So, I find myself the proud? owner of a second 2!
Some of you will recognise this as Dereks old car. After chatting to him on whatsapp about the car and him mentioning a very attractive price, he left the car with me for a few weeks to have a good look at it and I couldnt resist.
It does need a fair bit of work but should end up as a really good car again.
Let the
fun, work, begin!
No way!!
Way!
Dude!
:) well well its staying in the club and new owner has spoken :)
cant wait to see how this 2 transforms in to a beautiful swan of a 2 ;D ;D
enjoy the journey and show us all the progress :)
Nice buy, I was even tempted but I came to my senses in time :)
Bloody well done!!
Interesting Simon, & what's your intentions for it? Is it a revised piston engine?
Glad to see this, especially after sharing some of the delivery journey with Del, good luck getting the animal filth and squirrel fur off the underside.
We had a lovely morning 😂
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on March 11, 2022, 10:15Interesting Simon, & what's your intentions for it? Is it a revised piston engine?
Throw a lot of money at it and remove and treat all the rust!.
I thought there was a good chance it would have the revised pistons but not sure how you can check?
Quote from: Call the midlife! on March 11, 2022, 10:35Glad to see this, especially after sharing some of the delivery journey with Del, good luck getting the animal filth and squirrel fur off the underside.
We had a lovely morning 😂
I expect that the animals helped to remove some of the rust!
Wow, well done Simon. Cant wait to see what you do with it.
Glad to see it staying with the club, I too have seen its journey - dont blame me for the soil marks on the passenger seat! :o
Cleaning the seats is also on the list!
Brilliant Simon, well done for keeping the little silver with us and saving it! ;D Does it have the all important safety belt cushions though that Derek won at the auction all those years ago? The cars worth at least £500 more with those! Ha-Ha! No more Chit Chat on here!!!
Yes, it came with the MR2 seat belt pads!
Still feel bad about that! (the squirrel)
Quote from: Topdownman on March 11, 2022, 11:48Cleaning the seats is also on the list!
My driving during the demo wasn't that scary for you was it?
Quote from: delhusband on March 11, 2022, 19:07Still feel bad about that! (the squirrel)
There wasn't a lot you could've done and it was still alive and kicking when it appeared from under your rear end 😂
Not so sure it would've got under my splitter.
Quote from: delhusband on March 11, 2022, 19:08My driving during the demo wasn't that scary for you was it?
I wasnt going to mention it!
Quote from: Topdownman on March 11, 2022, 10:45Throw a lot of money at it and remove and treat all the rust!.
I thought there was a good chance it would have the revised pistons but not sure how you can check?
From the estimable Mr Sloan, - "The key chassis number is JTDFR320300074980. That car was fitted with engine number 1ZZ2335488 as far as we can tell. Any engine after that should have the new pistons."
Thanks, I will have a look at the V5 when it arrives and will see if I'm lucky!
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on March 11, 2022, 20:57From the estimable Mr Sloan, - "The key chassis number is JTDFR320300074980. That car was fitted with engine number 1ZZ2335488 as far as we can tell. Any engine after that should have the new pistons."
Good news, both engine and chassis numbers are way higher than those!
Quote from: Topdownman on March 12, 2022, 09:22Good news, both engine and chassis numbers are way higher than those!
Result! What's it like underneath Simon.....it's been near the Irish Sea for a while.
The '05 I went to see's subframe was smooth above the exhaust, but crumbly on the outsides....weird. Very low miles too.
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on March 12, 2022, 11:12Result! What's it like underneath Simon.....it's been near the Irish Sea for a while.
The '05 I went to see's subframe was smooth above the exhaust, but crumbly on the outsides....weird. Very low miles too.
The subframe is OK as that was changed a few years ago. The rest of the undersisde is rusty and needs a fair bit of work but nothing structural needed.
Well done Simon on getting yourself another "2". I'll look forward to reading about all the updates & mods that you'll do to it. Keep posting.. Mark
Thought it was time for an update. So far the car has had a new clutch, new braking system (everything apart from some of the hard lines), new radiator, silicone hose set and thermostat, new lower control arms and droplinks. It has had a full service and new gear oil.
I changed the washer jets to spray ones and have fitted a gear lever with the pivot point moved to the end of the spline to make it a shorter shift. I transferred the internals from the broken spare key to a new ebay fob and got the key cut and that works OK now.
Lots of cleaning and painting of little parts too.
The front cross member under the radiator had rusted badly (as a lot of them are now apparently) so that needed a new section welding in. The new section came from J-spec. Andy told me that this area changed slightly in 2004 so if you need something similar, bear this in mind! In the end, the late part I needed that Andy had was not in as good condition as he would have liked so he sent a section from an earlier car too and Nathan from MrTwos was able to make up the repair sections needed.
