world of difference. Actually scratch that.
Given that you only paid £500. You have some wiggle room for a suspension freshen up and and some fresh tyres.
Then get the geo done.
Where are you based?

I'm in West Sussex just north of Brighton.

I'm planning to get the alignment done at the same time as the MOT and then when I've had the second half of the summer driving around and finding the faults, I'll create a list of stuff that is needed, stuff that would be nice and stuff that I can dream about but clearly can't afford. I don't do credit cards so I save up for what I need and have learned to be fairly patient.

So far, I can see a fair few new parts that have gone on the car in the last few years so it's been well maintained and the MOT history was pretty clean, so it shouldn't need too much work. The rub is that the previous owner didn't do any mileage so didn't bother getting it serviced in three years. He did throw quite a bit of cash at the brakes though - looks like a new caliper on the back along with discs and pads. He loved the car but admitted that he knew nothing about them.

What I'm expecting from an old MR2;

- Lambda sensors
- Front springs
- An overly optimistic re-gas of the aircon that doesn't pass the leak test
- Aux belt
- Handbrake issues
- Headlights the colour of French headlights
- Lambda sensors
- Ominous knocking from the engine
- For any work that I've carried out to be almost but not quite right
- Lambda sensors
- and more lambda sensors

Feel free to offer up any that I've missed!   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 17, 2017, 23:51
Good work rescuing it thus far [emoji4]

Don't forget Lambda sensors [emoji23]

On a serious note, drains are probably going to need a clean.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 17, 2017, 23:54
Ah yes! Forgot the drains! Shall put it on the list!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 18, 2017, 00:04
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Ah yes! Forgot the drains! Shall put it on the list!

Steering UJ, while you're adding stuff!

Oh, and give the power steering pipes a look, maybe refresh the power steering fluid....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Ardent on July 18, 2017, 11:16
Correct fluid only though.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: m1tch on July 18, 2017, 17:12
Perhaps also look to 'upgrade' the engine mount bushes using sealant to increase the rigidity.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 18, 2017, 21:27
Well, back to reality, I thought I could finish it all off tonight and get it back on its wheels. The ominous thunder and lightning was a bit of a portent really as, while the first toe-arm went on a treat (adjusted by eye to give a tiny amount of toe-in), it soon became apparent that the other one was stuffed. Essentially the thread on the ball joint end was bent, probably as a result of the exceptional amount of force required to pop them out of the hub. Will get a replacement asap.

Anyway, that was that and so I decided instead to hook up the battery and start the engine. Started fine, no warning lights, no leaks from the new sump not sure about the exhaust. Still a bit of a rattle from a heat-shield somewhere but I don't know how noisy these cars are normally so I'll leave it to the MOT man to find any leaks!

Ah well, completion, it seems, is for another day!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: m1tch on July 19, 2017, 17:05
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Well, back to reality, I thought I could finish it all off tonight and get it back on its wheels. The ominous thunder and lightning was a bit of a portent really as, while the first toe-arm went on a treat (adjusted by eye to give a tiny amount of toe-in), it soon became apparent that the other one was stuffed. Essentially the thread on the ball joint end was bent, probably as a result of the exceptional amount of force required to pop them out of the hub. Will get a replacement asap.

Anyway, that was that and so I decided instead to hook up the battery and start the engine. Started fine, no warning lights, no leaks from the new sump not sure about the exhaust. Still a bit of a rattle from a heat-shield somewhere but I don't know how noisy these cars are normally so I'll leave it to the MOT man to find any leaks!

Ah well, completion, it seems, is for another day!

If there is a rattle at around 2k rpm it will be the welded (now unwelded) heat shield on the pipe just after the manifold - mine is completely loose and makes one hell of a racket like grinding metal, basically the welds rust off and the whole enclosed heatshield rattles, usually fixed using a few jubilee clips.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 21, 2017, 21:22
Quote from: "m1tch"If there is a rattle at around 2k rpm it will be the welded (now unwelded) heat shield on the pipe just after the manifold - mine is completely loose and makes one hell of a racket like grinding metal, basically the welds rust off and the whole enclosed heatshield rattles, usually fixed using a few jubilee clips.

Yes, the rattle is from around that area, but was also the bit that I put a fixing on. There's obviously still some poking and wriggling to do but it'll be worth finding as it sounds a bit rough to the unknowing!

I had a parcel today from Mr. D. Sloan that contained one owners manual and one very good condition rear toe arm with a thread that does doing up and stuff. I'm climbing the walls in wanting to get it back on its wheels and waltzing it through an MOT (uh huh...still dreaming), but I contained myself and started painting it instead (booo boring hiss).

While I'm waiting for the rust-converter to dry, I grabbed the rear wheels and, owing to their rather spiffing fairly recently renovated condition, decided to give them a clay, polish and wax. Very pleased on how they came up;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/36071492805_701a11cbec_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4321/35937943531_f460700b29_o.jpg)

And one of my favourite details on the car - the centre caps;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4330/36071492635_fc287de72a_o.jpg)

Why do they have that red ring? Just to look cool. Just 'because'. I like stuff like that.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 21, 2017, 23:48
Wheels have come up well.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 22, 2017, 08:19
Quote from: "1979scotte"Wheels have come up well.
They have, but it's a bit cheaty really - they were refurbed a little while ago, so didn't need much elbow grease. Never had alloys this tidy!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Ardent on July 22, 2017, 22:14
Sweet
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 23, 2017, 17:29
And the last bit to go on...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/35976298871_47d45aac20_b.jpg)

Unfortunately, the thread was a bit gnarly on this devil as well which meant that it just span the ball joint;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4330/35940817032_d79f630b39_b.jpg)

In the end, I had to clamp the taper with a set of mole grips and then screw the nut on until it re-cut the thread sufficiently. Bit of a faff but par for the course on on motors.

With that done, it was just a matter on minutes before it was all on;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/35940816702_0f23351860_b.jpg)

Before triumphantly dropping it to the ground, I thought I'd better check to see if my fix had cured the exhaust rattle. It was better, but still plenty of 'orrible noises of resonance. I found another broken shield (m1tch was bang on with his prediction) fixing and put another bolt through;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4317/35301666503_7f25088d5d_b.jpg)

But still there was a slight rattle! Before the cat' got to skin-removing temperatures, I had a rummage on its underside (Ooo..er obviously) and found that the larger cat' shield, while feeling solid, still vibrated enough to create a noise. A large jubilee strap at the elbow of the shield did the trick and finally I was free of the awful racket (but sadly not the voices in my head).

Wheels on next (waxing them up had the side effect of making them like eels to try and grab) with polished up nuts;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4322/35976298751_b9b0c15455_b.jpg)

And finally, quite a bit longer after I'd started than it ever should have, we're off the axle stands and ready for an attempt at the MOT!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35301666753_4a1da39f1c_b.jpg)

Huzzah!!!

Next patient - needs some exhaust sorting and a few other bits and bobs (this is probably against the forum rules posting it here);

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4292/35940816452_5331ce38b0_b.jpg)

Time to swap some car insurance about and book an MOT then!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Other Stu on July 23, 2017, 18:23
From experience, make sure your arms are torqued properly.
MikeK and I have had the same problem - one of the bolts wasn't tightened properly. The car seemed to almost slide and pull to one side when you braked and would knock on a decent corner.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: mikek on July 23, 2017, 18:25
+1
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 23, 2017, 18:46
Quote from: "The Other Stu"From experience, make sure your arms are torqued properly.
MikeK and I have had the same problem - one of the bolts wasn't tightened properly. The car seemed to almost slide and pull to one side when you braked and would knock on a decent corner.
Yes, I wasn't mucking around with the rear arms (having been almost killed by a mk1 with a bandy rear arm), so they were all carefully torqued up to specification. I'm a bit OCD with stuff like that.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on July 23, 2017, 23:17
Good luck with MOT, hope it goes OK - looking great.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 24, 2017, 13:08
Booked in for 4.30pm today - wibble!

Fingers crossed there's nothing too serious lurking that I don't know about!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 24, 2017, 14:15
Best of luck
Title: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 24, 2017, 15:47
Seems as though you've had a fairly good poke around it so hopefully all will be well.  Fingers crossed another one has been saved...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 24, 2017, 17:28
Well, MOT is done and sadly it's a fail! It seems that the time it was laid up didn't do it any favours!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/35965407542_a34764b9cc_c.jpg)

On the fails we have;

- Front brake binding Offside
- Rear parking brake recording little or no effort Nearside
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
- Brakes imbalanced across an axle Front

On the advisories, we have;

- Parking brake lever has little reserve travel
- Corrosion to front chassis
- Rear numberplate deteriorated

So brakes, brakes,brakes and brakes!

Any advice on where to start the investigations would be appreciated - I know that the rear brakes and handbrakes are a bit of a sore point with MR2s but a place to start would be great!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Other Stu on July 24, 2017, 17:52
Try just resetting the handbrake - that might fix it all.
Take the centre console out, undo the 2 nuts all the way to the top.
Turn engine on. Pump the footbrake about a dozen times. Then tighten the nuts up again. That may fix it.

Otherwise, it's new calipers (if they're binding - take them off, put them on the bench and see if they move or stick) or you could have a go at refurbing (I picked up 2 refurb kits for £7 odd each).
Worst case, you'll need new handbrake cables, but that is worst case.

The fronts might just need loosening up a little. Take them off, a bit of TLC, new pads.

Not the end of the world really....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 24, 2017, 18:01
"Front brake binding on the offside" may just need freeing up the slider pins and pads.

Rears, as Stu says, likely to need a little investigation, but new rear calipers is a fairly common issue with the age of our vehicles now.  Might get away with a bit of fettling in the short term.

It's not that bad really...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 24, 2017, 18:55
Cheers for the advice both - appreciated!

I note it has a nearly new rear caliper on the side that isn't the problem, so I suppose it could be either the cables haven't been adjusted since the swap, or (more likely I guess) the other has given up in sympathy! Is it easy to test if the problem - ie: jack up grab the wheels and try and turn them or is it pot luck and only the test will show the issue up?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 24, 2017, 19:53
Ok, I got my long-suffering wife to operate the handbrake while I looked at the levers on the rear calipers. The OK side you can see plenty of movement, but on the other side, there's very little (but there is some). Would this point to an adjustment problem?

Sorry all - 20 questions but I can already feel the free retest loooooming!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 24, 2017, 20:51
I'm no expert, but if there's very little movement in the duff side then I imagine the internal handbrake auto adjuster is sticking / seizing.  You may be able to free it up enough, with the adjustment Stu mentioned of freeing off the cable inside and pumping the pedal before taking the slack back up, to get it through the free retest.

But ultimately it either needs refurbishing or replacing.

I believe the handbrake aspect of the test takes both sides results combined, as opposed to each one having to hit a specific number.  If I recall correctly, I think it's 16% efficiency, so you may be able to reach that.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 24, 2017, 20:58
 m https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/ ... 001001.htm (https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/m4s03001001.htm) m
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 24, 2017, 21:17
Ah cheers Smarty, I'll see what I can get done before the retest but if all else fails I'll batter it about a bit to try and free it for now.

I've done the adjustment inside the car, but it's clear from under the car that one side is nice and free with the arm moving through its arc and the other is only moving about 1/4 inch. Lot less travel in the lever now though! No longer in danger of smashing the rear window putting on the handbrake.

On to the positives - I finally got to drive it to the MOT station! The geometry is utterly whacked and it's....ummm....interesting to drive.... crabs down the road like a good-un. Proper scary! However, the suspension feels in very fine fettle and there's no ominous creaks or bangs. Seems quite tight. Engine feels a bit flat, but that just may be it needing a decent service. It seems my fears of a farty exhaust after my working on it is unfounded. The steering is ultra-direct - quite a shock coming from the sloppy electric racks on my MGF and (to a lesser extent) Swift Sport. Most of all, even with the 'hang on for dear life' alignment, I can feel how good the car is underneath. Extra incentive to get it on the road!

As for the advisories, the front corrosion looks similar to that I found on the back, so will hopefully be a scrub back and paint job. The rear number plate was on my hit list as well.

It's all fixable after all!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 25, 2017, 21:23
Well, after a hard day at work, there's nothing quite like coming home and battering brake components off is there? As time is of the essence, I decided to have a go at the front offside brake caliper this evening. Once I'd managed to get the front off the ground (seriously, the front central jacking point is in the middle of the flipping car - lots of jack-juggling to get it up and on axle stands), it was easy to feel that the brake really was dragging pretty badly. The wheel wouldn't spin and quite some force was needed to get is to move. After removing the piston housing it was pretty obvious that it was a sticking slider;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/36030809771_55b36efb06_c.jpg)

Note the wear of the pads;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4320/35356903553_0bebb53acf_c.jpg)

Add a new set to the list then!

While one slider pin came out with my fingers, the other one required 30 mins of chiselling off before it eventually gave up it's grasp of the pad carrier.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/35356903633_5ab3c40d00_c.jpg)

The old grease had baked on rock-hard in places.

The hole in the carrier was utterly gummed up so required a dunk in gunk and a scrape out before it would happily accept a pin in there.

The gunky pin eventually cleaned up like so (pictured with it's more well-to-do twin brother);

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35356903603_15662bfe43_c.jpg)

I could slap this all back together with some new pads, but I'm wary about using the tired pin in case it allows gunk to build up again. The dust shields were in good order at least.

I prefer to fix for the long term if at all possible. Thoughts or opinions welcomed!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 25, 2017, 21:59
I would 'slap it back together' as you suggest, with appropriate grease such as Ceratec, in the short term and concentrate on sorting your handbrake to get in for your free retest.

Then sort it out at your leisure once you have your MOT.  I can't imagine It's going to 'gunk up' anytime soon with the proper grease in it and regular use.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 25, 2017, 22:12
Really tempted to use what I have, but I've been on the bay of E-ness - as it turns out, a set of 4 pins and dust covers is cheap and can be here by Thursday, so I thought as I'm waiting for pads to arrive and I'm probably not going to get quality time to fiddle much before the weekend, I ordered them. I'm going to do both fronts as I'll have to have the other off to replace the pads.

As for the hand brake, Dick Sloan has sent me a tidy rear caliper to replace mine as I decided putting a known good caliper on there would be far easier than trying to free the handbrake arm on my old one. Pads ordered for the rears as well because I'll be in there anyway... Basically, I'm experiencing project creep. This tends to happen with me.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: mikek on July 26, 2017, 06:42
Happens to us all
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: mikek on July 26, 2017, 06:42
Happens to us all
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Essex2Visuvesi on July 26, 2017, 19:53
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Basically, I'm experiencing project creep. This tends to happen with me.

Oh dear!
Thats how it starts
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 27, 2017, 20:44
Ugh. This evening I've reassembled the front brake complete with new pads, sliders and dust covers. All torqued up correctly and crucially, no bits left over. All seems nice and free and the hub turns easily until I put the front wheel on and tighten it then everything binds up and the wheel is difficult to turn. Slacken off the wheel nuts and it's nice and free again!

I can't see anything wrong at all so I'm at a loss! If anyone can shed some light on what I've done wrong, there's virtual beers and pork scratchings in it for them!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 27, 2017, 22:10
Assuming they are OEM wheels and nuts then no, I have no idea.

Maybe remove the wheel and just put the nuts back on, not too tight though, so you can maybe see what is 'nipping up'?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 27, 2017, 22:15
Yep, everything is standard. I can only think that I've managed to get the pads in wonky or something. Will strip it back tomorrow and have another go I suppose!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on July 28, 2017, 07:34
I think bolting the wheel on will press the disk back a little, so maybe pads not central in the caliper. Have you tried just driving it round the block to see if that centralises them?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2017, 10:53
I've tried giving them a good stamp on the pedal to try and square everything up, but it could be that I've got the rear pad wedged in at an angle. Light was fading when I was working on it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Essex2Visuvesi on July 28, 2017, 13:19
What pads are you using?
Some pads may needs a little filing of the "paint" to get them to sit nice in the caliper
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2017, 13:23
They're just basic Mintex pads. I put them in the carriers with the spring-clips still attached to the carrier (it was a very tight fit too). Now wondering whether fitting the spring clips to the pads before inserting the whole lot into the carriers is a better method!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2017, 18:21
I braved the wind and rain this evening (what a trooper eh?) and took it back off, battered it around a bit and put it all back on. It was still binding, so I did some precision percussion (battered the disc with a rubber mallet) and for reasons unknown, that sorted it. Wheel is nice and free even with the wheel nuts done up. That's that out of the way!

Tomorrow, I'll do the other side front and start tackling the rear brakes along with the dodgy handbrake side.

I have a imaginary clock in my head counting down to the retest....tick tock......
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 28, 2017, 18:35
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"I braved the wind and rain this evening (what a trooper eh?) and took it back off, battered it around a bit and put it all back on. It was still binding, so I did some precision percussion (battered the disc with a rubber mallet) and for reasons unknown, that sorted it. Wheel is nice and free even with the wheel nuts done up. That's that out of the way!

Tomorrow, I'll do the other side front and start tackling the rear brakes along with the dodgy handbrake side.

I have a imaginary clock in my head counting down to the retest....tick tock......

Ok, I'm now beginning to wonder whether Clarkson has joined under a pseudonym, as he likes to 'fix' things with a hammer [emoji848]
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2017, 18:46
Good God no! I'm about as far away from Clarkson as you can get and I've never punched someone due to a lack of a steak meal.

I'll also stick my head above the parapet and say that I found The Grand Tour unwatchable. There, I said it. I'm off to build a flame-proof shelter....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on July 28, 2017, 19:16
I know some things can be 'fixed' with a hammer, it's just brakes discs aren't the first things that spring to mind!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 28, 2017, 20:38
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Good God no! I'm about as far away from Clarkson as you can get and I've never punched someone due to a lack of a steak meal.

I'll also stick my head above the parapet and say that I found The Grand Tour unwatchable. There, I said it. I'm off to build a flame-proof shelter....

GT is no different to TG just has a bigger budget.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2017, 21:47
Quote from: "smarty2072"I know some things can be 'fixed' with a hammer, it's just brakes discs aren't the first things that spring to mind!
Me neither!   s:D :D s:D   Did the trick though! It may be that the disc just wasn't seating properly and that knocked it straight. Whatever, just pleased it's sorted!

Over the years I've done most things on cars, but oddly not much in the way of brakes. Some would say that it's because I don't use them much.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 29, 2017, 13:00
On to the other side! The nearside front brake hadn't had any MOT fails against it, but as I changed the pads on one side and I had new sliders for it, it still needed taking off. As before, it all undid with very little swearing or injury, although it was again clear that this side wasn't in great shape either. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this one had a seized slider pin as well. Once again a lot of hammering to remove! I think I've used a hammer more on this car than all of my others combined...

Fast 'n Furious - Sussex drift-(ing off knackered bits);

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4313/36105482471_d9f53d8c7e_c.jpg)

Yes, I realise that pun is beyond tenuous!

With that removed and everything cleaned up, once again it was treated to new dust covers, sliders and pads. The old pads had just begun wearing like the other side so in a few months time it would have been binding in the same way.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/35847113630_793d432429_c.jpg)

This time around, everything went back on sweetly as well so that's the fronts all done.

To the rears - I had received a working rear caliper from Dick Sloan for an agreeable price. The downside was that it had been painted bright yellow. Now I like a bright caliper, but don't really like them on my cars, so to avoid this, I cleaned off the painted bits and slapped some Hammerite silver over the top. It's heat-proof so pretty much as good as expensive caliper paint, but also most importantly, I had some already. Two quick coats and it's ready to go!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/36105485741_bb4b078b1d_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/36072825552_ba378330cf_c.jpg)

Eventually, I'll get around to painting all of the calipers properly in the same colour, but this should be less noticeable than banana yellow.

Rain's started, so I'll have to see if I'll get to the rears this afternoon.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 29, 2017, 14:45
Grrr... it looks very much like it's the cable and not the caliper. Once I'd detached the cable, I could move the arm into position with my finger. Meanwhile, pulling on the cable provides no movement at all. Well, it had to be the difficult option didn't it!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on July 30, 2017, 12:54
Entertaining / informative thread, plus loads of great pics - loving it!

Years of motorcycle maintenance mean I'm fairly handy on the oily bits - less so on the rusty bits, so might just be blatantly copying you on the hydrate / zinc 182 / gravitex route.

Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Grrr... it looks very much like it's the cable and not the caliper. Once I'd detached the cable, I could move the arm into position with my finger. Meanwhile, pulling on the cable provides no movement at all. Well, it had to be the difficult option didn't it!

Reminds me of when I replaced the vac pump (for the brake servo) on my Pug 405 diesel, then discovered it was the hose   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  

Worth a try using one of these to lube the cable I reckon:

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HYDRAULIC-MOT ... S6wxJtyOyA (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HYDRAULIC-MOTORCYCLE-MOTORBIKE-QUAD-CAR-CABLE-OILER-PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY-/360856912477?hash=item5404bf825d:m:mYnk6xtSA_mb_S6wxJtyOyA) m
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 30, 2017, 16:48
Quote from: "KTM_RIDER"Entertaining / informative thread, plus loads of great pics - loving it!

Years of motorcycle maintenance mean I'm fairly handy on the oily bits - less so on the rusty bits, so might just be blatantly copying you on the hydrate / zinc 182 / gravitex route.

Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Grrr... it looks very much like it's the cable and not the caliper. Once I'd detached the cable, I could move the arm into position with my finger. Meanwhile, pulling on the cable provides no movement at all. Well, it had to be the difficult option didn't it!

Reminds me of when I replaced the vac pump (for the brake servo) on my Pug 405 diesel, then discovered it was the hose   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  

Worth a try using one of these to lube the cable I reckon:

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HYDRAULIC-MOT ... S6wxJtyOyA (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HYDRAULIC-MOTORCYCLE-MOTORBIKE-QUAD-CAR-CABLE-OILER-PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY-/360856912477?hash=item5404bf825d:m:mYnk6xtSA_mb_S6wxJtyOyA) m

Cor I remember those (used to do bikes as well when I was a younger lad)! I've ordered the cable now so I'm just going to go for it and hope for the best! I think I may just miss the retest, but at least the brakes will all be up to spec. I usually have a few false starts to getting cars on the road so this is fairly typical and not worth moping over.

Cheers for the kind words also!   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 1, 2017, 21:36
So in readiness of a day off and cable swap tomorrow, this evening I started preparing only to find that the cable wasn't stuck at all, it was the caliper after all. So the new cable that arrived today has been shelved for future use (the one on it has broken slightly which means the rubber boot doesn't cover it properly - it still needs replacement just not yet). This was a time-saving bonus! So off came the old caliper;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4312/35482777694_eb2206ded5_c.jpg)

And on went the replacement - tested and working properly;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4292/35510494893_3d1c365813_c.jpg)

Sliders were greased up and new pads slotted in. It didn't need them as it turns out, but I had a set so changed anyway.

So, my list tomorrow stands at bleeding the brakes and replacing the pads on the other rear corner to match followed by setting the handbrake up properly. After that, I'll see what else I can fit in with the time I have. Possibly a new rear number plate and some general faffing. I'm good at faffing. Then book the retest.... Dum dum duuuuuummmmm!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Essex2Visuvesi on August 1, 2017, 21:43
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Then book the retest.... Dum dum duuuuuummmmm!

(https://media.giphy.com/media/NHrsn15JJqPNS/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 1, 2017, 21:52
 s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

Oh it better pass this time by God!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 2, 2017, 15:36
Rain has definitely stopped play today! Still the morning stayed largely dry so I set to replacing the pads in the other rear caliper - relatively easy - and bleeding the new caliper - ended up a bit of a faff.

Initially, after realising that an Eezi-Bleed doesn't fit the MR2 (doh) and taking a trip off to the local motor factor for a one man bleed kit, it seemed to go smoothly. That was until it had some pressure behind it, at which point it leaked profusely out of the banjo. After a bit of a trawl of the internet, it seemed that it was missing a copper washer. There certainly wasn't one on the one I took off! So a trip back to the local motor factor yielded some copper washers. Popped those on and re-bled and it seems the leak is no more. Brake is still quite spongy though so I'm wondering if the bleed screw is letting in air during the bleed. Still a quick test showed that it seems to stop well enough and the new pads and working calipers are a massive improvement.

Then the rain started, so I reset the handbrake which seems to now be working properly on both wheels and put back the remaining trim bits - basically anything that I could do inside the car.

During my two trips to the parts place, I also picked up a replacement number plate as the old one looked terrible and it was an advisory on the MOT. Makes the backside of the car look much tidier.

Old one - GB on the left knocking the lettering to one side - the little bit of OCD in me didn't like this;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35301666753_4a1da39f1c_c.jpg)

New one - ahhhh much better.... Nice and neat.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36333097335_f891e09f2d_c.jpg)

Looks like that's it for the day. I've got until Monday evening to get the retest sorted and I want to have another go at bleeding the rear brake. Still plenty to do!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on August 2, 2017, 19:09
Nice work getting rid of the EU style plate - Brexit means Brexit   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

(only just noticed mine's got 'em too   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  )
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: puma2 on August 2, 2017, 21:51
what a great way to find a 2 on your drive  s:D :D s:D  
as for your puma loving that i understand and would still have my thunder if i did not need a 5 door car as well as the 2  s:( :( s:(    s:( :( s:(    s:( :( s:(    s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 2, 2017, 22:34
They're cracking cars but sadly mine was a pig to keep working. Do miss that lovely gear change and the torquey, smooth 1.7 though! Oh and the lovely steering feel and the handling.... and...and... But in all honesty, I was glad to see the back of it. Gave it to another Puma-hording fella who's doing a great job of fixing it all up - his dad's fallen for it. After 5 years I'd lost my patience with the constant problems and made-of-cheese bolts (five hours to remove a wishbone!!!!). The MR2 isn't being exactly straight-forward, but even after 120,000 miles, being able to easily remove the caliper bolts is a novelty!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on August 3, 2017, 06:24
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"They're cracking cars but sadly mine was a pig to keep working. Do miss that lovely gear change and the torquey, smooth 1.7 though! Oh and the lovely steering feel and the handling.... and...and... But in all honesty, I was glad to see the back of it. Gave it to another Puma-hording fella who's doing a great job of fixing it all up - his dad's fallen for it. After 5 years I'd lost my patience with the constant problems and made-of-cheese bolts (five hours to remove a wishbone!!!!). The MR2 isn't being exactly straight-forward, but even after 120,000 miles, being able to easily remove the caliper bolts is a novelty!

Always wanted one not so sure now
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: mikek on August 3, 2017, 08:48
Kate had one which was a cracking little car when it was working. Coil pack went which in turn fried the ecu and shortly after that it blew a spark plug out of the engine. Car was an absolute money pit.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on August 3, 2017, 10:56
This thread reminds me of when i first got mine, i did all the jobs you have and ordered a rear caliper from Dick, which when turned up was BRIGHT BLUE! I think the Scottish MR2 owners like their brightly painted calipers  s:D :D s:D

Have a look at my thread if you get a chance.

Shame i didn't see this earlier i could have offered some valuable advice and saved you some time, but best way to learn is by making mistakes.

If the car has done 120k no doubt the rear springs will have snapped.

They way i did my alignment was to get the D shaped washers as square in the D shaped recess as possible.  When i took it for alignment i was told that the rear alignment was near on perfect!! the front was out.

Good work bud, i love the spirit, and will be watching with interest, with any luck i can help  with future issues you may encounter.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 3, 2017, 11:03
Quote from: "mikek"Kate had one which was a cracking little car when it was working. Coil pack went which in turn fried the ecu and shortly after that it blew a spark plug out of the engine. Car was an absolute money pit.
To be fair, I know quote a few people who have little or very few problems with them, but Fords do seem to be utterly worn out by about 90k miles. Mine wasn't the best example when I bought it!
Quote from: "CrazySX"This thread reminds me of when i first got mine, i did all the jobs you have and ordered a rear caliper from Dick, which when turned up was BRIGHT BLUE! I think the Scottish MR2 owners like their brightly painted calipers  s:D :D s:D

Have a look at my thread if you get a chance.

Shame i didn't see this earlier i could have offered some valuable advice and saved you some time, but best way to learn is by making mistakes.

If the car has done 120k no doubt the rear springs will have snapped.

They way i did my alignment was to get the D shaped washers as square in the D shaped recess as possible.  When i took it for alignment i was told that the rear alignment was near on perfect!! the front was out.

Good work bud, i love the spirit, and will be watching with interest, with any luck i can help  with future issues you may encounter.

Cheers! Rear springs look pretty new to be honest so I think they've been changed already. I'll give the toe adjusters a little tinker if I get the time before the alignment is done - it did feel pretty wayward!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 3, 2017, 23:29
Retest booked for 3PM tomorrow. Gulp.

Did a little preparation this evening, which involved panicking that there was still a leak from the caliper, removing the wheel and finding there was no leak. Put the wheel back on and renewed my 'Big Girls Blouse' membership.

Also remembered to pump up the tyres which were all over the place. One of the rears was down to 25psi which may be a contributing factor to the wayward handling. It certainly wouldn't help.

Fingers crossed (again).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on August 4, 2017, 07:55
Good luck, fingers crossed
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on August 4, 2017, 09:30
Best of luck
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on August 4, 2017, 09:45
Good luck bud. Should pass now providing your tester is alright

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 4, 2017, 10:24
Cheers all! If it doesn't pass this time, it's down to me!  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 4, 2017, 15:34
Virtual drum-roll......


It's a.....


Pass!

Whoop and, indeed, Hooray!

It's a lot quicker now the brakes are not all binding too! Handling is still hilariously wobbly though - needs alignment before I can really use it.

Very chuffed - beers tonight! Thanks for all the help, advice and encouragement! Now it's road-worthy(ish), I can clean it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on August 4, 2017, 15:50
Congrats bud! All your hard work has paid off!!

Well deserved beer then on to the 2zz conversion yeah  s;) ;) s;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on August 4, 2017, 16:01
Well done!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: mikek on August 4, 2017, 16:10
Fantastic! Now enjoy
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 4, 2017, 16:12
Quote from: "CrazySX"Congrats bud! All your hard work has paid off!!

Well deserved beer then on to the 2zz conversion yeah  s;) ;) s;)
Ha! yeah, I'll get right on that!   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  
Quote from: "jonbill"Well done!
Cheers!

Quote from: "mikek"Fantastic! Now enjoy

Will do, as soon as I've got the geometry sorted (it's a little....um.... interesting on a bumpy cambered road)!

Got a little present from the kids as a congratulation;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4386/35533846624_39a8a67b73_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on August 4, 2017, 16:41
Yey! Enjoy, fun time now  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on August 4, 2017, 18:59
 s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 4, 2017, 21:10
Well now I can get on to tidying this sound but grubby car!

With the light fading, I grabbed some Meguair's APC and gave the rather green hood a scrub down;

Before;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4342/35537917574_dc18a8c7ca_c.jpg)

And after;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/36328776196_24ef13ab65_c.jpg)

Photo flatters it a little, but it's not bad for a first pass! I did wonder whether to give it a coat of plastic restorer, but that'll likely give it a rather greasy look and I'd prefer it more matt.

Another thing that was bothering me (possibly more than it should) was the front number plate sticking out at the corners;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4405/35537917354_93300bb9db_c.jpg)

Some number plate sticky pads soon remedied that;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/36373699565_d22bc46d05_c.jpg)

Little things but they add up to bring a dishevelled old car back to respectability!

The wife and kids are away for a week from tomorrow as they're on Guide camp and, while I'll obviously miss them dearly (cough), I'll have lots of time to renovate the paintwork and the interior - looking forward to doing it immensely! I'll keep posting so you can join me if you haven't been bored to death yet.

And the sun sets on a great day of MR2 ownership...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4435/36328776116_0fe9657387_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on August 4, 2017, 22:08
I got excited for a sec and thought you were getting rid of the cowboy hat toyota badge and getting a midship badge on it  s;) ;) s;)

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 4, 2017, 22:09
Nah. I'm fine with the hat!  s:-D :-D s:-D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 5, 2017, 14:25
Cleany cleany soap soap! After waving goodbye to the wife and kids today (bye then!), I could move my attentions to the down-at-heel paintwork.

First things first, a good soapy wash;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/35988024290_f964086509_c.jpg)

And scrub out much of the green algae as I could;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4416/36216454992_b2baba3697_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36216455132_3cab915457_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4424/36247832181_7ddbcbee2b_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/36247832391_f1f1797de8_c.jpg)

After that, I attacked the sand paper-like bodywork with a clay bar. It was pretty gritty, but not the worst I've had. After a pass with that, I decided to have a concerted go with the rough looking bonnet. It would appear it's had some remedial work in the past - backed up with a receipt for a mobile minor bodywork outfit - which has resulted in half the bonnet being sprayed in a pretty amateur effort, skipping the attention to detail and going straight to the invoice it seems. Anyway, it's only me that'll ever notice, so a polish with Super Resin Polish (never seem to buy this but always seem to have loads of it) followed by a few coats of Collinite wax and it's a lot better.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4402/36247832961_4466d6a7db_c.jpg)

I also did the headlights while I was at it;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36216454852_4d1a32bb7c_c.jpg)

While it was clean, I grabbed a few photos you'll be surprised to hear... Please bear my indulgence;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36247832571_475298ff10_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36247832751_2943ffcc9d_c.jpg)

painted caliper actually looking pretty good;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4380/36216455242_8d24db8f35_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36216454692_594f75837a_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36247831941_a04ef9bcdd_c.jpg)

However, as you can tell from the last two pictures, stormy skies were approaching which once again stopped play. I may have to move on to the inside this afternoon instead. Tomorrow looks a little more settled.

Even the dog was less than impressed;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/36216454602_ec787b03f5_c.jpg)

Still, rain is just an excuse for some beading shots;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/36340142426_3d4ccc335e_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/35988356310_df302ed1e2_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on August 5, 2017, 17:18
Looking really tidy, lovely.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 6, 2017, 17:13
Thank you delhusband - much appreciated!

Good weather today meant I got to finish the bodywork off. Sorry - yet more pictures I'm afraid;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/35598624833_aa4a819d74_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4372/35598624873_e1a44eb002_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/36406274455_b324745d64_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4374/36238376802_67cdb22722_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/35598624783_117c6a8047_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36238376262_b5e365ff08_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4380/35571180534_1a0ee44e8c_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/36238377182_82c001ef63_c.jpg)

I also gave the rear toe bolts a twizzle to try and get it driving somewhat straight until I can get the geometry done. It's a lot better, but it does feel like it's falling over itself in the bends a bit. Needs doing properly - just need to fit it in!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on August 6, 2017, 20:25
Really great work, she looks fabulous and all your hard work has certainly paid off.  You would never believe that this is one of the  earliest Roadsters that were first produced, what is it 17 years old? It looks great - bet you're well chuffed - you should be!   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 6, 2017, 21:37
I have to admit that I'm pretty chuffed with it. Not many cars that look that good at 17 years and 120,000 miles. Obviously, the photos hide a multitude of sins, but for the money, it's a smart little roadster really!

Just need to sort the handling - I'm not 100% convinced it's all tracking related. It feels a little like there's a shock gone at times, but I've done the bounce test and they seem in good shape. The turn in seems if anything a little too sharp. I've driven plenty of go-karty cars over the years, but this feels almost too much. Still, I'll get it tracked and see. I know there are very sensitive to being set up right.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 13, 2017, 20:31
Nothing done in the last week due to attention being taken by a new rescue puppy arriving in the house. I did however take it for a short run and grab a tank of fuel in readiness for commuting in it tomorrow. Ran well other than the steering following cambers like a pig looking for truffles.

Really impressed by the ride and steering feel of the MR2. When you consider that the MR2 and the MGF are pretty much exactly the same concept, it's amazing how much better resolved the suspension is on the Toyota. Probably as a result of 30 times the budget and not being saddled with the Hydrogas set up.

Let's see if I make it to work!  s:-D :-D s:-D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 19, 2017, 22:23
I've done a few trips in the bucket now and it's been pretty good to be honest. But I've started drawing up a fault list;

1. Rear brake is binding evident by a fine dusting of brake dust on the wheel - not the one I've replaced, but the other one. Will see if it's the handbrake that's binding it or if it needs the slider greasing.
2. A slight cough between gear changes occasionally, like the throttle body is sticking slightly or something which may be linked to....
3. Revs flare slightly between gear changes. When you let off the throttle and dip the clutch, the revs rise slightly before dropping down - not sure if it's an issue or one of those cheap emissions functions that cars tended to have back then. Opinions welcomed!
4. Holding back at full throttle - not sure if this is my mind playing tricks, but the acceleration is good but when you go full throttle, it feels like it holds back ever so slightly. Not sure if I'm imagining it or not.

Other than that, it all seems good. I think I'll start with the usual fuel/air stuff - clean MAF, throttle body, air filter that sort of thing and see how I go.

Alignment is booked for Tuesday so at least it should drive in a straight line soon!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on August 20, 2017, 07:13
Sounds more like a slipping clutch from the description.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on August 20, 2017, 07:46
A kinked throttle line might be a possibility too
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 20, 2017, 08:21
Quote from: "shnazzle"Sounds more like a slipping clutch from the description.

The clutch, while a little high, is working well with no slippage - I can see how you'd suggest that from my somewhat poor description though. The revs flare with the clutch depressed - it's slight (about 200rpm) but there.

Quote from: "jonbill"A kinked throttle line might be a possibility too

Yes, it feels a little like there's some sticking going on along the throttle control stuff. I'll look out for that as well!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on August 20, 2017, 08:36
Check the valves. IACV, TPS, loose throttle cable, vacuum leaks through the little vacuum lines for the evap system,... List goes on doesn't it?  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 20, 2017, 11:44
Quote from: "shnazzle"Check the valves. IACV, TPS, loose throttle cable, vacuum leaks through the little vacuum lines for the evap system,... List goes on doesn't it?  s:) :) s:)

Ha! It does, but that's half the fun isn't it!   s:D :D s:D  

I love making something better - recommissioning!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on August 20, 2017, 13:32
double post
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on August 20, 2017, 13:33
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"2. A slight cough between gear changes occasionally, like the throttle body is sticking slightly or something which may be linked to....
3. Revs flare slightly between gear changes. When you let off the throttle and dip the clutch, the revs rise slightly before dropping down - not sure if it's an issue or one of those cheap emissions functions that cars tended to have back then. Opinions welcomed!
4. Holding back at full throttle - not sure if this is my mind playing tricks, but the acceleration is good but when you go full throttle, it feels like it holds back ever so slightly. Not sure if I'm imagining it or not.

Other than that, it all seems good. I think I'll start with the usual fuel/air stuff - clean MAF, throttle body, air filter that sort of thing and see how I go.

Alignment is booked for Tuesday so at least it should drive in a straight line soon!

Any error codes ?

Could maybe all be MAF related ? (had MAF issues on my first car) but would expect it to throw a CEL or two

(EDIT - on the subject of CEL - I am assuming yours comes on when you turn on the ignition and goes off when you start the car, had an issue with that on my first car too.....)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 20, 2017, 15:49
No problems with the CEL. I'll plug in my dongle fnar) later and have a look to see if there's any historic codes showing. If needs be, I'll do a live test and see if the fuel trim is backing off or if the throttle position is mucking about. In general operation, the engine is as smooth as silk though, so there's nothing drastic amiss. Probably a blinking good service would help a great deal.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 23, 2017, 09:03
The tracking was done yesterday and has, predictably transformed the car - nice and square on the road and not the twitchy, scary little bag of wriggle it was! The guys at the garage said that the front wasn't far off but that the rear was understandably all over the place, but he enjoyed not having to wrestle with seized bolts! Front track rods were surprisingly obliging and didn't need any tricks to shift.

So the next on my list is the last rear caliper that's dragging slightly and to have a good sort out in the engine bay, but I have to say it's driving soooo much better now! Progress!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on August 23, 2017, 13:50
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Cleany cleany soap soap! After waving goodbye to the wife and kids today (bye then!), I could move my attentions to the down-at-heel paintwork.

First things first, a good soapy wash;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/35988024290_f964086509_c.jpg)

And scrub out much of the green algae as I could;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4416/36216454992_b2baba3697_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36216455132_3cab915457_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4424/36247832181_7ddbcbee2b_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/36247832391_f1f1797de8_c.jpg)

After that, I attacked the sand paper-like bodywork with a clay bar. It was pretty gritty, but not the worst I've had. After a pass with that, I decided to have a concerted go with the rough looking bonnet. It would appear it's had some remedial work in the past - backed up with a receipt for a mobile minor bodywork outfit - which has resulted in half the bonnet being sprayed in a pretty amateur effort, skipping the attention to detail and going straight to the invoice it seems. Anyway, it's only me that'll ever notice, so a polish with Super Resin Polish (never seem to buy this but always seem to have loads of it) followed by a few coats of Collinite wax and it's a lot better.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4402/36247832961_4466d6a7db_c.jpg)

I also did the headlights while I was at it;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36216454852_4d1a32bb7c_c.jpg)

While it was clean, I grabbed a few photos you'll be surprised to hear... Please bear my indulgence;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36247832571_475298ff10_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36247832751_2943ffcc9d_c.jpg)

painted caliper actually looking pretty good;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4380/36216455242_8d24db8f35_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36216454692_594f75837a_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36247831941_a04ef9bcdd_c.jpg)

However, as you can tell from the last two pictures, stormy skies were approaching which once again stopped play. I may have to move on to the inside this afternoon instead. Tomorrow looks a little more settled.

