SuperArt's "Turbo Dodo" - TTE Turbo

Started by SuperArt, May 19, 2019, 14:31

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SuperArt

Quote from: househead on July 23, 2019, 23:37
Quote from: SuperArt on July 23, 2019, 22:34All the lights at the front were then replaced with genuine Toyota items.
These really hurt the wallet, but I did try the headlight restoration kit (see above).

I have the same kit and am yet to try it. Looking at your brand spankers does make me just want to get new ones tho! Tbf only one of mine is particularly bad, the other is like 75% decent.

The 2-step kit is good for a few months but perhaps the included sealer isn't the best because the yellowing does resurface.
All I'll say about the new lights is that it really makes the car look good as new. I've had many compliments from non car folk about how new and factory fresh my old car looks. You won't regret it!
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

househead

Is there a current source for brand new ones? Do Toyota still sell them?
2004 Sable Red Edition, TTE Twin Exhaust, Toyosports Manifold

SuperArt

Quote from: househead on July 24, 2019, 00:12Is there a current source for brand new ones? Do Toyota still sell them?

Indeed they do! I'd enquire with their service department and ask for a quote. When they give you a number hmm and ahh a bit before kissing your teeth and saying "can you do it any cheaper?"
They went from £200+vat per light to about £180 for me.
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

1979scotte

I think the new lights are a great purchase of you can afford the investment.

I feel that you should add a small edit about you changing your wheels.

Scott told me told me not too.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

SuperArt

Quote from: 1979scotte on July 24, 2019, 06:55I feel that you should add a small edit about you changing your wheels.

Scott told me told me not too.

I couldn't be dissuaded anyway. Just had to be done! For science!
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

SuperArt

#30
UPDATE

I haven't checked my thread in a while and it appears the photo links broke sometime ago.
I've taken this chance to rewrite a few posts which didn't read too well, adding in more information which came to mind as I was writing again and also uploaded a few new photos.

I'll be updating this thread soon as I want to report on the whole CaliperRefurb brake fiasco and how the car currently sits.

Most importantly. I've given the car a new name: Turbo Dodo. Why "Turbo Dodo"? I believe this car is as good as extinct with the rate of change the automotive world is seeing. There may be a future where only the most affluent automotive aficionados can afford have fossil fuel fun let alone the whole discussion about how lightweight sports cars like this won't ever be made again.
It's a Dodo and it's turbocharged.
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

Zspeed

It's certainly a nice car and wouldn't mind driving around in it.
Mostly Silver 04 Roadster. 2zz MAF, Decat Manifold, Zero Sports Cat Pipe.

puma2

 :) this will be a good read especial about the brakes as we all know that all 2s have problems on this :(   

SuperArt

#33
Long story short.
Bought a caliper set from Simon Sinclair over facebook, was requested friends and family payment so did just that.
Got it on the lifts and my mechanic discovered that the tolerances on the carriers are way too tight.
If I decided to go ahead I'd need to shave the pads a couple mm each side EVERY time I change pads.
Tested a few different brands of pads (new) and my old pads which came off the car. Fouled with every single one.
Ended up losing a day of my time and few hundred quid in labour lighter with nothing to show for it.

To distill what happened next when I tried to get a refund, I'd use the word nightmare.
Apparently I hadn't purchased from an enthusiast/individual, I'd purchased from a business.
Apparently I accepted the T&Cs at point of payment (was never shown a copy of this, neither did I accept anything).
Apparently according to those same T&Cs which I wasn't aware of I should be VERY careful with what I said due to a NDA clause within.
Apparently I should've known I was buying from a business from the email address I wired the payment to.

Ultimately it was the most painful soul crushing experience dealing with someone who wouldn't take a view on things. Who initially said in no uncertain terms I wouldn't be getting my money back. Only after a lot of work was an offer of assessment and possible refund made but I had to arrange shipping at my own cost.

Made the same complaint to Frentech who I learned supplied Simon in the first place. Matter resolved in literally 5mins.
David was pretty much bending over backwards to make things right. Promised full refund even without seeing the goods and sent me a return shipping label.

Well I've received my refund a few days ago, so I felt compelled to put this on record.
I maintain I did not deal with any business. I purchased from someone who I had thought was a reputable fellow enthusiast.

The club was very supportive. I was contacted by a few members from the management team including Patrick with whom I had quite a long phone call on the matter. Ultimately there are posts on social media and one here somewhere cautioning would-be buyers so with any luck this wont be happening again to anyone else.

Still want to get a fresh set of stoppers on there but I will wait until I recover from my losses.

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Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

SuperArt

#34
Sunday 6th Feb 2022

Started taking things off the Dodo and installing the "forever" parts.
I had initially flip flopped with liking and not liking the TTE boomerang but have decided to put it back on with the numbers matching boot lid and sell the spare lid.
I still can't warm up to the double spoiler look. However I like having space back in my shed more than I dislike the look of this combo.
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I started the bumper changeover with the TTE one and realised the UK plate holder doesn't fit.
Will have to find a solution fast as I have MarkA waiting for the Bootlid and bumper sans spats.
Looking to get booked in at S12vea's recommended body shop to have this painted up soon.