I am currently working on the front of the car and hoping to get it all back together before the events next weekend! Looking quite mean at the moment but dont think its road legal.
The car is putting up quite a fight with all its fittings underneath. Of the 3 bolts at the back of the front undertray, all the heads were too corroded to get a socket on so out came the extractor set, The first one sheared the head off, the second one actually came out but the third one broke the first extractor before shearing off the head with a bigger extractor.
I think I will be trying my new helicoil kit on them!
Hopefully will see some of you next saturday in it....
Looking forward to seeing you Simon and
@delhusband's previous car. Ange and I will be in the Honda so we will park outside by the bins ;)
All back together for now.
The front is done, still got the middle and back to do though!
@Topdownman Simon, you have been busy, is that Rustoleum paint ( Combi colour) or another, that you have used?
The grey is combicolour, the black is smooth hammerite.
Brilliant to see you are nursing this car back to health. Good to know she wasn't just left to die. Good on you Simon. ;D
I had to use about 4 more helicoils to get the front undertray back on but these worked very smoothly.
Other jobs that have got done are fitting a new head unit and component door speakers with some sound deadening in the doors.
The front roof catches have been dismantled and cut down to put a bit more tension on the roof.
I have fitted the gear lever with the pivot point moved and am currently trying this set up with a 3" extension on. Very close to the hand now with maybe 5" travel from 1st to 2nd.
I am collecting new seat back and base from Andy from J-spec at Hatton as my drivers seat is looking quite tired.
Re tapping the undertray fixings was one of my first jobs, around ten years ago, when I decatted my car. The trays are off once a year typically and I put a small dab of Copaslip on the fixings, as some are OE and some replacement stainless so likely unnecessary on those, but it satisfies the OCD.
Fantastic job there Simon, I'll drop mine off with you at Hatton to do! ;) ;D
Couple of purchases from yesterday fitted.
Need to start watching videos on how to dismantle the seat to fit the new back and base!
Seat dismantled and frames de-rusted and touched up.
Passenger seat and new cushions wet-vacced and will be treated tomorrow to protect them (hopefully!).
Is that another "spare" bumper you're hiding there too?
Meant to ask you at Hatton, where did you get your calipers from?
Quote from: tricky1138 on June 1, 2022, 20:49Is that another "spare" bumper you're hiding there too?
Meant to ask you at Hatton, where did you get your calipers from?
The bumper is Top Secret, "I could tell you but then I'd have to shoot you"...
I got the calipers from brakeparts international, a great price on the rears and I didnt even have to send the old ones back (like I did for the fronts). The fronts were more expensive too, I suppose because they are less commonly needed than rears?
I have been happy with their calipers and have them on both my cars now.
Starting to look a little different now....
One of two heathshields need to be modified
This reminds me of airfix kits...
Second heatshield modded and stainless steel tips adjusted.
Excellent work done by Camil from T4cs. A very time consuming job, especially the way he is a perfectionist. He made a new grille for me because he wasnt happy with the fit of the first.
T4cs (https://t4cs.co.uk/)
I spent the day trying to get him to come to the National Meet!
She looks great Simon - you've really brought this little 2 back to health, well done. ;D
The hard work has paid off that looks great!
:) the more i see the i like the look :)
if was moding mine again i would do this 8) 8)
I have only driven it once with the new pipe on and that was at night in light rain so not too sure yet. The first start up on the drive sounded loud at fast idle. The car I had heard at Hatton with this set up seemed to sound louder (but with no droning the owner said) so I do expect it to be better when I get more time in the car (should be tomorrow) as it was very quiet before.
He does a much more expensive new stainless exhaust with a valve system on it for the ultimate quiet/ loud option rather than this customised standard box.
The exhaust sounds good! I could definitely hear it more than before and people have said it sounds good and louder than stock on a drive out today. I touched up the bumper with some matt black which looks better.
I forgot to mention the new dials.
I made some keyhole covers which are actually a pretty good colour match for silver cars but they will get painted in due course.
Before and after the needed modification.
I was quite pleased yesterday when a neighbour asked me if it was a new car!
She looks lovely Simon, well done. Derek will be chuffed to bits. ;D
Quote from: Chilli Girl on June 12, 2022, 19:07She looks lovely Simon, well done. Derek will be chuffed to bits. ;D
Thanks, but I think Derek is currently probably more chuffed with his new Swift Sport.
He'll get over it in time and come to realise his mistake though!