Even the dog was less than impressed;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/36216454602_ec787b03f5_c.jpg)

Still, rain is just an excuse for some beading shots;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/36340142426_3d4ccc335e_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/35988356310_df302ed1e2_c.jpg)
Automotive porn... lovely!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on August 24, 2017, 13:20
Number 3 - revs going up slightly on change, mine does the same.  Hasn't ever really troubled me to be honest, car revs happily up to 6k under general driving (haven't ever gone further!).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 24, 2017, 21:06
Quote from: "Bossworld"Number 3 - revs going up slightly on change, mine does the same.  Hasn't ever really troubled me to be honest, car revs happily up to 6k under general driving (haven't ever gone further!).
I did wonder whether it was just a characteristic of the engine management. It's not a problem, just wondered if it was an indication of something more amiss!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 28, 2017, 17:27
Well a 'belting' good time today replacing the aux belt (see what I did there eh?) and fiddling with a few other odd and ends.

The tensioner was a bit of a stiff devil, but it gave me enough clearance to get the old and rather shabby belt off;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4421/36036853044_38fc538e4a_c.jpg)

However, replacement ended up with me not having the requisite amount of hands (preferably 5) to accomplish, so my long-suffering neighbour Rob came over to operate the tensioner while I cursed the new belt on to the last pulley (alternator works best).

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4399/36700282372_9e71b5012c_c.jpg)

With that on, it seems to be working as it should. All the roundy-roundy things are going round and there's no evidence of impending doom. The tensioner had no free play at all in the bearing so was fine to reuse.

With that minor achievement out of the way, I thought I'd give the MAF a good clean, because everyone appreciates a clean tidy MAF.

It was a bit mucky to be fair;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4405/36700282082_cf5ab09f8c_c.jpg)

But some EFI cleaner and my MAF was nicely buffed once again;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4369/36036852884_0c21818bd0_c.jpg)

I suspect it'll make naff-all difference but least I know it's been done.

I ran out of time, but I did manage to have a bit of a go at the dirty leather seats. I use Meguiars all purpose cleaner (APC) diluted to 1:10 water mix and a stiff bush for leather seats and it works a treat. It has a foaming and conditioning agents in it meaning that it leaves the seats very clean indeed and also nicely supple. Not easy too photograph the results on a red seat but here's a picture anyway;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4416/36700282202_73f70bb7bb_c.jpg)

You can just about make out that I've done the right-hand of the seat as it's lost its 120k miles of bottom wear-shine from it. The grain of the leather is far cleaner now.

As a sample of how well it works, here's a picture of a (hateful) Volvo seat that I cleaned with it last year. Regular leather cleaner wouldn't touch it;

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/29413497313_f6d46a08b3_c.jpg)

Once it's all done, I'll give it some leather feed to finish off.

Oh, and the Volvo? It lasted 2 weeks in my ownership before being gratefully unloaded on some other poor devil - V70's are not the paragon of reliability that they are claimed to be!

One other thing I managed to get done was to remove the slightly binding rear caliper. I don't think that the piston indent was lined up properly for the raised bit of the pad so the pad was out of line. I've put it back together and it seems better now. The wheel has been cleaned so I can keep an eye on the amount of dust coming off it. Hopefully should have sorted it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on August 28, 2017, 17:39
That reminds me, been meaning to replace my aux belt since I purchased the car.

Just ordered one from 'carParts4less' for £12.22 [emoji4]
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2017, 23:34
Well it's been a while but I've done a bit of mileage and absolutely no tinkering, hence no pictures.

But it's given me a chance to see if the engine's a smoker or not. At 120k, I'm fully expecting it to chew through as much oil as petrol, but checking the oil after 600 miles and it's used exactly nothing - the level still sits exactly half way on the dip stick, just as I filled it. Early days admittedly, but I'll take t as a good sign!

One thing that does stick in the mind for me is that there's still something amiss with the handling. It tracks perfectly but still follows cambers at times. Also, it still doesn't feel....'right'.... Can't put my finger on it but the steering has a floaty vagueness about it and it heals over the front suspension on tight bends - something you don't get usually with a middy. It's just not quite fun to drive.

Initial thoughts are shocks even though they don't exhibit any signs of being tired. Either that or tyres (Khum'os on the front, Avon's on the rear).

Any other ideas are gratefully received as always.

I've been clearing out the garage ready for Winter hibernation, like a shiny Hedgehog. Once tucked in there, I'll get it lifted ready for more chassis de-rusting. You know, the fun stuff.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: m1tch on September 25, 2017, 12:50
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Well it's been a while but I've done a bit of mileage and absolutely no tinkering, hence no pictures.

But it's given me a chance to see if the engine's a smoker or not. At 120k, I'm fully expecting it to chew through as much oil as petrol, but checking the oil after 600 miles and it's used exactly nothing - the level still sits exactly half way on the dip stick, just as I filled it. Early days admittedly, but I'll take t as a good sign!

One thing that does stick in the mind for me is that there's still something amiss with the handling. It tracks perfectly but still follows cambers at times. Also, it still doesn't feel....'right'.... Can't put my finger on it but the steering has a floaty vagueness about it and it heals over the front suspension on tight bends - something you don't get usually with a middy. It's just not quite fun to drive.

Initial thoughts are shocks even though they don't exhibit any signs of being tired. Either that or tyres (Khum'os on the front, Avon's on the rear).

Any other ideas are gratefully received as always.

I've been clearing out the garage ready for Winter hibernation, like a shiny Hedgehog. Once tucked in there, I'll get it lifted ready for more chassis de-rusting. You know, the fun stuff.

Check the steering U joint in the frunk, they usually wear and start to go due to being exposed to the elements - could be the cause of the slightly less precise steering.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 25, 2017, 22:37
I will certainly check it out, but there's no slack at all between the road and steering wheels. Having said that, I'm not sure how a tired U joint manifests itself, so I'll have a look.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: JoeCool on September 25, 2017, 23:48
QuoteOne thing that does stick in the mind for me is that there's still something amiss with the handling. It tracks perfectly but still follows cambers at times. Also, it still doesn't feel....'right'.... Can't put my finger on it but the steering has a floaty vagueness about it and it heals over the front suspension on tight bends - something you don't get usually with a middy. It's just not quite fun to drive.

Sounds distinctly like the UJ to me. Here's mine which was hooped:

[youtube:3v5roxq3]oMRLynFf_Nw[/youtube:3v5roxq3]

I think TCB has a deal on at the moment, worth taking advantage of. I wouldn't trust one of these now - it's a catastrophic failure waiting to happen.

If you're confident it's not that though, then you're back to the normal process of suspension trouble shooting: Buy bits one by one until everything is new, but the problem remains.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 29, 2017, 22:45
Quote from: "JoeCool"If you're confident it's not that though, then you're back to the normal process of suspension trouble shooting: Buy bits one by one until everything is new, but the problem remains.
s:D :D s:D   Oh I've been there many times!   s:P :P s:P  
This week, I've been using the bucket as a daily in all weathers to try and 'bond' with it. Beats trying to bond with my kids...

I have to say that I'm really (really) impressed with it as decent everyday transport! It's mostly been wet as an otter's pocket but the MR2 has felt sure footed and never once scary in the rain. It's also been comfortable, easy to drive and basically brill.

Today I decided to do a monsoon-weathered school run, which was basically a hell with rain, traffic lights and prosaic'd, Range Rover-equipped yummy mummies, it did a sterling job nipping into gaps and parking where behemoth 4WDs could not. It also displayed a rare attribute 'round our way - its surprised froggy face seemingly able to charm even the most aggressive commuters into letting it out of junctions. Valuable trait that is!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 7, 2017, 14:30
It's catching...

Earlier this week, my Dad went and bought this shy, retiring, low mileage beauty from Wales;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4505/37518256952_bcc1cf59de_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4492/37291373960_0f2b853ea6_c.jpg)

Very jealous of the TTE exhaust and the yellowness of it. Even the seats have yellow inserts. It's about as yellow as you can get. Basically it's very yellow. Yellow.

He's tucking it away in the garage for the Winter so he can sort a few small issues and generally clean it all up.

By God it's yellow.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Essex2Visuvesi on October 7, 2017, 15:41
So you bought it???
My son called about this one and it had been sold!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 7, 2017, 19:00
Not me sadly - but me old man did. Quite surprised as he's quite conservative with his car colours!

It's very clean as I don't think it's seen a Winter outside. Needs an O2 sensor and a decent set of tyres but other than that, it's pretty spot on.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on October 9, 2017, 17:34
Very smart.
I have a set of those seats in storage awaiting funds for refurb.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 20, 2017, 23:17
I had the pleasure of giving the yellow peril a spin (not literally) last weekend and it was quite eye-opening to be honest. This 50,000 mile car felt like a different league to mine.

Most jarring was that it went where I pointed it with no wandering and no lurching or bobbing over undulations. This was on Landsail tyres as well which are, I think it's fair to say, utter tripe. I'm pretty sure I need some new front shocks...

Second thing that stuck out was the gear box - admittedly the 6 speed version, but it was easy and fun to snick down through the ratios coming into a bend. Mine is like waggling a stick in semi-set concrete while wearing boxing gloves. I think I need to look at the bushes...

Third most obvious was the throttle smoothness. Rolling on and off the throttle or between gear changes was as smooth as an oiled weasel, rather than the jerky hesitating mess that mine can be. I think I need to look at the throttle butterfly sticking or the TPS.... Advice would be gratefully received!

Lastly there was the brakes. Mine stop the car really well, but the little yellow beauty had very little travel before braking started whereas mine is about a third of the travel before anything happens. I need to bleed the brakes through properly...

So my goodness I have some work to do! All very much within what I expected when I bought the car though. 500 quid buys you a car that needs work - that is a very basic rule of cheapy car buying and it's very unusual for this rule not to be the case. The good news is that once you've done this work, you've a fully recommissioned car full of new bits for the same price (or thereabouts) of a car with half-worn parts. There's some logic in here probably... or not.

Anyway, it was great to drive a fully-fit example. I even got to do some spannering on it as it was bought with the EML firmly on. I read the codes and discovered that all three O2 sensors were on the blink. My dad had bought one Denso sensor (the one on the back), so being fully versed in removing it, I changed it out. This cleared one code but the other two remained.

Spurred on by this, the old man decided to get it sorted that weekend and found some stock of HASS sensors at a nearby Eurocar Parts. We managed to easily remove one of the sensors from the manifold with little effort and screwed the new HASS sensor in by hand finishing off with a half turn using a small extension. Then we discovered that these HASS sensors have a lead that is around 5mm too short to comfortably clip in to the connector attached to the block. So it was decided to remove it and get a refund, be more patient and order the OEM Denso equivalents.

But... removing it...that was not to be. Some how it was not coming out. Bearing in mind that it's pretty much impossible to cross thread something by hand unless you are 8 foot tall, green and exist in the Marvell universe, it was stuck fast. In the end, we connected it up as best we could and left it alone. A stainless manifold is on the cards and decent Denso sensors are also on order.

Regardless, posts from now on will be back to my car and might, just maybe have photos to make it more interesting!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 22, 2017, 19:35
So back to the bargain-bucket.

With the Winter fast approaching and a multitude of minor issues to fix, it was time to get my little cheapy banger in the garage.

I started off by giving it a good old clean up. Silver hides the dirt well and it didn't look like a filthy grim-box, but after 40 mins with a bucket and suds, I was reminded how straight and tidy it looked. To avoid the brakes getting rusted up, I went on a run to clean the disks and to blow out any damp cobwebs. On entering the first roundabout, I heard a distinct sloshing noise which continued around other bends. Clearly the drains (that I promised and fully intended to clean out) were blocked.

On getting home, I looked in the rear lockers and sure enough, there was water in there;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4447/37149724594_0364790367_c.jpg)

I pulled the side intakes off to clear the blockages and a good spray with the hose up the driver's-side tube seemed to clear the blockage. Lots of water out! Switched to the other side and no problems there.

To ensure all was clear, I had a fish about at the top of the drains. The passenger side was clear and all good. The driver's-side held a surprise in the form of hosiery.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4505/37149724874_42f85bfcb6_c.jpg)

Yes, that is, as far as I have been able to ascertain, a small woman's or child-sized sock.

A sock.

A dirty, black mislaid sock.

Horrific.

 It was soggy and probably beyond salvage.

With the cotton-blockage removed, the drain flowed unhindered and normal service was resumed.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4514/37149724694_f7924d3d61_c.jpg)

Seriously - a flipping sock.

Ugh.

Moving swiftly on, it was time to get it wrapped up in the garage. It's wider but shorter than the last incumbent, my old MGF, but after some shuffling about, fitted nicely.

Random photo's ahoy!!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/37149725624_ccf85f009f_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4480/37601995280_dd97f74a48_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4448/37149725954_f284f6f430_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/37149725194_ba96c78854_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4492/37149725844_b519b0b5cf_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4447/37149725094_c5a1e5f93d_c.jpg)

I've ordered some replacement gear-shift bushes, after noticing that I could wiggle the stick by a good inch in all directions when in gear, so I can crack on with that soon. When funds allow, I'll be ordering some KYB shocks to attempt to sort the wandering of the front end and there's a load of other stuff to consider.  Need to get it done before the temperature in the garage dips. I'm a fair weather tinkerer after all.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 23, 2017, 11:43
With the weather now not mattering coz it's in the garage, I decided to investigate the steering joint for free-play.

Removed the enormous cover and was treated to a view of splendour...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4480/37157412023_dd0caa07c5_c.jpg)

Ok, well a view of dusty components and spider webs, but I wasn't expecting much, so with that I could have a butcher's at the steering joint;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4507/37877477721_535632d62d_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4496/37157412093_15c568f42f_c.jpg)

It don't look pretty that's for sure, but then it was never going to be. The steering itself is not heavy or tight at any point and there's about 2 to 3mm of slack in it. I'm not sure what's acceptable though! I don't think such a small amount of play would translate to the wandering I'm experiencing, so I may leave this for the time being after I've put some grease around it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: lamcote on October 23, 2017, 11:53
Maybe the "wandering front end" and "2 to 3mm of slack" in the steering joint are related?

I had very old and worn dampers but never experienced anything like wandering. There are however many other good reasons to renew your dampers.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on October 23, 2017, 12:13
The UJs are prone to catastrophic failure due to corrosion, mine wasn't as bad as that and I replaced it, they're only around £70 from TCB and well worth the investment.
I'd say that one looks towards end of life, you don't want it coming apart on you that's for sure.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on October 23, 2017, 12:14
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"I had the pleasure of giving the yellow peril a spin (not literally) last weekend and it was quite eye-opening to be honest. This 50,000 mile car felt like a different league to mine.

Most jarring was that it went where I pointed it with no wandering and no lurching or bobbing over undulations. This was on Landsail tyres as well which are, I think it's fair to say, utter tripe. I'm pretty sure I need some new front shocks...

Second thing that stuck out was the gear box - admittedly the 6 speed version, but it was easy and fun to snick down through the ratios coming into a bend. Mine is like waggling a stick in semi-set concrete while wearing boxing gloves. I think I need to look at the bushes...

Third most obvious was the throttle smoothness. Rolling on and off the throttle or between gear changes was as smooth as an oiled weasel, rather than the jerky hesitating mess that mine can be. I think I need to look at the throttle butterfly sticking or the TPS.... Advice would be gratefully received!

Lastly there was the brakes. Mine stop the car really well, but the little yellow beauty had very little travel before braking started whereas mine is about a third of the travel before anything happens. I need to bleed the brakes through properly...

So my goodness I have some work to do! All very much within what I expected when I bought the car though. 500 quid buys you a car that needs work - that is a very basic rule of cheapy car buying and it's very unusual for this rule not to be the case. The good news is that once you've done this work, you've a fully recommissioned car full of new bits for the same price (or thereabouts) of a car with half-worn parts. There's some logic in here probably... or not.

Anyway, it was great to drive a fully-fit example. I even got to do some spannering on it as it was bought with the EML firmly on. I read the codes and discovered that all three O2 sensors were on the blink. My dad had bought one Denso sensor (the one on the back), so being fully versed in removing it, I changed it out. This cleared one code but the other two remained.

Spurred on by this, the old man decided to get it sorted that weekend and found some stock of HASS sensors at a nearby Eurocar Parts. We managed to easily remove one of the sensors from the manifold with little effort and screwed the new HASS sensor in by hand finishing off with a half turn using a small extension. Then we discovered that these HASS sensors have a lead that is around 5mm too short to comfortably clip in to the connector attached to the block. So it was decided to remove it and get a refund, be more patient and order the OEM Denso equivalents.

But... removing it...that was not to be. Some how it was not coming out. Bearing in mind that it's pretty much impossible to cross thread something by hand unless you are 8 foot tall, green and exist in the Marvell universe, it was stuck fast. In the end, we connected it up as best we could and left it alone. A stainless manifold is on the cards and decent Denso sensors are also on order.

Regardless, posts from now on will be back to my car and might, just maybe have photos to make it more interesting!

If it's any consolation (and at the big risk of repeating another post I'll have made somewhere), I left mine at my mum's back in March for a fortnight, while a family friend mechanic did the rear crossmember swap.

Got a phone call off her, saying 'there's something I need to tell you about the car'.  Turned out that she was that impressed she'd bought one herself.  Albeit £300 more than mine, and 6 months older, but 60,000 miles fewer.  Everything in her car feels more solid and slick, much in the same way you describe.  That said, hers still needed a new crossmember as well.

Grass is always greener, and all that.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 23, 2017, 12:43
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"The UJs are prone to catastrophic failure due to corrosion, mine wasn't as bad as that and I replaced it, they're only around £70 from TCB and well worth the investment.
I'd say that one looks towards end of life, you don't want it coming apart on you that's for sure.
Yes, I'll be ordering one up. The UK Facebook group lost their collective stuff when they saw the UJ picture!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on October 23, 2017, 13:25
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"The UJs are prone to catastrophic failure due to corrosion, mine wasn't as bad as that and I replaced it, they're only around £70 from TCB and well worth the investment.
I'd say that one looks towards end of life, you don't want it coming apart on you that's for sure.
Yes, I'll be ordering one up. The UK Facebook group lost their collective stuff when they saw the UJ picture!
Haha! Yeah, they do do that, don't they? I've not seen it there but the "how to" on here is top notch.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on October 23, 2017, 13:57
Eek! Thought mine was bad. Had a giggle at the sock find  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 23, 2017, 19:59
And the little so and so is off!

Took a fair amount of hammering (like everything else so far) but one it started;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37628949030_0ca162da30_c.jpg)

It yielded in the end!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/37176170394_2d50e66cab_c.jpg)

Once the loose black paint had rattled itself off, it didn't look quite the horror show it did before!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on October 23, 2017, 20:21
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"And the little so and so is off!

Took a fair amount of hammering (like everything else so far) but one it started;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37628949030_0ca162da30_c.jpg)

It yielded in the end!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/37176170394_2d50e66cab_c.jpg)

Once the loose black paint had rattled itself off, it didn't look quite the horror show it did before!
I don't know how to break this to you but there should be another shaft on that...[emoji23]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 23, 2017, 21:19
Really? It's this section I'm replacing;

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4tYAAOSwW9dZ23WO/s-l500.jpg)

This is what I've removed so I think I've got it all?!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on October 23, 2017, 21:26
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Really? It's this section I'm replacing;

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4tYAAOSwW9dZ23WO/s-l500.jpg)

This is what I've removed so I think I've got it all?!
Apologies buddy, I've just zoomed in and seen the spline clamp underneath it, mine came off as a whole unit so expected to see the bottom clamp still attached!
Well done on the perseverance though, I found it helpful to turn the clamp to the top and really open it up.
Regarding your question about fitting a gaitor, if you slide one on before you fit the new one you won't have to split it and glue it after.
It's probably worth getting a new rubber grommet/seal for the bulkhead while you're at it as I'm sure it will have perished. TCB can get them.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 23, 2017, 22:14
No worries - the photo looks a little misleading, but you did have me worried there for a bit!

Have you got a link to a suitable gaitor? Any pictures of yours in situ?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on October 23, 2017, 22:29
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"No worries - the photo looks a little misleading, but you did have me worried there for a bit!

Have you got a link to a suitable gaitor? Any pictures of yours in situ?
To be honest I thought you'd pulled the steering shaft out with it at first!
Sorry, no, I just liberally coated mine with lithium grease rather than have a potential moisture trap around it.
I've read of some who've gaitored theirs but couldn't say who I'm afraid.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 25, 2017, 17:37
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"No worries - the photo looks a little misleading, but you did have me worried there for a bit!

Have you got a link to a suitable gaitor? Any pictures of yours in situ?
To be honest I thought you'd pulled the steering shaft out with it at first!
Sorry, no, I just liberally coated mine with lithium grease rather than have a potential moisture trap around it.
I've read of some who've gaitored theirs but couldn't say who I'm afraid.


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Good point regarding the moisture trap. Someone mentioned that others have used bike inner-tubes to wrap them and then squirted grease in, sealed the ends up etc. I'm in two minds as the car will live in the garage during the Winter and I'll be adding re-greasing it to the yearly maintenance list anyway.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on October 25, 2017, 18:09
I think the gaiter was mentioned a while ago but I think it turned out they were talking about the one into the cabin rather than one to fit over the UJ.

Cant say I have seen any pictures of anyone actually have done one on the UJ (not to say it hasnt been done by someone though).

As you say, now you know it needs greasing at service time you should be OK.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 2, 2017, 22:03
WARNING - The following pictures contain graphic images or rust taken under unflattering light conditions with a flash. If you or anyone in your family finds ferrous oxide disturbing, please look away now...

In all seriousness, the pictures here seem to show something dug up from the sea-bed, but using eyes rather than cameras, it's not an MOT-baiting disaster it appears here!

While the UJ was off, it was a good time to investigate a problem spot I'd read about on da internetz - rusty PAS pipes.

And LO! Mine was no exception;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4573/38122873521_e0729e177a_c.jpg)

Like the rest of the mank I've found so far, it was luckily only surface rust and cleaned up fine.

A lick of Hydrate 80;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4571/38091368882_1a286d025d_c.jpg)

And some Hamerite;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4527/38091368752_829f3a3e5b_c.jpg)

..and any pesky, perished, power-steering problems are prevented.

You'll notice that I've avoided painting the fastenings themselves just in case I need to ever remove them.

While I had the Hydrate out, I decided to take a screwdriver to some of the crustiest bits of the chassis and attempt to stop the rot. Mine is probably not a great example so don't go panicking that this is normal - anyway the old girl is 17, so she's allowed some frilly bits!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4554/38091368672_6ac24150c3_c.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/38122873731_4f2bb238bf_c.jpg)

Luckily, it is actually very minimal as it's the early stages where it's just begun lifting the paint. After some scraping and cleaning up, I've given the orange bits a good old coating. I'm trying to decide whether to paint afterwards, but as I've probably mentioned before, a few coats of Hydrate can be left as is and doesn't really require over-painting. As it's going to be all covered up anyway with the frunk plastics. I may just leave like this.

In the meantime, I've been getting a few bits and bobs together. First is the new steering UJ bought from the very kind dellhusband (cheers mate!). It certainly looks a lot better;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4487/38122874231_e10cc7628e_c.jpg)

And I'm happy to say that it's a little less floppy than the existing one, although it's given me piece of mind that the old UJ, although looking pretty rough, was not in danger of suddenly disassembling itself! Once I've finished faffin' around with rust-proofing, I'll get it fitted.

My other purchase is a set of gear linkage bushes to try and sort out the floppy flappy shift quality I've got at the moment. Mmmm....shiny...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4483/24270766298_c6d602687a_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on November 2, 2017, 22:13
If your bushes are knackered you should notice a great improvement. Mine were ok and tbh I felt little to no difference.

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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 2, 2017, 22:18
In their current state, if you stick it in third gear, you can still move the stick from side to side by about an inch. Front to back is the same - the box feels a bit of a mess and the six-speeder I drove was light and positive, so I'm really looking forward to a big improvement!

Nothing like a baggy 'box to make a car feel a bit worn out!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on November 2, 2017, 22:42
That must be horrible! Have you had a look at the bushes? My mates 04 was a but sloppy. I looked at his bushes and one had loads of play. I swapped it out for one of my old ones as I kept them (hoarder). The difference was night and day!

Just remember to do the left one first. The most difficult one lol and Use a bolt and a penny washer to pull the new ones down, as they can be a tight fit.

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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on November 2, 2017, 22:55
Just a thought but the actual gear shift cage itself is mounted on rubber bushed mounts to the chassis. (Assuming you don't already know this)
Lateral play in the gear lever itself could be down to the cage mount itself possibly?


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 2, 2017, 23:02
Quote from: "CrazySX"That must be horrible! Have you had a look at the bushes? My mates 04 was a but sloppy. I looked at his bushes and one had loads of play. I swapped it out for one of my old ones as I kept them (hoarder). The difference was night and day!

Just remember to do the left one first. The most difficult one lol and Use a bolt and a penny washer to pull the new ones down, as they can be a tight fit.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Yes I've had a bit of a look at them - they look pretty tired.

Cheers for the advice - it doesn't look like a complicated job, but the access is tight and the easier things look, the quicker they tend to go south!

Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Just a thought but the actual gear shift cage itself is mounted on rubber bushed mounts to the chassis. (Assuming you don't already know this)
Lateral play in the gear lever itself could be down to the cage mount itself possibly?

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Cheers! Will certainly give it a look! It'll likely be the thing that I haven't got the bits for...   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on November 2, 2017, 23:05
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"
Quote from: "CrazySX"That must be horrible! Have you had a look at the bushes? My mates 04 was a but sloppy. I looked at his bushes and one had loads of play. I swapped it out for one of my old ones as I kept them (hoarder). The difference was night and day!

Just remember to do the left one first. The most difficult one lol and Use a bolt and a penny washer to pull the new ones down, as they can be a tight fit.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Yes I've had a bit of a look at them - they look pretty tired.

Cheers for the advice - it doesn't look like a complicated job, but the access is tight and the easier things look, the quicker they tend to go south!

Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Just a thought but the actual gear shift cage itself is mounted on rubber bushed mounts to the chassis. (Assuming you don't already know this)
Lateral play in the gear lever itself could be down to the cage mount itself possibly?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheers! Will certainly give it a look! It'll likely be the thing that I haven't got the bits for...   s:) :) s:)
If you search topics for Bigfoot mounts or Widermuller you might be able to get some of his solid mounts that replace the OEM ones. I don't know if he'll have any in stock as I think he machines them in batches to order. I was very happy with mine.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 2, 2017, 23:33
Excellent - I'll certainly give it a look if the bushes don't do the job.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 5, 2017, 20:58
Finally some sweet time to fit the new steering joint today.

This was the state of the under-frunk with the Hydrated daubed at orange chassis bits;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/24343880148_b781024e22_c.jpg)

The fitting went fairly well other than the rubber grommet retaining clip, which, I'm confident in saying, was designed by Beelzebub and his hideous little demons. After realising that there was no way I was getting that horrible assembly on, I resorted to the bodger's friend - a zip tie that did a far better job than the original metal monstrosity.

True story: I did genuinely apologise to my church-going neighbour for the ear-shattering and creative swearing used while trying to fit said clip... Won't be invited over there for cheese and nibbles anytime soon...

UJ on:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/37485834864_5eea281075_c.jpg)

And greased up;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/37485835114_1a1054f8af_c.jpg)

Frunk plastics refitted and it was all good for the test drive.

It's a bit of an improvement, but hasn't entirely sorted my handling woes. The good news is that there is absolutely no slack in the steering and a sneeze would likely send you to on a short, sharp trip to ditch land.

The bad news... remember how earlier in my thread I mentioned things to look out for: "Things I've worked on being almost, but not entirely right?" Well this is example one. The wheel is about 4 degrees off-centre...  Now I was careful to keep everything centred, but it seems that something shifted a spline during fitting, so it looks likely I'll have to have it back off to adjust.

I imagine the pro mechanics just hate reading hobbyist threads like these!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on November 5, 2017, 22:02
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Finally some sweet time to fit the new steering joint today.

This was the state of the under-frunk with the Hydrated daubed at orange chassis bits;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/24343880148_b781024e22_c.jpg)

The fitting went fairly well other than the rubber grommet retaining clip, which, I'm confident in saying, was designed by Beelzebub and his hideous little demons. After realising that there was no way I was getting that horrible assembly on, I resorted to the bodger's friend - a zip tie that did a far better job than the original metal monstrosity.

True story: I did genuinely apologise to my church-going neighbour for the ear-shattering and creative swearing used while trying to fit said clip... Won't be invited over there for cheese and nibbles anytime soon...

UJ on:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/37485834864_5eea281075_c.jpg)

And greased up;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/37485835114_1a1054f8af_c.jpg)

Frunk plastics refitted and it was all good for the test drive.

It's a bit of an improvement, but hasn't entirely sorted my handling woes. The good news is that there is absolutely no slack in the steering and a sneeze would likely send you to on a short, sharp trip to ditch land.

The bad news... remember how earlier in my thread I mentioned things to look out for: "Things I've worked on being almost, but not entirely right?" Well this is example one. The wheel is about 4 degrees off-centre...  Now I was careful to keep everything centred, but it seems that something shifted a spline during fitting, so it looks likely I'll have to have it back off to adjust.

I imagine the pro mechanics just hate reading hobbyist threads like these!
Re the off centre steering... it's an exclusive club, welcome to it!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on November 5, 2017, 22:22
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"ear-shattering and creative swearing used while trying to fit said clip...
...
The bad news...
...
The wheel is about 4 degrees off-centre
Re the off centre steering... it's an exclusive club, welcome to it!
I'm hoping you guys will be on standby when I come to do mine   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on November 5, 2017, 22:25
Very interestingly, this has just appeared!!
Steering Wheel Not Straight (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=63993#p748305)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 6, 2017, 00:32
Quote from: "delhusband"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"ear-shattering and creative swearing used while trying to fit said clip...
...
The bad news...
...
The wheel is about 4 degrees off-centre
Re the off centre steering... it's an exclusive club, welcome to it!
I'm hoping you guys will be on standby when I come to do mine   s:) :) s:)

Yep, just say the word and I'll make your steering wonky as well!   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: ilovejapcrap on November 6, 2017, 17:58
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Re the off centre steering... it's an exclusive club, welcome to it!


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you not sorted that yet !
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on November 6, 2017, 20:16
Quote from: "ilovejapcrap"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Re the off centre steering... it's an exclusive club, welcome to it!


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you not sorted that yet !
No need, drives straight and true and it's a lot more comfortable position [emoji2]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 12, 2017, 17:21
There's an hour free this weekend! Quick! Quick! To the garage before I'm asked to do something else!!

I was keen as mustard to fit the gear-shift bushes fitted to try and sort the slop out. It's a bit fiddly and access is tight, but it's luckily not a difficult job to do. Old bushes came out easily by putting a Philips screwdriver through the centre hole and twisting. New ones fitted beautifully too with no fighting.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/38333548882_3bccaf6875_c.jpg)

Change (at stand-still - haven't driven it yet) seems lot more mechanical and less mushy.

With that done, I used the rest of my time to dig out some grime. The third brake light had a ring of algae around it, so removal was the best way to scrub it off;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4541/38309471236_7771b5a7b1_c.jpg)

And a bit of wiping off;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/37650377714_a2b611390c_c.jpg)

I haven't refitted yet as the light lens itself has a bit of moisture in it, so I'll see if that can be dried out before giving the outside a buff with compound to make it shiny.

Baby steps...

Ooops - hour's up....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on November 12, 2017, 18:29
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"There's an hour free this weekend! Quick! Quick! To the garage before I'm asked to do something else!!

I was keen as mustard to fit the gear-shift bushes fitted to try and sort the slop out. It's a bit fiddly and access is tight, but it's luckily not a difficult job to do. Old bushes came out easily by putting a Philips screwdriver through the centre hole and twisting. New ones fitted beautifully too with no fighting.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/38333548882_3bccaf6875_c.jpg)

Change (at stand-still - haven't driven it yet) seems lot more mechanical and less mushy.

With that done, I used the rest of my time to dig out some grime. The third brake light had a ring of algae around it, so removal was the best way to scrub it off;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4541/38309471236_7771b5a7b1_c.jpg)

And a bit of wiping off;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/37650377714_a2b611390c_c.jpg)

I haven't refitted yet as the light lens itself has a bit of moisture in it, so I'll see if that can be dried out before giving the outside a buff with compound to make it shiny.

Baby steps...

Ooops - hour's up....
Good effort all round! A word of caution on the refitting of the brake light, don't over tighten the screws as the plastic brackets tend to go brittle from the heat and snap in an instant.
I'm assuming that's why both of mine were broken when I stripped it down at least [emoji23]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 12, 2017, 20:12
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Good effort all round! A word of caution on the refitting of the brake light, don't over tighten the screws as the plastic brackets tend to go brittle from the heat and snap in an instant.
I'm assuming that's why both of mine were broken when I stripped it down at least [emoji23]
Good advice - I'll be very sure to heed it!   s8) 8) s8)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 14, 2018, 18:28
It's been a while...

The light...it BURNS!!! ;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/38790722435_36139a2d8a_b.jpg)
With the festive season illnesses out of the way, today I decided was my day. All mine to do some tinkering and scraping and hammering and creative swearing. First job was to jack up the rear of the car so I could get to those pesky last few inches of rot on the jacking points, so up it went and I found some likely looking strong points on the rear cross-member to put some padded axle stands on. All secured, I set about the nearside sill with a wire brush and a screwdriver.

Not too bad;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/38790722325_76fbbbd3a1_b.jpg)

It was soon de-scaled and ready for some Hydrate 80 to stabilise the grunge;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/25816173338_590c55caa8_b.jpg)

Time for the offside which was handily located right up against the wall of my tiny garage. This one seemed ok, but when I started chipping away, quite a lot of underseal had parted and allowed rust to form. Also, the pressed section on the outside of the sill had lifted the paint quite badly;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4632/25816173328_d849946b52_b.jpg)[/url]
The good news was that it was all still very solid, so I chipped back as far as the rust went and again applied a liberal amount of Hydrate. Someone's been here before me and treated this area, but it could do with stripping back properly. This is something I'll do during the hotter part of the year when it can be outside rather than squidged up in the garage! I'll treat and paint for the time being.

While I had the stuff out, I thought I'd do the discs where they fit to the wheel;

Hydrate;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/25816173618_a1a8856461_b.jpg)
And cured;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4748/38790722695_8d27248109_b.jpg)
Will also paint up the other rear caliper to match the one that I replaced for the MOT.

In other news, I have a nice stainless manifold on the way from Hamish, so why not spend some time struggling with lots of utterly rounded off bolts? It's a fun hobby after all! No? Only me? Ok....

First thing for that was to remove the lambda sensors. Right-hand one came off without much of a fight, and the left one wanted its pound of flesh, ensuring that the flesh was mine and was removed from my knuckles and wrist. Regardless, off it eventually came after aforesaid creative swearing.

However, that was a darling compared with the manifold heatshield bolt that started of rounded and even defeated my Irwin bolt removers by being soap-like in its grab-ability. Dremel and drills have got me this far (basically nowhere);

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4629/39688384691_24e7604b68_b.jpg)

You win this round skanky bolt, but I will be back with other instruments of destruction. Oddly the others came off as nice as you like other than the other top one that did give way to the Irwins and promptly sheared off  .  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  

So I'm this far;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4612/25816173498_d20c8674f5_b.jpg)

It will come off....

Good to be working on the old girl again! She's crusty, but she's mine...

Less crusty is the yellow vision that my old man has been busy with (he's clearly a lot hardier than me, out in the cold weather)...

The amount of work he's put in to this is impressive with everything it needed attended to and even a brand new set of headlamps. It does look stunning.

Also surprising is that he's colour-coded the calipers to the body for full yellow effect. So very yellow...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4624/25816425128_8448ba0654_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4664/38979710534_dca590449e_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/25816423898_dd6aabe3ee_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/25816423568_84ce43d7cd_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4607/38979710264_e9cd03ec85_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4664/38790994225_6d85352755_b.jpg)

I also had another drive and the new tyres as well as the gearbox oil change, stainless manifold (yes him too), full service and...and...and.... has transformed this already sweet car into one that basically feels brand new. I am very envious.

It has been offered to me (he's done with it and wants another project) but I can't make up my mind as there's nothing to do on it. Nothing that I can improve on it (other than modification which I'm not really into). It is very nice though. Decisions decisions...

More updates when I brave the chilly garage!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 17:05
Shiny thing in a box arrived today courtesy of Hamish from GarageFiftyNine. Nothing quite like new shiny things...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4654/38810255925_5be34ff264_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4604/27929505689_1984268e3c_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/38999058294_bfea6cacd0_b.jpg)

Came nicely packaged and looks great! Just need to get that sodding heat-shield off now... To the Dremel!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on January 15, 2018, 17:55
Dibs on the car!  I would love it, Foxy could do with company!  And it would be nice for it to stay within the forum.  Keep the custard numbers up!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 18:05
Quote from: "Chilli Girl"Dibs on the car!  I would love it, Foxy could do with company!  And it would be nice for it to stay within the forum.  Keep the custard numbers up!

Which one? The yellow or the silver? I think if he sells the yellow one, he's going to want a fair old whack for it!

If the silver, best wait until I've spent a shed-load of money on it and then put it up for sale for £2.50 - like my previous projects! Someone always gets a bargain and then the prices shoot up - proof being the slightly doggy but working Pug 205 GTi that I off-loaded for £250 just before the prices for them went silly.... Sob...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on January 15, 2018, 18:14
Well if he does want to sell the yellow, please bear me in mind!  It'll probably be too expensive for me as he's put a lot of hard work into it, I know. All the best for your silver, it'll be all worth it in the end, just remember not to sell it!  s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 18:49
Quote from: "Chilli Girl"Well if he does want to sell the yellow, please bear me in mind!  It'll probably be too expensive for me as he's put a lot of hard work into it, I know. All the best for your silver, it'll be all worth it in the end, just remember not to sell it!  s:D :D s:D
My real hope is that he'll drive it in the Spring and then won't bear to part with it!   s:D :D s:D   But he tends to prefer 1940s-50s cars.

This is his Vauxhall;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4760/25838002088_44e5cd22b1_b.jpg)

Lovely thing!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on January 15, 2018, 19:48
That's nice too.  I like to see the old cars all refurbished and put back to new, he's very talented.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 21:33
YAY!!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4746/39712312581_de3b0eb2b0_b.jpg)

Arse.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4624/38814510895_52ff76cc4d_b.jpg)

Rest of the manifold to block nuts undid with a bit of grunt, but the awkward to reach centre one rounded instead. I'm not sure what I can actually fit in there to get it off either. If there was more room, I'd just stick a stud extractor on there, but that ain't happening!

As ever, any advice would be greatly received!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 15, 2018, 21:50
Cut the stud flush with the top of the nut then put a notch in it and use a thick bladed screwdriver with a shedload of pressure.
It's how I did mine [emoji38]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on January 15, 2018, 22:54
That looks like same amount of fun as my chain tensioner nut   s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 23:21
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Cut the stud flush with the top of the nut then put a notch in it and use a thick bladed screwdriver with a shedload of pressure.
It's how I did mine [emoji38]

Not sure how you'd get enough pressure behind that. Well, I'm not sure I would get that much pressure behind it! can't even get an impact driver on it due to lack of space.

Thinking nut splinter, but the rebate on the flange (fnar) makes me think that won't fit flush.

Quote from: "delhusband"That looks like same amount of fun as my chain tensioner nut   s:( :( s:(

There's always that one nut isn't there? "Oh this shouldn't be too difficult" you think, but no. There's always that one nut that decides it's found its forever home and just refuses to budge.   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on January 15, 2018, 23:29
Can't you get a torx (female) socket on the end of the stud and drag the whole thing out with the nut still on It??

Plenty of penetrating fluid over a few days before you go at it.

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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 15, 2018, 23:43
Quote from: "CrazySX"Can't you get a yorx (female) socket on the end of the stud and drag the whole thing out with the but still on It??

Plenty of penetrating fluid over a few days before you go at it.


Not sure - the end isn't torx shaped?

Or is it? Hadn't noticed - rookie error! Well that's a bonus if it is!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 16, 2018, 06:16
I'm trying to picture which nut it is but I had the bumper and heat shield off and just managed to wedge the screwdriver in behind the brace which gave enough pressure. Only need to crack it. But there is the last remnant of the torx head showing on the pic, good luck with that [emoji23].


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 16, 2018, 17:31
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"I'm trying to picture which nut it is but I had the bumper and heat shield off and just managed to wedge the screwdriver in behind the brace which gave enough pressure. Only need to crack it. But there is the last remnant of the torx head showing on the pic, good luck with that [emoji23].
Yup, you were right, the Torx was not happening! Couldn't be a worse one for access though - no direct route through the tubing to get anything on it and awkward for grinding.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 16, 2018, 19:03
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"I'm trying to picture which nut it is but I had the bumper and heat shield off and just managed to wedge the screwdriver in behind the brace which gave enough pressure. Only need to crack it. But there is the last remnant of the torx head showing on the pic, good luck with that [emoji23].
Yup, you were right, the Torx was not happening! Couldn't be a worse one for access though - no direct route through the tubing to get anything on it and awkward for grinding.
If you're scrapping the manifold anyway I reckon it's going to have to get medieval.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: CrazySX on January 16, 2018, 19:24
Get a dremel cutting wheel in the nut.

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Title: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on January 16, 2018, 19:36
Screw a new proper nut on, weld it to the old round one, run the engine up to temp, undo the new nut.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: frootloops on January 16, 2018, 21:18
Quote from: "jonbill"Screw a new proper nut on, weld it to the old round one, run the engine up to temp, undo the new nut.
doubt you'd have to get the car up to temp, welding it is likely to put enough heat in.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 16, 2018, 23:51
Welding is not something I can do or have the equipment for I'm afraid.

I think the plan is thus...

1. Remove the last of the heat shield
2. Get underneath and get a stud extractor on it from below
3. Wind is out like it's not a problem
4.
(http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/77/77cbc9faf06dc1522dd0e927373dd30198d413697240baed75c433c3c97ef701.jpg)

Or....