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Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

SuperArt

#35
Appreciate your comments but at this stage I'm not looking to beat anyone with a stick.
I can only hope this doesn't happen with anyone else.

I should say for anyone else reading please don't comment on the above post#33. It was just to put events on record. Thanks to everyone who lent an ear when I was going through it, you know who you are.

Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

s12vea

I would run a smaller stick in front plate or none if you're brave

Can't wait to see this fitted, let me know when it's booked in
Another one won't hurt  .....

Alex Knight

I run a 12" X 3" plate up front.
Never had any bother from the bizzies.

SuperArt

I think I'll have to keep using this euro plate rather than Japanese sized plate, just for the look more than anything else. I'll forgo the screws and will try some strong automotive adhesive tape. Might mutter a prayer during installation for good measure.
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

SuperArt

#39
Some new TTE bits come in from a recent shipment. Nothing really to shout about (some are duplicates/spares of things I already have) and some TTE branded memorabilia which I'll never wear.
Managed to snag a pair of somewhat uncommon TTE side vents in new old stock condition.

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I don't know what the fuss is about, to me they seem kind of flimsy (they are plastic) and really not worth the arm and leg I had to give up in exchange.

Maybe I'll change my mind once they are on the car.
At the very least it goes with my modus operandi for the Dodo.

The mesh is VERY shiny though which is a plus.
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Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

Bernie

Quote from: SuperArt on February  7, 2022, 19:07I think I'll have to keep using this euro plate rather than Japanese sized plate, just for the look more than anything else. I'll forgo the screws and will try some strong automotive adhesive tape. Might mutter a prayer during installation for good measure.

I have 6 letters on mine, plate cut down with legal size letters and margin then stuck with 3M HD Velcro
Black 2004  N/A  Many Mods = 171BHP 
2019 & 2021 MR2DC National Day Modified Best in Class
Readers Ride
https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=56481.0

Ardent

Quote from: s12vea on February  7, 2022, 11:20I would run a smaller stick in front plate or none if you're brave

Can't wait to see this fitted, let me know when it's booked in
+1 on the stick on. Just saying.

Ardent

Quote from: Bernie on February  7, 2022, 20:17
Quote from: SuperArt on February  7, 2022, 19:07I think I'll have to keep using this euro plate rather than Japanese sized plate, just for the look more than anything else. I'll forgo the screws and will try some strong automotive adhesive tape. Might mutter a prayer during installation for good measure.

I have 6 letters on mine, plate cut down with legal size letters and margin then stuck with 3M HD Velcro
Would like to see a photoshop with a stick on.

SuperArt

#43
Had a spare 15 mins this evening so I thought I'd fit one of these new old stock badges I picked up recently.
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After a lot of elbow grease and dental floss...
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Here's the end result!
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Took a leaf out of Toyotas own Corolla compressor with the red Toyota badge and compressor badge.
If only Toyota had released the TTE turbo as a range topping model. If only.

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Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

Alex Knight

I did the same with the VVTi-190 badge for my 2ZZ.

SuperArt

#45
The TTE bumper install has NOT gone smoothly so far.
I might be thick here by not knowing how to do a simple job like this, but there is no doubt the TTE bumper is actually thick.
I'm not kidding, the lip under the lights must be half an Inch thick the one which runs across the front secured by four screws is like 1cm thick. The bumper doesn't sit flat, it's very raised.

TTE Bumper top lip:
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TTE Bumper lip (near lights):
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What's even more confusing is the recessed vent/grille area fouls with the inside "gubbins" where the fog lights so it doesn't go far in enough.

Lastly, mystery tab. What is this even for?
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Anyone know where I can get copy of the TTE bumper install manual?
Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

Topdownman

Just a guess but maybe the mystery tab is for other markets that need a side reflector?
"Racing" tax disc holder (binned), Poundland air freshener, (ran out), Annoying cylinder deficiency,  (sorted),
Winner of the Numb bum award 2017
Readers Ride

06 not V6 readers ride

SuperArt

#47
So I brought the Dodo and her new face to R2 Automotive.
They have managed to get further than me at least but have had to lighten the car a bit to get it to fit.

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Gaps and fit is nice and tight/even, but they've needed to take off the crash bar and mounts. Horn possibly will need relocating.
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There's no way I'm driving around without a crash bar. I've asked them to keep at it, maybe persistence will prevail.

Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

Call the midlife!

I'm sure it's a genuine part but I don't remember Bernie having any of those problems when he had his fitted, I thought all TTE stuff was a straight swap, size and location wise.
60% of the time it works everytime...

SuperArt

Problem seems to be one of two things:
1) shrinkage according to S12vea.
2) poor quality control of a small limited run product by a small sub division of Toyota according to my TTE source.

On the latter, there's truth in that. My TTE rear grilles were not a straight swap. You'd be surprised to see how they're actually mounted.

Best regards,
Arthur
Essex - "Always happy to meet up for a weekend drive"
Making demented squirrel noises since 2014
TTE "Turbo Dodo" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=797148
TTE Turbo "Friday" - https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=73711.0

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