Quote from: Topdownman on June 10, 2022, 17:14Excellent work done by Camil from T4cs. A very time consuming job, especially the way he is a perfectionist. He made a new grille for me because he wasnt happy with the fit of the first.
How is the sound from the twin exit box - loud?
The new back box is louder than stock but not really loud. It does sound better. Someone on the drivers club drive on sunday thought it sounded better and louder than stock and I think he is thinking of getting one too.
If you wanted the best of both worlds though you would need his active exhaust which costs more but is a brand new exhaust with a built in valve so it can be quiet or loud when needed.
@Topdownman - thanks.
I have been in contact with Camil...having 2 minds as I bought the TTE box recently.
Quote from: J88TEO on June 16, 2022, 14:39@Topdownman - thanks.
I have been in contact with Camil...having 2 minds as I bought the TTE box recently.
You can always sell on a TTE if you decided to get one of Camils.
Its a shame youre not coming to the National Meet as you could probably hear any option you were thinking of there!
I would certainly recommend Camil and his work but its hard to judge exhaust sounds, even hearing video clips doesnt really help me. I think I heard that he can tailor things a bit towards what you want but no doubt he has mentioned this.
Good luck making your decision!
@Topdownman - thanks.
Yes it's a shame....
Will sleep on this - no rush..
Cheers.
Looking back over the impressive work done I noticed, in post #27, what looked to be rather a dark shade of EPS fluid!
Yes, it does look dark.
I think Derek had new p/s pipes fitted so I assume it was done sometime within the last 4 years but some fresh fluid wont go amiss at some stage!
Am I correct to say the back box is hung only on the top L & R and no extra hangers on the exit pipes?
Quote from: J88TEO on June 17, 2022, 09:24Am I correct to say the back box is hung only on the top L & R and no extra hangers on the exit pipes?
Yes, I think thats how its fixed.
@Topdownman - thanks.
My TTE back box has 2 exits and I think they can be easily adapted. I am going to trial fit and see.
Quote from: Topdownman on June 12, 2022, 19:11Thanks, but I think Derek is currently probably more chuffed with his new Swift Sport.
He'll get over it in time and come to realise his mistake though!
Looks fantastic, really nice to see. Missing the ability to lower the roof but Swift is nice, engine has similar character
Took it off the ramps today and gave it a wash, not because I have finished underneath but I need to use it next week!
Looking better at the back. All back together for now.
Cleared all the tools and bits out of the car and admired my new kick panels.
What do you mean, you cant see it?
Seeing you took your rear wheel arch liners out, can you help me?
I removed some of the bottom clips on the drivers side to get to the aerial. I also removed that bolt about half way up and wish I hadn't. Can't get the damn thing back in!
It wants to go in at an angle, but I can't see why or, more accurately, can't see what it screws into.
Didn't want to remove the complete liner for the sake of that bolt.
Quote from: fawtytoo on July 23, 2022, 18:31Seeing you took your rear wheel arch liners out, can you help me?
I removed some of the bottom clips on the drivers side to get to the aerial. I also removed that bolt about half way up and wish I hadn't. Can't get the damn thing back in!
It wants to go in at an angle, but I can't see why or, more accurately, can't see what it screws into.
Didn't want to remove the complete liner for the sake of that bolt.
If you are talking about the 10mm bolt halfway up the front of the wheel arch, I didnt remove this as it looked like the liner went around it , not under it. This proved to be the case and by removing 4 clips under the arch and one at the front under the sill, the liner came out.
I had bought a pack of 20 of these ready to put them back in;
vehicle clips (https://www.vehicleclips.co.uk/toyota-push-fit-plastic-rivet-trim-clip-wheel-arch-lining-splashguards-90467-10183/)
If you are just doing the rears then you would need just 10 but I will be doing the front so hopefully I have enough for that as well.
Quote from: Topdownman on July 23, 2022, 17:36What do you mean, you cant see it?
Nice to see someone else making kick panels!
Also, completely missed the fact you have a second 2.
Great job on the refresh fella.
I hope the underside isn't as bad a Banana was
@StuC the second pair was much quicker than the first to do.
Luckily it doesnt seem to be as bad as Banana!
Quote from: Topdownman on July 24, 2022, 09:06@StuC the second pair was much quicker than the first to do.
Luckily it doesnt seem to be as bad as Banana!
I don't recommend making 20 sets! 🤦�♂️😂
Quote from: StuC on July 24, 2022, 22:47I don't recommend making 20 sets! 🤦�♂️😂
No, no plans to do any more!
That looks absolutely fantastic!
I thought the red soft tops were more burgundy, but yours is more scarlet.
Would a red roof be too much on a red car?