1. remove the last of the heat shield
2. Get underneath and discover that it's still really tight for a stud extractor
3. Wind it out until the stud snaps flush to the head
4.
(https://i.imgur.com/arM6le1.jpg)

Sound good?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 16, 2018, 23:51
Double post! Soz!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 21, 2018, 13:33
Yay!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4701/25942477918_fff536fe97_b.jpg)

Possibly arse.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/38916163795_cbe75665d2_b.jpg)

Ultimately, it's off so I can crack on and the stud hasn't snapped (yet). I may try re-cutting the thread on the stud - I might get lucky and it holds as I've recovered worse before. At the very least, I can remove the manifold and gain enough space to get a decent stud extractor on it, so I'm pretty pleased thus far.

In the end, the only thing I could get to the nut was a grinding stone on the Dremel and a colt chisel to whack what was left off the stud. All in all, about two hour's work... Not the most rewarding two hours I grant you...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2018, 17:16
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"Yay!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4701/25942477918_fff536fe97_b.jpg)

Possibly arse.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/38916163795_cbe75665d2_b.jpg)

Ultimately, it's off so I can crack on and the stud hasn't snapped (yet). I may try re-cutting the thread on the stud - I might get lucky and it holds as I've recovered worse before. At the very least, I can remove the manifold and gain enough space to get a decent stud extractor on it, so I'm pretty pleased thus far.

In the end, the only thing I could get to the nut was a grinding stone on the Dremel and a colt chisel to whack what was left off the stud. All in all, about two hour's work... Not the most rewarding two hours I grant you...
Well done sir! That stud probably looks worse than it is, you can probably get a couple of nuts on there and wind it out with the back nut locking on the top nut [emoji1303].


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 21, 2018, 17:43
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Well done sir! That stud probably looks worse than it is, you can probably get a couple of nuts on there and wind it out with the back nut locking on the top nut [emoji1303].

I'm just thrilled it's off so I can crack on! I was close to giving up at one point, but then I decided to go for brute force rather than clever tools. Can't beat a hammer and chisel. In the months I've owned the car, I've used a hammer more often than on all of my other cheapy cars put together!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on January 21, 2018, 20:45
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"Well done sir! That stud probably looks worse than it is, you can probably get a couple of nuts on there and wind it out with the back nut locking on the top nut [emoji1303].

I'm just thrilled it's off so I can crack on! I was close to giving up at one point, but then I decided to go for brute force rather than clever tools. Can't beat a hammer and chisel. In the months I've owned the car, I've used a hammer more often than on all of my other cheapy cars put together!
+1, success  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 22, 2018, 23:12
Time to remove this sod-arsing manifold!

With the flipping nut removed, tonight I scrunched myself underneath with an assortment of tools to remove the 'three amigos' and the manifold bracket.

Now then, when I swapped the subframe, I had those pesky three nuts off - they were tight, but not a problem. This time, two flew off very obligingly and the third took my longest breaker bar and all of my (admittedly feeble) strength. When, after 20 mins of upside down sweaty grunting (and not the fun sort), it came clattering free, it had actually bent the stud by about 15 degrees. Quite why this recently removed and clean threaded monstrosity decided now was the time to be a grunting pain, I couldn't tell you.

Next was the manifold to block bracket. I took one look at the bolts and decided that I was removing the bracket to block bolts rather than tackling the dry and solid looking bracket to exhaust ones. Removing those can be for another day (and an impact wrench).

Finally, I could triumphantly lift out the manifold - the source of recent woes! Well, I could if that stud hadn't have bent 15 degrees meaning it was effectively holding the manifold to the flexi section... So back under I went armed with my stoutest screw driver and a further 10 minutes of levering and sweaty grunting finally had it loose. It had fought me to its last...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4747/39134196414_d1394b3328_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/39134196064_168df94715_b.jpg)

So what have I been left with? Well there seems to be no oily residue around the ports, so I guess that this 120k engine is in fairly good shape.

The pre-cats also looked healthy with no evidence of them breaking down;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4767/39134196344_92c8d58ff3_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4718/39811835392_c3ab79ce2a_b.jpg)

It seems that the chain tensioner cover is leaking some oil though;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4676/39134196204_e19c36f5bb_b.jpg)

As ever, I'm willing to take advice on this - I read that there's an o-ring that can weep but is straight-forward to change. At least the cover bolts look un-seized (having read delhusband's woes with his) as they are nicely oiled up!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 23, 2018, 06:37
At that mileage it's probably a good idea to fit a new tensioner altogether if you're taking it out to fit a new seal anyway. Fairly inexpensive part from TCB and can make a lot of difference.
I just fitted a new one and it's much quieter on cold start.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 23, 2018, 12:35
I'm in two minds about that though - I'm not sure what the fate of this car (or rather this engine) will be, as I'm leaning more and more towards a 2ZZ swap. Spending a lot on future-proofing this engine's probably not worth it if I am doing that... I ideally would like a few more years out of it though.

I see that MR2-Ben do the o-rings on their own, so the tempation is to do just that and save the money for other things.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 23, 2018, 19:38
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"I'm in two minds about that though - I'm not sure what the fate of this car (or rather this engine) will be, as I'm leaning more and more towards a 2ZZ swap. Spending a lot on future-proofing this engine's probably not worth it if I am doing that... I ideally would like a few more years out of it though.

I see that MR2-Ben do the o-rings on their own, so the tempation is to do just that and save the money for other things.
I see your logic, although the new tensioner comes complete with o ring anyway [emoji2]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 23, 2018, 22:53
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"I see your logic, although the new tensioner comes complete with o ring anyway [emoji2]

Oh now that's the sort of man-maths that has been the trouble with my other projects in the past!   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 24, 2018, 09:26
Quote from: "The Arch Bishop"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"I see your logic, although the new tensioner comes complete with o ring anyway [emoji2]

Oh now that's the sort of man-maths that has been the trouble with my other projects in the past!   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Haha! I think they're around £35 from TCB, I got that and a new PCV for around £55 delivered.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on February 10, 2018, 17:34
First post on the shiny new forum!

Sorry this thread is as slow as a maudlin sloth, getting time out in the garage when it's not arctic outside just hasn't happened. I'm not as young as I used to be... which is a daft thing to quote as that's how time works, so, yes, there's that...  ???

Anyway, today was seeing if the damaged stud was reusable or whether I had yet more pain and torment in trying to remove it from the head. I set about it with With my trusty Lidl tap and die set. A quick clean up, and I think I've been very lucky indeed!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/26315024048_27a0c099c4_b.jpg)

Wound the nut on and it felt absolutely fine, so I think I may have gotten away with it.

I've also removed all of the heat shields and brackets from the old manifold. One rusty old bolt that wasn't going anywhere required some Dremel justice, but otherwise all seems good. Offering up the heat shields to the new manifold, it would appear that the exhaust mountings for them are a bit all over the place, so I'm going to have to be creative with them or use heat wrap (not sure this is actually very good for stainless).

Last job was to hook out the chain tensioner with a view to putting a new seal on it. The nuts came straight off (sorry delhusband) and out it came;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4674/25316232327_f62e815115_b.jpg)

The seal itself is rock hard and ultimately useless. The tensioner seems absolutely fine, so I'm going to reuse it.

Anyone know the seal I need or is it a case of buying the one MR2-Ben sells?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on February 10, 2018, 18:49
Quote from: The Arch BishopLast job was to hook out the chain tensioner with a view to putting a new seal on it. The nuts came straight off (sorry delhusband) and out it came
:thebird:

Just kidding ;D nice one! Good that the bolt cleaned up. But if it hadn't been salvageable the post is double threaded, and cheap too.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on February 10, 2018, 19:35
Quote from: delhusband on February 10, 2018, 18:49
:thebird:

Just kidding ;D nice one! Good that the bolt cleaned up. But if it hadn't been salvageable the post is double threaded, and cheap too.

:D

I love that there's a flipping the bird thingy! That's sold the new forum to me to be honest!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 9, 2018, 19:18
Sloooooooooooooooooow progress as always, but it's been a tiny bit chilly in the old garage and I'm a delicate flower, but I have done a (little) bit in the last few weeks.

Number one was to replace the Chain tensioner o-ring. I cleaned up the facing a little (I didn't go mad because the o-ring is the seal not the face plate of the tensioner).

[(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4779/26841455328_827a7c2db9_b.jpg)

I'd gone all fancy and bought a proper Toyota chain tensioner o-ring at vast expense (at least for a piddly o-ring - I used to sell hydraulics years back so I know how much these cost) to save some bother sourcing a non-OE one.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/40712861471_eb40ac4af4_b.jpg)

With the old one off, you can see that the new one on the left is a bit thicker. Ropey photo but if you squint....

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/40712861581_e126332acf_b.jpg)

Installed it on the compressed tensioner (which I really liked as an assembly - very clever with it's little toothed cam and retaining hook) and installed it back in the engine. Once tightened up, I gave the crank a little turn and heard the reassuring clunk to tell me that the tensioner had sprung. Job done!

Next was on to fitting the new stainless manifold. I'll be honest and say that I've spent far too long thinking about this and not enough doing it.

The major problem was that I couldn't fit the old heat shields as the middle brackets were well out on the manifold. Little bit vexing, but it came with a roll of titanium heat wrap. Now I did want to make the car look standard under the engine cover, but to get the thing on, I decided to wrap the manifold.....very, very badly....

So on with the manifold gasket;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4796/40002696644_40fd3cea24_b.jpg)

And on with the badly wrapped manifold. Seriously, don't look to closely at it or you'll go blind.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/40712861691_60fff30fdc_b.jpg)

Well, that'll do I suppose. But I couldn't live with it.

Laying in bed that night, I swear I could hear it screaming "Please kill me" from the garage.

So tonight I went out to the garage again and whipped it back off, chopped the wrap off it and had another think, I've worked out that if I join the top and bottom heat shields in the middle independent of the manifold, then by attaching with all of the other mounting points, I can have it fitting on there pretty well. I just need a trip to the nut and bolt man for the fixings.

More soon!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on March 10, 2018, 23:42
Think I would have been happy with that wrapping job.

Well, effort.

Well maybe not exactly happy as such, but pretty sure I'd have left it on there.

I'm probably just deaf to my car's screams  :))


How vast was the expense for the piddly O ring BTW? I might need to invest in one at some point.....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on March 10, 2018, 23:54
Using the same squinty eye from the o-ring... the wrap looks fine.
Justsayin'
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 11, 2018, 00:04
Wrap looks better than some I've seen lately and I did mine twice for the same reason!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 09:41
The photo is flattering to say the least. I couldn't even bring myself to take a picture of the whole thing. Because of the middle mounts for the heat shields being in the way, it got really messy half way down!

Anyway, I really did want it looking as OE as possible, especially with the new MOT restrictions on removing cats' - all I'd need is one slightly knowledgeable tester to spot the two top lambdas sitting in there and no pre-cats.... It's just not worth it. The heat shields hide it.

Getting there now - some new bolts have been bought to mount it all so just two things to work out;

1. How to cut a section of the heat shield out for the left sensor (the mounting is not in line with the existing hole) - my Dremel won't touch it and the stuff is flipping impervious!

2. How to put the heat shield on after mounting the exhaust. With the top and bottom shield joined in the middle, it's going to be a right faff!

To be honest, I wish I hadn't started it as it's been a faff from start to finish and the pre-cats were in fine condition!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 11, 2018, 10:45
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 09:41
The photo is flattering to say the least. I couldn't even bring myself to take a picture of the whole thing. Because of the middle mounts for the heat shields being in the way, it got really messy half way down!

Anyway, I really did want it looking as OE as possible, especially with the new MOT restrictions on removing cats' - all I'd need is one slightly knowledgeable tester to spot the two top lambdas sitting in there and no pre-cats.... It's just not worth it. The heat shields hide it.

Getting there now - some new bolts have been bought to mount it all so just two things to work out;

1. How to cut a section of the heat shield out for the left sensor (the mounting is not in line with the existing hole) - my Dremel won't touch it and the stuff is flipping impervious!

2. How to put the heat shield on after mounting the exhaust. With the top and bottom shield joined in the middle, it's going to be a right faff!

To be honest, I wish I hadn't started it as it's been a faff from start to finish and the pre-cats were in fine condition!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180311/9f18c16c35649ae6961d905530f57e83.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180311/9bd96eccfd7bd45e77cab46e45b4ee1d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180311/93be5cff184d18c6aebdcc0f6f5fdd44.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180311/f6724d2f1601ab3cc36c27ba3be79046.jpg)
If these are any help, this is what I ended up with after fitting the manifold I bought, half the shield mounts were in the wrong place.
I ditched the lower ones in the end as once you cut them you break the integrity of the two sheets and they just vibrate. The top shield is only held on the two top brackets but doesn't vibrate, just bounces a bit.
If I'd offered it all up prior to wrapping I'd have cut the shield mounts off and made a better job with the wrapping. Or sent it back.
Once you're done with these photos by all means ask the mods to remove them from your thread to keep it tidy.
I used various different discs and burrs on my air "dremmel" but I've since bought an actual Dremmel together with some proper cutting discs, I've you use cutting discs they should go through fine, just take care where the two skins are bonded that it doesn't "nip" the disc and smash it.



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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 15:45
Cheers! All good info and not cluttering up the thread at all!

I tried a Dremel disc and it wore out straight away and only made the faintest of marks in it!!  ;D

I gave my Dad a call to see how he'd managed on his and he used a hack saw to cut the edges and folded it over, so I'll give that a go next.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 15:48
Quote from: KTM_Rider on March 10, 2018, 23:42
How vast was the expense for the piddly O ring BTW? I might need to invest in one at some point.....
Here you go - https://www.mr2-ben.co.uk/products/1190 (https://www.mr2-ben.co.uk/products/1190)

OK, it's hardy mega bucks, but still!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 11, 2018, 18:23
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 15:45
Cheers! All good info and not cluttering up the thread at all!

I tried a Dremel disc and it wore out straight away and only made the faintest of marks in it!!  ;D

I gave my Dad a call to see how he'd managed on his and he used a hack saw to cut the edges and folded it over, so I'll give that a go next.
Yeah, looking back I used a hacksaw blade on the long runs. Are you using cutting or grinding discs on the Dremmel? (respectfully) the cutting discs I have for mine make mincemeat out of stuff at the right speed etc.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 19:25
In all fairness, I doubt the ones I have are genuine dremel ones and are not the best quality. I need to actually spend some time on it rather than attacking it without thinking.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 11, 2018, 19:33
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 19:25
In all fairness, I doubt the ones I have are genuine dremel ones and are not the best quality. I need to actually spend some time on it rather than attacking it without thinking.
My late father was one for buying "lookalike" tools off the markets, including a "Dremmel" which was fine for light domestic stuff but the fittings and accessories weren't up to snuff. I reluctantly binned it before Christmas as I just couldn't mend it anymore and bought the genuine article. I got a quick release fitting for the discs etc and a set of cutting and grinding discs and the difference is night and day, they don't fly apart if you catch or nip them. Although I bought a set of generic wire brushes to fettle some bits of rusty paintwork and spent more time pulling wires out of my clothes![emoji23]


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 11, 2018, 23:06
You get what you pay for! I think my Dremel is an original from the late 90's and still going strong. The accessories are are in an unmarked box and, other than the grinding stones which have put up with a monumental amount of abuse, are a touch ropey.

I've ordered a cutting set with the fancy speed click mandrel included to see if that helps. I'm quite keen to make a neat job of it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 20:47
I've been Dremeling away in the garage tonight. The proper Dremel cutting discs made a world of difference and, once I'd practised a bit, could get a fairly neat shape with it. Went over it with a grinding stone afterwards to smooth off the rough edges and fairly pleased with the result;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/26942275278_d64d140819_b.jpg)

Looks a bit rough now I look at the pictures, but much better in the flesh. I had to remove quite a large section to be able to easily get the lambda sensor in as well as the socket to tighten it, but it should make like easier should it need to come out again;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/40770000872_ae8fff93ab_b.jpg)

Can finally get on to fitting it properly to the car, but that's it for now!

Sorry for the posts on every detail - I like to catalogue everything as I go, so tell me if the borderline forensic details get dull!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 14, 2018, 21:42
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 20:47
I've been Dremeling away in the garage tonight. The proper Dremel cutting discs made a world of difference and, once I'd practised a bit, could get a fairly neat shape with it. Went over it with a grinding stone afterwards to smooth off the rough edges and fairly pleased with the result;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/26942275278_d64d140819_b.jpg)

Looks a bit rough now I look at the pictures, but much better in the flesh. I had to remove quite a large section to be able to easily get the lambda sensor in as well as the socket to tighten it, but it should make like easier should it need to come out again;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/40770000872_ae8fff93ab_b.jpg)

Can finally get on to fitting it properly to the car, but that's it for now!

Sorry for the posts on every detail - I like to catalogue everything as I go, so tell me if the borderline forensic details get dull!
Liking your work! Have you actually tried to get the O2 sensors and shield on at the same time yet? The right hand kicks out at a completely different angle to standard and needed a bit of extra trimming to get it on. The cable can pull quite tight also once everything is nipped up but you can gain a little slack by unclipping the connection from the mounting bracket. I'm still tempted to fit a post cat with the longer lead but might be too much cable that way!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 21:54
Yeah, the other side is pretty much bang on so doesn't need trimming thankfully!

Hoping that the cable isn't too tight as I think that might just tip me over the edge!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 14, 2018, 22:17
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 21:54
Yeah, the other side is pretty much bang on so doesn't need trimming thankfully!

Hoping that the cable isn't too tight as I think that might just tip me over the edge!!
If you look at the last of the pics I posted you'll see what I mean.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 14, 2018, 22:19
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 21:54
Yeah, the other side is pretty much bang on so doesn't need trimming thankfully!

Hoping that the cable isn't too tight as I think that might just tip me over the edge!!
If you look at the last of the pics I posted you'll see what I mean.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 23:03
 Yours is a lot neater.... and blue!

There will be a sting in the tail I'm sure, but I'll push on through! :-D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 14, 2018, 23:11
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 14, 2018, 23:03
Yours is a lot neater.... and blue!

There will be a sting in the tail I'm sure, but I'll push on through! :-D
It's definitely blue but I'd say yours is a better job than mine as the rim is intact all round, if I had a spare shield I'd have another attempt.
You'll fettle it, you've not been beaten yet!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 16, 2018, 13:17
And it's on! Yay whoop etc!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40798371282_5204c4c88c_b.jpg)

That's with all of the heat shield fitted too so I'm a very chuffed bucket owner.

For reference, the conjoined top and bottom heat shield will fit in once the the manifold is fitted if you remove the engine bay cross braces.

The lambda's were easy to fit too with plenty of space to fit the socket in.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/40798371412_7af1b542e6_b.jpg)

So all-in-all, it's a long protracted win!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 17, 2018, 10:10
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 16, 2018, 13:17
And it's on! Yay whoop etc!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40798371282_5204c4c88c_b.jpg)

That's with all of the heat shield fitted too so I'm a very chuffed bucket owner.

For reference, the conjoined top and bottom heat shield will fit in once the the manifold is fitted if you remove the engine bay cross braces.

The lambda's were easy to fit too with plenty of space to fit the socket in.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/40798371412_7af1b542e6_b.jpg)

So all-in-all, it's a long protracted win!
Nicely done Sir!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 24, 2018, 12:02
I've been painting the sills again but it's not very picture-worthy, but when not in the garage I've also been playing with Inkscape as I've been wanting to re-learn how to draw in vectors.

So here's the bucket immortalised (it's still a work in progress);

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/40092021795_09780abb0f_b.jpg)

I love these vector thingies as when you've finished, you can print them out at absolutely any size or use them for 50 foot banners, t-shirts, anything really and they stay absolutely crisp.

It's also extremely therapeutic!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on March 24, 2018, 15:00
Very nice.

(It does need some lowering springs though!).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 24, 2018, 15:10
Quote from: Topdownman on March 24, 2018, 15:00

(It does need some lowering springs though!).
Ha! Nah it's standard ride height car - ie: on stilts!  ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 25, 2018, 11:50
A medley of MR's;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/40294836254_72c5da0f7f_o.jpg)

Right, off to the garage for some real work!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on March 25, 2018, 11:53
No dirty silvers there! :)

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on March 25, 2018, 12:12
That is almost warholesque.

(He would have fitted lowering springs though...).

Hope your time in the garage is as productive.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on March 25, 2018, 12:13
Quote from: StuC on March 25, 2018, 11:53
No dirty silvers there! :)
Cheeky! Who has the broad brush now  :-) ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on March 25, 2018, 15:53
Quote from: delhusband on March 25, 2018, 12:13
Quote from: StuC on March 25, 2018, 11:53
No dirty silvers there! :)
Cheeky! Who has the broad brush now  :-) ;)

;)
Best regards
Brushy McBroadstroke
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on March 25, 2018, 16:34
Quote from: StuC on March 25, 2018, 15:53
Quote from: delhusband on March 25, 2018, 12:13
Quote from: StuC on March 25, 2018, 11:53
No dirty silvers there! :)
Cheeky! Who has the broad brush now  :-) ;)

;)
Best regards
Brushy McBroadstroke
LOL!  :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 31, 2018, 13:30
Question time!

While the back end has been up in the air, I've been rechecking the rear brakes. One of the calipers was a known good one from Dick Sloan, the other was in decent condition anyway - both have working handbrake arms and the cables move freely. They had new pads and the slide pins were greased up carefully before being remounted.

I always had a suspicion that they were binding due to a fine layer of brake dust after a short drive. While the car is up on the stands, I noticed that one was very stiff and the other side you could only rotate using a breaker bar so it's seriously binding.

I've backed of the handbrake adjuster fully, taken the side of that was slightly better, wound the cylinder right the way in (it wound in smoothly) and then out by 180 degrees, refitted (hub then turned easily), pumped the brakes. Once done, it's still fairly difficult to turn. I've adjusted the handbrake back up and that locks it very well but it still binds after releasing the handbrake.

I haven't tacked the other side yet as my garage is tiny and I can't really get to it, but has anyone got any idea what's going on?

Everything checks out but there's clearly something amiss!

I understand that there should be a slight drag on them, but this seems excessive!

Any help, as always would be received with grace, honour and the promise of a beer if you're ever near Hurstpierpoint!  :D

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 2, 2018, 12:23
Bank holidays are for;

1. Eating chocolate
2. Spending time with family and friends
3. Locking yourself away in the garage with a variety of paints and brushes

Currently I'm waiting for the weather to get a bit less mank so I can roll the bucket out of the garage and have a bit more space to investigate the sticking rear brake and tidy up the front of the chassis, so in the meantime I've been busy getting some of the less important jobs done, including getting the last of the more pressing surface rust off the rear of the chassis and making good with paint.

Not the best photo, but you get the idea;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/27306875658_ca0aeb5b9f_o.jpg)

This was the trailing edge of the chassis box section with was looking crusty on both sides. It's had the full Hydrate/zinc primer/Gravitex/Hamerite combo. I've also finished the rear of the sills so I've now got sound jacking points to get the car higher for further work.

The off-side rear caliper has also had a lick of paint (just on the bits you can see with the wheels on - one day I'll get them refurbed properly) as well as the disc hub;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/40285008385_115be2dc0d_o.jpg)

The rear ARB was really crusty looking;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/40468218604_40f463111b_o.jpg)

So it got wire-brushed, wet 'n dried, Hydrate'd and then a coat of Hamerite;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/886/27306875708_2ff180371a_o.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/897/41180813421_d63ab4240d_o.jpg)

I've also done some fairly gentle cleaning of the engine bay which is now a little more presentable;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/41180813711_8875d2ca52_o.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/889/27306875838_e1461b28b8_o.jpg)

I wouldn't eat my dinner off it, but I'd now happily rest my pint on it. Not sure that works as an analogy really...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on April 2, 2018, 14:06
Good analogy.
Carry on.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 2, 2018, 15:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on April  2, 2018, 14:06
Good analogy.
Carry on.
It was between that or;

"I wouldn't take it home to meet my Mum, but I'd possibly take it out for a Nando's"...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on April 2, 2018, 15:56
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April  2, 2018, 15:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on April  2, 2018, 14:06
Good analogy.
Carry on.
It was between that or;

"I wouldn't take it home to meet my Mum, but I'd possibly take it out for a Nando's"...

Like that one too.
Hate nandos though.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 11, 2018, 17:07
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/891/40494966815_0fb24d0212_o.jpg)

Well who's this cheeky upstart in prime parking spot on the drive? Yes, the bucket has been let out of hibernation at last! Let the good times, if not exactly roll, then at least turn up and spend the party in the kitchen...

Look! It's even got some honest-to-goodness dirt on it!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/27520405938_eb76fb7fd2_o.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/27520406078_eccabe225b_o.jpg)

So a little more fettling was done on the other rear brake insomuch that I took the caliper off, wound it back in then reinstalled as per the other side. The result was that I could turn it by hand again, but I've still noticed that, compared to the other side, it's a lot warmer after a run. I'm starting to suspect a sticky piston there.

Otherwise it's still running pretty well for an old nail and I enjoyed ragging back from work in it. I just wish I could pin-point the wobbly handling without replacing everything and hoping for the best. My latest suspicion is to the front tyres - Kumho's of Jan 2012 vintage still with most of their tread left on. Again, it shows that the car has done so little in that time that they look a bit past their best;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/815/40494967135_82601d0449_o.jpg)

Now with many years of driving mk1 MR2s as everyday transport, I know that tyres are crucial to how these handle. The wrong tyre or even old ones can throw up some very odd characteristics on the road. Kumhos are not bad tyres, but I'm not aware of anyone who has run these on an MR2 and with them being hard and cracked, it seems the best place to start in my quest for a more predictable car.

It's got Avon ZV5s (dated week 45 2011) on the back, but these still look perfect and feel softer than the fronts. Bank balance will determine whether I replace them all. Such a shame as there's a tonne of tread still on all of them and they've all worn in a uniform way.

Then we get into the age old chestnut - which tyres....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on April 11, 2018, 19:11
Dirt I think not.

Tyres.
Falken ze 914
Uniroyal rainsport
Yokohama AD08R
Toyo R888

Cheapest first.
Best last.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 11, 2018, 20:48
Quote from: 1979scotte on April 11, 2018, 19:11
Dirt I think not.

Tyres.
Falken ze 914
Uniroyal rainsport
Yokohama AD08R
Toyo R888

Cheapest first.
Best last.

Hey for one of my project cars, that's almost dirty!

Falkens - I've had these (and the 912's) on previous cars and they've been very good - only downside is that they have very hard sidewall - great for direction changes, but not as good for ride comfort.
Rainsports - Had these on my wife's car - great in the wet but by Christ they wear quickly and when they go off, they really go off.
AD08R - My dad's gone for these on his MR2, but the price is a bit beyond my budget.
Toyo's - Bit too track focused and pricey for me.

I'm ideally looking for a balance of grip and ride comfort rather than all out on one or other. My usual work roads are almost sub-B and pretty much destroyed (like everywhere I suppose). Price for the Avon ZV7's is pretty good for a quality tyre (slightly cheaper than the Falkens) but I don't have experience of them to be sure. If I can get Falkens for the right price, then I'd be tempted. I had them on my Puma and Forester and they worked well on both.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: smarty72 on April 12, 2018, 09:38
I've had ZV7's since Autumn last year, they came in just under £250 total (bargain!).

I don't have experience of the other tyres mentioned above so can't compare like for like, but I have no complaints and the ride (on standard suspension) is very good (IMO).

This is my second roadster with a four year gap in-between.  My first roadster had some unheard of cheap (Chinese?) rubber at one end and Nankang's at the other (which Carolyn swears by) and I had no complaint about those either - maybe I'm not picky enough?

The guy that bought that roadster off me (he'd had a few Porche's and did track days etc)  joined the forum briefly, and fitted Toyo's as the majority of members swore by them (at that time).  He reckoned they 'destroyed' the handling - not sure how that story helps you though?

I believe 'OldRedCelica' has ZV7's fitted too around the same time if you want a second opinion.

They seem to grip nicely and are predictable, have a good wet grip rating, don't know that you need much else for the road really.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: J03 on April 12, 2018, 13:06
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April 11, 2018, 20:48
I'm ideally looking for a balance of grip and ride comfort rather than all out on one or other

The Kumho Ecsta Le Sport KU39 always used to fit that description rather well. They were fantastic tyres wet & dry, but with a slightly softer sidewall for the comfort factor.

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 12, 2018, 19:03
Quote from: smarty2072 on April 12, 2018, 09:38
I've had ZV7's since Autumn last year, they came in just under £250 total (bargain!).

I don't have experience of the other tyres mentioned above so can't compare like for like, but I have no complaints and the ride (on standard suspension) is very good (IMO).

This is my second roadster with a four year gap in-between.  My first roadster had some unheard of cheap (Chinese?) rubber at one end and Nankang's at the other (which Carolyn swears by) and I had no complaint about those either - maybe I'm not picky enough?

The guy that bought that roadster off me (he'd had a few Porche's and did track days etc)  joined the forum briefly, and fitted Toyo's as the majority of members swore by them (at that time).  He reckoned they 'destroyed' the handling - not sure how that story helps you though?

I believe 'OldRedCelica' has ZV7's fitted too around the same time if you want a second opinion.

They seem to grip nicely and are predictable, have a good wet grip rating, don't know that you need much else for the road really.

For me that sounds perfect to be honest.

Short and possibly boring story, but when I were a lad, I bought my first MR2 mk1 and it came with a matching set of Goodyear Eagle NCT2s. They were superb and I had a good few years wear from them. They'd grip, slide and do whatever you like. Eventually, they ended up near-slicks and I had to replace them. I went to my local high quality tyre seller and requested a set of Eagle NCT5s (3 better surely). I drove home on them and the car felt very odd indeed but I put it down to them needing a bit of scrubbing in. As the week wore on I found it was actually a challenge to keep up with general traffic. Then one day I turned right into a junction in slightly damp conditions at a very sensible speed. The car speared straight on up and over a thankfully low kerb and across the grass. I drove very gingerly back to the tyre depot and explained that the tyres were terrible, but being a young lad, it was suggested that I was driving beyond my limits, but they did say that they'd send me out with one of their fitters so he could try it. The grumpy sod they sent me out with barely communicated above a grunt and after a drive around some local roads, returned to the depot. He walked up to his manager and rumbled "It's flipping lethal on those..." With me vindicated, they replaced them for a full set of Yokos and the car was fab again.

So that's why I'm deliberating over tyres, although I've never had a similar experience since - it just seemed that those tyres were really bad for that car. I've run ditchfinders on other cars when money has been tight and never really had a problem. Mid engined cars can be funny beasts though!

Quote from: J03 on April 12, 2018, 13:06
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April 11, 2018, 20:48
I'm ideally looking for a balance of grip and ride comfort rather than all out on one or other

The Kumho Ecsta Le Sport KU39 always used to fit that description rather well. They were fantastic tyres wet & dry, but with a slightly softer sidewall for the comfort factor.



I think that's what's on there at the moment - or a generation of those anyway.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2018, 17:18
Well I've had a spiffing week commuting in the Bucket while my Suzuki Swift sits dejectedly down the bottom of the drive.

In all honesty, it's been faultless and in some areas, it's improved a great deal from just being used. The sticky caliper seems to have unstuck itself - no more hot hub there and the front end feels a lot better - possibly due to having scrubbed in a little (I have been attacking the bends a fair bit) or possibly me just getting used to it. Who knows...

Another few hundred miles under its belt and I thought I'd check the oil again. It's a fairly high-mile PFL engine so I'm expecting it to drink Castrol like an RX8, but it still doesn't appear to have used a drop since I did the oil change, so it seems that I've been lucky and got a good 'un or it's had the engine replaced at some point. The new chain tensioner seal is doing it's thing and there's no fresh oil leaking down there either.

So all in all, it's happy dayz for the bucket! A rough tot up suggests that it owes me about £1,300 or thereabouts with the majority of that (ignoring the initial £500 purchase price) being the brand new cross member. For a car in this condition (my wife commented that it only looks a fraction of its age - she's even been driving it now and then), that is stupidly good value.

What I really like about it is that, unlike the majority of my project cars, everything still feels so well screwed together. My Puma felt like it'd done ever single one of its 105k miles and more on top. The MGF had only done 75k miles, but the odd bit of trim would drop off as a reminder of the shoestring budget it was developed on (still an amazing achievement considering what the Rover engineers had to work with - it's a better car than people give it credit for). But the MR2 feels like it's made of sterner stuff. Everything works. Every switch still clicks like new, every dial feels well oiled, every control feels tight. It had clearly been engineered very carefully with expertise.

So great car. I'm now starting the slippery slope of wanting to buy it trinkets... Quick shift? Nice new gear knob? Uprated speakers..... As I said, slippery slope...  ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 2, 2018, 17:32
Slippery slippery slope indeed....

Service swag;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/826/41134668664_c1cdac5227_o.jpg)

As there's another bank holiday coming up and as the engine has proven itself to be solid, I've decided to do some more in-depth servicing. I changed the oil and filter when I changed the sump last year, but other than that (and because I wasn't sure if it'd be a smoker or not), I didn't bother with anything else.

So a visit to MR2-Ben's website for some basics - gearbox oil as I doubt it's ever been changed (and a really good price at the moment), some fresh plugs and an air filt.....ooooo....Blitz panel filter... oooo it's a lot cheaper than the same on eBay.... oh what the hell. Slippery slope...

I've also been using the considerable knowledge of this forum to try and diagnose my wide open throttle power loss - https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=65086.0 (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=65086.0)

It's not a massive problem, but if the car has an issue, I'm keen to investigate. I've also learnt a lot from that thread!

What a top bunch you all are!  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 5, 2018, 16:42
Lovely outside today, so time to get on and do a bit of servicing with my shiny new bits!

First thing's first, out with the old plugs and in with the new. Nothing too challenging there and the old plugs looked, well, old but fairly good in terms of colour.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/825/41190756464_12d8921da0_o.jpg)

Next was the rather lovely Blitz filter. I have to say the job of getting the airbox top off is a fiddle, but the old filter came out in the end - a bit mucky but better than expected;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/943/41008782285_fff0e6c465_o.jpg)

And the new one in;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/905/40100537410_ddcd9b8e1d_o.jpg)

Next up - gearbox oil change. First I lifted the car slightly at the back as my driveway slopes upwards;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/978/41190756124_db55652b2a_o.jpg)

Then because I reckon you have to be quite accurate with the car being level, I used another jack at the side just to tweak it up a cm or two;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/965/40100537330_2f8f8e7850_o.jpg)

Yes, I'm sad enough to use a spirit level;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/41190756314_e919e8ef2c_o.jpg)

Then some grovelling about on the floor to remove the filler bolt and then the drain bolt;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/869/40100537190_f02cc44804_o.jpg)

The oil that came out was a little dirty, but actually better than I expected. No grittiness to it either so the chances are that the 'box is in pretty good shape.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/975/41190756504_5edcaa2584_o.jpg)

While that was all draining off, I lashed together a filler from some clear tube and a funnel. I've used this tubing on other cars too as it's clear (so you can see it draining through) and also a touch slimmer than garden hose (so it fits through the filler hole without any hassle. Behold this beauty;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/970/41190756244_474641e2e4_o.jpg)

Tubing was juuuuuust long enough with the battery removed;

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/982/41190756274_b8a0326ca7_o.jpg)

After that, it was just a case of filling with Redline gearbox oil and making sure it drained to the correct level. All done and pleased! Other than the obligatory dropping the drain plug washer into the drained oil, it all went smoothly. None of my shiny new bits are in any way visible now they're done which is a shame!

I also checked the oil while it was on the perfect flat - nope, still hasn't used a drop sitting 3/4 of the way up the dipstick! I'm starting to think I've been very lucky with this PFL....which means it'll probably throw a conrod out of the block the next time I start it.....  ::)

Well, no time to test drive as a BBQ and tonne of lovely beer beckons. Livin' the dream!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on May 5, 2018, 22:25
Good job done that is. And all looks good :)
Enjoy the BBQ!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on May 6, 2018, 08:17
The Archbishop said:

"Then some grovelling about on the floor to remove the filler bolt and then the drain bolt";

This sequence of removal is so important.
Why is that? one wonders.

Please don't find out the hard way.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: paulj on May 7, 2018, 20:55
I know advice the day after is no use at all, but i used this syringe in place of the hose...

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 6, 2018, 21:18
Be jeezus, it's been a while since I updated this...

But for very good reason. Basically, the Bucket hsa sat on the driveway in disgrace for the last 2 months. Why? It's a very long story which some of you may have read in this thread - https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=65086.0 (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=65086.0)

Basically, the hesitation at full throttle suddenly resolved itself through the rev range. It had no torque or go and the throttle would kangaroo the car at mid throttle or sudden openings. Basically, it was dog slow and undrivable. I've had a tremendous amount of help from this superb forum but even swapping out a multitude of parts (Kindly donated by Schnazzle) failed to find the cause.

I also hooked up via the social mediaz with the local MR2 gang (mostly Mk1's and a smattering of mk3's) and one of their number who seems to spend his time converting 1zz's to 2zz's came over to take a look.

First thing checked was the timing which, although the chain was a little loose (maybe it does need a new tensioner), was bang on. Then he had a listen and declared that the inlet manifold was breaking down internally. Now removing one of these without removing the engine is pretty much impossible, although some have managed it. I spent a great many evenings taking apart more and more in the engine bay trying to get the inlet off, but it just wasn't happening. Coolant was drained (and spilt), knuckles were carved of by stubborn throttle housings and still no luck. At this point, I chucked the towel in and left the car looking more and more sorry for itself down the end of the drive.

I had checked the inlet as best I could with an endoscope and a pair of grabbers (to see if I could find any evidence of the inlet runners splintering) and nothing,

So, I'm faced with now trying to reassemble the inlet to the block (it was near impossible to get the bolts out - it'll be harder still to get them back in) with the nagging doubt that that could still be the problem and that, if not, I'm no further to finding what the problem is. Oh and the MOT is up in a few days.

You may have noticed, but I'm at a total low.

One bit of good news was that while checking the timing, it was noted that the top end of the engine looked, in wear terms, like it'd done no mileage. I guess it's had a new or very low mileage engine put in not long ago - possibly why it doesn't use any oil at 120,000 miles.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/890/42308155501_2664b9ee79_o.jpg)

Seriously, the cams look like they are brand new. Very strange!

But yeah, waited for the summer, summer came, car broke down, much depressing.

Any motivation anyone can spare to bung my way would be appreciated, coz I can't find any of the bastard stuff.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on August 6, 2018, 21:32
That's a sorry tale. I've not heard of inlet manifolds breaking down  internally although I'm sure it can happen, they being plastic. And it would sort of fit the symptoms. You may find biting the bullet and taking the engine out to sort it is the easier path.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 6, 2018, 21:42
It's certainly starting to look that way, but then comes the bigger problem of while the engine is out, new clutch, new this new that or maybe a 2zz... none of which I really have the disposable income for at the minute.

It's just all a bit bleak at the moment. Add to that that I am not convinced the inlet is the problem. I know it could happen, but scouring the internet, I can find no other mentions of this happening with an MR2.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 7, 2018, 19:49
Well, slight update. Local chap turned up today and ripped the inlet out of the bay, thus removing any last vestige of my manliness.  :D

We've booked a date to put it back together (we couldn't find anything wrong with the inlet) so further testing can take place. The future is at least looking a little less bleak!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on August 7, 2018, 21:03
Sorry to hear about your troubles, hope you're up and running soon
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 7, 2018, 21:12
Cheers delhusband - I just needed a right kick up the bum to get going again which is why I posted on the forum. Usually you can find the support to get up and moving again.

We did also discuss a 2ZZ swap, but the cleanliness of the existing engine means it's a bit of a shame to rip it out. Ultimately it's a known quantity and donor engines are not unless you know the history of them. Would also require a loan.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on August 7, 2018, 22:10
Still leaves you with a disassembled engine and no idea what the problem is though!
With the bits shnazzle sent you, have you tried swapping ecu and harness?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 7, 2018, 22:22
the guy coming to help me put it back together has a full compliment of spares (even a new engine if required). There's a spare harness as well. The idea is to get it back into a movable state so we can investigate it further.

If we really can't work it out, then it may be time for the engine to come out and a 2ZZ swap.

Whatever, it's a step in the right direction!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on August 10, 2018, 00:55
I would speculate that quite a few of us on here have followed your excellent RR with great interest, so it is nice to hear from you, even if - sadly - the news itself is currently a bit shite.

FWIW your RR helped inspire me to make the effort to change my gearbox oil the other week, so you can be assured that even if you are not yourself currently benefitting from all the hours you have sweated over your 2 - there are other members of this forum who are doing.

Great that you have found someone to help with the motivation and diagnostics.

Looking forward to the next installment (fingers crossed it's some better news).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 10, 2018, 13:30
Cheers K T M! That's a very nice sentiment and I appreciate it!

Plenty more to come I'm sure - just needed to kick my own backside into action. It's been a hectic couple of months with family and sick dogs etc, so it's not entirely my fault, but every now and then I need to re-motivate to get on with it!

Consider me 'up for it' again!  ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 17, 2018, 18:46
Oooop for it!!! Thought I'd start putting the big old mess I'd made back together. I'd bought a new intake manifold from Mr. Sloan so that was cleaned up ready for installation;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1811/29157404047_2efa1894d9_o.jpg)

and a new gasket fitted;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1833/30227228998_71d83018a4_o.jpg)

The one thing I'm not entirely sure on is where the little metal bracket fits on the manifold. My guess is that it bolts to the MAF branch and then to the block half of the manifold to triangulate it for strength. Like this;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/30227229238_b3dca2c333_o.jpg)

If this is wrong, can someone shout?!  :D

So, next is trying to get it back in. Now Andrew had removed this thing somehow (he'd make a good midwife), but getting it back in... After 20 mins of tickling, cajoling, swearing, grunting, beating and teasing it back into position, it was in.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1836/29157404117_27cc49ea02_o.jpg)

Some manliness earned back and a great deal of relief.

Onward!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 19, 2018, 14:50
Little bit more done today, mostly the tricky job of bolting the intake manifold back up to the head and making sure everything goes back in the right place! Luckily, I'd put everything removed back onto the spare manifold for reference;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1836/43412799604_a878287756_o.jpg)

Not much more to see as it's too tight to get any photos of worth, but the manifold is bolted back up, although it finished of the cheap 1/4 ratchet I'd bought for removing it - buy cheap, buy twice... I've ordered a decent quality replacement with some birthday vouchers as it was really handy during its brief life.

Most of the bolts I managed to torque correctly up to 22ft but the two that retain the injector wiring are just too awkward to get a torque wrench in, so I've done them up to what feels correct.

When it came to refitting the throttle body, I noticed that the rubber in the metal gasket wasn't looking fantastic;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1831/42322777240_2648486646_o.jpg)

I'm not sure whether replacements are easy to get or whether it's be worth trying to smear a little silicone around the scuffed bits. Or whether I'm being picky and should just slap it on and stop worrying!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 23, 2018, 19:43
This evening I had a delivery waiting for me - Andrew had left me a set of bottom injector seals so I could finish putting the engine bay back together;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1852/43504776644_fbc1384dc0_o.jpg)

I'd had a bit of a head-scratcher with one of the injectors that was in the rail. Three of the four had little caps on the ends like this;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1867/29245245007_16f936a2d6_o.jpg)

Where as the injector for cylinder 3 didn't have the cap;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1837/44134219402_a6f1f3c7f5_o.jpg)

Bit of a puzzler until I went back through the considerable service history and found that injector 3 had been replaced due to a fault with the original. When I went to fit the new bottom seals, I found that they were really loose on that injector and that a seal with a slightly smaller internal diameter had been fitted to that one so that it was tight. Very strange, but it used to work so not to worry. I reused the matching seal as it was still in good condition and fitted everything back up. I'm pretty sure that I got it together correctly, but this is my first time dabbling with injector rails (and you have to do it effectively blind), so I'll be looking very carefully for issues when I finally get to start the engine again!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1873/43504776564_1f1ec03cc1_o.jpg)

So the engine bay is back together and ready to go?

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/43504776444_38ccefbd3e_o.jpg)

Close, so close.... but I lost a lot of coolant getting the inlet off;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/43504776714_b569335379_o.jpg)

So there's some of Toyota's finest on its way. Then bleed the system and I'm ready to go. I just hope I've got everything plumbed back in properly....  :(

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/43504776374_50110d58a1_o.jpg)

Soon....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on August 23, 2018, 20:05
I've really enjoyed reading this along with the pics (I do like pics).  Well done for all your hard work, she looks great.  Here's to her breathing again soon, eh?  :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 23, 2018, 22:06
Quote from: Chilli Girl on August 23, 2018, 20:05
I've really enjoyed reading this along with the pics (I do like pics).  Well done for all your hard work, she looks great.  Here's to her breathing again soon, eh?  :)
I'll drink to that!

Just hoping it all works to some degree!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 27, 2018, 15:36
Well, a few more small but important steps forward today after a false buggery start!

I was finally ready to hook the battery up and see if the old bucket exploded into a giant fireball. Battery was charged in readiness last week and was hooked up this morning. However, on turning the key, I was met with the car equivalent of passing out. All the lights went out on the dash, and a big fat nothing happened (not even the anticipated fireball).

Battery back off and hooked up to my Lidl battery charger/conditioner and the voltage is all over the place and it refuses to take a charge. Well of course it does. It's a bank holiday after all and if anything's going to break, it'll be on a bank holiday...  ::)

So a quick scour of the internet provides the information that batteries are expensive from anywhere open on a bank holiday. So I did a tour of the local town. Halfords want £80 for one of their basic efforts (warrantied for 3 years and with a life expectancy of 3 years and 2 hours in my general experience). Euro Car Parts wanted £105 for an Exide one - well no thanks to that, but don't you have a Bank Holiday sale on at the mo? "Only online and collect sir."

Right-oh.

So que the game of sitting in their car park ordering on my phone at a very hefty discount and then waiting for 20 mins for the order to come through their system. Once that was done, I got the Exide battery for a more sensible £58... How very ludicrous...

So on it went;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/30435098608_05e8c8bb57_o.jpg)

And as if by some divine miracle, we had life!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/43584910384_d1c6b3fdc5_o.jpg)

So finally, just a bit of bleeding the coolant and topping up;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/42494606560_4dd156886e_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/43396031185_0bb147143c_o.jpg)

And we're done.

And the result? Well the problems are still there with it coughing at light to mid throttle openings, but at least we're back to where we started and there's no leaks or explosions. So I'm looking on the plus side!

With that all done, I started having a poke and a prod about starting at the beginning again. I swapped my old MAF in and tried that - it ran horribly misfiring on idle and barely revving at all. Just as a test, I pulled the MAF plug and started it again. It didn't want to run but once it was going settled into a slightly higher but smooth idle. Prodding the throttle I found that it was sharp with no stutter at all...well that's odd!

Swapped my replacement MAF back in and it idled smoothly again but with the cough at light/mid throttle. Whipped the plug out. No cough...

Could it be that I've got two duff MAFs, dodgy wiring or another component is causing the issue and forcing the engine to run at a base map circumnavigates the problem.

A step forward?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 7, 2018, 22:32
I had a nice new shiny MAF arrive yesterday from Opie Oils.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1870/42729822220_84d711c093_o.jpg)

Yes a proper Denso one - no expense spared for the bucket.

This was bought in desperation after over three months of cocking around trying to cure the stuttering and the loss of what felt like a lot of gee-gees.

After work, I bolted out to the garage to get it fitted and give it a test. Have to say that the non-Toyota stamped ones look like cheap copies with their sticker in the top rather than it being pressed into the plastic housing, but it was a genuine one so all good.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/43629671165_5d7db4af4c_o.jpg)

And the result?

No stutter, all of the horses corralled back under the bonnet (well, engine bay) and the fuel trims all returning to normal levels.

So an entire Summer wasted due to having replaced a dodgy MAF (it was the first part I replaced) with another dodgy MAF. The guy I bought it from I trust and he assured me it was working when it was taken off, so it basically died at, for me at least, the most inopportune moment causing 3 months of unnecessary work and invasive MR2 surgery. That and the loss of an entire Summer's worth of open top motoering. Double arse and cack.

I'd be more angry if I wasn't so very relieved!  ;D

So I'll chalk it up as a very important lesson and move on, zen-like, pushing forward into a MR2-filled nirvana of future adventures of a car with no boot. Or something like that.

It's just as well that the bucket has pulled its socks up too as this will be coming to live with me in a week or two;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/43821365994_ec1d97c75a_o.jpg)

MR2x2
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on September 7, 2018, 22:37
It looks very happy about it too![emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 7, 2018, 22:46
Quote from: Call the midlife! on September  7, 2018, 22:37
It looks very happy about it too![emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Got to love a MKIII goofy face!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jonbill on September 8, 2018, 07:57
Hooray!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 9, 2018, 15:48
After three months of Summer slumber, the now fully-fit bucket was looking a bit dishevelled. During this time the spiders had house-hunted, done a deal at the arachnid estate agents, completed on their new residence and had very much moved in. In fact, they'd already bought soft furnishings and changed the curtains... 

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1870/44572511901_500c4a2f34_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/44572511891_064f9bf5c3_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/44572511741_dd349c84b2_o.jpg)

But being a most motivated landlord, it was time to evict them.

First the interior was de-webbed and hoovered (I don't think I'd ever actually got around to hoovering it since I'd bought it);

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/44572512081_156bf03b74_o.jpg)

Then the exterior was given a sluice down. Amazingly the paintwork was still smooth as silk underneath and the wax was still doing its thing, so it went from a big job to a quick one very quickly! Quick dry off and as good as new save for the headlights and the third brake light which had discoloured again. Some T-cut metallic to remove the discolouration and a wax followed by some plastic renovator (it has a UV protect element to it) and those were looking good again.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/44572512141_566a4ed40d_o.jpg)

The back now sporting a Petrol Blog (https://petrolblog.com) sticker in the rear window - if you're into the left-field, slightly naff or eccentric side of motoring, give it a look - brilliantly written.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/42762929680_e5dda34f0a_o.jpg)

That's it really. Gave it a look-around in readiness for the MOT that I'm going to try and get sorted next week.

Oh, and found that the much-loved original dual CD/cassette head-unit appears to be dying. Volume is knackered but occasionally kicks back into life briefly for a fraction of a second every now and then.  ??? Bit gutted about that!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on September 10, 2018, 08:17
BRILLIANT you've sorted it, although MR2s appear to be worryingly similar to buses round your  way  ;)

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 10, 2018, 08:20
Quote from: K T M Rider on September 10, 2018, 08:17
BRILLIANT you've sorted it, although MR2s appear to be worryingly similar to buses round your  way  ;)
Ha! Funnily enough exactly what my wife said yesterday!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 10, 2018, 22:10
MOT booked for tomorrow at 1pm..... I hate going for the MOT. It reminds me of getting exam results, except you have to sit in the waiting room watching the examiners poking and prodding the fruits of your labour with nothing but a 6 year old copy of EVO magazine for distraction. Rubbish.

I think I'll reset the ECU properly tomorrow morning and give the handbrake a tweak as well.

Fingers well and truly crossed.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 14:12
MOT passed! No advisories this year either which is a bonus!  :D

Proper chuffed after the rigmarole of the summer.

Phew!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 11, 2018, 18:40
Well done Lee, all that hard work paid off.  Have a beer tonight or two? :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 19:06
I think I just might!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:04
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 19:06
I think I just might!

No need I've had a couple for you
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 22:07
Quote from: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:04
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 19:06
I think I just might!

No need I've had a couple for you
Damn! So have I! Might have to stop - work tomorrow!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:14
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 22:07
Quote from: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:04
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 19:06
I think I just might!

No need I've had a couple for you
Damn! So have I! Might have to stop - work tomorrow!  ;D

If you sober up you may realise it is time to ditch the stock head unit.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 22:22
Quote from: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:14
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 22:07
Quote from: 1979scotte on September 11, 2018, 22:04
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2018, 19:06
I think I just might!

No need I've had a couple for you
Damn! So have I! Might have to stop - work tomorrow!  ;D

If you sober up you may realise it is time to ditch the stock head unit.
NEVER!!!!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 12, 2018, 13:19
Soggy weather be damned! I've waited months to drive the bucket, so it went with me to work this morning where it had a final (not so much of a) surprise for me;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/29696701697_bbbb375539_b.jpg)

I knew what it was before I read the codes to be honest;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1897/43725876765_de4b155f61_b.jpg)

When Shnazzle had sent me some bits to try, there were a couple of O2 sensors that had suspected broken heater circuits in them (ideal for testing but would through a code), but after extensive testing with one of them in, no codes were thrown, so I packed the spares including my O2 sensor up and posted them back.

Luckily, it chose to bring on the light just a few miles after the MOT test!

Made me chuckle a little!

Anyway, I can't be bothered mucking around with resistors so I'll get a new one on order soon.

On the flipside, my stereo started working again. I'm expecting it to crap out again, but you never know...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 15, 2018, 17:44
We have a new arrival....

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/30827477288_0b224bfa56_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 15, 2018, 19:51
Dad's car Lee?  I also do like a yellow 2. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 15, 2018, 21:32
Quote from: Chilli Girl on September 15, 2018, 19:51
Dad's car Lee?  I also do like a yellow 2. :)
Yes indeed! He decided he'd done everything needed to it and has passed custodianship to me. I drove it back from Wiltshire today with my eldest daughter. It's amusingly loud with the TTE backbox and the de-precatted stainless manifold. It drives perfectly and easily gobbled up the miles. More importantly, it handles! It was a wake up call to how broken and dangerous the silver car feels. The custard tart is utterly chuckable - you can't do that with the bucket otherwise it tries to buck off of the road.

Anyone interested in a load of photos and a run down on the spec?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 15, 2018, 22:35
Glad you enjoyed your ride back from Wiltshire, great cars, yellow suits it I think. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:28
Well, some about the custard tart, a bit about the bucket and some other MR2s in this post!

As stated above, my dad decided a month ago that he needed some garage room back and, having fettled, fiddled and finessed the bright little Roadster back to a great state of health, decided to pass it on to me.

Can I really afford to run two MR2s as well as my daily Swift?

No.

Could I pass up the offer?

No.

Obviously.

So a few weekends ago, my long-suffering Father in Law agreed to run me and my eldest daughter over to the part of the country where they have lots of pigs. Setting off early to avoid the traffic, we got to Wiltshire in decent time - a lovely quiet Mercedes E class being the relaxing chariot of choice for the trip. Arrived in good time some sliced pig butties, catch the F1 qualifying and a good old catch-up, and me and my intrepid daughter Ellie set off for the journey back down to Sussex.

First thing I noted - having spent the preceding week driving around in the 5 speed bucket, people behind you in a queue get very nervous when you flick the reverse lights on in a failed attempt to go for first gear on a 6 speeder...

Second thing - the Tart has quite a fruity exhaust note. It's de-precatted with a stainless manifold and has the TTE back box that its original purchaser specced along with a few other TTE bits and bobs. It's great fun blatting around the country roads in, but at motorway speeds up hill with a half throttle, it's a bit strident eliciting a fingers-in-ears gesture from my young co-pilot. After the sensory deprivation that was the Merc on the way up, it was a bit like being dropped in the middle of an early 90's rave. Excellent.

Thirdly - Oh this is how they handle! Within 10 mins of setting off, I was chucking it around the rather excellent Wiltshire roads with ease and making myself and the young'un giggle manically. Part of this is probably due to my dads insistence of fitting the pricey but stupidly grippy Yoko AD-whatsits on all four corners. Part of it is driving the rather unstable bucket around for a week before hand.

Quick stop off at the ever popular Fleet services - it certainly stands out in a car park;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1948/44174936974_3076555779_o.jpg)

And actually tones well with my daughter - being a ginge near-teenage dirt bag means she can clash horribly with certain cars....  ;D

A rather surprisingly clear run around the M25 and M23 meant we were back in time to snap a few pictures;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1878/43980976564_6335aab9b2_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/44698530311_d14da59bc6_o.jpg)

FL and PFL - (whisper it - I still prefer the cleaner lines of the PFL...)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/43979750314_40d22d5e91_o.jpg)

So with the look-at-meeeeeeee-coloured MR2 safely back home, it meant that Dad could cancel his insurance and tax for a refund. No wait - one more appointment for the car before it's tucked up in the garage for the winter.

There's a local MR2 messenger group that I was invited to join a while back. It's a group of MK1 and Mk3 owners (there's no Mk2 snobbery - there's just not anyone local that seems to own one sadly) that live around Sussex that huddle together for warmth and advice and a seriously nice bunch of folks they are too. Matt is only 5 mins drive away from me and a very proud owner of a tidy Mk1 while his wife Jo has a wonderfully one-off Roadster that is so beautifully clean, it makes me weep. So we agreed to have a little mid-week mini-meet at a local pub to finally get to meet them in real life rather than via a keyboard.

Because of near-teenage dirt bags and my other daughter (basically a 7 year old bundle of fury and mess), my wife couldn't come too which left me a driver short to get the bucket over as well. Luckily, my neighbour Rob stepped in and wrestled the wobbly silver dream over to the pub (later remarking that it was terrifying and awesome to drive in equal measure). This was after I got an anxious phone call from Rob asking if the EML should be lit up on the dashboard. I informed him that the yellow engine light came as standard and it was all fine...

So four-car mini meet!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1941/43083487580_bc4b70761a_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1968/44895412021_7f87036f29_o.jpg)

We've decided to get a bigger gathering together in the Spring!

So, fixing of things.... Not a lot to report there as it's been a bit busy, but I did order a new Denso lambda sensor to fix the aforementioned yellow EML on the bucket. Bargain from Opie Oils at under £50. Sadly, I've made the rookie error of ordering the longer-wired post-cat version rather than the pre-cat one that I need. I could use it, but I'm a funny bugger so I'll order the right one and keep the other for spare. An o2 sensor fault is never far away on a Roadster anyway.  ::)

Next thing is to try and find the cause of the, to Quote Rob - "terrifying" wandery handling. It's either shocks or tyres. Luckily, with two cars now on the fleet, I have the luxury of swapping the tyres over to the bucket and seeing what difference that makes. If it still wallows about, I can look to buying some new shocks.

Right, that's the end of this rather long, boring and rambling post.

Thanks for reading or, at least looking at the pictures!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on September 24, 2018, 22:44
Jo's is a stunning car, (not that the custard isn't [emoji23]), had a good look round it at the National Day when she won prizes with it!


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:54
Quote from: Call the midlife! on September 24, 2018, 22:44
Jo's is a stunning car, (not that the custard isn't [emoji23]), had a good look round it at the National Day when she won prizes with it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
She's rightly proud of her prizes! The seats are amazing and the finish on the paint work is stunning. The Tart has had a respray at some point and it's pretty good but not a patch on Jo's!

Now if I can just get my wife as keen on them I'll be on a winner!  :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on September 24, 2018, 23:07
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:54
Quote from: Call the midlife! on September 24, 2018, 22:44
Jo's is a stunning car, (not that the custard isn't [emoji23]), had a good look round it at the National Day when she won prizes with it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
She's rightly proud of her prizes! The seats are amazing and the finish on the paint work is stunning. The Tart has had a respray at some point and it's pretty good but not a patch on Jo's!

Now if I can just get my wife as keen on them I'll be on a winner!  :D
[emoji38]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on September 25, 2018, 11:41
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:28
Can I really afford to run two MR2s as well as my daily Swift?

No.

Could I pass up the offer?

No.

Obviously.


Clearly the Suzuki will have to go.

Of course there will be the naysayers who will try to convince you that MR2s aren't practical for family trips out, but (seeing as your wife drives too) I think this picture easily silences such pathetic whinging.  ;D

Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:28


(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1941/43083487580_bc4b70761a_o.jpg)



Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 24, 2018, 22:28
Next thing is to try and find the cause of the, to Quote Rob - "terrifying" wandery handling. It's either shocks or tyres. Luckily, with two cars now on the fleet, I have the luxury of swapping the tyres over to the bucket and seeing what difference that makes. If it still wallows about, I can look to buying some new shocks.

Even if the shocks aren't the main problem now, might well be once you fit AD08Rs. Replaced worn out Potenzas with them on a 65k car and they initially ruined it (!)

..........untill new KYBs, Teins & a Geo then made it pretty epic  :)

Clearly the softer worn potenzas suited the softer worn suspension my car came on much better, it was fun to drive on smoothish roads, though could get out of shape with a spirited drive on poorer surfaces. But 98% of the time it felt fine (well compared to the 140000 mile Fabia estate i'd just stepped out of  :) ).

After months of anticipation of wondering what all the fuss was about I fitted the Yokos and they made a previously fun car (on seen better days suspension)  pretty awful, If entering a bend at speed it was turn wheel - note sharper turn in - but then wait for the lurch due to weight transfer, which was either very pronounced or barely noticeable but you were never quite sure which it was going to be  >:D

It's a classic case of change one thing and it shows up another, and I reckon the yokos will show up any suspenson deficiencies far more than (say) T1Rs would.
Wild speculation I know, but maybe the car would be reasonably nice to drive on T1Rs (especially if you mess around with the pressures), AD08Rs I'm not so sure, without a shock change.

BTW, possibly remiss of me to suggest you might consider selling already, but if you tire of using your custard as a very expensive way to store spare parts for the bucket, there's someone in this thread after a low mileage FL custard:

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=66148.0

Though not sure if the starship-like 3 to 4000 a year? mileage of your custard fits his idea of low mileage anyway  ;)   

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on September 25, 2018, 14:06
Putting T1Rs on wobbly suspension would actually compound your issues, put it hard into a corner and you're going to get double trouble. The settle from the tyre walls and then the give from the suspension, whichever happens first. On decent suspension you only get the initial flex of the tyre wall, once you're used to it you're laughing.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on September 25, 2018, 15:25
Quote from: Call the midlife! on September 25, 2018, 14:06
Putting T1Rs on wobbly suspension would actually compound your issues, put it hard into a corner and you're going to get double trouble. The settle from the tyre walls and then the give from the suspension, whichever happens first. On decent suspension you only get the initial flex of the tyre wall, once you're used to it you're laughing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I take your point but I think you have also further explained mine - as the AD08R sidewalls have so little flex - any deficiencies in the suspension after initial turn in can become much more apparent, whereas softer sidewalls are IMHO probably much better at masking deficiencies in the suspension. Also the softer sidewalls will I imagine give more scope for changing the feel of the car by trying diferent tyre pressures.

I was not trying to say that the car would actually be better on T1Rs (than AD08Rs) in an absolute sense, merely speculating it may feel better (which is of course a subjective judgement anyway).

I'm sure we'll get an update shortly contradicting at least one of us   :-)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Call the midlife! on September 25, 2018, 15:43
Quote from: K T M Rider on September 25, 2018, 15:25
Quote from: Call the midlife! on September 25, 2018, 14:06
Putting T1Rs on wobbly suspension would actually compound your issues, put it hard into a corner and you're going to get double trouble. The settle from the tyre walls and then the give from the suspension, whichever happens first. On decent suspension you only get the initial flex of the tyre wall, once you're used to it you're laughing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I take your point but I think you have also further explained mine - as the AD08R sidewalls have so little flex - any deficiencies in the suspension after initial turn in can become much more apparent, whereas softer sidewalls are IMHO probably much better at masking deficiencies in the suspension. Also the softer sidewalls will I imagine give more scope for changing the feel of the car by trying diferent tyre pressures.

I was not trying to say that the car would actually be better on T1Rs (than AD08Rs) in an absolute sense, merely speculating it may feel better (which is of course a subjective judgement anyway).

I'm sure we'll get an update shortly contradicting at least one of us   :-)
Nope, totally get what you were saying, just adding that as a T1R wearer you're going to get two lots of reaction to your input. Where you got just the vagueness of the suspension after turn in, with the Toyos you're going to get it twice.


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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on September 25, 2018, 16:15
Agreed, (even though I've never actually driven on T1Rs, I was just using them as an example :) )

My point was more about the Yoko's really........

Apologies for turning your RR into a tyre debate
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 26, 2018, 00:18
No worries! It feels like crackered shocks to be honest, but before throwing money and time at fitting them, it's worth throwing the Yokos on there to see what happens. Sticking TR-1s on there would make it truly squidgy (I've experience of these tyres) but the Yokos should show up any difference between the bucket and the tart (never thought I'd ever type that).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on September 26, 2018, 10:14
Well I have heard the Toyos are a bit of a "marmite" tyre anyway.......

Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 26, 2018, 00:18
It's worth throwing the Yokos on there to see what happens.

I shall await your feedback with interest.

I'm thinking that a bit like mounting a gold Rolex on worn knicker elastic it may stand out

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 26, 2018, 11:00
Quote from: K T M Rider on September 26, 2018, 10:14
Well I have heard the Toyos are a bit of a "marmite" tyre anyway.......

Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 26, 2018, 00:18
It's worth throwing the Yokos on there to see what happens.

I shall await your feedback with interest.

I'm thinking that a bit like mounting a gold Rolex on worn knicker elastic it may stand out

Good analogy!  ;D

It'll be interesting at least! Wibbly wobbly with lots of grip.... Actually doesn't sound that appealing.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 29, 2018, 19:33
Well, I think I'm over the rough and hoping it's in with the smooth from now on with the bucket.

First thing today was to change the duff o2 sensor that was giving me an EML (bank 1-sensor 1 - driver's side manifold one I believe - if not then I've replaced the wrong one). I'd ordered a new Denso sensor the other week but had discovered that I'd bought the one for the post-cat with the long lead (DOX-206) whereas I needed the shorter one (DOX-204). However, with the discount codes on Opie's site, it brought each sensor down to under £50, so I kept the wrong one as a spare and got the shorter version ordered as well. I ended up with these two;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/43179771470_ee988a84c7_o.jpg)

You can see that the DOX-206 has all of the clips that mount it to the chassis on its way up to the connector behind the coolant bottle.

The new one was a simple and quick swap and was torqued up to 20NM as dictated by the instructions on the box.

The next thing was to bung another jubilee strap around the heat shield - it'd been rattling really badly again. THe new strap has gotten rid of 80% of the remaining rattle - much better.

Next up for the bucket, it was time to swap the front tyres from the Custard tart (Yoko's only about 6 months and 400 miles old) on to see if that was the cause of my wallowing, tram-lining and bucking handling. This had plagued the Bucket from the start of ownership and made the car really scary to drive at times. I was convinced that the shocks were shot, but changing the tyres over was a worth-while test.

By the time I'd gone a few hundred yards it was obvious that this had solved the problem. The car tracked perfectly on broken roads and could be thrown around with confidence. Grip from the front was strong with no healing over on roundabouts and it felt like the yellow car. Well, almost - it was clear the back tyres were also not up to it as you could feel it getting a bit unruly on corner exit.

So that's it then! Problem solved!

I just need to replace all of the tyres, which doesn't sound like a great improvement over buying new shocks, but the fact that;

a) It won't need tracking up again at £60 a go and
b) I don't have to do it

...means that it's a big win.

The only problem remains which tyres to get. I fancied a set of Avons or Rainsports as the price for them is decent (around £60 for the fronts), but other than the Yoko's (over my budget and I'd prefer some tyres that are more at home in the wet), I haven't managed to find a tyre that you can get in both the front and rear sizes. I'm only interested in a complete set.

If anyone's got some ideas on what to get, let me know!

I've swapped the tyres back now.

Finally, I checked the oil as it's been in for around 1700 miles since the service - still not a drop used.

I also remembered that the frunk of the Custard Tart had been filled with swag by my dad and thought I'd have a nose through it;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/43179772200_c6a44deb0f_o.jpg)

That is one tidy frunk!!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1903/44991558641_b13851f95d_o.jpg)

Loads of good stuff! A six speed layout aluminium gear knob, some oil for top-ups, some gearbox oil, Toyota power steering fluid (about 1/3 bottle left), most of a hood renovation kit, caliper paint in bright yellow (naturally), spray can of super bright yellow paint and a few other bits and bobs.; A great haul - cheers dad (I know you read this thread).

I also noticed the strange (potentially prophetic for a 1zz) missive printed on the back of the air-freshener I'd added to the car.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1935/44991558411_acecb1a367_o.jpg)

Good advice there for any Roadster owner...

The garage has been thoroughly cleared out ready to put the Tart away for the winter - just needs a wash down first and then in she goes!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 1, 2018, 20:26
Tyres for the bucket ordered. I decided on the Falken 914's in the end after driving the Tart with the stiff AD08Rs and not finding it overly hard-riding. Good price from MyTyres as well.

They should be delivered to my local fitters later this week so I can enjoy a more wayward MR2 experience.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on October 1, 2018, 20:52
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 29, 2018, 19:33
By the time I'd gone a few hundred yards it was obvious that this had solved the problem. The car tracked perfectly on broken roads and could be thrown around with confidence. Grip from the front was strong with no healing over on roundabouts........

Interesting, I guess my 65k shocks were more knackered then.

Maybe yours aren't original - either way that's a result. Let us know how you find the Falkens....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 1, 2018, 22:29
Quote from: K T M Rider on October  1, 2018, 20:52
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 29, 2018, 19:33
By the time I'd gone a few hundred yards it was obvious that this had solved the problem. The car tracked perfectly on broken roads and could be thrown around with confidence. Grip from the front was strong with no healing over on roundabouts........

Interesting, I guess my 65k shocks were more knackered then.

Maybe yours aren't original - either way that's a result. Let us know how you find the Falkens....

No one is more surprised than me!

The Bucket is a bit of an enigma - a tonne of service history but no mention of the engine being replaced, the interior feels far less lived in than the 50k mile Tart and it genuinely feels like a far newer car than the mileage suggests. Again, no mention of the shocks being replaced (and the gaiters are knackered), but they felt absolutely fine on the Yokos.

I've used Falkens on a few cars now - I had the 912's on my puma and the newer 914s on my old Subaru Forester and they give a harsher ride than most tyres, but they do give very quick initial turn-in and they wear pretty well. I'll be sure to let you know what they're like on a Roadster!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 6, 2018, 12:16
Brrr.... It's getting a bit nippy out there! Time for the Tart to settle in to a slumber for the off-season. I'd cleaned out my bijou garage last weekend and was hoping to get the car washed down before I put it away, but the weather for this weekend looked rather bleak, so decided to bung it in anyway. Certainly brightens up the space!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1905/45132603211_2109b396ec_o.jpg)

Sitting in there, it looks like a model car from the side door;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/43319377040_0430b87fb5_o.jpg)

I've left the car in gear and with the handbrake off, but because I know my memory is rubbish;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/45132603151_912b0759ea_o.jpg)

Anyway, still waiting for the tyres to be delivered for the Bucket. Sent off an email this morning asking where they are. They quote 4-5 working days but we're up to five now...  ::)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on October 6, 2018, 12:58
The tart does look gorgeous Lee.  Glad she's undercover for the winter months - it certainly protect these cars, I like to keep Foxy in the same conditions.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 6, 2018, 13:02
Quote from: Chilli Girl on October  6, 2018, 12:58
The tart does look gorgeous Lee.  Glad she's undercover for the winter months - it certainly protect these cars, I like to keep Foxy in the same conditions.
Cheers Chilli! It's just started chucking it down, so not a moment too soon!

It's s shame that the Bucket will have to live outside this Winter, but I intend to use it regardless of the rubbish weather. It'll just have to cope! Might have to do some more rust proofing though - it's quite a boring job...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 14, 2018, 12:12
After a week and a half of Mytyres faffing around with sending out the tyres, my local fitters (Re-Tyred at Ditchling Common) confirmed they'd finally received them on Friday. Luckily, I had a day off so sauntered (well, more wobbled in the Bucket) over there for fitting. Within 10 minutes my car was in the depot and getting sorted while I had a pleasant nap in the rather lovely Alfa leather seats they have in reception as a sofa. How decadent.

Soon it was sorted and after shelling over £60 for fitting I was on my way.

New shoes!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1928/31435940448_33b22e5da9_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1980/45261432572_b092bc2296_o.jpg)

First impressions were that the ride was pretty harsh although upon returning home, I removed 6PSI from the fronts and 2 from the rear. I guess the tyre places do a standard 32 PSI for everything as I've found this at other places. With the pesky extra PSIs removed, normal service was resumed and the ride, despite the hard sidewalls of the Falkens, was absolutely fine.

Meanwhile, the wobbly pitching, wandering mess that was the handling has been transformed into a sure-footed, tight and unflappable thing. Soooo very much better! It doesn't feel like it's trying to kill you any more and the bucket is a sweet motor to punt around in. I'm very much looking forward to commuting in it next week!

So after a Summer of lows, we finally have the Autumn high. With this in mind, a (some wish) list of bits to do is probably in order...

- Straighten the steering column - I know it doesn't matter, but the wheel being 5 degrees off straight bothers me. Which is silly.
- Get some choooons - the original stereo now doesn't work at all due to the rotary pot' being crackered. I have a decent but garish single din Sony that will do but will need a fitting kit.
- Find the very quiet but insistent rattle from the hood. ARRGGHHH!!! Stop rattling!!!
- Rid the exhaust heat shield of it's last rattles - there's more jubilee straps than heat shield currently.
- Source and fit a few non-important bits of trim - one frunk latch and the plastic covers for the rear strut tops just to finish it off.
- Have another go at the headlights - still rather yellow - never going to be utterly new looking but should be able to improve further.
- De-rust and paint the front of the chassis - if it's doing all weathers, probably best!
- Rear calipers refurbished - still not happy with one in particular as there's a lot of brake dust on that corner. Think the piston is sticky.
- Replace the little handbrake gaiter where the cable attaches to the caliper - I've heard they can be replaced with push bike ones?

That'll do for now.

All small jobs but all should make for a better Roadster.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on October 14, 2018, 20:55
Well done Lee - glad to hear the little 2 is handling better. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 15, 2018, 22:16
The smallest of tiny wins - the insistent rattle was traced to the little 'PULL' badge from the hood release. Put a bit of blue-tac behind it and refitted. Think that's got it!

As I said, smallest of tiny wins...

I've given in and ordered a single DIN fitting kit so I can get my Sony headunit fitted. While the engine sounds sweet, it's a bit boring everyday without some music. I'll have a go at fixing the old headunit when I get a chance as you can still get the volume pots' on eBay for a tenner.

My long suffering wife borrowed the car this evening and confirms that it's no longer out to kill her. Always good news!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Akayfortyseven on October 17, 2018, 11:27
Thank-you! Ive had an annoying rattle for a few weeks, ever since I replaced that PULL garnish now I think of it!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 21, 2018, 12:13
The sound of radio silence was the only blot on the Bucket's copy book, so yesterday I had a crack at fitting the single DIN stereo I'd had kicking around in the garage. With a fitting kit duly bought from eBay, I set about the task.

The kit was far from a straight bolt in set-up being a universal Toyota set up that came with various side parts depending on the model you were fitting it to. Following the MR2 instructions faithfully, I dremel'd off the lugs not required and put it all together.

The result? Well it's certainly fitted;

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1920/30510374467_f8ebd0d696_o.jpg)

But the fit? Just terrible....

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1940/30510374697_201126dce9_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1929/45451049701_0d546cdfa2_o.jpg)

Now I'm sure I've fitted this as per spec and there's no other way it could fit (I've done a great many headunit installs in my time), but it looks god-awful!  ::)

Another bit of research and what I should have done is to buy a 'C2 24UV18 Universal Facia Plate Double To Single Din Car Stereo Pocket' and utilised both the original metal fitting brackets and the old stereo surround for a nice factory-ish look. So I'll have to order that in and have another go.

At least I have a functioning music box in there I suppose!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Justin.D on October 21, 2018, 12:18
The face-lift surround should just clip on and finish that one off. Maybe pop the one off your yellow one to test
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 21, 2018, 12:33
Quote from: Justin.D on October 21, 2018, 12:18
The face-lift surround should just clip on and finish that one off. Maybe pop the one off your yellow one to test
Interesting - Thanks! I'll take a look!

Still, if you'd bought it for a PFL as I did, you'd be a bit peeved! Nothing in the instructions about it either.

Also means I need to source a FL surround!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 3, 2018, 09:49
Three weeks of commuting and daily duties and the Bucket has excelled. I've been quite impressed with the rear screen and front blowers in clearing off the frost in the mornings - a far better proposition than my old MGF with its plastic rear screen.

I've also been very impressed with the Falken tyres which have been great in the dry and very solid in the wet. Lots of confidence at normal or slightly above normal speeds and great feedback. They're a great match for the MR2 as an every day car.

The only wasp in the jam is the increasingly loud whirring noise coming, I think, from the back of the car. It's road-speed dependent and hits a slight buzzing resonance at about 45mph. Wheel bearing or gearbox? I'm not sure but it always been there to an extent. It is getting louder though...

Gearbox itself feels fine - great shift, no shunt and the oil was very clean when I changed it, so I'm leaning towards the wheel bearings.

Anyway, da bucket done good and I still look forward to finishing work and the drive back, something that I can't honestly say about my Swift.

It's got some proper Sussex muck on it and everything;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4831/31815655128_faa75836ef_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 12, 2018, 20:23
Well over a month since my last update, a frankly shoddy effort on my behalf. I will berate myself personally later.

Why the update now? Because this morning, jumping in the Swift to head to work, I discovered after about 10 feet that I had a flat tyre. Cue flashback to Mrs. Arch Bishop stating she'd hit a fearsome pothole on the way back from Tesco last night. Great stuff.

Reverse the stricken Suzuki back onto the drive, grab the keys for the trusty Bucket and thankfully due to the investment in a new battery, the old gal fired straight up. Less than two minutes inconvenienced and to work on time.

A pox on friends and family that scoff at my many old cars!

In all honesty, I was sort of thrilled to have a really good excuse to be behind the wheel of the MR2 again. Turning up the stereo sorted the moaning from the suspected duff wheel bearing and all was right with the world once again.

As the (stupid teenager-spec 17" rubber band-shod) wheel on the Swift has the profile of a 20p piece now, it seems that Christmas commuting will be the bucket's job for a week or so. Shame.

So here's the old beast in it's own classy Christmas light habitat. Merry Christmas and all that...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4825/31352034707_de2d62f9b1_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4898/45378119025_47acd2b22e_o.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/46290810081_36cdbe92ef_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on December 12, 2018, 22:05
Great pics Lee and a Merry Christmas to you too. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 30, 2018, 16:03
The Bucket has indeed done all of my Christmas motoring, not because I haven't had the Suzuki wheel repaired (which I have), but because when I mentioned to Mrs. Arch Bishop that we could go back to using the Swift again, she pulled a strange face and went "eh." basically saying that the MR2 was to continue in service due to it being rather more fun.

But with the early morning start to work comes a certain responsibility, namely the game of not waking up the neighbours with rattly grindy old cars. Sadly, the electric ariel noises were not just loud, but LOUD.

"Here mate! Something's wrong with your engine!" passers by would shout as the ariel ground it's way along its cycle for 30 seconds.

So Yesterday, I decided to tackle the problem and pulled the ariel and the cord out of the motor assembly;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4858/32639604148_0d5540ed3d_o.jpg)

The cord looked a little short, but I wondered whether the guide in the how-to of the forum would be enough to fix it. However, today I had a bit of time to investigate it a bit further, so I jacked the back of the car up, removed the rear wheel and the arch-liner and learnt about the murky world of the electric ariel.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4803/32654609808_2b64b778cc_o.jpg)

In typical Toyota fashion, it's quite over engineered in some ways and nicely simple in others. Once the top castled nut on the wing is removed, the only thing holding the ariel assembly on is one 10mm bolt after which, you can manoeuvre it out of the wing. Removing the power connector gives you ample room to lover it to a workable position.

The weather proofing on the unit is one of the over-engineered bits - the entire unit has a sturdy plastic weather-proof cagoule that you have to roll up to reach the cover. Once you've removed the screws, you can prise the cover off to look at the inside. Again, the cover has a soft silicone sealant around it. Toyota really didn't want water getting in there!!

In this picture you can see the central winding drum that's driven by the motor in the middle.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7819/31586978017_ceb1bce740_o.jpg)

The cord runs down the ariel tube and comes out within the body where it's picked up by the teeth on the central drum;

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4892/45613765075_cdb82c0589_o.jpg)

This then drives the cord off of the drum and into the cover which has a cylindrical area to store the wound in cord.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7876/46475090912_12e6ed4595_o.jpg)

So with all of this apart, I found the snapped section of the cord;

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7829/46475091092_65b4bd5a6c_o.jpg)

Way too much to bother with a bodge repair of any kind and as Davey P on this forum found a replacement antennae and cord unit for £15, I've ordered one.

Should sort out my noise issues!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 1, 2019, 15:05
Almost forgot! I received a surprise present from Mrs. Arch Bishop for Christmas which I'm really pleased with.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/31615267237_c8f9b12946_o.jpg)

Obviously this will be for the Custard Tart as it's a facefift era headunit, but most importantly, it's got a Minidisc player as well as a CD player. I bought a Minidisc headunit for my first mk1 years ago so this brings it full-circle!  :D

Not sure if these were ever an option for the MR2 but it's a subtle enough mod so I'm not fussed if it's 'OE' or not really. Time to dig out the old Minidiscs!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Davey P on January 2, 2019, 17:33
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on December 30, 2018, 16:03

Way too much to bother with a bodge repair of any kind and as Davey P on this forum found a replacement antennae and cord unit for £15, I've ordered one.


You're welcome mate, I'm always happy to help spend other people's money!  I just hope it fits, and you get the aerial sorted.  I'm watching this with interest, as mine has got the same issue...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: paulj on January 2, 2019, 20:12
Nice head unit, but I do prefer the Sony set in my PFL.  I had the chance to drive a new Lexus 4x4 recently and was amused that the entertainment system only had only one twisty control on it - far right hand side with PWR-VOL written above it.  Some times the old ones are the best!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 6, 2019, 12:51
The new mast arrived during the week, so today I got the chance to fit it. A lot easier than you think it'd be.

New mast;

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7847/46629478551_e47d257b36_o.jpg)

Quick how to;

1. Unscrew the chromed fixing on top of the wing where the ariel extends from using a set of mole-grips and a cloth to protect your body work.
2. Remove the chrome fixing and the shaped rubber seal and put aside.
3. Switch your radio on so that the motor extends the existing ariel as much as possible. Leave the radio on.
4. Pull the mast up sharply - it'll likely be a bit stuck where the mast fits into the ariel assembly. Remove the old mast (with it's toothed cord) and lob it!
5. With the radio still on get your shiny new mast and feed the toothed cord in to the hole on top of the wing down into the ariel assembly. Make sure the toothed side of the cord is facing the back of the car.
6. Switch the radio off (or get an assistant to do it). Push the toothed cord down until it engages with the gear drum in the ariel assembly. It should start winding the new cord in.
7. When it reaches the body of the mast, slot the bottom of the mast into the  ariel assembly. If it's not all of the way down, just switch the radio on again and then off again to fully retract the mast.
8. Once happy, refit the rubber seal and the chrome retaining fixing (again using mole grips and a cloth to protect the body work.
9. Rejoice in the smooth operation.
10. Switch it off and on again more times than is needed, like someone who's never seen an electric ariel before. Ensure to go "Ooooooooo!" every time it works.

Look at the picture - stare hard enough and you can hear it not grinding away!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/46629478831_716d348f12_o.jpg)

Cheers again to Davey P for finding the bargain ariel.

For those looking, it's this one - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-MR2-replacement-Electric-Aerial-Mast/201381598132?hash=item2ee34753b4:g:N70AAOSw-vlVlVuU:rk:1:pf:0 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-MR2-replacement-Electric-Aerial-Mast/201381598132?hash=item2ee34753b4:g:N70AAOSw-vlVlVuU:rk:1:pf:0)

Or search for 'Toyota MR2 replacement Electric Aerial Mast' - this one was from the seller 'Brooklandmotorfactors' and was £15. It came with instructions and arrived very quickly. Seems good quality as well.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on January 6, 2019, 14:24
Lee, excellent "how to".  Foxy's aerial has never been the smoothest or quietest so I may well have a go at this this year.  Perhaps, a Ding Day job then someone can help me perhaps. ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 6, 2019, 16:25
Quote from: Chilli Girl on January  6, 2019, 14:24
Lee, excellent "how to".  Foxy's aerial has never been the smoothest or quietest so I may well have a go at this this year.  Perhaps, a Ding Day job then someone can help me perhaps. ;)
i reckon you'd do it easily - it's a one-tool job (I mean the mole grips not me) and a case of switching the radio on or off.

I mean, what could possibly go wrong....  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on January 6, 2019, 17:10
As a bonus there's music while you work!

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Robos_mr2 on February 2, 2019, 22:13
Great thread, just read right through, came in handy as I'm just doing my decat manifold!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on February 2, 2019, 22:16
Good luck fella! I hope yours is a lot easier than mine!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on February 3, 2019, 09:20
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on January  6, 2019, 12:51
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/46629478831_716d348f12_o.jpg)

Nice result, great write up & excellent looking 2... in the garage!!!  :D ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on February 24, 2019, 14:18
Time for an update! I've done quite a few miles in the bucket over the last month or so. It's been a great companion and coped with rain, mud, frosty mornings and even some decent black ice. It's a trooper.

However, After giving it a wash today in this unseasonably warm weather, I decided to bite the bullet and attack a patch of bubbling paint I'd noticed on the bottom of the front wing and the sill. It looked a little ropey;

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7841/47196758781_2d0683ebde_o.jpg)

I set about it with a screwdriver as it's best not to ignore these things for too long. The sill where it dips under the front wing turned out to be surface rust, but the front wing, after a right proper poking ended up like this...

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7913/46282600325_ed02d98302_o.jpg)

That hole!

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7815/46282600215_889cea9f2a_o.jpg)

Luckily, it looks to be only on the wing itself, but will require removing the wing (it's scrap anyway) and a good rubbing down and repainting. There are benefits in having an over-popular coloured MR2 in that panels are plentiful!

I rubbed down the worst of it for the moment and applied some Bilt Hamber rust converter over the top, but when the Custart tart comes out of the garage for the Spring, it'll be time to dig a bit deeper!

On the plus side, the engine in the bucket has still yet to use any oil at all over several thousand miles, so it appears to be a good 'un. I've ordered some oil and a filter so I can give it a service soon even though the oil is still clean. Got to keep then piston oil-ways clear!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on February 24, 2019, 15:04
Sorry to see the dreaded rust but glad she's running well for you.  That's down to you, the tlc you give her.  :'(
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on February 24, 2019, 20:18
Quote from: Chilli Girl on February 24, 2019, 15:04
Sorry to see the dreaded rust but glad she's running well for you.  That's down to you, the tlc you give her.  :'(
Kind of you to say!

I'll come clean and say that the bucket was meant to be a sacrificial MR2. Essentially, I bought it because I'd had MK1's years ago and always loved them, but the prices had risen on the good ones and the ones I could afford turned out to be basket cases, so I decided to pay the least I could for a mk3 to see if they were any good. Then if I did like it, I could save for a better one.

Sure enough, I did very much like it and every time I pulled it apart, there was more good news - a non-oil-burning engine, refurbed wheels, leak free roof and so on, so it became less and less sacrificial and more "Christ I love this old car!!!" Over the winter, it's behaved in a manner that means we've never worried about reliability - on the worst possible mornings, it's started without any fuss and ran like a nice watch.

It's 19 years old but still seems as well-built and refined as modern cars. I like the 1zz (although it seems I'm one of the few) and the one in the car feels extremely strong and a deal quicker than the one in the Custard Tart. It's quite rusty as far as Roadsters go, but so far there's not been anything too scary, so it'll be repaired unless there's something that crops up that is beyond economic repair.

If someone offered me decent money for it, then I'd consider selling as I have another, but as it's likely to remain at the budget end of the price scale, that's unlikely!

TLDR: It's going to carry on getting fixed up.

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on February 24, 2019, 21:28
Lee, my mate Angela has always told me, all the cars that she has had and that's a lot, the more miles she's done in them, the engine gets better and better with mileage and that cars are made for using, they don't like sitting!  Well, clearly your daily has proved that.  By the way, not sure why I put up a "crying emoj" - I meant to put a smiley one! :) :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 23, 2019, 19:58
As Donna Summer once sang, "She works hard for the money", but this Winter the MR2 has worked harder.

My 'project car' has essentially ended up being my Winter daily meaning my actual daily has sat dejected down the drive way. Well that's not entirely true. I did manage to drive it for three days 2 weeks ago before I quickly relegated it again due to being as dull as ditch water to drive.

The bucket has weathered frost, floods, gale-force rain and black ice over the last 3 months and has taken it all in its stride. And against popular myth, hasn't once tried to chuck me through a hedge backwards due to tricky on-the-limit-handling. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough...

Anyway, other than poking homes through the front wing and treating it like an appliance (I haven't had to top up the oil since I first serviced it), it's just got on with being comfortable and dependable.

However, the roads to work are a disgrace (and legendarily hard on cars - they killed a low mileage Skoda Fabia in less than a year once) and so, this is how it looked after 2 weeks without a wash;

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7846/32508744467_5565160c33_o.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7813/32508744457_59252c44a5_o.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7830/46535317385_6b3dce61cf_o.jpg)

It got another wash obviously, but it's interesting to see that the Winter hasn't been kind. The poorly sprayed bonnet is starting to micro-blister in a few places and there's a tiny bit of rust bubbling through on the rear quarter a few inches under the fuel filler door which doesn't bode well.

However, the Custard tart is due out of hibernation in the next week and then the Bucket can retired for a bit so I can sort the rust and get the loud bearing investigated. There'a a fair bit to do and a bit of money to spend, but it's worked hard for it!

So basically I ruddy love these cars, but they have a side-effect of making other cars feel a bit rubbish to drive.

Ah well.   ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on March 23, 2019, 20:05
It sounds as if you're going be busy Lee - all worth it though.  :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: K T M Rider on March 30, 2019, 14:25
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on March 23, 2019, 19:58
So basically I ruddy love these cars, but they have a side-effect of making other cars feel a bit rubbish to drive.

Ah well.   ;D

I can relate, as for most of my Roadster ownership, my "sensible car' was a MK1 Fabia estate. However now that my 'sensible car' is less sensible (E46 325ci) I no longer suffer from this problem.  :)

Maybe worth taking a 1 series for a spin sometime.........?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 1, 2019, 22:46
Last Friday, I nipped into Retyred in Ditchling Common (where I had the tyres fitted) to see if they could take a look at the increasingly stricken sounding wheel bearing on the bucket. One of the mechanics took the bucket out for a short spin to see if he could work it out, arriving 5 mins later with a big grin on his face (he mentioned he'd had a mk2 track car but seemed to think that this was quicker and felt much better connected to the road) and agreed that one of the bearings was sounding near-terminal. He managed to locate it as the driver's side front which was far more difficult to turn than the other side.

A phone call later and he came back saying that the price they could do it for, due to the price of the front bearing/hub assembly being "flipping expensive", was £300. I'd already decided that should it be the front bearing at fault, I'd tackle it myself as it's a complete assembly and doesn't require a bearing press. Anyway, with a "fair enough mate - no charge", he waved me on my way.

Got back home and gave TCL a call asking for the price on the front bearing assembly (inc ABS), a rear bearing (because they are fairly cheap and I know too well that quieting one bearing will mean I'll likely find one of the rears is also singing slightly quieter) and, if they had a second hand front driver's wing to replace my holey one (yes, a long shot).

Later they called back with a quote. Sadly the front wing was a long shot, but for the front bearing assembly and the rear bearing delivered, it was a shade over £100 which I thought was very good indeed. While the front is a pattern part, I'm assured they are very good quality (they turned up today and they are).

Sorted! Time to dig out the Suzuki for daily duties until I'd fixed it.... But no.

It would seem that the pot holes around here had finished off one of the rear shocks and the Swift had left a slightly embarrassing puddle of shock oil on the drive. Luckily the OE Monroe shocks are £32 each, so a pair have been ordered. They are also separate from the springs so should be very quick to swap.

But that left me with no car for work on Monday. But hang on! I have a spare MR2 in the garage and it'll be April 1st on Monday so I can tax it!

Out came the tart. A quick wash down to remove the spider webs and dust and a hasty insure and tax - I was back in business! Who said 3 cars was too many eh?

Because I haven't any interesting photos of spannering stuff yet, here's some dodgy 'arty' ones I took during and after the wash. Not sure how many layers of wax my old man put on it, but it was a struggle getting water to stay on it at all!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7914/40551763923_f744491169_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7927/46794019914_c9776cdd9e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7910/46794019824_e6ccb0e8ac_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7909/46794019884_a6a5c741ac_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7809/40551763963_c258ab3503_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7870/40551763983_c5600a1257_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7927/40551764093_4a434f6038_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7927/46794019794_1d9c43cce9_o.jpg)

Drove to work today - all lovely, strident exhaust note is very entertaining, don't like the seats as much as the early ones in the bucket and prefer the 5 speed gearbox. But she sure does drive lovely!  :D

More grubby photos soon when I attempt the front hub bearings. Getting the old bolts out of the hub is likely to take some knuckle skin, creative swearing or worse, so stay tuned!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 7, 2019, 13:44
As promised, back to the bucket!

It was time this weekend to change the knackered driver's side front wheel bearing. With the one purchased from TCB.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7851/46634884195_7fd8a13dc2_o.jpg)

I wasn't expecting this to be a piece of cake, and I was right in that respect. There was no cake, only hammering.

First job was to get the front end jacked up in my rather tiny garage, remove the wheel, caliper and brake disc. Other than being a bit tight for access, this went swimmingly.

So to the bearing assembly itself! I was prepared for the four bolts that hold the assembly to the hub to be an absolute nightmare, but with my Bergen sockets and enough leverage, they spun off surprisingly well!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7878/32608030827_66fdaf88f2_o.jpg)

Now I admit that I hadn't read-up on doing this job before hand, so I expected the old assembly to drop off the moment I undid the last of the retaining bolts.

Ho. Ho. And indeed, ho.

As it turns out, this is well known as a pig of a thing to separate, as the two parts corrode together becoming as one. After the best part of two decades, my hub was established, settled and in no mood for some amateur to some along and upset the status quo.

Cue a healthy 30 mins or hammering, knuckle removal and suspected finger dislocation (it's alright now, I accidentally whacked it again which seems to have sorted it) before I doused it in more PlusGas and gave in for the night.

This morning, I attacked it again before, after a further 45 mins of hammering it about and swearing, I noticed a tiny gap forming.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7896/47555524981_2fd9e01675_o.jpg)

Ah ha!!! A weakness!

After even more hammering and wedging with screwdrivers, it eventually gave in and dropped off!  :D

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7808/47555524901_3634bffe9e_o.jpg)

What I sorely lack in skills, I attempt to make up for with persistence!

So with that off, I've cleaned the inner face with some emery cloth and given it all a good wipe down. While I'm at it, I'm going to dunk the brake disc shield in some Bilt Hamber Deox solution and see what's left of it afterwards. The mounting holes currently stand at 2 and a bit with plenty of metal that can still sandwich between the parts, so while it's not the best and a new one would be ideal, I'll repaint this one. I'm not made of money after all.

I'm also going to paint the caliper while I'm there with my usual rust-killer/Hamerite combo. It's seemed to have lasted really well on the rear calipers, so may as well!

Once that's all done, I can put it back together which I'm expecting to be significantly easier...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: delhusband on April 7, 2019, 14:18
Always enjoy reading what you're up to with the progressively less buckety bucket  :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 7, 2019, 14:58
Quote from: delhusband on April  7, 2019, 14:18
Always enjoy reading what you're up to with the progressively less buckety bucket  :)
It's still at a similar amount of buckety, but less of the bargain as time goes on!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 17, 2019, 17:37
Slow progress, but I have been whittling away in the garage over the last week. Job one was to dunk the brake disc shield in some Deox-C solution to get the rust off, after which I'd give it some rust killer and a coat of satin black. However, what came out of the bath was as frilly as your Nan's antimacassar...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33753043228_dfb6bee57a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46714771755_0412bcf19a_o.jpg)

In all honesty, I could have painted it up and sandwiched what was left back on there, but the chances of it dissolving further and causing problems wasn't worth the bother. They're not an MOT problem anyway, so in the skip it goes!

I fitted the new bearing assembly using a bit of copper grease (it's a cheap unbranded bearing from TCB so I may be replacing it again sooner rather than later) and a wooden drift to get it started and then tightening the bolts in sequence until tight. I would have torqued them to the correct 74NM, but I couldn't get the torque wrench in there so just went for doing them up pretty damn tight!

While I was there, I also gave the caliper a few coats of Hydrate and a couple of coats of Hamerite to match the rears. The rears have held up really well considering it got used over the winter and they clean up still, so expensive caliper paints may be better, but this does the job. I also did the disc centre while I was there.

Caliper is fitted just for painting at this point;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40663927473_1b0e0f3dd9_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47577577052_6c605c2a89_o.jpg)

Waiting for paint to dry and I'm also away for a few days, but then I can get it back together and back on the road!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on April 17, 2019, 17:47
Well done for all the work Lee. I must admit I do enjoy people's progression and great results, I've learnt a lot thanks to you and others. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 5, 2019, 19:07
Should have updated this before now, but I've managed a fair bit of tinkering over the last few days, so a bit more to report.

I did get it back on the road. for all of about 5 miles. Basically the wheel bearing sound was very much still there after all of that. Nnnnnnfffffffrrrrrrrr......

So on Friday, I asked Mrs. Arch Bishop to drive it for me while I sat in the passenger seat and pinpointed the source of the sounds. And how amused she was with me using strange hand cupping on my ears like some sort of BFG wannabe... But..... The sound was clearly coming from the passenger side front. "Oh glorious days! I get to do all of that again!"

So yes, I have to strip the other front bearing off as well.

Good times.

Oh, and the driver's side brake disc was red-hot, so the brakes had an issue as well.

The next day, I jacked the front up and confirmed both issues. The passenger bearing sounded like it had square bearings. The left hand side wouldn't turn easily. Giving the disc a tap would get the brakes unstuck but putting the brakes on would bind it up again. A new one on me....

So into the garage it went. Yesterday, I stripped down the driver's side hub and checked everything out. The sliders were new when I was sorting the first MOT. I pushed the piston out with a few pumps on the pedal and found that to be in great condition, so no problem there. Greased everything back up and reassembled but sadly no improvement. So I sacked it off for the evening and went and cooked a lovely steak instead.

Now as I've said many, many times in this thread, I am very much an amateur mechanic, and as such, every day is a learning day. I had a flick around on that there interweb for probable causes with. The only one I hadn't really a clue on was the possibility of the pads not sliding properly in the spring clips.

So I took everything back off and started again. Sure enough, when I took the pad carrier part of the caliper off, I couldn't get the pads out. They were wedged into the spring clips. After a bit of levering, I removed the pads and the spring clips to find that where they fit in, the carrier had quite a bit of corrosion.

I set about the carrier with  a flat blade and wire brush and carefully cleaned out the recesses;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46991469164_664d65cd66_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46864371625_1b50c30cff_b.jpg)

As per the above images, the spring clips fit in the arrowed bits on both sides. Any corrosion in the bits arrowed mean that the spring clips close up enough to nip the ears of the brake pads meaning they won't slide.

So the spring clips and carriers were carefully cleaned up;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32837189397_a033df4e93_b.jpg)

and everything put back together;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32837189647_55137787c9_b.jpg)

And it was a result! Brake no longer binds and everything working as it should. So the moral of this story? Pads should fit easily into the carrier. if they don't sort it out!!

I've a feeling that I should probably do the rest of the calipers on the car as i do get a fair bit of brake dust.

With that done and feeling like a boss, I started stripping down the other hub to get started on the other bearing. That one is also very comfy in its 20 year old home and not coming off without a fight, but I've already made progress and have saturated it with Plusgas in readiness for a sustained attack tomorrow.

In custard tart news, I haven't really seen it. Mrs. Arch Bishop borrowed it a few weeks ago and has basically claimed it as her own. Fair play. She's a convert.  :D

Although she has demanded a ICE upgrade, so a new double DIN DAB set up (with some better speakers) is on the cards. It looks like I'll be busy over the Summer!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 6, 2019, 13:30
And the bearing is off! Still took about an hour of hammering action, but I'm getting good at these!  :D

Just need to wait for TCB to open tomorrow and I can get a new one fitted. On to cleaning up and painting the brake caliper...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on May 7, 2019, 13:52
Don't suppose you remember how the speed sensor connector clips into the hub?  I inadvertently shattered my nearside when replacing the wishbones, so had to replace the cable.

I now need to change the driver's side hub/bearing (MOT advisory) and with your pics/wisdom in mind, the only thing I hadn't thought about was how to properly unclip the speed sensor without it shattering into a hundred pieces again.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 7, 2019, 15:41
Quote from: Bossworld on May  7, 2019, 13:52
Don't suppose you remember how the speed sensor connector clips into the hub?  I inadvertently shattered my nearside when replacing the wishbones, so had to replace the cable.

I now need to change the driver's side hub/bearing (MOT advisory) and with your pics/wisdom in mind, the only thing I hadn't thought about was how to properly unclip the speed sensor without it shattering into a hundred pieces again.

Yeah, the first one I did was an absolute arse to try and disconnect, until I worked out you have to poke a small flat-head screwdriver into the back of the connector to release it. There's a slot there to do this. This time I did it first time.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 7, 2019, 20:44
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on May  7, 2019, 15:41
Quote from: Bossworld on May  7, 2019, 13:52
Don't suppose you remember how the speed sensor connector clips into the hub?  I inadvertently shattered my nearside when replacing the wishbones, so had to replace the cable.

I now need to change the driver's side hub/bearing (MOT advisory) and with your pics/wisdom in mind, the only thing I hadn't thought about was how to properly unclip the speed sensor without it shattering into a hundred pieces again.

Yeah, the first one I did was an absolute arse to try and disconnect, until I worked out you have to poke a small flat-head screwdriver into the back of the connector to release it. There's a slot there to do this. This time I did it first time.

Here you go - took a quick pic while I was in the garage;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47798656921_38f9cc1623_o.jpg)

De-crudded the pad clips and then started to paint the last caliper tonight - 2 coats of Hydrate and then Hamerite tomorrow.

I also managed to grab the last hub in stock at TCB at lunch time. That's due to arrive tomorrow so I may have a fully working bucket again by the end of the week!  :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 11, 2019, 17:39
And we're back on the road!

I've done a fair amount over the last few evenings with the new bearing being the first job. Although it was the same price as the unbranded one from TCB, this one came in a branded box (Optimal - made in Germany). Again it seemed of decent quality, but I had a 'mare trying to get the ABS sensor connector to stay on it. The tab just wouldn't lock, so I filed down the bit on the hub just enough to get it to stay - whether it stays on there is another matter...

With the front end up in the air, I decided to strip down the caliper on the driver's side so I could clean up the pad clips in the same way as the passenger side. This went well enough. I also sorted out an error I'd made when fixing them last time - not hooking the dust seals over the lip on the slider bolts. You live and learn! The sliders were still in mint condition so no harm done!

So with the front end all done, it was time to see if I'd finally gotten rid of the hugely vocal noise the car had...

Success! Quiet as a mouse now for the first time since I've owned the bucket! Not a massive surprise - the bearing that I took off felt like it was full of shrapnel and glass. You could turn it by hand but it was like turning a ratchet - really notchy! It couldn't have been far off seizing.  :o

Not content with that, I backed the bucket into the garage as I thought I'd give the rear brakes a going over in the same way as the fronts. I also needed to do an oil change.

The rears weren't too bad as it turns out, but they do bind due to something not being right in the handbrake area. I popped the cable off of the worst offender to find that the wheel turned without a problem and would spin for days, but cable on and adjusted up for 7 clicks on the handbrake, and the brakes drag. Nothing is seized that I can tell - the cables move just fine. The handbrake arms on the calipers are perfect.... Odd... Still, least the handbrake actually works really well, so perhaps I shouldn't moan.

Final job, oil change which was fine. Not a great deal to report on that really other than the oil that came out was pretty clean, as you'd expect after only 3,000 miles. I honestly thought I'd done a lot more than that. I'll have to rectify that over the summer and whack some decent miles in!

No pictures this time - nothing interesting to take pictures of!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on May 12, 2019, 06:50
Good work!

Glad to hear it is working well now.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 12, 2019, 19:59
Today was just a good old clean up for the bucket as it was looking pretty rough after the Winter. Now it still looks a bit rough, but at least it's shiny and rough!

Pictures (one day I'll take some of it somewhere other than just on the driveway - it does go out honestly)!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47834941421_18299dcd6d_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32891043637_6aeaa00969_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416854_13607b07e5_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416864_e50a10b715_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416704_ced1a2f476_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416644_cd41769923_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chriss on May 13, 2019, 00:28
In regards to the ABS sensor connector not staying on, is it possible to use a cable tie to hold it together?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 13, 2019, 12:34
Quote from: Chriss on May 13, 2019, 00:28
In regards to the ABS sensor connector not staying on, is it possible to use a cable tie to hold it together?

That might just work, but to be fair, I've driven to work this morning on the worst of Sussex roads and all is fine, so fingers crossed! I'll keep it as a back-up plan!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on May 13, 2019, 18:26
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on May 12, 2019, 19:59
Today was just a good old clean up for the bucket as it was looking pretty rough after the Winter. Now it still looks a bit rough, but at least it's shiny and rough!

Pictures (one day I'll take some of it somewhere other than just on the driveway - it does go out honestly)!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47834941421_18299dcd6d_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32891043637_6aeaa00969_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416854_13607b07e5_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416864_e50a10b715_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416704_ced1a2f476_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47045416644_cd41769923_o.jpg)

Looks great Lee, good effort.  Will I be seeing it at Ding Day I wonder? :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 13, 2019, 18:59
Certainly not this year, but one day!

Both cars are going on the Owners Club stand at "For the love of cars" show at Hickstead in mid-August though. Should be good!

Both cars ready for Summer this year, unlike last year!  :D

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33965555878_713ffd2df4_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on May 13, 2019, 19:31
An early facelift and an early pre-facelift, great pair together. :-*
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 13, 2019, 20:18
Quote from: Chilli Girl on May 13, 2019, 19:31
An early facelift and an early pre-facelift, great pair together. :-*
Psssssst..... Still prefer the pre-facelift....  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 7, 2019, 18:01
Well it's been a while, dear reader, but the silver bucket hasn't used for a few weeks due to a small snafu in the floods we had a couple of weeks ago. The bucket and I fear no weather (other than blizzards - I'm not a mad man) so set off back home after work after a day of torrential rain. about 4 miles into the journey we came across a stretch of flood water across the country lane. It wasn't too deep, so into first gear and keep the revs up. Ahoy skipper!

Within seconds, this bravery was rewarded with my legs being pressure-washed with dirty ditch water.

It would appear that my bucket had sprung a leak.

The journey home was fairly unpleasant, with every roundabout depositing a fresh trickle of cold water hiding under the dashboard, down my trouser legs.

We made it home without any electrical issues - a surprise seeing as the water had been sprayed quite liberally around the back of the dashboard.

Back home, it wasn't difficult to find the problem;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48222429356_2ccd787d3b_c.jpg)

This had a small cut in it when I changed the steering UJ, but it clearly hadn't survived!

I ordered another one which arrived the other day, so this afternoon, I set about changing it - basically removing the UJ again. THis also gave me another crack at straightening my steering wheel - it being crooked having made me a bit twitchy with the old OCD.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48222336247_c7c185f160_c.jpg)

I made a few marks, which didn't really help but allowed me to know what was straight.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48222281941_a270738d4f_c.jpg)

Having been done last year, the UJ came off easily enough, and the remainder of the seal was recovered for the bin;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48222281666_6424136b76_c.jpg)

and soon everything was back in place;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48222282256_838591269b_c.jpg)

Haven't had time to drive it yet to see if it's anything approaching straight, but I've left the trim out so that I can have another go and then re-grease the UJ.

Hopefully, I'll have dry feet next time the heavens open...

Custard tart has been been involved in a custody battle between my wife and I in the meantime obviously!

More soon hopefully!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on July 7, 2019, 21:22
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 18:01Custard tart has been been involved in a custody battle between my wife and I in the meantime obviously!

We have a perfect solution to this problem. ;) ;)

8) 8)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 7, 2019, 23:38
Quote from: StuC on July  7, 2019, 21:22
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 18:01Custard tart has been been involved in a custody battle between my wife and I in the meantime obviously!

We have a perfect solution to this problem. ;) ;)

8) 8)

Is it divorce, because I rather like my wife!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: StuC on July 8, 2019, 08:18
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 23:38
Quote from: StuC on July  7, 2019, 21:22
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 18:01Custard tart has been been involved in a custody battle between my wife and I in the meantime obviously!

We have a perfect solution to this problem. ;) ;)

8) 8)

Is it divorce, because I rather like my wife!

Nope... we have a yellow one each!! :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 8, 2019, 19:03
Quote from: StuC on July  8, 2019, 08:18
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 23:38
Quote from: StuC on July  7, 2019, 21:22
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July  7, 2019, 18:01Custard tart has been been involved in a custody battle between my wife and I in the meantime obviously!

We have a perfect solution to this problem. ;) ;)

8) 8)

Is it divorce, because I rather like my wife!

Nope... we have a yellow one each!! :D
Nah, two MR2s are enough for us!

Went out to see if the tiller was straight and it was still crooked, so I had another go and got it to a respectably straight-ahead position.

With that sorted, I greased up the UJ again and put the frunk back together, shattering a few push pins in the process. Luckily, I've ordered stuff from Mr. Sloan before, so I had a collection of MR2 fixings to replace them with!

Job done!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on July 8, 2019, 22:09
Surely that is a custardy battle?


I'll get my coat...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 8, 2019, 23:02
Quote from: Topdownman on July  8, 2019, 22:09Surely that is a custardy battle?


I'll get my coat...
:-D

Gutted I didn't put that!

And I doff my hat to you sir (or madam)!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 16, 2019, 22:57
Thought I'd add some ramblings this evening - no pictures i'm afraid, so feel free to skip this if you're not a fan of the wall of text style posts. No one would blame you.

First of all, an admission of culpability.

I have scuffed the bumper of the bucket.
Twice.
In two weeks.
In the same parking place at Tesco.
Idiot.

This was a month or so ago and I'm still angry with myself about it. I haven't scuffed a car parking since I was a young blade of 17 when, while leaving the farm yard where a girl I really fancied lived, I scrawped the front bumper of my Rover 216 SE EFI along the rear quarter of her beige Fiesta Popular.

Anyway, the other month I noticed that the nearside front corner of the bucket had a hearty great scrape. Furious that someone had dinked my car and not left a note, I made enquiries at work about CCTV etc (yes, sorry, I'm one of those people). When I went through my memory, I realised that no one could have done it there. Then I remembered I'd gone to the super market that evening as well, but with the realisation that no one could have hit it there either as it was parked front-end in.

Basically, I realised that the only explanation was that I'd clipped someone's alloy while parking. I didn't even notice and hadn't left a note - something that boils my weewee when performed by others.

The following week, I once again noticed that the scrape had gotten considerably worse....the day after I'd gone to Tesco again.... and parked in the same place. Once again, clipped an alloy (there was no paint transfer, just brake dust) and not noticed.

Well, I can only blame the onset of old-age or general complacency, but I'm pretty angry with me.

Fast forward a week and lo and behold, someone's selling a PFL silver bumper on Facebook and is 5 mins from work. I bought the bumper which is far from perfect for a reasonable price, but there's so many imperfections, I'm not sure it's worth swapping, although it is at least the same colour as the rest of the bucket, something that my current bumper cannot claim to be. I'll see how it goes.

Moving on, the bucket had always had a fair amount of squish in the brake pedal. Driving it back-to-back with the Custard Tart, which has a solid and instant brake pedal, the bucket was a fair bit softer in feel.

This weekend, I had a morning free so decided to bleed all of the calipers. Starting with the rear that I'd swapped for a new caliper back when I first got the car, I found no air in that.

Moving to the off-side rear, I found the most muller'd bleed screw ever. Basically the outlet had become crushed somehow and so bleeding from it was a no-go. Luckily, I still have the old caliper so swapped the bleed screw from that to the one on the car. Back in action! Bleeding that I then found that because of the issue it had, it obviously hadn't had the fluid changed in a long time and what came out was like chocolate. After drawing through nice clean fluid, that corner was done.

Off-side front, clean fluid and no air.

Nearside front, clean fluid but quite a few sizable bubbles.

So out on the test drive and expecting a big difference, but a bit disappointed - better, but still some way off the solid feel of the yellow stablemate.

So I've no idea why it's softer, but I may decide not to worry. Standing on the brakes means it stops on a sixpence (that's a saying that needs updating - stops on a pound-coin maybe? Stops on a contactless payment?), so it's not a safety concern.

Ah well, the bucket is still a fine drive which I've been enjoying using everyday. Cleaned both of them this evening and looked fondly upon the 'him and hers' duo on the driveway once done. A bit sad maybe, but sod it, I'm happy being a bit sad.

And thus, this is the ending of the rambles. Thank you anyone who actually read through this pictureless drivel of a post. Have a sticker. You've earned it.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on July 17, 2019, 05:41
Check all your hard line.
They do corrode.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 17, 2019, 09:44
The hard lines all look A-ok. The brakes themselves work well, but there's just a bit more initial bite at the top of the pedal in the yellow car.

However, I've not really looked at the set up on the Custard tart - it could have braided lines or fancier pads for all I know.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2019, 21:23
After a long Summer hiatus of MR2 fixing (they both appeared to work so I left them alone), I thought "What's an absolute pig of a job to do? Handbrake cables! I'll do those!"

The custard tart had always had a lot of brake dust on both rear wheels and the handbrake lever was of the 'smash the back window while applying' variety. Getting the rear wheels off, I was less than surprised to find that both rears were binding pretty badly. Unhooking the cables proved that the calipers were fine and that the cables were the issue.

Yay and all that.

So a couple of Pagid cables were duly ordered from Euro Sale Every Day Car Parts. After their usual will they, won't they delivery (it was very late) it was time to crack out the tools and bite the bullet.

I won't go into massive detail for reasons I'll get to later, but here's some pictures of the progress;

Seats out so I can remove the centre console (the screws will not be going back into the console);

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776251868_4f91fff5d4_o.jpg)

True story - I actually spent a few minutes wondering how to get the driver's seat out of the car on my tight driveway before I remembered that it's a soft top and I could just lift them up and out. Idiot.

Rear bins out so that I could slacken the fuel pump wiring;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776251908_0d9cd2b753_o.jpg)

By this time, I had my mate Rob around who'd agreed to help out in exchange for a nice roast dinner, so we set about unhooking the nappies and other under-body cladding (well done to my Dad for fitting a stainless steel bolt kit for this - sooooo much easier), wheels and the easily accessible handbrake cable brackets.

Time to unbolt and drop the tank to get the the hidden brackets on the fire-wall!

And that's where the real kicker became apparent. This car has fully functioning and rather excellent aircon. However, that means that the aircon pipes wrap underneath and across the corners of the fuel tank meaning dropping it is not possible.

After some head-scratching and cursing, I looked at Rob and Rob looked at me - "Shall we sack this off and drink beer in the garden instead?"

"Yeah, lets do that."

It was a lovely Sunday evening and a great use of the time. The roast was rather good too (my wife is awesome).

After some diddling around the net in search of answers, none were forthcoming so I did what any well-intention'd home mechanic would do, and posted up a HELP!!!!!! thread on this forum. As ever, help was very much at hand with mr2garageswindon giving me exactly the advice I needed (legend!) which was to remove the AC pipe brackets to allow enough wiggle room.

Fast forward to this Friday and I had booked a day off to get cracking with it. With the AC pipes hanging, you could just about drop the tank enough to spy the last handbrake cable bracket hiding above it.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776251833_477e7f8277_o.jpg)

I could just about get my skinny arms in from the side of the car with a spanner and remove it. tipped the tank the other way and lowered again to do the other side. Pulled the old cables out and did a little victory dance obviously.

The old cables had a long travel compared to the new ones and one side was stiff to move. They were due for replacement it seems.

Still, the next part of this was probably the worst bit. Having the fed the new cables in to the cabin and tightening the replacement brackets up (utter pain - the Pagid brackets are a cheaper design which makes them a right sod to do in a confined space one-handed), it came to the rubber bellows/grommet that push-fits into the firewall from the tank side. Again - confined and tortuous accessibly meant a painful hour trying to get them in properly. In the end I stopped to have a think and rest my broken shoulders and arms. I compared the design of the old Toyota grommet to the Pagid ones. The Toyota ones were a softer rubber and a much better design.

So in the end I got a Stanley knife and cut off the Pagid ones and slipped the old Toyota ones on instead. With that done and a bit of car shampoo as lube, both sides popped straight in within seconds. This is the price you pay for using non OE parts - a lot of faff. So the brackets were put back on (again) and everything routed and secured.

The tank and ac pipes were bolted back up and by that time, I'd spent around 4 hours lying on my back on the driveway and I had a drive to Wiltshire to look forward to, so it was left there.

We got back late yesterday evening meaning I could spend today putting the rest of the car together.

First order of the day was to set the caliper Handbrake mech up properly using the Paul Woods method. With the cables still unattached, both caliper pistons were wound in fully and then backed out 180 degrees to engage the mech properly. The calipers were both then re-attached and the brake pedal pumped a few times to auto-adjust everything. After that, the cables were hooked up to the calipers;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776791607_22f519b6e1_o.jpg)

Then the adjuster in the cabin was set up - I tend to go for about 7 clicks to fully on. I then checked that the wheels weren't binding when the handbrake was released. Also checked that the wheels were totally locked when it was on. Success! All working perfectly!

I can't tell you how happy I was that it was finally done and done right! I'll try though - I was really very very happy indeed. In my head, angels gave a toot on their celestial horns (fnar). A parade of wandering bard-stoats bade me congratulations most verily upon my deeds and, for a moment, I felt the pulse of the universe and was in perfect tempo with it.

I really was very happy.

So with that buttoned up and with the interior out, it seemed a good move to give it a really good clean out. The Tart had always smelled like an old car. A bit oily and not very in-keeping with its low miles. The inside was very grubby indeed and the leather seats seemed very dry with a lot of ingrained dirt.

A thorough hoovering out yielded 11p, a valve cap and a dead bee (probably thinking that with the black and yellow theme, it was returning to the mother ship) and also improved the look of the cabin;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776251978_5df4e3ce11_o.jpg)

I cleaned out the rear bins with some Meguiars APC and refitted them and also sorted out the twisted seat belt that had been driving me mad. All rear trim was back in place.

I then moved onto the seats. Now they're not everyone's cup of tea, least of all mine, but they were worth giving a scrub up. Meguiars APC and a stiff brush removed the dirt from the grain of the leather after a few applications and then some Meguiars Gold Class leather treatment (which I didn't know I had) was put on and allowed to soak in. Then some more until the leather had some suppleness again. After a final buff off, they look far better now - all the better to tempt yet more bees inside.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776251948_6732694bc8_o.jpg)

So, all done then? Well no, not entirely as there was another issue with the Tart and quite a common one with the TTE exhausts;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776602051_198b050597_o.jpg)

Tail-pipe droop!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776947823_92103f5a9b_o.jpg)

This may look like a child's manacle from the Mary Rose, but it is in fact the clamp for the exhaust tail pipe. It's mild steel rather than stainless meaning it is essentially a sacrificial corroding part. Thanks metallurgy...

Unfortunately, I ran out of time to go looking for a new one today, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow, after which, the Custard Tart will be down off of the axle stands and ready for action!

Well that's a good ending isn't it? "Great stuff, well done, get yourself a beer old chap!" you're thinking. Well not exactly.

While I had this one up in the air and in bits, the Bucket was due its MOT. It failed on one item - handbrake barely functioning. No advisories though, so every cloud and whatnot.

Removing the centre console and releasing the handbrake, I was met with the following;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776254043_cf971a9e5c_o.jpg)

And unhooking the cables gave me this;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48776604041_6af42e9818_o.jpg)

Yes, the handbrake cable is utterly seized. So I need to go through this all again and, before you ask, the Bucket is also an aircon car.

So, with guides on this procedure not being great in detail, I'll be putting together a proper how-to (wiv pictures and everyfing) to post on the forum so that others can hopefully forge ahead where I have faltered.

Lovin' the MR2 life!

PS - The show that I was taking both cars to in the Summer was cancelled. So was a beach music festival I was going to.

FML.  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on September 22, 2019, 23:40
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July 17, 2019, 09:44The hard lines all look A-ok. The brakes themselves work well, but there's just a bit more initial bite at the top of the pedal in the yellow car.

However, I've not really looked at the set up on the Custard tart - it could have braided lines or fancier pads for all I know.

Having changed all discs and pads on mine I thought I had an excellent initial bite but after a recent 150 mile run out it didn't seem so good anymore. Got all kinds of servo/booster questions running around in my mind so be interested to know if you do troubleshoot further
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 18:39
Well, what a disappointment. Fitted a new exhaust bracket and dropped the car to the ground. tried the handbrake out expecting a nice sharp hold and it just kept on rolling. Adjusted the cable at the lever until there's 5 clicks and, while it just about holds on a slight incline, I can still just about move it by pushing. I'm pretty much at the end of the thread on the adjuster.

I haven't a clue what's gone wrong here as I did the handbrake routine by the book - pistons wound all the way in then out 180 degrees and all looked good.

Sad times. Suggestions welcome.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 18:56
Did you pump the pistons out?

Method:  Slacken cables until they are floppy.

Run engine and slowly and firmly pump the pedal twenty times. (this pushes the pistons out)

Adjust the cables up.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 19:52
Quote from: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 18:56Did you pump the pistons out?

Method:  Slacken cables until they are floppy.

Run engine and slowly and firmly pump the pedal twenty times. (this pushes the pistons out)

Adjust the cables up.
Carolyn, you are an absolute legend!

Sorted and holding firm!

I'm off to do some celebratory, Tim Henman-style fist-pumps!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 19:57
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 19:52
Quote from: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 18:56Did you pump the pistons out?

Method:  Slacken cables until they are floppy.

Run engine and slowly and firmly pump the pedal twenty times. (this pushes the pistons out)

Adjust the cables up.
Carolyn, you are an absolute legend!

Sorted and holding firm!

I'm off to do some celebratory, Tim Henman-style fist-pumps!
Which 'book' did you use?  Just pulling your leg...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 20:03
Quote from: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 19:57
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 19:52
Quote from: Carolyn on September 23, 2019, 18:56Did you pump the pistons out?

Method:  Slacken cables until they are floppy.

Run engine and slowly and firmly pump the pedal twenty times. (this pushes the pistons out)

Adjust the cables up.
Carolyn, you are an absolute legend!

Sorted and holding firm!

I'm off to do some celebratory, Tim Henman-style fist-pumps!
Which 'book' did you use?  Just pulling your leg...
Fair play...  :(

Assembled knowledge from around the internet and then a general panic when it didn't work when put back on the ground. Glad I had wheel chocks otherwise it would have rolled me through the garage door.

To defend myself slightly, I did pump the brakes vigorously after I'd set the calipers up and bolted them up. But that was without the engine on (and clearly it didn't work).

I am chastened and promise to do better next time.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 23, 2019, 20:28
Lee, once again enjoyed your write ups, this one about the Tart, very informative.  Wonder whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? We need more 2's down here, not enough of us! ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: ManInDandism on September 23, 2019, 22:02
@The Arch Bishop - I do quite enjoy reading your blog  ;D  

I changed the clamps on mine when they were looking only half as bad as yours as had visions of losing part of the exhaust mid-journey somewhere.  Just 6 months on and they are already covered with a good coat of surface rust.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 23, 2019, 22:52
Quote from: Bossworld on September 22, 2019, 23:40Having changed all discs and pads on mine I thought I had an excellent initial bite but after a recent 150 mile run out it didn't seem so good anymore. Got all kinds of servo/booster questions running around in my mind so be interested to know if you do troubleshoot further
Judging by my exploits in brakes, I'm probably not going to go looking for trouble, but if I have an epiphany, I'll be sure to post it up! The brakes on the bucket are still very good, just not as good as the other car.
Quote from: Chilli Girl on September 23, 2019, 20:28Lee, once again enjoyed your write ups, this one about the Tart, very informative.  Wonder whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? We need more 2's down here, not enough of us! ;D
My folks live in Melksham so we're down there quite a bit. Not in an MR2 though. Experiments to get 2 dogs and 2 children into the storage bins proved to be a tight squeeze...

Have to admit, while you can't move for Roadsters around Sussex, I've seen very few around Wiltshire.
Quote from: ManInDandism on September 23, 2019, 22:02@The Arch Bishop - I do quite enjoy reading your blog  ;D   

I changed the clamps on mine when they were looking only half as bad as yours as had visions of losing part of the exhaust mid-journey somewhere.  Just 6 months on and they are already covered with a good coat of surface rust.
Cheers! Mine had come adrift completely but the rubber hanger meant sure I didn't lose it along the A272!

I imagine this one will be a state in no time.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 28, 2019, 22:18
A blind panic brought on by a break in the weather today meant I had to get going on the handbrake cables on the silver bucket. Not something I was particularly looking forwards to...

This time around though, I had knowledge of the job in hand and all of the tools to hand to get it done as well.

So while I did take the seats out so as I could clean under them, that was the only additional thing I did.

The rest went really well and it took me about 5 hours end to end with lunch included and I got it buttoned up about 15 mins before the rain started. Class.

No pictures or, indeed any write up of the process - didn't have time. Soz...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 28, 2019, 22:29
Whaaaaaat? No pics ..... aaaarrrhhh.  Good work Lee, very satisfying day.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 1, 2019, 21:42
So, the Bucket had a nice new pair of handbrake cables! Swagger in to the MOT station and collect that DEAD CERT of 12 more months on the road right? Right?! AHA HA HA HA HA!

Well no.

Full of confidence, I pulled off of the drive 20 mins before the test was booked and got 20 feet before I noticed that the brake warning light was lit on the dash.

"Well how very gosh-darn strange" I thought before performing a 3 point turn and heading back to the driveway. Checked the handbrake switch and all appeared dandy there, so at a loss, I popped the frunk and stared at disbelief at the brake fluid reservoir which was down below the half-way point.

If was then I noticed that there was a dark patch where the Bucket had been sat. Somewhere there was a major leak.

I cancelled the MOT, dumped the Bucket down the driveway in a huff and went on a long weekend holiday. Stupid cars...

Relatively reinvigorated after the break, I had a clear weekend to try and work out what had gone wrong. Up on the axle stands and with the offside rear wheel removed, I could see that there had been a leak, but not where it had come from. I was expecting an issue with the brake lines, but nothing was obvious from a casual inspection, so I removed the caliper to find this;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48997700696_c0b062b705_b.jpg)

So basically, all of the pumping of the brakes to set the handbrake up had blown the piston seal. Great stuff, but luckily and against all the odds I had a spare! A few weeks previously when I was doing the Yellow car, I thought that it may have a duff caliper and so had ordered a replacement from Mr. Sloan. He'd provided a basically refurbed caliper at a fab price;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48997700661_3642ef2f3e_b.jpg)

So on it went;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48997700656_9e5e44744c_b.jpg)

New pads (didn't want to risk that the old ones may have been soaked in fluid), bled (endlessly), piston and handbrake set, repeat the procedure that Carolyn had advised (didn't want another grilling  ;D ) and surely that'd be great, fine and dandy? Right?! AHA HA HA HA HA!!

Well no, the handbrake was cack and regardless of how many times I tried again with resetting the pistons, handbrake and all of that stuffy, it never got any better.

So rather than having one of my 'little moments' and damaging something in a rage, I dumped the Bucket down the driveway in a huff and went and drank beer instead.

Fast-forward another week, and I decided to give it one last try. Armed with a billion gallons of brake fluid, I went around and re-bled the entire system, the theory being that there must be air in the system that meant that the rear calipers were not pumping out during the handbrake setting procedure. I'm pleased to say that it did the trick, and while not uber-sharp - possibly due to the brand new pads having exactly zero miles on them and not being bedded in) - it does at least hold the car on a steep incline.

So today was time to take it for another MOT;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48997906237_15a7838c64_b.jpg)

And...... it passed with no advisories!  8)

The tester did say that he didn't trust the handbrake but that it'd had gone through the test at 80%, so I'll settle for that. Maybe he's had a Roadster himself and suffers from residual handbrake anxiety. Who knows - don't care - it passed.

The other rear caliper does tend to bind when the handbrake is set to around 8 clicks so I think that's next on the list. Until then though, I can enjoy the Bucket again.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on November 1, 2019, 22:17
Well done Lee, what patience you have but well worth it in the end. Result.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: twiglett on November 11, 2019, 00:44
Seeing you very breifly before your trip to Wiltshire reminded me I need to do the handbrake cables on mine before its mot,
I could really do with fitting the eliseparts sump, new clutch, driveshafts, oil cooler and refurbed subframe that I've got sat in my conservatory at the same time.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Hawkes41 on November 11, 2019, 06:19
Good effort for persevering. I'm sure it's all been worth it in the end!  8)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 12, 2019, 19:03
I'm getting really rubbish updating this so apologies to the handful of people that may read the thread!

First an update on the Custard Tart. MOT was very much due by the time I got enough time to book it in, so I gave it a check over, cleared out one of the screen washer jets (hand pump and an inflatable adaptor hooked up on rubber pipe finally cleared a stubborn blockage) and that was all it needed.

That is until the morning of the test. It had the good battery on it rather than the one it came with which seems to discharge alarmingly quickly if left so I assumed that it would start after the battery was charged less than 7 days prior.

It did not. Click click click......

I'm thinking it has some sort of battery drain going on which I may have to investigate.

So que a panic-charge an hour before the test and a trip over to the MOT centre at 'elevated' revs.

However, as somewhat expected, it swanned through the MOT with insolent ease and no advisories. I swear it looked proper smug parked up outside afterwards. The tester did comment that it was like 'sitting on the floor' after spending the day MOT'ing offaux-roaders.

Back home and it was time to clear out the garage and get it tucked up for the winter.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209701051_f030839039_b.jpg)

Moving on a few weeks, I decided to use the Bucket for a bit of general commuting, mostly due to the discovery that the headlights on my daily Hyundai i30 are like wearing sunglasses, even with Osram Nightbreakers in them. Projector headlamps are useless it seems...

However, shortly after setting off in the Silver Bucket, I realised why I hadn't driven it much recently. The windscreen wipers have suddenly gone from a smooth quiet action to sounding like they are being amplified over a festival PA system with the knob turned up to 11. No idea why but even with economical usage in the journey into work, each required sweep was teeth-grittingly loud.

So that's my next job although I'm not sure why the mech has gone bad pretty much over night.

The bucket has gotten rather needy recently which is a shame. ::)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on December 12, 2019, 21:32
We missed you Lee but thanks for latest update. Good news re Custard Tart MOT.  Silver is just getting abit jealous in her old age ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 12, 2019, 22:27
Quote from: Chilli Girl on December 12, 2019, 21:32We missed you Lee but thanks for latest update. Good news re Custard Tart MOT.  Silver is just getting abit jealous in her old age ;D
Well, if she wants me to spend more time with her, she'll need to actually work once in a while! :-D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Captain Vimes on December 14, 2019, 22:05
I recently discovered this thread and read it from the start. Thoroughly enjoyable, keep the updates coming.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on December 15, 2019, 08:49
Have you tried cleaning the wiper blades with wd40? Its supposed to make them last for ages.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 24, 2019, 00:00
Quote from: Captain Vimes on December 14, 2019, 22:05I recently discovered this thread and read it from the start. Thoroughly enjoyable, keep the updates coming.
Cheers Captain Vimes (is Nobby Nobbs on here as well?)! Glad you've enjoyed this so far - as long as the things keep breaking, I'll keep posting!
Quote from: Topdownman on December 15, 2019, 08:49Have you tried cleaning the wiper blades with wd40? Its supposed to make them last for ages.
I haven't (I buy those cheapy Aero VU ones from eBay which work well, cost pennies and are surprisingly hardy), but sadly I don't think it would have solved the issue I was having. Speaking of which...

The weather, for those living in these (not very) fair isles, has been somewhat wet. Very wet in fact. So wet that travelling a few miles has, for some, taken hours of their lives. Basically it's been next-level soggy. Not great if your wipers are clearly not in the best of health.

The previous week, I'd stripped down the scuttle panel and removed the old motor. Cue grim picture of a lesser seen part of a Roadster;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49266498062_a7c8cc3f55_b.jpg)

Once the linkage was removed from the motor, I tested it again to see if the linkage or the motor was the culprit. It was clear that the linkage was fine and the motor was proper grumpy. Clunk clack crunch.

With nothing to lose, I stripped down the motor. First the brushes;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49218361413_ec4a754e0d_k.jpg)

All looks good, so on to the windings;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49218840301_efaef3f938_k.jpg)

All clean and looking good.... So on to the...uhhh....motor cage? Sorry, I'm not so hot on the names for stuff...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49265841748_3d8db55db0_b.jpg)

Ah. Yes that doesn't look right. So basically one of the magnets on the motor cage had come adrift which explained the racket - this was shifting around and sticking to the winding, hence noise.

I ordered a second hand motor from  Mr. Sloan which arrived a few days later, but of course it rained, deluged and then rained yet more.

But LO! Yesterday dawned dry and because of this, I wasted no time at all in getting out to the bucket with a spanner and a smile. Due to the removal of the motor being an arse to do, I was expecting it to be a pain to refit, but it took me less than 20 mins to throw back together, which included time to give the scuttle a quick clean up to remove 20 years of crud. All done, tested and working and the silver bucket was once again ready for the worst of the English weather.

As if to mock my achievements, it was dry today, but I took the old banger to work and once again affirmed why I love this car. Had a great time blatting around the countryside!

It's become a tradition over the festive period - the bucket gets to do the miles in the grim months. Long may it continue!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on December 24, 2019, 14:32
And yet again Lee, brilliant work!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Lancsman on January 3, 2020, 18:58
Loved the archbishop's write up. I noticed it's got Aircon! Thankfully mine doesn't. Don't see the point. My rear subframe was just surface rust on a 2005 model, but anything attaching to the body was so flakey. All brushed down and I went silver hamerite colour after painting it all first in rust cure.. I paid £1550 for a 68k red edition 3 months ago. Well done for paying a third of that!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on January 3, 2020, 19:08
I think £1550 seems very reasonable for a Red Edition with that mileage. ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: steve447 on January 3, 2020, 23:07
Great write up, enjoyed the read!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 4, 2020, 09:59
Quote from: Lancsman on January  3, 2020, 18:58Loved the archbishop's write up. I noticed it's got Aircon! Thankfully mine doesn't. Don't see the point. My rear subframe was just surface rust on a 2005 model, but anything attaching to the body was so flakey. All brushed down and I went silver hamerite colour after painting it all first in rust cure.. I paid £1550 for a 68k red edition 3 months ago. Well done for paying a third of that!
I'd say what you paid for a low mileage special edition in the best colour is far better value than a moon-mileage early car with MOT failures in an unliked colour!

Got yourself a bargain there!

The Aircon works really well on the yellow car and makes it far more usable when the weather is scorchio. I'm happy for the trade off of more difficult accessibility if I'm honest. Doesn't work on the silver car though! Still very tempted to get a recharge done on it. The bits and bobs all look in good order, but it comes down to how the seals have survived.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Will_Bott on January 8, 2020, 09:39
Hey there. Just wanted to say hello and thank you for the amazing blog. I read it all in one go and immediately re-joined MR2ROC! I've recently bought an MR2 MK3 for the second time. Love them that much it's the only car I've ever bought two of!

Hope you keep up the blog as it's a fantastic read, not just informative but also very amusing and inspiring.

Cheers!

Will
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 21, 2020, 23:43
Wakey wakey, rise and shine!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49684534746_344db181f0_b.jpg)

With today dawning lovely and sunny and, thanks to having quite a bit of time on my hands all of a sudden, I thought it'd be good to add a splash of colour to the driveway and drag the Custard Tart out of it's Winter slumber.

It seemed like the ideal opportunity to make a start with some thing Mrs. Arch Bishop had been complaining about - namely the absolute pap standard stereo that comes as standard in the face-lift cars.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49684833807_9f448b0d05_b.jpg)

To be honest, I was inclined to agree as it's a horrible period ugly old beast that sounds utterly woeful to listen to. Compare this with the rather magnificent Sony jobby that comes in the early cars, and it's clear that it was an effort to keep costs down.

Having previously fitted a rather excellent and inexpensive Kenwood DAB double DIN to my then daily Subaru Forester, I had been keeping an eye on the price of the updated DPX 7100 model on the net, but had never gotten around to it. However, at the start of this week, I'd done a search on the ever-ruinous Facebook marketplace which, as luck would have it, turned up a second-hand one at less than half price. After exchanging a few messages I set off for the short trip down to Brighton to collect it.

On reaching the very nice seller's house, we stood the required distance away from each other (because of social distancing and also because I'd just eaten a very fierce chicken Kiev) and he explained that he'd recently had his pride and joy VW camper rear-ended and written off. Having decided he'd like to repair it he considered buying it back, just before, in his words, "the end of the f**king world happened.' He's self employed and the COVID-19 crisis has hit his income very hard. He'd taken the insurance payout to help keep the family afloat and removed the stereo before the camper was taken away.

Needless to say I didn't haggle.

As an added bonus, he also gave me an album sleeve because he'd forgotten to eject the disc. "You may as well have this - it's my band's album and I've got loads of them. Hope you like Space Rock!" I'm wasn't  sure if I liked Space Rock, but said I would give it a listen.

Back home, here's what I have;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49684534806_2a07f2b6da_b.jpg)

The lighting in that photo makes the front look like it's been scrubbed with an orbital sander, but it's actually in pretty good nick!

I started stripping out the old stereo this afternoon which, other than a few reluctant screws holding the cage in place, wasn't so bad.

Because I hadn't really done any planning, I was hoping to get the old stereo out and call it a day then go shopping on eBay for a Toyota to ISO patch lead. However, while searching through my box of bits, found exactly the correct lead sitting at the bottom of the box... I have no memory of buying this. It's a genuine mystery.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49684833872_cc06affd17_b.jpg)

Anyway, with fortune favouring me, I pressed on.

I removed the brackets from the old Toyota stereo and fitted them to the Kenwood in the only way they would. After fitting this and a bit of the trim around it, it became clear that it was all out of alignment leaving ugly gaps. It was also a mystery to me how I was meant to fit the PFL Sony surround plate (that I knew was needed to fill the gaps) to the stereo.

After a bit of moping and grumbling, I retired back to my box of stereo oddments and dug out the now dead Sony unit from the silver bucket, and the penny dropped - I needed the brackets from this for a non-Toyota double din to sit in the right place;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49683999543_fe47540244_b.jpg)

After removing this from the Sony head unit and transplanting it onto the Kenwood one, it all lined up and as an added bonus, they have the fixing holes to mount the PFL surround plate. I probably should have read up on this before I started but...well I didn't.

Everything screwed in, clipped on and tidied up and I had a working and neat install.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49683999448_c8cba1cd05_b.jpg)

Yes, I know I need to set the time and date.

Even set it up to match the MR2 lighting which is a bonus as it messes with my noodle if the stereo is blue when the car instruments are green or orange!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49683999403_848ace7fa3_b.jpg)

So all done and I can safely say that it sounds superb after the thin reedy mess of the standard stereo. The Tart seems to have had Vibe door speakers and tweeters fitted at some point which helps a little.

The only thing I will need to do is order and fit a DAB ariel in the near future. I should be able to get to the back to connect it without removing everything again so should be straightforward.

And the Space Rock wasn't too bad as it happens. I'll be giving it a proper play through when I've actually got somewhere to drive to.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on March 22, 2020, 00:12
Looking good Lee, well done.  Lovely looking 2 that. :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on March 22, 2020, 08:57
@HereComesTheWife is about to pull the trigger on that exact same stereo. Would you recommend then? It looks great
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Carolyn on March 22, 2020, 10:42
Couple of questions:

How much did you pay?

How was the Space Rock?

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on March 22, 2020, 13:41
Quote from: shnazzle on March 22, 2020, 08:57@HereComesTheWife is about to pull the trigger on that exact same stereo. Would you recommend then? It looks great
I think I would recommend it yes. It's a bit glitzy but packed full of features and, importantly for me, isn't a touchscreen. It looks at home in the dash too.
Quote from: Carolyn on March 22, 2020, 10:42Couple of questions:

How much did you pay?

How was the Space Rock?


£66 (he didn't have enough change and I'm not fussed about the odd quid) and the Space Rock, having had a little listen this morning, is really very good!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 2, 2020, 22:25
Boyd on by the successful stereo fitting and with things going down into further lock-down in the UK, I thought I'd make a start on something that I'd been looking to do for a while.

This happened;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49728260818_1f7b075393_b.jpg)

Which left me with this;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49729124597_5aff9bf5d7_b.jpg)

And this;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49728806691_6c5db2913e_b.jpg)

Rust not too bad - a quick rub-down and a bit of rust killer+paint.

But the reason for all of this was that I'd bought some supplies for doing a proper job on the headlights. They always look pretty good in the photos, but to the naked eye, they were yellowed and scabby.

For the materials, I'd bought a number of grades of wet & dry and a can of Upol's finest lacquer in a can - Clear #1 which I've seen used with excellent results on headlights. It's also meant to be highly UV resistant which is a bonus.

With the headlights on the bench, I started with a 240 grit and lots of water;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49728260863_cb627d16b3_b.jpg)

I got rid of any remaining coating until it was a uniform level of dullness with no yellowing showing.

So far, so good...

I followed up with thorough passes of 400 grit then 600 and then masked them up and cleaned everything off very carefully.

Finally, it was time for the fun bit. The bit where I spray them and then look aghast at the crystal-clear results of new looking headlight covers for the price of a few pints.

Right?

Well no, I was left with this monstrosity;

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49728806721_a76073929f_b.jpg)

Now I've never been great at spraying paints or coatings, but this time I put in some serious prep and followed the instructions. Still failure.

It looks like the lacquer is basically drying immediately upon hitting the surface rather than flowing together, but I'll be stuffed if I can work out why.

I tried the other headlight making more careful passes, but still the same (if not worse) results.

I've gone so far as to rub down the first headlight ready for another attempt, but if there's anyone who can offer advice as to what I've done wrong here, I'd be abnormally grateful!

I've seen this done on countless vids and they all seemed to just whack it on and it worked.

Help please!!!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on April 3, 2020, 09:19
@The Arch Bishop
600 grit I believe is much coarser than anything I've read about on here and elsewhere for "polishing" plastic lenses. A clear lacquer won't make a translucent material clear.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on April 3, 2020, 09:21
Quote from: Joesson on April  3, 2020, 09:19@The Arch Bishop
600 grit I believe is much coarser than anything I've read about on here and elsewhere for "polishing" plastic lenses. A clear lacquer won't make a translucent material clear.

Correct.

You really need 1500+ before you start getting mirror shine.
I'd finish on 2000 before getting the polisher on it.
Don't give up. They actually look like they're going to come out really well
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on April 3, 2020, 10:37
Two things from experience that may help

1) Echoing shnazzle I worked my way up to 1500 the last time I did mine.  It left them looking a terrible mess even after polishing.  I found that I had to polish, then immediately after apply the lacquer/clear coat otherwise they were a hazy mess. 

2) DAB - turns out after swapping to a proper 12v dashcam (rather than a 5v with a cheap chinese USB 12v to 5v stepdown) that the cheapo stick on 'Pioneer' DAB aerials for a tenner off eBay work a treat in these cars.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on April 3, 2020, 10:44
I agree as above. Keep going but using finer grades of wet and dry.

The first coat of lacquer should be from slightly further away than the rest to give something for the following coats to stick to and lessen the chance of runs. The following coats should then be closer to get the effect you want of the lacquer looking "wetter" and giving the clear finish. If you do them all too far away, you will get the effect you seem to have there.

Even if you did get a run, you could sand it out so you are unlikely to do any irreversible damage!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 3, 2020, 14:37
Thanks for the replies all! Very much appreciated!

Regarding the grade of rubbing down, most of the advice I've heard about doing this says to not rub down below 600 grit (indeed, the Upol advice is 800 as a maximum) as otherwise the lacquer has nothing to key into and tends to crack and peel after a few months.

The other headlight (still a horror show) did at least have a few spots where it had gone on OK-ish and it was very clear, so I think the lacquer does the job of filling in the swirls and is meant to sort of self level.

It just seems to pretty much dry before it hits the heaadlight!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on April 3, 2020, 15:02
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April  3, 2020, 14:37Thanks for the replies all! Very much appreciated!

Regarding the grade of rubbing down, most of the advice I've heard about doing this says to not rub down below 600 grit (indeed, the Upol advice is 800 as a maximum) as otherwise the lacquer has nothing to key into and tends to crack and peel after a few months.

The other headlight (still a horror show) did at least have a few spots where it had gone on OK-ish and it was very clear, so I think the lacquer does the job of filling in the swirls and is meant to sort of self level.

It just seems to pretty much dry before it hits the heaadlight!

I've got both a Holts and an Aldi kit in the garage, both came with grades up to 1500.  As above I thought I'd well and truly knackered them as it kept coming up cloudy through the process last time, but it seemed to come down to application of the sealer/clearcoat.

To be honest, the best result I got was with a cheap drill foam pad attachment and some Autosol, I then thought I'd make things better last year using these proper kits, and it went about as well as you'd expect - d'oh. I have visible swirls and such but the lights are at least clear.

Have to say unfortunately none of the above are a patch on a new set of lights from Mr T, but then again, you're talking £10 vs £350
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on April 3, 2020, 23:09
Just making sure... You are aware that 1500 is a much much finer grade than 600 right? As numbers go up, it becomes less coarse.
600 is quite rough indeed. 1500 paper barely feels like sandpaper, it's that fine.
Using a polishing compound after that is like 2500-3000 grit sandpaper. But I dare say results on plastic might be better at 1500 and then letting the clear lacquer "fill" the gaps.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2020, 18:38
Firstly, thanks for all the replies everyone. Lots of info!

Quote from: shnazzle on April  3, 2020, 23:09Just making sure... You are aware that 1500 is a much much finer grade than 600 right? As numbers go up, it becomes less coarse.
600 is quite rough indeed. 1500 paper barely feels like sandpaper, it's that fine.
Using a polishing compound after that is like 2500-3000 grit sandpaper. But I dare say results on plastic might be better at 1500 and then letting the clear lacquer "fill" the gaps.
Yeah, I'd started very rough indeed and worked up to the 600. But I thought I'd give your suggestion of going finer a crack and went in stages up to 2000 grit. Once I'd flatted it all down, I cleaned everything off and had another go. Same result sadly. It's just sprays on in rough Matt like texture. No problems with adhesion (it's taken me hours to sand it back after each failed attempt), it's just the way it goes on. Starting to wonder if I've got a dodgy can or something!

It is driving me mad though....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on April 14, 2020, 18:46
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2020, 18:38Firstly, thanks for all the replies everyone. Lots of info!

Quote from: shnazzle on April  3, 2020, 23:09Just making sure... You are aware that 1500 is a much much finer grade than 600 right? As numbers go up, it becomes less coarse.
600 is quite rough indeed. 1500 paper barely feels like sandpaper, it's that fine.
Using a polishing compound after that is like 2500-3000 grit sandpaper. But I dare say results on plastic might be better at 1500 and then letting the clear lacquer "fill" the gaps.
Yeah, I'd started very rough indeed and worked up to the 600. But I thought I'd give your suggestion of going finer a crack and went in stages up to 2000 grit. Once I'd flatted it all down, I cleaned everything off and had another go. Same result sadly. It's just sprays on in rough Matt like texture. No problems with adhesion (it's taken me hours to sand it back after each failed attempt), it's just the way it goes on. Starting to wonder if I've got a dodgy can or something!

It is driving me mad though....

Well yes the quality of the can definitely matters. But even with a crap one, you can usually still get a satisfactory result. Try applying more and a bit closer. Did you give the can a good shake?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2020, 19:12
Quote from: shnazzle on April 14, 2020, 18:46
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2020, 18:38Firstly, thanks for all the replies everyone. Lots of info!

Quote from: shnazzle on April  3, 2020, 23:09Just making sure... You are aware that 1500 is a much much finer grade than 600 right? As numbers go up, it becomes less coarse.
600 is quite rough indeed. 1500 paper barely feels like sandpaper, it's that fine.
Using a polishing compound after that is like 2500-3000 grit sandpaper. But I dare say results on plastic might be better at 1500 and then letting the clear lacquer "fill" the gaps.
Yeah, I'd started very rough indeed and worked up to the 600. But I thought I'd give your suggestion of going finer a crack and went in stages up to 2000 grit. Once I'd flatted it all down, I cleaned everything off and had another go. Same result sadly. It's just sprays on in rough Matt like texture. No problems with adhesion (it's taken me hours to sand it back after each failed attempt), it's just the way it goes on. Starting to wonder if I've got a dodgy can or something!

It is driving me mad though....

Well yes the quality of the can definitely matters. But even with a crap one, you can usually still get a satisfactory result. Try applying more and a bit closer. Did you give the can a good shake?
Oh yes, a very good shake indeed! I've had enough to attempts to try differing amounts and distances. The result is always the same though! The stuff I'm using was recommended and pretty pricey. It seems to just hit the headlight and dry rather than flow.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: shnazzle on April 14, 2020, 20:34
Forgot to ask; when  you're at 1000+ grit, are you wet-sanding?
If so, the only thing I can think is to spray more aggressively. Not to the point of runs but a good coat
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 14, 2020, 22:32
Quote from: shnazzle on April 14, 2020, 20:34Forgot to ask; when  you're at 1000+ grit, are you wet-sanding?
If so, the only thing I can think is to spray more aggressively. Not to the point of runs but a good coat
Yes, I've been wet sanding at each stage. I've had a go at really laying it on, but the finish is always the same. Only way I can describe it is like it's drying before it hits the headlight. I've tried spraying very little distance too.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: thetyrant on April 15, 2020, 10:48
I no expert on painting but often had issue with lacquer doing this and actually hate the stuff now as its often messed up what looks to be a really nice paint finish upto that point!, from research ive done it seems to be generally because of a few thing like... too cold or moisture in the air so where are you painting it ?  if its outside or in cold/damp shed/garage that could be your reason ?  trying warming up the room before spraying it on and keeping it warm.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 15, 2020, 14:26
Quote from: thetyrant on April 15, 2020, 10:48I no expert on painting but often had issue with lacquer doing this and actually hate the stuff now as its often messed up what looks to be a really nice paint finish upto that point!, from research ive done it seems to be generally because of a few thing like... too cold or moisture in the air so where are you painting it ?  if its outside or in cold/damp shed/garage that could be your reason ?  trying warming up the room before spraying it on and keeping it warm.
I've been experimenting this morning by leaving the can out in the sun for a while and spraying a test bit of plastic and I got a smooth finish, so I tried the lights and, using it at closer quarters, got a better result.

However, it seems that the problem is now the surface prep. It's had so many failed attempts, that previous problems are cropping up in the finish. I'm just not capable of sanding it down well enough by hand because there's a fair number of layers on there. So I've ordered a load of sanding discs for the drill. Once it's back to lens rather than shoddy lacquer, I can have another go.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: thetyrant on April 15, 2020, 14:55
Ok sounds like your heading right direction, make sure you dont go too far with sanding and damage/wear through the lens!

Ive seen sone videos on line of people using heat on the lacquer after its gone cloudy and been able to get it clear again, risky on a headlight though as you might wreck it if you go too far.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 15, 2020, 16:56
Quote from: thetyrant on April 15, 2020, 14:55Ok sounds like your heading right direction, make sure you dont go too far with sanding and damage/wear through the lens!

Ive seen sone videos on line of people using heat on the lacquer after its gone cloudy and been able to get it clear again, risky on a headlight though as you might wreck it if you go too far.
Fingers crossed! I'm determined because I've never got the hang of spraying and there's some other areas of repair I'd love to have a go on with the car. This has been a really good learning curve so far and, if the worst happens, I can get some more second-hand headlights I suppose!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on April 15, 2020, 20:40
I like to put my cans in some hot water for a few minutes before I use them. You can either use hot tap or an inch or two from the kettle. It increases the pressure and improves the flow of the paint.

I sprayed my other car wheels over easter and had the can in some boiled water and the can was so hot it was almost burning my hand so the can wont explode!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 15, 2020, 20:45
Quote from: Topdownman on April 15, 2020, 20:40I like to put my cans in some hot water for a few minutes before I use them. You can either use hot tap or an inch or two from the kettle. It increases the pressure and improves the flow of the paint.

I sprayed my other car wheels over easter and had the can in some boiled water and the can was so hot it was almost burning my hand so the can wont explode!
Warming it up certainly helped a great deal, so I'll give your idea a go next time!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 25, 2020, 13:10
Taking a break from the misery of headlight renovation (it's not going well let's face it), this morning I tackled a nicer job!

A while back, I fitted a Kenwood DAB stereo in the Custard Tart that I'd bought second-hand. Because it wasn't new, it needed a DAB glass ariel. There's quite a lot of conversation about the glass ariels being pish, but I'd fitted one in my old Subaru Forester years ago and it worked perfectly for years until I moved the car on. As long as you do them properly (and I've seen more badly fitted ones than well fitted ones), they do the trick. Also, they are cheap and cheerful as long as you get the unbranded ones. They look the same and they fit the same, so I ordered £11 of Amazon's best rated one which duly arrived in a few days.

Fitting these is commonly agreed to be a bit of a pig in a Roadster because the A-pillar trim sits underneath the soft top latch. The latch is held on by two torx bolts that Toyota felt necessary to glue in;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4CqWF0DsfZlfUhNzXiC0uqc3hadh6S-NDAW7ITmNTscjaBmZIFCWvjK7fvlleY2-uAI6hOZDO1mDGydxlJgFd2harpUv1BZ3GPWaTNrgffVimS_xVfnHq3B4RW6-uAxP6pjG-4TuAto=w650)

Apparently you can remove the trim without removing the latch, but mine wasn't budging and it's said that putting the trim back can be frustrating. With this in mind, I dug out the bits from my old impact screwdriver and found a suitable T40 Torx bit. Smaller torx bits seem to fit, but will round out the head meaning you'll likely have to drill the bolt out - not ideal! A T40 fits perfectly.

I fitted this to my trusty Lidl ratchet (surprisingly good tool considering);

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wBU1abAHZ0jEvUj5US9UA_hBDy_F_5FUmYLEH9Ej7ND1yrdu-pWGQZCdf8l62qLy1JSNciXhq-GOynekfmjwMzatE0VegWZJ1viPn3z21YEqjUNvsHPPKb2RcITQyumhFps6FD-vy-A=w1000)

...and grunted away carefully. Because of the thread-lock, these are flipping difficult to shift, so you have to be super careful to put steady pressure on them and keep the ratchet at a 90 degree angle to the bolt head. Slow and steady does it!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6TnpGzGDwF6YSVCgIbD16A0B8WPsjDB8aJdJ6REfOPHWUCz3PevrIsHGKyMeTaauFiBbVX_G6Sz10fOvnMjGiPIQP2V_S4p6UzCjzI3nro8PYADB-IjlImaZRZ8001ln-O5kvmXwhJM=w650)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3K0L8pUM0tHGxBZLBRHX-OJHmeDAaBqjcz6ulqy2zaKbt4-4DoYWPn5zFJTnRkZx5midMstV8T-LY3Wvuz6oC0DQVOzkWXzN0mleq0jYjq0zaoR4kkX4k4bV7lXSDhblBH0KJ2n3qdU=w1000)

With this removed, the trim is dead easy to pop off;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xmxo0Iqtxd7aNi4JrYHrjVvO2X3rNxSyHE7p4h_2uD2HeFCKOIyuhIwd7YXeh_wB0WSmvOCZp8yOH36Ityh-g75wUc7ZAND23FVAdQfmngypu5bvPaxGROhbqwqchngilYX6aqSXP8A=w650)

Now I could get to the windscreen frame, I could start feeding the ariel wire down to the stereo. Luckily, this feeds straight down the side of the dash to the floor;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QYo9Tj5ZNp5B_sjMCrYnm5byQn4Fsv_W8eDFks4Vwx3Iqk8rA2Q3b9sjg9JuHTCLPZk5xx1jFh6m3wuQmqhA_X_PHkAleeyiExohPpZl8eFybnagGBMi8EZ4FygBoZ896wJ6YTKqCYU=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/A1XNOPvLxbPCx_rGl7ODwHvdEqiGeVFifNMkHp95uhfgkUob1tyreprLmTQb5l7ev_o0du8vfimuS05mwHvlS2fSfwRwZjQdS8hvE4ugxlVicVCGVqHw6mZsQlrVxkSc0YTXSizXd_k=w1000)

This kick panel at the bottom also acts as a handy storage for the surplice length of wire!

With this done, I started preparing the windscreen and surround for the ariel. The instructions give you a height from the top of the windscreen that the ariel should be at. Unfortunately, to completely follow the guide, the grounding strip would be exactly where the courtesy light connector clips to the surround (typical), so I had to position it a bit lower. Once I had a clear idea of where it was sitting and where the ground-strip would sit, I removed a small area of paint to give it a really good connection;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yI_x5lmrT849_Lk1YnwUhAsfNxvyatjAvw4wweuCIlfnGK-kZMhZrNsN0P5nTAD1BbmTo0USNdgxLOmaNCMHiZh3qe1u_09NJETwwzGIR3sQG_nFH_-5D7DivCi8Ff3HLMZNB56TWVw=w650)

I carefully cleaned the glass with some white spirit and then dried everything off. Then it was time to stick it down which you have to do really carefully. I peeled the backing behind the plastic box off and folded the backing over. This meant I could get the box exactly where it needed to go before I tried to stick the thin ariel down. Then peeling from the bottom and using a cloth as I went, I stuck the rest on;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ngESrCnMt6XhuvrV9ITd_OnIUZz7EIcLvsMrm7puE9co5JUorBnxaLdj9PhZyuq8alU5345XgI06OyBXxAMlEjNb69Ci7UwSdDvwa4EPpe06jB349BU73-z952j53apbT9yCrhJMN7s=w650)

Ta and indeed da!

Next I hooked the other end up to the head unit just to check it was working correctly. I managed to fluke the connection into to the back without the faff of removing the stereo again!

Aaaaand;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9AWBu5ipDt6Wmcu5DYzuB0AL7sN4cnMMaV0sZ8JnxESxdd-tTRLyuG9n5PdHzEq1b-zxbIdcgwFZl2MIUMll90X_vSiW_m4MzIp8fvBRZSRR3Pr40d_3bNtmrGR6qKTc_B1QyOOahWY=w1000)

We have a result! Even down the side of my house which is an FM dead spot, it picked up many, many stations with crystal-clear sound quality. Really chuffed!

Just needed to refit the pillar trim and cable tie the wire carefully under the dash. All done in about an hour!

So that's all done, ready for a time when we can actually drive it again!

*As a side note, I've done this post using a method of hosting the images directly from Google Photos. While I can see them, if you can't, can you let me know? Cheers!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on April 25, 2020, 16:32
Images work fine, nice work on the aerial.  I fitted mine by prying the trim out, and I think cutting with a Stanley blade where it meets that latch.  I couldn't get mine to shift and didn't want to risk rounding.  My signal has been fine (for the 2 weeks I could drive the car) since I ditched a 5v dashcam and went to a 12v.

I did notice that the adhesive for the 'box' had eventually come away from where it's meant to be mounted after a couple of years, but just pushed it back down and seems to have been OK.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on April 25, 2020, 17:04
Quote from: Bossworld on April 25, 2020, 16:32I did notice that the adhesive for the 'box' had eventually come away from where it's meant to be mounted after a couple of years, but just pushed it back down and seems to have been OK.
Yeah, I can see from the outside that the box is stuck around the edges, but the middle isn't. Not a lot I could do about that as it's the curvature of the windscreen. Does the job though!

Cheers for the confirmation on the images - Google really don't want you to embed things, but there's a site you can put the link code in and it generates an img tag for embedding. I'm running out of free space on Flickr!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 26, 2020, 22:38
Lockdown, Cornavirus, stay at home! Lots of free time! Do all those jobs that you've putting off!

Hmmmm....

Now I'm not going to complain. I'm lucky in that my job has been affected very little and I'm still in employment. The only difference is that I'm doing it from a stool in the kitchen and I've become very proficient in using Microsoft Teams. I'm a good boy and only ever turn the camera off when I need to have a cheeky vape or pick my nose.

But! The free time that we're all told we've been having? PAH! Two kids, two dogs and a job where every project in the organisation filters down to me has meant that time is probably more sparse now than it was before. Home teaching while trying to sound like you know the ins and outs of the transparency consent framework 2.0 puts a dampener on your MR2 tinkering dreams.

So because of that, the bucket has sat down the drive without a face and gathering spider webs. Every time I walk past it I feel guilty. But that has been the case since April. Today, shockingly I had 1 1/2 hours free to poke at it.

Now the last time we left it, I was having a nightmare trying to do the simple job of restoring the headlights. It's fair to say that it continued to go poorly in that respect. After weeks of trying to get them back to something approaching decent, I copped out and grabbed a decent pair of replacements from Dick Sloan. My old ones ruined by my own hand... Live and learn... I am rubbish at bodywork of any kind and lacquer is not my friend.

I looked at the sills behind the front wings again and realised that I'd never be able to home fix it to an acceptable standard. Not that this car will ever be a show queen, but I'd find the fact that I'd failed to do a decent job even worse than looking at the rust that's there at the moment.

So I decided that I'd put everything back together and look at the possibility of getting a professional to sort it. With the lack of commuting costs and not going out all the time, money could be put towards it.

Today I started putting it back together, but not before sorting the rusty patches on the front bumper bar.

It's had a few smacks in the past which means the paint has been compromised and the oxide had gotten a hold. Only surface rust, but the bumper was off so now was the time.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50156843012_c5dd9e9985_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50156054098_831e6000e3_b.jpg)

I gave it a all a scrape off to reveal the full extent of the surface rust and a scrub down with some wet and dry ready for rust killer.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50156842977_8d96e68f49_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50156842982_1e8cb0778c_b.jpg)

This was then given 2 coats of Hydrate 80. Tomorrow I can give it a few coats of Hamerite.

With a a bit of time still free, I fitted the replacement lights. Dick had said that they were in 'reasonable condition' and they where cheap, but they polished up fairly well. There was some bobbins with one of the sidelights, but some WD40 contact cleaner and a new bulb sorted that. One bonus was that the new headlights came with a set of uprated bulbs, so I'll take that as a saving!

All hooked up and working and the bucket has started having its face replaced!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50156054048_974b05d21e_b.jpg)

So that's all in this impressively boring update! Stay tuned for more insomnia-curing posts!



Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2020, 20:36
I carried on a little with the bucket today. First I gave the bumper bar a lick of paint;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EFvZa2Fxg6RxxEM1tS6UjiK3xTcj7zSmilu8znSbguf6d4kJ5qnKSB6ufORUKsStm301Ps3G1wIV3A_ax7yIqvtSJvutqjV1l709_KDYD80Ng6ExAcwibKMV10CIMfRyK_r0nC3Pb8M=w1000)

Then I got curious. As my front wings have started crumbling at the bottom, I wanted to see if the sills beneath were as frilly. If so, there'd have to be a difficult choice to make about its future. After scraping away at the two bottom bolts that hold the wing to the sill, they miraculously came adrift really easily. I mean around a clearly rusty area, you expect at least a fight (rounded or snapped head/stripped thread/minions from the underworld/snarl beasts from the Nth dimension  - that sort of thing), but no, out as clean as you like!

The wing is scrap, so I gently folded the bottom section out of the way and was greated with this;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nuy6cj-l30DuZmI_yndSXuy04TEugC8WtolOBWCyKEhQdBx2LnfEnDDBrTRiz2nAtYOJcH-UHqNV2d9V-KzIw0Y3rdDCfAS8sCuDZ6bwxAvxCi_AFXPX0chM4R4lfOtr9-yc9Q4y6j0=w1000)

Moss, earth and crumbly metal - lovely combination.

Word to the wise - remove your wheel liners and clear this section out unless you want this sort of rot! Something I've never done myself I hasten to add...

Anyway, after a quick scrape around on the sill corner underneath, it seems that, while it's far from good, it's also not bad. It's all very solid with just some heavy surface rust. Hopefully the other side is the same;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mvtLlewwDixMPlwXmk2pGYN2yCKYeAATMG1jTgL4bE97l-Bt_1PmOSHYAVzvoEyxy2-xpDLQMSeHS15Ok-jSZmCldpbwlzNe-utfzPfgnNKQ_jgFpBl4D-swB6vTJRx5JVXu1GoXLio=w1000)

As I mentioned in my last post, it's not something I'm confident in doing myself to any standard that wouldn't result in it looking like a horror show at anything under 30 feet, so I may get some quotes in for this area to be sorted and painted along with some replacement wings sprayed up to match, along with the front bumper which has always been a differing shade of silver to the rest of the car in some spots (and I scrawped it twice a while back).

It'd be great to get this done, but obviously cost is the key thing as the car is worth around 36p and a can of Tango.

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on July 28, 2020, 21:25
Lee, I really enjoy reading Bucket's threads but sad to see your latest find.  Hopefully fixable and not too costly - Bucket's worth it ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2020, 21:48
Oh it'll be fine. I've been expecting a lot worse but I knew it was there and would need attention. Least the structure is still solid!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: jvanzyl on July 29, 2020, 08:53
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July 28, 2020, 21:48Oh it'll be fine. I've been expecting a lot worse but I knew it was there and would need attention. Least the structure is still solid!

This is pretty much what I found under my front wing as well.
I wire wheeler it back, kurusted, primed and painted.. should hopefully do the trick. Just need to do the other side now! But yeah.. definitely something to have a look at every couple of years.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 1, 2020, 17:24
The bucket has a face!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7GxRzz3PT1bZBtIeh1mJfeQOXV9Mij7iKu1QpO0rDolUrJS0fyHk4uGFiDXDgd2hv29HacJiq5GlHCSQSUq1TmK9f4KTVdZjP40SYAlMcVDyx-dYEHpPKZUJ4_qQf9XacONB1KxJXZI=w1000)

I finished work yesterday afternoon and tossed the metaphorical coin on whether to;

A. Have a cold beer
B. Refit the bumper

Now usually it would 100% be A, but I realised I still had a month of insurance on the bucket and, with the car currently SORN, I could start the tax neatly at the start of the month.

So for once, scrabbling around on the drive won and I set to it. It's not a hard job other than lining all of the mounting holes up with the under-bumper plastics and not long after, the bucket's full visage was back in place.

Also worth noting is that I painted the rusty horns in Hammerite satin black as before, they grinned through the front bumper like rotten teeth.

With the excitement of having an MR2 back on the road for the first time since lockdown started, I thought I'd give the car a good look over to see how all these months of sitting down the drive had taken their toll.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UbJmaaBe_70ONNgw2ZtDEKj6kPRUCo2EeImTbMC3lCvlps5d2eR-gKpqjm2O8WSfz0FeWvrozQYCj7DgV_-0HwQiZuIAVQxTG8jssGtx8-iocRmI5mRTaYSDsfLUlyXixDaj4HOetVM=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/14ysnIpdVpcrcU7d-RbF46tRc-ZtB_No-oIC0IjvDskAU9lUsRw6Rh1535e4Xcdkw9ENrrQv1bM4ns0l66uC-7WhiiD0Na76e-7dGoZfSOE01gIfvKAAL7vhRfoFRliqVT30pZnga8U=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/q7Cz4gJ50o9_jSFYjc4oqqS3k2WEdgx15qZaaRMjK1A9OMtCMHmhDuF_kgtX5Y34SJUMeFsRZLe3vQ7CARpJpWLmBn6n3ivXo8ihNXgpF5aZaXYSNk328jan2RUWTAymmYtM31LGCF0=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1z94Wv3OS-znECnrKI26PWLjx3CK-d715oEpdu_12GFcRxGz7NQMyOILJiGg_pZkcINZGODJEXsBKkvnPMtzmTK63sk2yVvkuBNIK7f_TF5GgKpOFmL5FdsC8zsJgpYV2x_Qi6oyYPI=w1000)

The inside also looked like Miss Havisham's wedding;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HKbNwuOgCkBiVB2cro8gyiAtNUh-Hzeq7Vr8jBxjMcHL9yA95vuTjPtO6KmzXV81XeoVXUT1mloc2dVJe3P-gS0Vgfis8KsJgX4NJE0jkD17FB3QDMvkr_GVapBfXZyOVRt6xDBBRW0=w1000)

So, it was time to break out option A. Glug glug glug...

This morning dawned decently sunny, so after taxing the car (yay!) I set to giving it a clean up. Underneath the tree pollen, seed cases, spider webs and general detritus, it wasn't too bad. Worst was the already faded roof. After giving the car a wash down and a dry off, I dug out some vinyl and rubber care spray and set to the seals and then the roof. I'm not a big fan of the shiny sticky look for plastics, but the roof really was letting the side down, so it was scrubbed over with the stuff and then buffed off a few times.

In progress;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rg3Cv9jNMNVdLtJFmBVAO_TZJ3LoSKY6wu76im1Kd6rWmrLFc8KyWF1_FUqTxt2UwS1jP-cLp8hHPJAABJ7E9J_NlnOdvJgeJl2NI3cj0TasBlqY67lJ2TMONzObm4xPt1I6XwWGT-o=w1000)

And done;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/B9OZ8_hVvuTnwyAncBuPzODyyV7-X8toXekbATJaIdccD6iYeek1uxdop20aeHlVNbzyeiDWdtUjUrc0W50hJEBG8b72vTjU7YSIe0xbdJE3Wj00hg8cTiZDVpkpr_IvJiEcQF-ZK74=w1000)

It does look a bit 'wet', but I expect it'll wash off in the first rainstorm anyway. For the time being, I's better than the faded slightly green mess it was before!

So all cleaned now with spiders evicted and the inside vacuumed. Looks pretty good again!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kwaLhFYWojyWCGAlE2s7KnC3x8loekeC7JJ6wrwBNPhQs1zlNV_89lABxRs9RTgWCaU8CWVk3KzsaN8FcY4eW6VZPuGxienI2106Iro3DnmszEc5pVdffd8dumhLc3NfgLCm0E0oS54=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BEdoFyiv45hmgg52BAlVPqvsnWposj2LSm8F6FDTJ1LIQOJgKq00NsJTcBQFYA7IHp-tA0Arudx8GiuoXdaQOZu_9cRCgnwneNpsrATv_izS3oltDtjcsJ828tRI5DyReVXfmPIQ3oY=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/m7WKRyPKYCmEZhh9PoRLWd4wY_3l80mBzG_tZKXjK6zILLiBtOSVRhGjYsATNquhoK1DGfKZnTMFtu1h1bXRTx5q1gpWWAJlhSyfW98jDrxpuUTbGXOFy1c3FagPymE4J68fl5WAaOs=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/z6lN-ENltaxN8B1qLY_47rFd6q1c98lpG4FdiSD8bBRFhEn0uJd5QmN7bpd_YHezSdpIoaT6j8CkcxjdLDJ1vucQlp-VnwqSLWxSIIwkd1XAJVSeUlLiMCIqV6Rdkv-ika09XMXH7F4=w1000)

All done - just need an excuse to go out in it now!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on August 1, 2020, 21:35
Quick trip to the local supermarket reacquainted with the awesomeness of the Roadster! Everything still works well so the lay-up doesn't seem to have had any noticeable side effects.

A long while ago, I noted that pictures in this thread were only ever taken on the driveway, so here's some I snapped while out. Phone camera so not top quality, but decent enough.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TcOyWhT32GjorWJNJxUc8TqbDaItDXcG5Kvg7lifoeIPTfENPzR2z2nPnmNJkWH7ApUmjyIjFWUuT0re64-hsSGRa0b4ZuEMmDEBpsMAAhO3KQwN5wFMpKZ2V9PfUFy5an5W9aciZvI=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Eigj-qXYapflE6Lh0hCtvAC5ghurB8YFs9kkKTeAbSLAsKvxBR96QIQf-F1ijTuETO6V7bUMilRpkKgENeIQxDpDE1XPqaUjZv7qsqup2JGaleefOwQ5VCujCmbo-7fM_gxvIRHx7_k=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d8FZnkhypjRRZ4m1TxLtVgcS9lVJSC9Ka63-C8ZDuDTjk55S3HEwvH9sLLC-blGJD0v-nrA75hCMsQd7C69wPcVFaU1tZbpvyDaLGnguidX2ESd2OSeyfhvWr4nEyUuyIw9RbrG9a10=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PFj-JbLqD4ugnU1-GM3MPaKamN3ez11KvT0l_pt14kyFMOAbE0nAlRpEQmg8rQL87TUKSI1I5725cyK0UevG9sYDI1jl9ID3u4xBdBDJnp5MF5-GSy_dBy3qZUV0sMw31YF8NUdJ1yU=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tC5iAAk4QaBQQH1mT42peTjPykGrLbhGwXzZP6wZSNFNpmx1KI_SfdseylV2jzZuc7zsi7NYICzLxyZB5Kz7nNl_Pf1Ecud8rvnUFGNLCpwF8WfEQYJYs0E5bln1dArs2RaV2oj36k=w1000)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2020, 20:30
A long old update.

Due to the plague, the custard tart has done exactly no miles this year. When the insurance came around, I cancelled it. When the tax ran out, I SORN'd it. With other cars in the household and my daily commute reduced to stumbling down the stairs each morning, it just didn't seem worth the expense.

It had, however, made it onto the drive where, while the garage was quietly being filled with tat and junk, it sat there gathering grit, moss and steel-cable quality spider webs.

However, after deciding that the slow creep of displaced household items and jumble would not stand, I cleared the garage and set about doing something I'd been wanting to do for years - painting the inside.

Our garage has a history, so I'm told by the neighbours. During the Great Storm of '87, it folded like a pack of cards and had to be rebuilt. This was done I can only assume, by someone who'd been described mortar over a crackly 1980's phone line. It seems to have consisted of sand..... and that's it. For this reason, anything put in the garage tends to acquire a fine film of grit over it, which is not ideal for storing a car. So I splashed out on a huge tub of Dulux and spent many days sealing the bricks with thick, sticky paint. Three gruelling coats later and a trip to the tip, it was ready;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GBjky6BJzqxBQgN8C76UaW84ju3jdLZkOtqGpoWtbpSSe3wCTtczXpSnPCbYE__1RxVWWE88BSX9IYPP4oK4A35pikPhL3GHQD-83g8QLFkswGeuvk9renw_R6bfZ01E1Sd_hoWPP6k=w1000)

So with that done, I needed to prepare the tart for its upgraded digs.

it was my birthday a month or so ago, so I'd gone a bit nuts one new stuff in readiness. Some new clay bars, a snow lance for the pressure washer (with foamy stuff) and a Ryobi One buffer.

I booked today off work and set about the car. Now for most of the cleaning processes today, it was the first time I'd done them, so when I got to try out my snow lance, the results worked were not so much 'naff club foam party' and more 'children's party bubble-blower';

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Oj1T8F9q3_ydQu_DB-Q435C0Ld1FFBnu1NWnA85-NgIit04ZctOlJlGRwbi08a9MkDtikQMPikTuW7RvBtnguUe1-fQ8AnynRuMip3d_I-ggTImQUk_J1X9LXvMCQUC_o_edogM1sHA=w1000)

I'll up the concentration next time!

Still it did the job well enough and after a pressure wash off, we had slightly less dust and grime.

Next off was a hand wash and dry (old skool) followed by a full claying to get the ingrained stuff off. The paintwork was then smooth as an otter's pocket.

So on to uncharted territory. Well sort of, I have used orbital buffers before but it was under supervision of a friend who is very big on detailing. His kit was mains powered and many hundreds of pounds where as mine was a battery powered £55 quid thing. However, when I said what I was doing and what I should buy as a cutting compound, my detailing friend recommended Autoglym SRP (which I already had plenty of) on the basis that 'you can't get into any trouble with it' and 'it makes shiny.'

The tart didn't need any aggressive compounds anyway as the paint is in pretty good nick, but knowing that SRP DOES NOT COME OFF PLASTICS NO MATTER WHAT, I ghetto-masked off anything likely to stain;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H9lMHLX8DEz64i4O9SlUzeQBmBEWuCJM_-2AXZRn8tScHsbtcepyDol1EeYBOJzFrN8cRDFCNtgpDhj0u420WcW_CHeXuCYo-xp5nfEOcoL5x7Fcyg_ze-dco5E37EFHhPRQjVQh4hs=w1000)

I had a load of Brew Dog boxes due to a beer binge recently so they were employed as well;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/T6E95QSvXSqE6r__SK9bVaY4WtviT3x8th8c1STWaemFi-hU0X2ru_NGGRMp1nglA6xuIpqXg1k6OFK2BuYDTvrUK5gA2wJYWtWdfWY9-Gra836ZvW7Wglf86tl1v8ZZdpBdrS9wC9g=w1000)

And then I could crack on with the Ryobi;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UUfdoHefAj2UoZ8PnKIUfOlKgZp_3CLCyNsF1omW34IzjteVsy-aWhrL8EuE40-mkkaOYapJ3l4_bPH_gstwwMtr7MNfPN-PcKMQ9rYf2juqhglv0ianJXOoQHS3KamxZT_-ynAb9Qw=w1000)

I'll be honest that I wasn't expecting much from this being battery powered, but I really like Ryobi stuff and it didn't disappoint. You've not going to be sanding off deep swirls with it, but it's plenty powerful and even with my 'beginner' 1.5ah batteries, it did a really good job and sped up the preocess no end! It certainly did a far better effort in less time than I could ever do by hand!

It did a great job and before long, the car was polished and buffed off (it comes with an application and a buffing pad). Highly recommended and I promise I'm not on commission (the drills are beasts as well).

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P_g6MmBDh7gc-WCMj0hUXyUSchRjvwGMrOkL5jeh7D0ZobxK3Ln75jx4DwQkQ-NUiCdcDVia4pA1ZZ6OH6y4U9arJ8JKWbK5bvXGyE_ZL-Un0G-cxdndsWnrmtUjyL4U3gTbzPZCh2Y=w1000)

Final bodywork job was to apply a decent wax to seal in the shiny goodness. I use Collinite 476 wax as it gives a good shine and seems to last for ages, but it's in a tin so not really practical for use on a buffer. However, because the body was so smooth, it didn't take long to apply a layer. Then I could use the buffer to take it off with. Again, this saved a tonne of time!

The results were really good;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zLFT5QhGMNF-DWTL7rJAQod-_2E2uYdLWQhKOVdHbOnTqEc9DO3toyRGrODNmm2v3UgRWa8CvEFy03njFW3N-YKavwhv-0lNzv2lbG9SeUCFrZIbh9u6xi_x8jYnjlowqLv6nItTnA0=w2400)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WFfSFwZZOaQwOYRT3HTZIzBtF7EZ3Sc6q-nMQDYxZZ1sSBigC195EbTXoVPYsMjbtSPF2W4sTV9lKhw99QyeCdjMld7pdLNlSqHOHjYsSWA06gC48kD1z_6GPVSanlPTuOeKX5Uhd0I=w1000)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0-YM_YBjoaqQcwXK8rH65Ljv_-qYRpxkVznIZR8lIcSYqN6Qe451ct58cgrn9K_rHpvZctzmw53ZmNf3SvkqRJ13xW3T2OxVyQSjV_1yZx2WDwzK8WR8aqAcwE2VMHUMkM_zSplMEJk=w1000)

So with the garage cleared and the car cleaned, the stars were aligned and in she went;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xm7I7_e9-2_2ESLZZzFgj4qlHnsj9_lQeHTeHYCkoFpKER0_SO678mOxWBxqCk2gaoHsofQbJgkerWDK2V1AGqU9JLFw2OQ09MOCbkrkI2obFhcBMS3mj3WN4Mq3UaFI3XuCk5MMUaQ=w1000)

But as the final luxury, I'd also bought a nice small Cosmos cover so that, next year, I won't have to clean the fly and spider plop off it!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ciYqh7iJvQK-gL1gvjILeXKqeWjCchyrFMsZ4FEIm4Tmjs_MuSMkBc0yLO5FmMKkW6gZHNCnrrllzi46L_95OWu6VWYZb_qp1m2RSXyEJ-2Kv1fCyx-tu_eqVdBsPn17kVzxWPMj7vc=w1000)

And we're done!

But's that not all for the tart! I think I've uncovered a little bit of history from her past.

My phone has one of those aggregated news feeds based on the interests that I churn into Google. A few weeks ago, one popped up as a 'in case you missed it/' It was an article produced by Evo magazine back in May for the MR2 mk3. I scrolled  through the pretty good article looking at the pretty recycled press pictures of Roadsters when they were new. It's a fairly standard procedure to roll out these images for features on older cars. It was only towards the bottom of the article when I noticed that there was an image of a yellow face lift MR2, which I'd told is a rare old bird.

I did do a double take;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/irRsXYu-hdU2cfNtDBFIKF2NPKf8zbGeeAQNQXLf6TSjL6v5oQuHfBqrqHtbR83QVgGgAoWfeOt-j_41xtwXnc3btzKbbPbg5zFJYpTTd_3f4MTSFJQLHQSXCY8BobT0U0wl67yqQaA=w1000)

This is not me driving in the picture.

It seems that the tart did some time in the Toyota UK press fleet which explains the amount of options spec'd on it and also the early 52 plate for a face lift car.

The same image features on Auto Express for a few articles.

So that's a bit of providence for the tart!

What I'm quite annoyed about is that back in June, I had a PM on here from matmr2 saying that he had images and some history on it, but stupidly, I didn't see it until July. I did rely but they haven't replied, so if you see this, please get in touch as I'd love to know more!

Back to the bucket, things are not great. On my list to fix are;

- Windscreen wipers are shot (easy)
- Rear caliper still binding to get a decent handbrake (not too bad and I have a new caliper ready to go on)
- Replacement headlight are waaaaaay too high (I did thing they were the best headlights ever until people started flashing me and I realised I could spot low-flying planes with them)
- Nasty rattle under throttle load (I think the exhaust is leaking somewhere rather than anything catastrophic)

Work to do!

Anyway, if you read this, well done for sticking with it!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: bigfootisblurry on September 11, 2020, 21:33
Really good looking car!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 11, 2020, 23:09
Yes agreed, great looking Lee, you've done a brilliant job on tart!  My previous 2 Chilli was a 52 Reg facelift too. :'(
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: paulj on September 12, 2020, 11:23
Great to see custard tart's superstar history. If you are really interested in her past DVLA can send you a copy of everything they have on her - from original registration onwards. There's a form to be completed and an admin fee but they are really helpful if you give them a call.

Did it for mine - creating a history for a cherished car us a valid reason for applying.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on September 12, 2020, 11:38



@The Arch Bishop said:
"Nasty rattle under throttle load (I think the exhaust is leaking somewhere rather than anything catastrophic)"


Not spoken about on here so much these days but the general rattle on OE exhausts is the heat shield on the main cat.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: iffyT on September 12, 2020, 12:58
Great work. Love the tart!

Do you think it might be possible to install one of those DAB aerials onto the flip up wind deflector?
Just a thought while mulling over a headunit upgrade...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Roj on September 13, 2020, 22:15
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 11, 2020, 20:30But's that not all for the tart! I think I've uncovered a little bit of history from her past.

My phone has one of those aggregated news feeds based on the interests that I churn into Google. A few weeks ago, one popped up as a 'in case you missed it/' It was an article produced by Evo magazine back in May for the MR2 mk3. I scrolled  through the pretty good article looking at the pretty recycled press pictures of Roadsters when they were new. It's a fairly standard procedure to roll out these images for features on older cars. It was only towards the bottom of the article when I noticed that there was an image of a yellow face lift MR2, which I'd told is a rare old bird.

I did do a double take;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/irRsXYu-hdU2cfNtDBFIKF2NPKf8zbGeeAQNQXLf6TSjL6v5oQuHfBqrqHtbR83QVgGgAoWfeOt-j_41xtwXnc3btzKbbPbg5zFJYpTTd_3f4MTSFJQLHQSXCY8BobT0U0wl67yqQaA=w1000)

This is not me driving in the picture.

It seems that the tart did some time in the Toyota UK press fleet which explains the amount of options spec'd on it and also the early 52 plate for a face lift car.


If my memory serves me well, Evo ran the yellow car as a long term test car - the driver in that pic was one of their journos or photographers or something.

Lovely car btw! And great work keeping the bucket alive :)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 14, 2020, 17:08
Quote from: Roj on September 13, 2020, 22:15If my memory serves me well, Evo ran the yellow car as a long term test car - the driver in that pic was one of their journos or photographers or something.

Lovely car btw! And great work keeping the bucket alive :)

Your memory serves you extremely well as it happens! Your post made me go and have a research for old editions at or around 2003, and sure enough, I eventually found the following;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5PHom9XAJxieeQuu3Kim7ZlFNtOGk6B14kFas9eicocGR14-ruKHjlE_1E45PD6Jxq8hIXUD-Uuab8GJUDugmSWUpXX0fbxE8nsfxrIcwAJUi4ZXqeo7YkcTXICTQ-e5QQaAJlx0cdY=w2400)

This is an extract of EVO issue 57 (sadly I can't make out the write up from this tiny image) from this page here - https://dust-caps.com/p/evo-57-ferrari-challenge-stradale-t350c-evo-viii-clio-v6-vx220-turbo-carrera-gt (https://dust-caps.com/p/evo-57-ferrari-challenge-stradale-t350c-evo-viii-clio-v6-vx220-turbo-carrera-gt)

And looking around that time period, it seems it popped up first in issue 52 Feb 2003 and was on the fleet until it had an end of term report in issue 63 Jan 2004.

If anyone has a copy of 52, 57 or 63 that they could send me an image of, give me a PM!

Nice one roj!

Quote from: paulj on September 12, 2020, 11:23Great to see custard tart's superstar history. If you are really interested in her past DVLA can send you a copy of everything they have on her - from original registration onwards. There's a form to be completed and an admin fee but they are really helpful if you give them a call.

Did it for mine - creating a history for a cherished car us a valid reason for applying.

I may get around to that - thanks for the tip!

Quote from: Joesson on September 12, 2020, 11:38@The Arch Bishop said:
"Nasty rattle under throttle load (I think the exhaust is leaking somewhere rather than anything catastrophic)"

Not spoken about on here so much these days but the general rattle on OE exhausts is the heat shield on the main cat.

Oh it has plenty of that as well, but this is very different - more of a tapping I would say but not road speed or engine speed dependent.

Quote from: iffyT on September 12, 2020, 12:58Great work. Love the tart!

Do you think it might be possible to install one of those DAB aerials onto the flip up wind deflector?
Just a thought while mulling over a headunit upgrade...

It might work of a fashion, but the instructions are really specific on installation and you need to have the copper tab firmly attached to the body as a ground. Whenever I've seen people complaining about DAB reception using these ariels, it's usually because it is badly fitted!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 14, 2020, 17:35
So all great stuff finding out about the tart's history, but not a lot of fun on the bucket side of the camp.

Yesterday I set about fitting the new caliper in an attempt to finally get a decent holding/non-binding handbrake. This is the last non-new part of the rear brakes that was left. I've fiddled with the rear brakes on my MR2s so much now I can remove them in my sleep, so off came the old caliper and on went the new one;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pVJ73vMbkSNEdd0v0Q8yrELbDs2N4tLl6xaNjevUST98bEwcdkOJyjGZg7gS8vUDuHevqAnqCIGhHB_i82jZirqVXKQNdi_nqmlh-uNIViSSNQJotGlKceTagFKyWMHR1AjDL2PfYpM=w1000)

This was quick, but bleeding them was slow as there was no one about to help. Eventually, my neighbour returned home so I tapped him up to help. The caliper bled up nicely so I wound in the piston then out by 180 degrees, fixed the caliper properly and the engine started. Then I slowly pumped the brake pedal 20 times, turned off and hooked up the handbrake cable linkage. Back in the car, I adjusted the cable by the handbrake so that there was 7 clicks to full on position.

Pleased with progress, I tested that the other wheel was locked which it was and went over to the other side to check the new side - merely a formality surely? Well no - nothing at all on that - I could spin the wheel without any bother.

Maybe I've gotten the sequence wrong? Unhooked everything, adjuster backed right off and caliper/handbrake linkage back off. Piston wound back in and then out 180 degrees once more, caliper reattached, this time, cable hooked back up before pumping the brakes and then adjusting. That'll be it... Nope - still nothing on the new caliper.

Really adjusting the cable so that there's very few clicks just about gets it to start engaging, but you can still move the wheel by hand.

One more try and the same result.

So I'm flummoxed. It's not like I haven't managed to do these in the past - the handbrake in the yellow car is actually very good indeed after I changed the cables - I dare say you could pull a skid with it, should you be so inclined! But this one you can move by hand if you give it a shove.

So to recap, it has 2 new cables, 2 new calipers and new brake pads and still it doesn't work.

I mean it HAS to be something I'm not doing right, right?

I feel I should stop typing now.... I can feel the anger rising again!

Anyone got any ideas?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on September 14, 2020, 19:08
@The Arch Bishop
The wheel turns with the hand brake. Does it turn with the foot brake on?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 14, 2020, 19:45
Honestly didn't check, but it was bled thoroughly and the pedal is solid so I assumed it was working.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on September 14, 2020, 19:57
Maybe worth a check, nothing to loose.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Roj on September 14, 2020, 20:36
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 14, 2020, 17:08
Quote from: Roj on September 13, 2020, 22:15If my memory serves me well, Evo ran the yellow car as a long term test car - the driver in that pic was one of their journos or photographers or something.

Lovely car btw! And great work keeping the bucket alive :)

Your memory serves you extremely well as it happens! Your post made me go and have a research for old editions at or around 2003, and sure enough, I eventually found the following;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5PHom9XAJxieeQuu3Kim7ZlFNtOGk6B14kFas9eicocGR14-ruKHjlE_1E45PD6Jxq8hIXUD-Uuab8GJUDugmSWUpXX0fbxE8nsfxrIcwAJUi4ZXqeo7YkcTXICTQ-e5QQaAJlx0cdY=w2400)

This is an extract of EVO issue 57 (sadly I can't make out the write up from this tiny image) from this page here - https://dust-caps.com/p/evo-57-ferrari-challenge-stradale-t350c-evo-viii-clio-v6-vx220-turbo-carrera-gt (https://dust-caps.com/p/evo-57-ferrari-challenge-stradale-t350c-evo-viii-clio-v6-vx220-turbo-carrera-gt)

And looking around that time period, it seems it popped up first in issue 52 Feb 2003 and was on the fleet until it had an end of term report in issue 63 Jan 2004.

If anyone has a copy of 52, 57 or 63 that they could send me an image of, give me a PM!

Nice one roj!


I can't remember my girlfriend's birthday but I can remember random stuff like this.... no wonder I drive her crazy! lol
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: ManInDandism on September 14, 2020, 21:14
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 14, 2020, 17:35So all great stuff finding out about the tart's history, but not a lot of fun on the bucket side of the camp.

Yesterday I set about fitting the new caliper in an attempt to finally get a decent holding/non-binding handbrake. This is the last non-new part of the rear brakes that was left. I've fiddled with the rear brakes on my MR2s so much now I can remove them in my sleep, so off came the old caliper and on went the new one;

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pVJ73vMbkSNEdd0v0Q8yrELbDs2N4tLl6xaNjevUST98bEwcdkOJyjGZg7gS8vUDuHevqAnqCIGhHB_i82jZirqVXKQNdi_nqmlh-uNIViSSNQJotGlKceTagFKyWMHR1AjDL2PfYpM=w1000)

This was quick, but bleeding them was slow as there was no one about to help. Eventually, my neighbour returned home so I tapped him up to help. The caliper bled up nicely so I wound in the piston then out by 180 degrees, fixed the caliper properly and the engine started. Then I slowly pumped the brake pedal 20 times, turned off and hooked up the handbrake cable linkage. Back in the car, I adjusted the cable by the handbrake so that there was 7 clicks to full on position.

Pleased with progress, I tested that the other wheel was locked which it was and went over to the other side to check the new side - merely a formality surely? Well no - nothing at all on that - I could spin the wheel without any bother.

Maybe I've gotten the sequence wrong? Unhooked everything, adjuster backed right off and caliper/handbrake linkage back off. Piston wound back in and then out 180 degrees once more, caliper reattached, this time, cable hooked back up before pumping the brakes and then adjusting. That'll be it... Nope - still nothing on the new caliper.

Really adjusting the cable so that there's very few clicks just about gets it to start engaging, but you can still move the wheel by hand.

One more try and the same result.

So I'm flummoxed. It's not like I haven't managed to do these in the past - the handbrake in the yellow car is actually very good indeed after I changed the cables - I dare say you could pull a skid with it, should you be so inclined! But this one you can move by hand if you give it a shove.

So to recap, it has 2 new cables, 2 new calipers and new brake pads and still it doesn't work.

I mean it HAS to be something I'm not doing right, right?

I feel I should stop typing now.... I can feel the anger rising again!

Anyone got any ideas?

Since you were working on the car, have to presume it wasn't you driving though Plumpton/Westmeston yesterday morning?   Out on a road bike - didn't clock the full reg, but not many tidy-looking 'W' reg silver cars in the region I would imagine!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on September 14, 2020, 21:23
Is the caliper a refurb or brand spanking new?
Sure we've had dodgey refurb calipers reported before.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 15, 2020, 11:46
Quote from: 1979scotte on September 14, 2020, 21:23Is the caliper a refurb or brand spanking new?
Sure we've had dodgey refurb calipers reported before.
It's a new one but a copy - bought from Simon Sinclair.

Quote from: ManInDandism on September 14, 2020, 21:14Since you were working on the car, have to presume it wasn't you driving though Plumpton/Westmeston yesterday morning?  Out on a road bike - didn't clock the full reg, but not many tidy-looking 'W' reg silver cars in the region I would imagine!


No not me, although I've seen a few decent PFLs around these parts (although I wouldn't class mine as decent sadly)!

Quote from: Roj on September 14, 2020, 20:36I can't remember my girlfriend's birthday but I can remember random stuff like this.... no wonder I drive her crazy! lol

As long as you remember the important things eh?!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on September 15, 2020, 12:03
Are both of the handbrake cables running free?

On mine, one of them has a lot more friction than the other. If you pull the handbrake lever 'fairly hard' then it will activate one side by yanking the 'bias bar' (under the centre console) at an angle. You have to give it a bit more welly to get the other side to pull on - but both do work eventually!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 15, 2020, 12:29
Quote from: AdamR28 on September 15, 2020, 12:03Are both of the handbrake cables running free?

On mine, one of them has a lot more friction than the other. If you pull the handbrake lever 'fairly hard' then it will activate one side by yanking the 'bias bar' (under the centre console) at an angle. You have to give it a bit more welly to get the other side to pull on - but both do work eventually!
Both cables are very free (pretty much new), but I see what you're getting at. I did notice that the handbrake arm and the cable end very a very tight fit, so it could be that that extra resistance is skewing the bias bar. Certainly can check that out. I suppose pattern cables and pattern calipers could easily have a bit of a issue playing nicely together.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2020, 11:46
Well another 3 hours taking the thing apart and putting it back together by the correct procedures multiple times results in.... it still not working. The offside is great but the nearside still doesn't work. I'd like to point the issue at the new caliper, but the old one had the same problem (the reason for changing it), so I just don't know any more.

The cables both pull perfectly evenly and freely, just one side doesn't lock up.

I think I've had enough of the bucket - this isn't throwing my toys out of the pram, it's just I have another in the garage I could be using and enjoying and I've sort of run out of time to fix up the silver fella!

Also, two lots of tax and insurance doesn't make a lot of sense, so I've started tentatively looking around to sell the bucket at a suitably bargain bucket price. I'll be mortified to see it go, but ultimately I have to look at the practicalities.

Sad times!

I may do a for-sale post on here sometime this week as I'd prefer it to go (cheaply so it'd make financial sense to fix the issues it has) to a MR2 lover rather than be broken for spares or to a trader.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on September 22, 2020, 12:09
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2020, 11:46Well another 3 hours taking the thing apart and putting it back together by the correct procedures multiple times results in.... it still not working. The offside is great but the nearside still doesn't work. I'd like to point the issue at the new caliper, but the old one had the same problem (the reason for changing it), so I just don't know any more.

The cables both pull perfectly evenly and freely, just one side doesn't lock up.

I think I've had enough of the bucket - this isn't throwing my toys out of the pram, it's just I have another in the garage I could be using and enjoying and I've sort of run out of time to fix up the silver fella!

Also, two lots of tax and insurance doesn't make a lot of sense, so I've started tentatively looking around to sell the bucket at a suitably bargain bucket price. I'll be mortified to see it go, but ultimately I have to look at the practicalities.

Sad times!

I may do a for-sale post on here sometime this week as I'd prefer it to go (cheaply so it'd make financial sense to fix the issues it has) to a MR2 lover rather than be broken for spares or to a trader.


This is pretty much how I feel about my V6.
Sunk too much time and money into her just to end up banging my head against the wall.
Again and again and again.
It meant to be fun ffs.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2020, 12:30
That's exactly it, but made worse by the knowledge that it's because I'm not all that great at fixing it!

Having said that, after investing in all new parts, you'd hope that it would actually result in a functioning car, but no...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on September 22, 2020, 16:28
@The Arch Bishop I can empathise with your thoughts about parting Company with The Bucket, @AdamR28 could be looking for just such a purchase.
Just saying!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on September 22, 2020, 17:17
Lee, I'm sorry to hear about the silver bucket.  I really enjoy reading up all that you've done to your car during the time you've had it and all your work has been a great success and I've learnt a hell of a lot from your excellent descriptions and pics during this time.  I am sad to hear that little silver bucket is going but I can wholly understand regarding running costs, etc. Anyway Lee, I think you've done brilliant on this little car and I really do hope it goes to someone on here that will continue to take care of it in the same manner that you have done so.

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Ardent on September 22, 2020, 18:40
Rather late to this.

The side that does not work.
With cable disconnected. Does it work if you manually move the crank arm with hand?
And the pads are no more than 1mm from the disc surface.

If it does.
Might it be the cable is too long?
There are different lengths.

Edit.
Might tie in with this post.
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?msg=833937
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2020, 22:31
Quote from: Chilli Girl on September 22, 2020, 17:17Lee, I'm sorry to hear about the silver bucket.  I really enjoy reading up all that you've done to your car during the time you've had it and all your work has been a great success and I've learnt a hell of a lot from your excellent descriptions and pics during this time.  I am sad to hear that little silver bucket is going but I can wholly understand regarding running costs, etc. Anyway Lee, I think you've done brilliant on this little car and I really do hope it goes to someone on here that will continue to take care of it in the same manner that you have done so.
Ah that's very kind Chilli! Hopefully it can live on with someone who can put more time and effort into it!
Quote from: Ardent on September 22, 2020, 18:40Rather late to this.

The side that does not work.
With cable disconnected. Does it work if you manually move the crank arm with hand?
And the pads are no more than 1mm from the disc surface.

If it does.
Might it be the cable is too long?
There are different lengths.

Edit.
Might tie in with this post.
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?msg=833937
It grabs a bit on the handbrake, but never enough that I can't move it with a bit of force. Could well be the cable but I'm past doing that again to be honest! Pagid do the two sets for PFL and FL. Certainly the ones I did on the Custard Tart worked a treat and I dare say you could almost pull a respectable skid with them (but I'm not 19 any more :-), but maybe the PFL versions are not up to snuff. Having said that, it did get through the MOT last year (just).

Regardless, I need to thin out the herd on my driveway! Thanks for the advice anyway - hopefully I can pass that on to whoever has the Bucket next.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 22, 2020, 23:22
For sale post is up - https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=70003.msg833970#new

I think this is a sensible price considering what needs sorting.

My bottom lip is wibbling right now...

Be strong Arch Bishop....be strong.....
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on September 28, 2020, 09:39
Well the Bucket is due to leave my care for an exciting life up North doing what MR2's do best ragging around tracks and back-roads!

Very pleased that it's going to be kept in the MR2ROC fold!

However, Adam's driving her the 3 squillion mile back home, so with that on my mind, I've been doing a little fiddling to make the journey home a little more pleasant.

New wipers have been fitted as the old ones were shot.

I've had a further fettle of the handbrake and it can at least hold to a decent degree on an incline.

I also had a go at the headlights. It seemed that the driver's side one was the issue as it was about 2 inches higher than the passenger side. Using some marks on the garage door, I evened it up a little - hopefully it won't mean every driver coming the other way flashing furiously any more!

Usual checks for fluids and I think it's ready to attempt the journey!

I'll be very upset to see it go, but I really do think it's time - I've had a great time with it but it's time for someone else to enjoy it!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on September 28, 2020, 09:54
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on September 28, 2020, 09:39Very pleased that it's going to be kept in the MR2ROC fold!

Me too! Looking forward to continuing your great work and attempting to write this up in a manner nearly as entertaining as you have.

I'm very appreciative of all the extra bits you've done these last few days Lee, absolutely over and above what could ever be anticipated - thank you!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 1, 2020, 09:07
Today is a sad day... the era of the bucket cometh to an endeth...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 1, 2020, 16:54
And the bucket has gone...

Very sad, but also content that it's gone to another forum member.

Anyway, I've challenged Adam to make it the 260 miles back on the fuel left in the car. It has 60 miles out of a full tank and I've typically seen 330 miles to a tank, so it'll be a stretch...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on October 1, 2020, 17:41
Sad and glad that you have "passed the bucket".

At least you dont have to put any more money in it.

Looking forward to hearing how Adam gets on (I am sure whatever he does will be very quick!).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 2, 2020, 12:01
So, here I am picking up The Bucket. As agreed with Lee yesterday, I'll take over this thread to keep the history of the bargainous little silver gem going!


Well, what can I say. That was quite a day! Helped massively by some extremely kind hospitality by Lee (and Ali) and nearly a full tank of juice which did indeed get me home, without the light even coming on!

I can honestly say that was the best car-buying experience I've ever had (and I've bought a McLaren and a Ferrari both from dealers in the past!). The V5 was done before I'd even arrived, and if it wasn't for stupid DVLA online 'can't make more than one change within 5 days' nonsense I would have had it taxed even before I'd got off the train too. Amazing.

The car is absolutely as described (better, in fact) and having a working handbrake, plus the owl-finders (headlights) 'downgraded' to moth-finders did indeed make the journey back much smoother. Thanks again Lee.

So much so, I feel a little bad. £650 and a box of (admittedly very nice) biscuits seems like an actual steal for what is a very nice example of an MR2. I've been trying to come up with ways of making this right, but drawn a blank so far - open to suggestions...

Anyway, my day started at 8am with a walk over to work with my fiancee, then an about turn back to Chorley train station. 4 miles down, some crisp and sunny weather, the day was looking good.

walk.jpg

A change in Manchester, another in London with a short walk, and the final train was boarded leaving around an hour to destination.

I'm no fan of cities, but I can't think of many places you'll see such old and new buldings right next to each other... Quite cool.

london.jpg

However, this is where the issues started. The train broke down at a station, so we sat there for a bit and I deemed that a good chance to call Shiela's Wheels to get insurance swapped over, having done battle with their over-promising but actually-useless online system for most of the morning.

Everyone was shunted onto another Brighton-heading train, and with me chatting to the call centre lady all the while I think I missed the announcement that the one stop I needed was indeed going to be bypassed by the 'new' train... I only realised this as the doors were closing and the announcement said 'next and final stop, Brighton'. I was meant to be getting off at Hassocks, about 10 miles North! shuttlecock.

Luckily, my dad lives about an hour away and we had arranged to meet up, so he was waiting at Hassocks for me - a quick call to him and he popped down to Brighton to collect me, phew!

Arriving at Lee's a few hours late - which was kindly deemed as no problem - we did the usual intro chatting, having a look around the car, exchanged stories, I ate a very tasty and freshly prepared BLT baguette, handed over cash & biscuits, dropped the roof (obviously) and then I headed off into the sunset. Well, not quite, but work with me on this, I'm trying to set a scene.

driving.jpg

Off to the Post Office then, the only way to tax the car. The Post Office website shows Hassocks (about 10 mins from Lee) does tax stuff and is open 'til 8pm - winner. Rocked up at 4:55 - 'Oh you'll have to be quick, we close at 5'. All done and £270 poorer, but within a couple of minutes of having to drive home with no tax, and potentially having to take the back roads to avoid ANPRs, which would have been quite a journey! Bullet dodged... Just.

Saw this little beaut on the way, what are the chances!

snap.jpg

(Actually quite high from what Lee's said, but ssshh, it's my first MR2 spot while in an MR2!)


Anyway, the car feels very 'peppy'. I think it's the power steering (Mr Poo's has been ripped out) and alignment, which I need to check out but feels quite 'agile'.

The stereo is the second poshest I've ever had! Little touches like foam wedged between the speaker mounts and door cards show that the car's been owned and cared for by a man who is in tune with his machine and knows what he's doing  8)

Quick pub stop at Hassocks station - where I should have been a few hours earlier - for tea with dad:

pub.jpg

And then onto the A23, and other letter-plus-number roads pretty much all the way home, with my USB stick (the future is here people!) plugged in belting out the tunes.

drive.jpg

No dramas at all, as expected, with The Bucket's four little explosion-propelled buckets purring away at just over 50hz for hours on end. Except it got a bit chilly near Birmingham - I hadn't packed enough clothes - and watching the fuel gauge drop faster than expected (as mentioned above, there was a challenge on...), I decided it was finally time to stick the roof up and maybe drop speed by 5mph to eek another few miles out of the tank...

I needn't have worried. Pulling onto the drive at home at 11:45pm, the fuel light still wasn't even on!

clocks.jpg

Commuting to work this morning - roof down, of course - via the back roads was a dream. The car pulls well, goes in straight lines when it should, and sweetly carves turns like an accomplished skiier when asked. Proper fun, proper little sports car, proper chuffed.

The fuel light came on so I decided that was time to pop in and see my mate at Shell. He furnished me with 39.07L of his next-to-finest lead-free motion lotion, and I thereafter stuffed some numbers into the calculator on my phone. A smidge over 40mpg from the tank! And still 9l left in there if Toyota are to be believed (clearly they are, those efficient Asian boffins), meaning 430 miles from a tank would easily be achievable!

Here's Mr Poo and The Bucket ready at my place for making sweet, sweet car love, in anticipation of creating their own little Poo Bucket:

both.jpg

Or maybe not...

The Bucket is so good, that the only bits Mr Poo could offer towards their little alliance are the brake discs (hardly worth it since the Bucket's are pretty new already), and maybe the seats (I much prefer cloth to leather... but they do look cool in red and were very comfy on the way back). So Mr Poo will now be turned into a track car, and The Bucket pretty much left as-is barring a few minor tweaks. Which I will of course detail in this thread.

So once again, a massive thanks to Lee for all the help throughout. He - like the car - really is a credit to the club. I feel all warm and fuzzy having encountered such a smooth and honest transaction with a thoroughly top bloke, and looking forward to many miles of smiles with The Bucket!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 2, 2020, 12:46
Awwww shucks....

Honestly it was a pleasure to meet you and your Dad! I really can't tell you how chuffed I was to get your text last night to say you'd made it and the bucket behaved. Good old bucket...

As for the icky money side of things, I genuinely think the price was right - at the end of the day it's a non-fancied colour on a car that's got a bit of grot in the sills. It also has the 'staying in the family' aspect of it too - worth more than cash to me.

And don't forget the biscuits AND the bike bearings!

Enjoy mate, and who knows, maybe I'll grow a pair and come up to Oulton Park for a track day some day!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on October 2, 2020, 13:01
After reading the above reports I thought  what a "Grand Day Out"
( Wallace @ Gromit)
PS
@The Arch Bishop
Please be aware that your comment "it's a non fancied colour" has not gone unnoticed !
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on October 2, 2020, 13:32
No, it certainly hasn't Lee :o Great to hear Bucket drove well to her new home, I'm glad its nt going to be wrecked around a track too ;)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 2, 2020, 13:36
Quote from: Joesson on October  2, 2020, 13:01@The Arch Bishop
Please be aware that your comment "it's a non fancied colour" has not gone unnoticed !
Uh oh!

In fairness, I love silver cars - easy to keep looking clean, look smart and not too in your face! Oh and red leather (the seats, not my trousers) looks REALLY good in them.

But generally, people prefer to have other colours and that tends to reflect in the price of them compared to a red or blue.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on October 2, 2020, 13:40
And Custard Tart, dont forget her :'(
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: househead on October 2, 2020, 13:46
Quote from: AdamR28 on October  2, 2020, 12:01Here's Mr Poo and The Bucket ready at my place for making sweet, sweet car love, in anticipation of creating their own little Poo Bucket:


Reading this very nearly caused me to spit my coffee all over a brand new laptop :D

Great write-up, thoroughly enjoyed reading that and following the safe handover of the Bucket. Sounds like a bargain and it's nice that it stays within the club with everyone happy. Well done to all.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 2, 2020, 13:51
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on October  2, 2020, 12:46Awwww shucks....

Honestly it was a pleasure to meet you and your Dad! I really can't tell you how chuffed I was to get your text last night to say you'd made it and the bucket behaved. Good old bucket...

As for the icky money side of things, I genuinely think the price was right - at the end of the day it's a non-fancied colour on a car that's got a bit of grot in the sills. It also has the 'staying in the family' aspect of it too - worth more than cash to me.

And don't forget the biscuits AND the bike bearings!

Enjoy mate, and who knows, maybe I'll grow a pair and come up to Oulton Park for a track day some day!

COVID-secure man hugs all round  ;D  Thanks mate. All sounds fair to me then. Karma will come back around, I'm sure of it...

If you do fancy venturing North for a date with the finest circuit in the land, please do let me know! One of my mates lives close to the track (Hi @Maurici !) and he is pretty laissez-faire with petrolhead B&B requests.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on October 2, 2020, 13:58
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on October  2, 2020, 13:36
Quote from: Joesson on October  2, 2020, 13:01@The Arch Bishop
Please be aware that your comment "it's a non fancied colour" has not gone unnoticed !
Uh oh!

In fairness, I love silver cars - easy to keep looking clean, look smart and not too in your face! Oh and red leather (the seats, not my trousers) looks REALLY good in them.

But generally, people prefer to have other colours and that tends to reflect in the price of them compared to a red or blue.


I hear the ratcheting noise of a hasty retraction.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on October 2, 2020, 14:40
Quote from: househead on October  2, 2020, 13:46
Quote from: AdamR28 on October  2, 2020, 12:01Here's Mr Poo and The Bucket ready at my place for making sweet, sweet car love, in anticipation of creating their own little Poo Bucket:


Reading this very nearly caused me to spit my coffee all over a brand new laptop :D

Great write-up, thoroughly enjoyed reading that and following the safe handover of the Bucket. Sounds like a bargain and it's nice that it stays within the club with everyone happy. Well done to all.

I guess you noticed the graphic graphic!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: househead on October 2, 2020, 15:51
Quote from: Joesson on October  2, 2020, 14:40
Quote from: househead on October  2, 2020, 13:46
Quote from: AdamR28 on October  2, 2020, 12:01Here's Mr Poo and The Bucket ready at my place for making sweet, sweet car love, in anticipation of creating their own little Poo Bucket:


Reading this very nearly caused me to spit my coffee all over a brand new laptop :D

Great write-up, thoroughly enjoyed reading that and following the safe handover of the Bucket. Sounds like a bargain and it's nice that it stays within the club with everyone happy. Well done to all.

I guess you noticed the graphic graphic!

Certainly did :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 3, 2020, 11:36
First bits of bucket tweaking yesterday...

Decided to try the cloth seats, they aren't as 'nice' (and the runners are in noticeably worse condition!) but I prefer how grippy they are, and more temperature-stable. Figured I can swap them back very easily if needed.

Also wanted to swap over my modified shifter setup, so made sense to do this all in one go.

20201002_144539.jpg

The better access also allowed me to unclip the stupid 'you've left your key in' beeper thing.

Had a tweak if the handbrake at the same time and it feels a little better now, might even pass an MOT if I'm lucky, especially after an Italian tune up...

Then turned my attention to a rattle Lee had mentioned at the rear of the car. I'd half noticed it but not on the motorway. Turns out it only does it around 2k rpm, so i figured engine load / speed related...

Found this:

20201002_160157.jpg

Aux belt bellybutton fluff, all over the side of the engine!

Wiggling the belt by hand produced this...


And it also appears to do a little dance.


My theory is that at a certain rpm, the belt is vibrating in resonance with rotational speed, and flapping to cause the clattering / rattling noise.

Mr Poo has brand new pulleys which he will now donate, and I picked up a new belt from the local motor factors just before they shut, happy days. Photo because it looks a bit like a comedy penis.

20201002_170947.jpg

Also gave the roof a rub over with some cleaner / treatment stuff in preparation for today's downpours, which looks to be working nicely in making the water run off.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 3, 2020, 12:38
Does indeed appear to be working nicely!

20201003_123542.jpg
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 4, 2020, 18:39
Decided the Bucket wouldn't get away without some sort of track action during it's time with me...  ;)

Javelin rules stipulate either a hardtop or functional roll over protection for their sprints, and sod destroying the carpets / plastics for the sake of couple of events a year.

Already had a hardtop fitting kit from when I shared Ian @thetyrant 's one at Croft the other weekend, and this came up at a reasonable price locally so thought it best to take the plunge rather than pestering Ian again!

20201004_180728.jpg

The seller was a top chap and also chucked in a hardtop storage bag and a set of FL wheels with tyres for free. I won't use the rears, so if anyone can make use of them you're welcome to 'em! Bizarrely the hardtop seller was also called Lee - theme appearing here...

After all that, I've just been to check availability for Javelin's Cadwell sprint next weekend and it's sold out, bummer!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on October 4, 2020, 18:58
Donnington on the 5th of December caught my eye.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on October 4, 2020, 21:21
Check out the Bucket with a hardtop! Looks as good as I'd always imagined!

Very much looking forward to see how it performs on track with its elderly suspension. It felt very soft on the road in comparison with the Tart - not slower (the engine was always waaaay perkier), just more relaxed on more road-biased tyres.

Pullies and belt all sorted then?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: thetyrant on October 5, 2020, 07:17
Quote from: AdamR28 on October  4, 2020, 18:39Decided the Bucket wouldn't get away without some sort of track action during it's time with me...  ;)

Javelin rules stipulate either a hardtop or functional roll over protection for their sprints, and sod destroying the carpets / plastics for the sake of couple of events a year.

Already had a hardtop fitting kit from when I shared Ian @thetyrant 's one at Croft the other weekend, and this came up at a reasonable price locally so thought it best to take the plunge rather than pestering Ian again!


The seller was a top chap and also chucked in a hardtop storage bag and a set of FL wheels with tyres for free. I won't use the rears, so if anyone can make use of them you're welcome to 'em! Bizarrely the hardtop seller was also called Lee - theme appearing here...

After all that, I've just been to check availability for Javelin's Cadwell sprint next weekend and it's sold out, bummer!

Looking good buddy :D

Shame about the sprint :(  would of been good to have another battle but maybe you will get a reserve space ?

I would have those facelift rear wheels off you if still available ?

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 7, 2020, 14:30
Oops - forgot to reply here...

Belt and pulleys not done just yet Lee, as I've been murdering Mr Poo and waiting on one of the pulleys, hopefully here tomorrow. Figured I might as well just the job once, rather than twice.

Ian - rear wheels are yours mate, no probs. I need go and collect them but will sort that asap and let you know when they're here with me.


Hardtop removed and stashed away for next year now, sadly missed out on the Javelin sprint this weekend, but at least I have it ready to go!

I have a track day booked at Oulton on 14th November which I think will be The Bucket's first track outing. Before then I plan to chuck on some Whiteline ARBs and add camber all round with some of those funky cam bolts (real ones, not DIY this time!), plus stick in a set of my fave brake pads. Providing the looming MOT is passed successfully, of course...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: thetyrant on October 7, 2020, 14:57
Good man thanks let me know once you have them and i will see about getting down to collect, no panic they are just spares as want to run a square setup when im ready for more tyres which will be awhile yet i hope!, so if anyone is desperate for them they are welcome but otherwise i will collect once available :)

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 7, 2020, 16:20
Sounds good - I'll hang onto 'em, no bother. I also want to go square but with smaller tyres hence making use of the front ones :D

Edit: Just 'saving' this link as I'll be needing it at some point... https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12578.0
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on October 8, 2020, 21:19
Today was one of those days...

After finding out I'd killed Mr Poo (ripped the immobiliser out and now he won't fire up) and wasting 3 hours trying to sort that, I thought I'd try and do something easy yet useful today and sort the wobbly aux belt on The Bucket.

So it began.

Old belt off, easy. Clean away fluff, satisfyingly simple. Remove tensioner, straightforward. Swap pulley on tensioner, didn't put up a fight.

That stupid little 12mm nut? The one you can't get a 6 point socket on because its close to the chassis, so you have to use a ring spanner? Yeah. That little bastard. Tight as chuff as well, obviously.

Luckily there is SOME access to the 14mm on the other end of the bolt, but I decided I wanted better access, so things escalated a bit...

20201008_210841.jpg

Figured with the rear end off, I could get in anywhere I wanted. I think this was the right choice in the end, it did make the job easier.

And while that was off, it would have been rude for Mr Poo not to donate his exhaust...

20201008_170819.jpg

Especially as the flexi on BB has seen better days!

Mid pipe with cat and heat shields weighs about 8kg, back box weighs around 13kg.

While it was all apart, I thought I might as well investigate the two different cheapo eBay manifolds that are available...

Mr Poo has the one with a flat gasket face, and no heatshield mounts.

Much larger secondaries than the other type with the recesses for ring gaskets:

20201008_185243.jpg

20201008_185308.jpg

(Cheaty gasket paste as my rings hadn't arrived on time and I wanted to drive home, so reused old ones).

Looking up Mr Poos tubes...

20201008_184632.jpg

20201008_184606.jpg

Not great but not horrendous - I've bought (and promptly returned!) a £450 manifold that was worse than that!

20201008_195045.jpg

All back together and bumper cut for the higher up tailpipe on the other side. Quite like that actually.

More manifold comparisons...

Mr Poo's one is louder, pulls harder up the top end.

BB's manifold makes better mid range - as expected, with longer primaries of smaller diameter.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Maurici on October 23, 2020, 10:16
Quote from: AdamR28 on October  2, 2020, 13:51If you do fancy venturing North for a date with the finest circuit in the land, please do let me know! One of my mates lives close to the track (Hi @Maurici !) and he is pretty laissez-faire with petrolhead B&B requests.

I've just realized here One of my spare rooms Its been widely offered... I will have to honour that then! :P
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 2, 2020, 10:02
So. MOT time tomorrow... This meant a bit of remedial work this weekend: Handbrake and headlights.

The handbrake had been a bit turd but 'just about ok' after an adjustment. I didn't think it would pass an MOT though, so I set about investigating some fixes. I found a couple of interesting things:

1) The length of the arm on OE calipers (approx 42mm from pivot to centre of cable pin) is different to aftermarket / refurb ones (approx 52mm).

2) It also appears the leverage ratio of the OE caliper is much higher - ie. for the same cable pull force, the OE caliper clamps the disc harder than aftermarket, despite the shorter arm.

All in all, this explains why a lot of people still have issues with the handbrake despite fitting new calipers and cables - either both sides (leaving a significantly reduced overall handbrake force) or just one side (gives an imbalance). The whole 'the non OE cables are too long' thing is a myth, any extra is taken up by the adjustment at the handbrake lever itself.

I'm a mechanical kind of guy, so set about coming up with a mechanical solution, one where I could quantitatively add braking force easily with no 'it feels better, I think?' kind of stuff...

h1.jpg

What this shows is a handbrake arm extender, and to get the cable to aim at the correct position, the cable location stopper thingy has been 'adjusted' with the Birmingham Screwdriver to make it 'straight'. The opposite end of the 5x20mm bar sits against the spring, and during handbrake operation is effectively trying to shear the spring in half like a guillotine - not happening.

h2.jpg

h3.jpg

Et volia. 25% more handbrake force.

With this added to the refurb caliper, it was time to check the handbrake balance.

h4.jpg

You can simply use a torque wrench on the nuts, keep upping the 'click point' until it clicks JUST as the wheel starts to rotate, repeat both sides with a couple of different clicks on the handbrake.

I ended up with 60Nm left / 65Nm right on 2 clicks, and 95 / 100 on 3 clicks - that'll do pig.

I fitted new pads at the same time so these will need a good bedding in on the way to the test tomorrow.


Then it was onto headlights. If you haven't done this job before it's pretty easy, just a bit faffy and iterative, with relatively poor access unless you have hands like a schoolgirl.

A tip: buy some of these in advance, because you WILL lose or break a couple of the frunk clips at minimum!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273427816094

The lights were pretty high and off to the left significantly before I started, so I made a 'coarse' adjustment inside and then rolled the car outside for the rest.

Step 1: Make sure it's fairly dark and find a flat bit of ground next to a wall.

Step 2: Turn the lights on (duh) and with the car right up against the wall, make some sort of mark where the headlights are aiming.

hl1.jpg

Step 3: Roll it back about 20 yards and see what you're faced with. Here, both are too high, the right hand headlight is pointing too far left, and the left hand headlight is pointing too far right. That explains why I had such a narrow field of vision at night, and why using full beam was useless (other than for ushering in light aircraft).

hl2.jpg

Step 4: To make things easier, you can cover up one of the lights - a bit of old rag, etc. does the job nicely. Play with the adjusters until the flat part of the beam is a little bit lower than the marks. The headlights should be set to -1.3% according to the moulding on them, but anything lower than level will pass an MOT providing you have the kick up at the left of the pattern (or no kick at all).

hl3.jpg

Step 5: Get bored, cold, pissed on with rain, and give up before it's bperfect but still a lot better than it was.

Step 6: Check your full beams work ok too - a little higher than the dips, and generally straight ahead.

hl4.jpg



Oh, and I straightened the steering wheel too. Have a fair amount of toe out up front now (half a degree because the right hand locknut was completely seized solid, first time ever I've not been able to get one free!) but it drives straight and has less understeer so happy days.


Car will be going in first thing tomorrow, wish me luck!  ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on November 2, 2020, 12:03
Interesting to hear about the different length pivot arms.

If you look on the brakeparts website they list 5 or 6 speed rear calipers;

https://brakeparts.co.uk/shop/TOYOTA/MR2/00-/MR2%20SPORTS%20ZZW30%201.8%20ROADSTER/Rear%20-%20Brake%20Calipers%20and%20Wheel%20Cylinders

I wonder if toyota changed the design in the facelift and it nevers gets mentioned?

I measured the set of calipers I have in my living room and they are 42mm approx.

Anyone with a pre face lift car care to measure their pivot arms?

PS I am sure you will sail through the MOT!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on November 2, 2020, 13:55
Mk2 calipers fit i have been told and I was also told they have a longer arm on them and mk2 have less handbrake issues than we do.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on November 2, 2020, 23:34
The pivot arms thing is an interesting development given that the previous school of thought has been potential difference in the locating pins on the piston.

I would contest your point about the different cable lengths making no difference though. I am on my second set of aftermarket cables.  I've written about it extensively but the aftermarket cables are different lengths, both left and right, and FL/PFL.  Anyone selling the same set as suitable for both cars is setting someone up for a fall.

Therefore, combining your discovery with the different lengths of cable could go a long way to explaining a lot of people's issues.

There's a great MR2 diagram YouTube video that shows how far the arm has to actuate to actually do anything of note.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 3, 2020, 11:16
Well, that is a bit of a surprise.

index.jpg

I didn't think the handbrake would exactly pass with flying colours, but one side inoperative? That wasn't the case when I dropped it off this morning!

Off to the garage now to see what's going on...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 13:07
That wasn't in the script!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Bossworld on November 3, 2020, 13:25
Do update us when you can.  Possible tautology on the tester's part but nearside inoperative on one side?!  Surely they don't mean one pad isn't touching.

The nearside cable seems to be the longer of the two, on mine, the equaliser bracket pulls the nearside up and then the offside catches up to pull straight.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 3, 2020, 14:52
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 13:07That wasn't in the script!

Flippin' wasn't, was it!

Just finished fettling now and finally have a pass.


TL:DR: The moral of the story is some of the calipers are just plain crap. This appears to be the aftermarket ones, the OE ones are tons better

I have ended up fitting a caliper off Mr Poo and it increased the brake force by ~250% on that side immediately, even without a little extender arm.

Some background...

To pass the MOT, there is no imbalance calculation (although both of them have to do something), just an overall brake force amount, calculated in percent from a table of gross vehicle weights.

The MR2 is listed at 1110kg (assume that's a full tank of fuel, with driver), and you need to make 16% to pass - ie. 178kg of brake force.

The test is done on rollers (rather than static), and the retardation force measured. I assume this effectively takes into account the wheel / tyre radius, as obviously the handbrake applies a torque and it measures a force - perhaps a little sneaky cheat could be to fit smaller wheels...


Anyway, El Bucket started at 0 (!) and 80kg. The zero side was the refurb / re-manufactured caliper. I think something went wrong when I was bedding in the fresh pads - the handbrake mechanism seemed to have gone past some sort of over-centre point, and it was locked in the 'on' position but providing no brake force at all. I must admit to driving along yanking the handbrake pretty hard in order to bed the pads in, so that may be the culprit. The other side was an old but OE caliper, without an extender.

2nd try - added an extender to the right hand caliper (OE), and a longer extender to the left hand caliper. 40kg and 110kg this time, still not enough.

3rd try - stuck an old but good condition OE caliper from Mr Poo onto the crap side, without an extender: 105kg left and 120kg right.

(For comparison, the 'normal' brake force tests came out at 220kg left (with the caliper that had the crap handbrake mechanism) and 190kg right.)

Three things to come out of this:

1) The OE calipers are definitely the best in this respect.

2) There seems to be a little variation in the test. Whether this is kit inaccuracy or simply the tester pulling the handbrake harder / less hard, it shows that if you are close to a fail it could be worth a repeat of the test with - say - slightly warm brake pads or an extra hard yank on the lever.

3) The extenders work, with a significant increase in brake force recorded from fitting them.


The Bucket lives another year, hooray! Time to get onto treating some of the rusty bits and investigate that rear left drone / whine / grinding noise, when I can be arsed.


Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on November 3, 2020, 16:14
Yeah, the new caliper was one from a seller that is recommended all around the Facebook groups, so I can only guess that there are some that work but the tolerances in the manufacturing process are utter pants and I got one of 'the bad ones.'

Best bet is to get a genuine one rebuilt it seems which is what my original plan was. Kicking myself now about that one!

Adam - the pads were put on when the calipers were still binding slightly, which may have muffed the bedding in.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 16:46
@AdamR28 said:
"must admit to driving along yanking the handbrake pretty hard in order to bed the pads in, so that may be the culprit".

I suggest that is not the very best procedure for Public Road bedding in of brakes.
Don't ask me how I know!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 3, 2020, 16:53
Come on, we need the story :D

I have done this many times before without issue, btw.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 17:11
This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on November 3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on November 3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on November 3, 2020, 21:50
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!

How did I know it was Jane that applauded that without looking.

@Chilli Girl
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 3, 2020, 22:16
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 21:50
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!

How did I know it was Jane that applauded that without looking.

@Chilli Girl

ESP?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on November 4, 2020, 07:24
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 22:16
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 21:50
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!

How did I know it was Jane that applauded that without looking.

@Chilli Girl

ESP?

Especial Scotte Perceptioni
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 4, 2020, 09:09
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  4, 2020, 07:24
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 22:16
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 21:50
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!

How did I know it was Jane that applauded that without looking.

@Chilli Girl

ESP?

Especial Scotte Perceptioni

Of course, the one and only!


(thankfully)

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: SV-3 on November 4, 2020, 09:29
Quote from: Joesson on November  4, 2020, 09:09
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  4, 2020, 07:24
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 22:16
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 21:50
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 19:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on November  3, 2020, 19:35
Quote from: Joesson on November  3, 2020, 17:11This post will self destruct in 5 seconds!

In the late 80's I serviced MrsJ's Fiesta and took it out along the dual c'way by pass for a road test including the hand brake. Fiesta's and Armco don't mix well, it was repaired " because it was otherwise in good condition".
We sold it a few years later and it was soon after rear ended and written off, the payout was more than we sold it for!


Bet Mrs J was well pleased.


"Don't worry, it's only metal" she said when she saw the damaged front offside, then she saw the damaged rear offside and the tone changed.I did point out that the door was unmarked, but that really didn't help me!

I know how it feels when she's got the hump with you. Still worry that I'm due a clip round the ear.
The female of the species is renowned for their long memory so doubt that she's forgotten. But then you are unforgettable!

How did I know it was Jane that applauded that without looking.

@Chilli Girl

ESP?

Especial Scotte Perceptioni

Of course, the one and only!


(thankfully)


Evidently Stresses Pensioners
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Joesson on November 4, 2020, 14:18
@SV-3 suggested that @1979scotte use of ESP refers to:
"Evidently Stresses Pensioners".


That is perhaps the case. I do believe that there are also some others in that, every day is a holiday, section of society enjoying the benefits of this Forum. However that the aforesaid Mr S endeavours to particularly "stress" that section I do not believe. I do believe that he is a caring and sharing member who does not differentiate by ageism or other means as to whom he dispenses his words of wisdom. I for one enjoy his candid comments, I might not always agree with them, but it is, in a Democracy, the right of each person to express their opinion, be they right or wrong, but hopefully never indifferent.
I await the further cut and thrust of considered argument and general banter.

PS.
But perhaps in some other part of the Forum than the @The Arch Bishop. / @AdamR28 's thread !






Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 30, 2020, 14:29
Insert best PC Plod voice here:

Ello ello ello, what's goin on ere then?  :o

Well, it appears the rear left of The Bucket is cursed! Rear brake caliper started leaking (quite badly) so my first application of the brakes one fine morning at 5am on the way to work was... interesting.

Quick call to Dick Sloane, caliper sent out the same day at a great price, arrived quickly and fitted.

20201122_145035.jpg

Turns out its one of the refurbished ones so the handbrake is poor again - perfectly well if you're aware of it, but probably won't pass an MOT. Will cross that bridge next year!

The rear left grinding certainly isn't getting any better, and I'm now wondering if it could be the gearbox... only one way to find out I suppose, but I won't have time before the winter sprint at Cadwell in a couple of weeks. Hopefully it'll get through the day and get me back home...
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on December 12, 2020, 21:22
So here I am, watching snooker, while sat on the bed in a spare room of someone's house in a sleepy village called Bishop Norton. £25 for the night, found on booking.com - can't say fairer than that!

I mention the name because I find it quite funny that the Bucket was previously owned by @The Arch Bishop ! The Bucket is sat outside on the drive, obviously.

We're both (The Bucket and I) having an overnight stop on the way to Cadwell Park, for Javelin's 'Winter Sprint' event. I figured getting wet and cold while queueing wouldn't be much fun in the MunteR2, and I needed an excuse to actually use the hardtop I'd spent more on than the car (regs state you need a functional roll hoop or a hard top).

The event tomorrow is not like a normal sprint - there's two different layouts being run, the second of which will have a run or two in the dark! Timing is also cumulative, rather than 'best run counts', and additional chicanes are being added into the layout. So, in some ways, its a bit like a rally.

The weather forecast is awful so I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the plucky little MR2 can get on against some much more expensive, powerful and developed machinery!

Live timing will be here throughout the day for anyone interested: http://www.vola-racing.com/msportspro/javelintrackdays/

Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on December 13, 2020, 10:33
Ready to roll and roll! Wet, cold and veerryyy slippery, just the way I like it  8)

20201213_094257.jpg

Timed runs will start in about an hour.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 13, 2020, 10:54
Born to wear a racing number.

Come on the Bucket!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on December 14, 2020, 13:47
Cars. Aren't they amazing?

A 20 year old vehicle purchased for buttons, driven for over 300 miles at 35mpg+ (despite a reasonable chunk of that spent sideways and / or bouncing off the limiter), kept me dry and warm all day / night, provided me with entertainment in the form of music and an audio book - almost picked up a trophy and then got me to work this morning. How brilliant is that?
 

Sunday started with a 45 minute cruise through the wet-but-quiet back roads of Lincolnshire. I love driving in this part of the world. The roads are in good condition, everywhere is flat and open - it's just very relaxing, especially with a Jack Reacher audiobook playing through the speakers.

Arriving at the circuit - as bleak as Cadwell usually is in December - I went straight to noise testing, get the first bit of bureaucracy out of the way. A 'result' of 91dB was well below the 105 limit for the event, happy days. I had no idea how loud the exhaust would be due to that small can, but it shows it works sufficiently well!

On a similar note, I'm sure the drive in helped keep the reading down. If anyone does struggle with noise limits on a track day, get the car properly hot before testing - I've seen 5-6dB difference between a cold and hot car before.

Anyway, following a quick catch up with a few familiar faces, sign on was completed and the numbers stuck on the car. Ready to go!

The layout and scoring for this event was very different to normal sprints. Cumulative times through the day, with time penalties for leaving the track or hitting cones, and two different layouts - more like a rally, in fact.

Screenshot_2020-12-14 JTWS20R1Eb pdf.png

The first practice run was... interesting. One thing - the extra chicanes added to the layouts really interrupted the flow of what is normally a lovely circuit. It felt a bit frustrating having to use 1st gear for the tight bits. However, I understood the need for this, keeping corner speeds down especially in the dark. It did however put me at a distinct disadvantage - having the slowest accelerating car in the class (up to 2.0L non-turbo cars meant all sorts of stuff like Celicas, Clios, Civics and newer MX5s) really hurt coming out of the chicanes, and my knowledge of the circuit counted for less as I couldn't carry corner speeds down the straights. Never mind, I reminded myself, you're here for fun!

The second thing - I forgot how tired standard dampers would vary significantly from the nice, new Konis I'd been using the week before. Straight out the start, into Hall Bends. Top of 2nd gear, tight, armco down both sides, very slippery under the trees, cold tyres, cold brakes, wet and cold track. A slight twitch through the first corner. The kerb on the inside upset the car on the second corner - huge opposite lock. Then, due to lack of rebound damping, a massive tank-slapper which meant slamming into the lock stops the opposite way through the 3rd corner in order to keep it on the black stuff. It was going to be a day of coaxing the car round... Especially with a ton of tight direction changes!

thumbnail_20201213_095341.jpg

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And we even got sent through the motorbike chicane, with extra obstacles!

thumbnail_20201213_100043.jpg


Now I'm going to have a little moan here, but try and keep it as short as I can and get it out the way. This is what annoys me about 'motorsport' - the person who throws the biggest wallet at the job often wins. So some chap rocked up in his motorhome dragging an mx-engineinwrongplace  upgraded with Ohlins dampers, ITBs and a standalone ECU, full custom exhaust, Enkei RPF1 wheels, Yoko A052 tyres, buckets and harnesses. He'd entered the 'Standard' car class. Now he can clearly read, because he'd left all the interior in and kept the car visually standard to try and make it meet the regs, so why blatantly cheat like this? Frustrating.

Turns out most of the 'standard' cars in the 'standard' class had thrown go-faster bits on too - fancy dampers, buckets and harnesses, uprated ARBs, stripped interiors, etc. Javelin keep the regs fairly loose on purpose, allowing competitors to self-regulate, but if you've knowingly modified your car significantly I don't get why you'd enter the 'Standard' class, especially when the rules forbid this. The 'Modified' class is there for these competitors. Anyway, moving on...


Remember the film 'Rush'? Well, a lot of it was filmed at Cadwell if you didn't already know. There's an old house just near the pits, and what's odd about it?

thumbnail_20201213_095458.jpg

Yep, the windows are painted on! Keep a look out for it in the film, it's funny knowing the tricks they sometimes use in films.

Back to the track action - it became apparent that the key to doing well was to keep things clean. A 10 second penalty for hitting a cone or going off track, a 20 second one for the second infringement, and then exclusion for the third meant you could really lose out big time for being wild! Looks like nearly a dozen people feel foul of this over the course of the day.


It was cold. Really cold. And wet. With no van to hide in, I'd tried to prep by bringing my full waterproofs - including socks! - and a bin bag to store my stuff in, but the wind kept driving rain into places I didn't really want it to be. Purple hands, frozen feet - all part of the fun. Trying to keep the car de-misted was quite a mission, but at least it gave me a chance to dry stuff out.

thumbnail_20201213_103539.jpg


With the first layout done and my times remaining pretty consistent throughout all 3 runs (2.31, 2.29, 2.30), it was time for a lunch break while the second layout was set up. This included 'The Mountain', a famous left-right-over crest set of corners which is the definitive Cadwell feature. There must be tons of photos from over the years of bikes mid-air going through here.

Obviously today there were to be no aerobatics, but with the rain it meant some serious tail-waggling going over the crest - much fun, especially in all three of the timed runs which were in the dark!

Various cars had fitted huge LED light bars as permitted by the regs, but I didn't feel it was worth doing for just a couple of runs. With hindsight I probably should have - the late 90s Japanese candles were less than helpful, so the only way I can describe the first dark run is scary. I'm glad I know Cadwell like the back of my hand. I literally cannot remember the last time I had the adrenaline shakes, despite trying to fill my life with stuff like this (plus karting, mountaineering, mountain biking, etc). But yesterday, it was there. What a rush!  ;D

At this point I had truly become engaged with the event, and put out of my mind the niggles of those trying to bend the rules that had been gnawing away at a corner of my mind earlier in the day. I'm an honest person, so it really gets to me when others aren't on a level playing field through unscrupulous bending of the rules.


My first dark lap was a 2:25. You see your time on a board before you get back to the paddock, but with a completely new layout, and it being dark and wet, have no idea if that's good or not! Turns out it was 5th quickest out of the 17 in our class, which I was pretty chuffed with.

Looking at the other times it showed the light bars made a big difference, as my gap to the leaders (who all had them) had increased from around 2-3s a run to more like 8s in the dark. Feeling I had no chance of picking up a plastic pot now, I instead set myself the challenge of simply improving my times for the final two runs.

At times like these I find emptying my mind is the best way to prepare, so I stuck some music on in the car pretty loud and sang along in the queue (thanks for the advice @B.RAD  ;) ).

thumbnail_20201213_162149.jpg

Back to the start line. Full beam on. Away we go. I must admit this lap (and the last one) was a bit of a blur - trying to pick out feint white lines diving tarmac from grass, and red and white kerbs in the gloom, then all of a sudden being surprised by bright white strips of reflective material wrapped around the cones in the chicanes. All a bit surreal.

I crossed the line, a clean run, and the board showed 2:21.77. Quite an improvement! I was now up to 4th in class and catching 3rd. One run to go and just over 5s behind. Would I be able to catch him? A single cone-strike would mean a 10 second penalty... for either of us.


Final run. Music louder. Singing louder. A quick chat to say thanks to the start line marshals for their help during what had been a day of terrible weather!

This run was wetter than all the previous ones thanks to a pretty heavy downpour, and again a literal blur of dark grey, green, red, white and orange - resulting in a time of 2:21.61. I'd achieved my recently-set goal of beating my own time, and ended up posting the 3rd quickest time in our class.


The excellent timing system that Javelin use updates in real time, so you can see the times come in online using a web page. The chap running 3rd in the Clio (who it turns out I'd given a lift across the paddock to earlier in the day!) had a decently quick and clean run, so 3rd place was not to be for me, but a smidge over 5s separating us after 6 runs and almost 15 minutes of running time was really cool.

Screenshot_2020-12-14 JTWS2020 pdf.png

Overall position? Just squeezed into the top half (30th out of 61 finishers) - Long Live The Bucket!

It had been a day of 'what ifs?'. What if I'd fitted a light bar? What if I'd had fresh Rainsport tyres like everyone else? What if people who should have been in Modified class actually entered the Modified class?

I put that all aside though - the dark runs were so much fun, and I'd managed to turn my head around to having myself as competition rather than worrying about what other people did. That's what it's all about.

When's the next one?  :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on December 14, 2020, 13:57
Brilliantly written Adam and driven. Really enjoyed reading that, it was almost as if I could've been there. Well done. ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on December 14, 2020, 14:09
Funny you should mention the self regulating nature of the event plus mountainbiking as this reminded me of racing mountainbikes in the 90's. There was a similar category system (4 I think) but there would always be people who entered a class below where they should have been so they could do well.

Nothing changes eh,but glad you enjoyed it!

(Being wet, cold and with purple extremities also reminds me of mountainbiking!).
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: 1979scotte on December 14, 2020, 14:19
Re the class system.

Sad and pathetic that they'd even want to enter standard if they have ITB and standalone ecu and surely those yokos aren't road legal.
Thats like me turning up at a drag race for stock cars with my rotrex V6. No competition.

And which Jack Reacher are you reading?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 14, 2020, 16:19
You know, it's really good seeing the Bucket getting used properly and living its best life rather than rotting on my driveway.

Far better it's getting out and seeing the world and some rumble strips instead of staring at the garage door for months on end!

Also shows me that I made the right decision about selling it and also the person I sold it to.

I'm also immensely proud of it. After 125,000 miles and with baggy old (likely original) shocks, it survived a full on weekend of action and got home again.

Got a big old grin on my face!

Nice one Adam - you're doing the Bucket proud!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: thetyrant on December 15, 2020, 11:56
Good to see you had fun at the night sprint Adam, i pondered entering but didnt fancy the chance of a wet cold sprint and sounds like that was what you got, still sounds like your enjoyed it and despite the obvious rule benders did ok :)

Looking forward to getting out on track again next year when i put mine back on the road :D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on December 16, 2020, 12:12
Thanks guys - glad the write-up was a little interesting at least, and you don't mind The Bucket being used properly Lee  ;)

I'm currently about half way through 'The Affair' - but have listened to tons of Reacher books recently. Each one is about 12-13 hours long so they make great long-distance drive and bedtime companions. All free through the Borrowbox app and my local library, too!

Photos have surfaced from the even - what a mission these must have been to both take and edit, so a massive thanks to Matt and Darren!


Bit of a slide on...

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Always wave when you see the 'tog!

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Front wheel slightly in the air!

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Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on January 2, 2021, 19:08
Been out in the snow today to deliver some supplies to my shielding mum. Lots of fun on the deserted industrial estate nearby!

And a couple of quick snaps, visiting where I used to live as a kid.

20210102_155127.jpg

20210102_162918.jpg
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on January 3, 2021, 09:37
Great pictures from the event and da bucket looks fantastic with a hard-top and a wheel in the air!

See this thread is far more photographically interesting now. Not all pictures of my manky driveway!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: GRiches on January 21, 2021, 20:34
so cool, very interesting read
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on June 17, 2021, 08:43
You know those 'spare hours' that you feel like you have available most days, but then they melt into the ether underneath a pile of jobs?

Well, one of them actually materialised for me yesterday, and given that The Bucket has a) been behaving herself rather well and b) was much-due a clean, I decided I would get stuck in.

She came up very well and is a nicer place to be without North Wales, Yorkshire Dales and Lake District mud in the footwells  ;D

20210616_160117.jpg

20210616_160134.jpg

The MicLaren (Micra) in the background even got treated to a swill down with The Bucket's used water (don't worry, there's more peeled lacquer than actual lacquer on that thing).

I then worked out the last time I cleaned a car was March 2020. The weather gods obviously knew this, because it then proceeded to start raining as I was clearing my washing kit away.

C'est la vie...

In mechanical news, the grinding from the rear left is still there but not getting any worse. Roof down and / or loud music disguises it nicely. Oil usage has been virtually zero, and everything else on the car is still working perfectly - just like that battered old Micra in the photo above.

I now have a theory which I share with any car nerd who'll listen, that the late 90s / early 00s were the prime time for cars. Fuel injected engines for good behaviour and decent economy, proper cable operated throttles and brakes without massive servos, a few nice interior touches like electric windows and mirrors, high quality seats and good ergonomics; but without all the faff of a separate ECU for every part of the car, engine bays that are a complete pain to work on, small engines turbocharged to within an inch of their lives so they drive like crap, and bloated body shells that don't fit down country lanes.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Petrus on June 17, 2021, 09:57
Quote from: AdamR28 on June 17, 2021, 08:43Thoughts?

I think it is early eighties, maybe even late seventies. Electronic igntion has arrived and nothing much else with the cars still being delightfully light.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on June 17, 2021, 11:36
I've been saying the same for years. It was the sweet-spot for technology vs simplicity from about '98 to '03. Glad the Bucket is behaving properly for you Adam. Still looks really sharp! I still miss its slightly baggy charm.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: Topdownman on June 18, 2021, 19:03
Glad to see that you have just washed this one and not taken the angle grinder to it!

I watched an interesting youtube video recently that was talking about why cars from the early 90s were lasting well and seemingly better made than modern ones. His argument (which he made very well) was that the difference between now and then was computer modelling and the ability they now have to determine more accurately when their components would fail. This allows them to not over engineer components (which they had to do previously) to make them cheaper and sell cars at a price consumers want or reduce weight etc to meet emissions. He didnt just slam them for making components to fail after the warranty period although I suspect most of us watching were thinking that.

Heres the link if it sounds interesting!

Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeMZGICNSMg)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on June 30, 2021, 05:50
It's official then, our collective nouse proves old cars are better ;) And that was an interesting video, thanks @Topdownman .


The Bucket is currently in London. Not-that-long story a little bit shorter, my neighbour starts a new job down there today and her car (an Alfa, obviously!) developed an issue yesterday afternoon. So with a 'spare' vehicle in our household it would have been rude not to help out.

I did, however, completely poopoo myself when she called saying the passenger window wouldn't go up - but then remembered about that daft switch on the dash, phew!

So it looks like a few more miles will be racked up by the little beaut before she returns home at the weekend.


Another huge tick for the MR2 - its such an easy car to get on with. My partner, Jane, has recently thoroughly enjoyed blasting it around our local back roads, and then Linda next door jumped in and drove it down to London no bother. Considering neither of them are 'car people', the fact it can be both enjoyed as a toy and used as a tool is astounding if you ask me ;D
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on June 30, 2021, 12:31
It's what I found with an MR2 - it's as easy to drive as a Yaris (controls, throttle, driving position, clutch, gearbox, brakes and steering are all perfectly judged) at 5/10ths, but when you push on, it is insanely rewarding.

It started as a project car for odd occasional trips out in but rapidly became the choice for school runs, small shopping trips, commuting to work and anything else not requiring 4 seats or loads of storage space, which is basically 90% of the time.

I've found our other one is a little compromised by the lowered ride-height and the slightly anti-social exhaust though. A standard one can be used like an appliance if that's your thing. Hasn't stopped Ali nicking it at every single opportunity recently...

I can see you not getting that back easily though Adam - they are perfect for city driving!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on November 2, 2021, 06:19
Well, luckily The Bucket did come back - all shiny and clean after our neighbour Dave gave it a full valet and polish. Very kind of him!  ;D

I've been a bit quiet on the car front recently due to a house move, another house sale, preparing my business for sale, doing a lot of mountain biking and building bike frames (need my fabrication fix from somewhere!) - but The Bucket has been getting enjoyed and behaving itself recently so I needed to find a way to treat it. Fresh fully synthetic 5w30 and a Bosch (oooOOOooo fancy) filter followed by an Italian tune up was the best I could come up with.

Worst "I did an oil change" photo ever.

20211027_120605.jpg

On that note, I still bloody love this thing. Honestly I can't think of a better all round fun car, all things considered. It will be a sad day if there comes one when I don't have an MR2 Roadster in my life.

In related news, the MOT expired today... Or it would have done had the plucky little beast not gone and passed! First attempt he failed on the handbrake (obviously) and a leaky shock, but due to the generosity of @Iain I was able to swap it out for a non-leaky one at no cost. Thanks again dude!

I always imagine the chap who invented spring compressors is up there in the sky somewhere due to a spring compressor related incident, chuckling to himself at the idiots wrestling with his invention. Makes me smile anyway!

20211101_150006.jpg

An hour's labour at the local garage somehow managed to get the handbrake up to 15% efficiency despite it barely having worked at all most of the year (needs 16% to pass!), then a judicious use of the brakes on the way to the re-test (driving along with the handbrake on to warm the pads up  ;) ) saw 18% efficiency and a pass!

20211101_153857.jpg

Here's to another year's motoring for £93 including the test fee. The Bargain Bucket living up to its name once again.

What else to report... the drains needed clearing out as I heard a splashing noise from behind me the other day, I think I'll pop the hardtop on soon, and a chap I play tennis with who has had a few MX5s wants to borrow it to see what MR2s are like. He fancies something with a bit more 'go' but hopefully he'll be swayed by the handling... though I hear you are looking at selling yours Phil? @JB21 If so, I'll let Richard know if he's in the market for an MR2.
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on December 20, 2022, 12:14
@AdamR28 - Any updates on the Bucket? I'll admit to being nosy and saw that another MOT had been passed recently?
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on April 11, 2023, 16:30
Ha! Yes. You're right. Squeaked through on the handbrake, just  8)

It's still going strong, not needing anything other than fuel. I could do with giving it a proper clean and a service / check over now spring is (sort of) here, but a recent house move has swallowed all my spare time. I'll update the thread when that happens!
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: AdamR28 on May 14, 2023, 20:18
Well... The Bucket has been moved on! Not quite as far as last time though, in fact just 0.3 miles ;D

I had the itch for a 'new' MX-5 ever since they came out, and mentioned to a (non car) friend that I was going to test drive one. He asked what was happening to the little silver beast, I said it was for sale, and money was in my account the same day!

I still have the hardtop and fitting kit left but I'm sure that won't take long to sell.


Picked up the MX-5 today, which is a surprisingly impressive piece of kit. I preferred the 1.5 over the 2L, due to how power is delivered, the reduced weight (smaller wheels and brakes, lighter engine). Outright pace is very similar to the MR2, but it has that very playful front engined characteristic.

I still maintain the MR2 is one of the best, of not the best, all round cars I've ever had (for the sort of use I like)  8)
Title: Re: Bargain-bucket MR2
Post by: The Arch Bishop on May 15, 2023, 10:06
Glad that the Bucket found a new home so quickly - solid little car that one and I still miss it!