Quote from: fawtytoo on July 25, 2022, 17:32That looks absolutely fantastic!
I thought the red soft tops were more burgundy, but yours is more scarlet.
Would a red roof be too much on a red car?
If it were my red car yes, but it's not my red car.
Yes I would agree, I wouldn't put red on red but there's always a first time! ;)
Quote from: fawtytoo on July 25, 2022, 17:32That looks absolutely fantastic!
I thought the red soft tops were more burgundy, but yours is more scarlet.
Would a red roof be too much on a red car?
Thanks!
Red on red comes down to your own tastes. I personally dont like coloured roofs on the same colour car as they are usually different shades which I dont like, I would rather a contrast if they arent the same.
You probably need to park your car next to a red roofed one and put your top down to see what you think, a poor mans photoshop!
I have never seen one that I can recall so you could probably be the first.
Quote from: Topdownman on July 25, 2022, 18:24You probably need to park your car next to a red roofed one and put your top down to see what you think, a poor mans photoshop!
Good thinking. I'll think I'll try that first.
Nice colour - would look good on the Sable grey!
Alas my roof is still in good condition......
Quote from: StuC on July 24, 2022, 22:47I don't recommend making 20 sets! 🤦�♂️😂
I'm glad you made extra sets Stu...I've been very pleased with mine :)
Quote from: J88TEO on July 25, 2022, 20:40Nice colour - would look good on the Sable grey!
Alas my roof is still in good condition......
Definitely!
Awesome!
:) that does look good :)
that 2 is defiantly come on with build well done and keep the work going :)
ps were was the picture taken 8) 8)
Quote from: puma2 on July 27, 2022, 07:35:) that does look good :)
that 2 is defiantly come on with build well done and keep the work going :)
ps were was the picture taken 8) 8)
Thank you!
Its coming along slowly. My rear spoiler arrived yesterday, that is going to take a lot of prep!
Surprised you dont recognise it Paul.
It is of course the Black Mountain Road.
:) that's why i thought it look familiar love that place and that corner 8) 8)
No tyre marks on the corner today!
That looks great. Who did you get your roof from?
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 28, 2022, 19:45That looks great. Who did you get your roof from?
That is a "Swansea roof";
https://www.facebook.com/JackRSmithMotorTrimmers?fref=ts
He has a huge waiting list which is probably into next year by now! His current price is £350 (seems to go up by £10 pa). Can be hard to get on the phone, you have to just keep trying until they pick up. Their roofs are not the best ones but they are half the price of the next cheapest ones so there is a trade-off to get that price. Both my 2s have their roofs now and I am happy with them. If you are even thinking of one, get on the waiting list straightaway as you can always cancel if you change your mind. I think they make the roofs up about a week or two ahead of the appointment.
Thanks. It looks great. I'm on the list already but my date is November!! Tried ringing a few times to see if he's had a cancellation but had no luck
And I'm still thinking of red on red.
I can't get it out of my head.
£380 for anyone booking now, not sure when that is from. Still cheaper than anyone else.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 28, 2022, 22:10Thanks. It looks great. I'm on the list already but my date is November!! Tried ringing a few times to see if he's had a cancellation but had no luck
Getting through on the phone is very hard, you have to just keep trying I'm afraid.
Quote from: tricky1138 on July 28, 2022, 23:49£380 for anyone booking now, not sure when that is from. Still cheaper than anyone else.
Ah, I hadnt realised that, I suppose the cost of living crisis has caught up with them too!
When I paid he said £350 right?" to me so they must be charging/quoting the different rates now.
Quote from: Topdownman on July 29, 2022, 07:22Ah, I hadnt realised that, I suppose the cost of living crisis has caught up with them too!
When I paid he said £350 right?" to me so they must be charging/quoting the different rates now.
Yeah it wa £350 for me too. I just heard him on the phone quoting £380 to the guy booking in December.
He said it was the cost of materials / cost of living and / or the perceived rise by then.
@Topdownman , you do seem to like a challenge Simon.
Quote from: Joesson on August 5, 2022, 19:01@Topdownman , you do seem to like a challenge Simon.
I really don't!
Nice work Simon. It's looking great. 👌 Andy
So, bondage night had a slight hiccup and has now become bondage morning (no, I didnt forget the safe word).
Despite my test clamping
when it came to fitting with the tigerseal I needed 5 clamps on the spat to get it tight in every place so I was a few clamps short to do both spats and the spoiler (4 clamps and 2 bolts) at the same time.
I will take the clamps off shortly as they have had 13 hours now and do the final spat. The good news is that the huge gap at the back of the spoiler has clamped down well so as long as it doesnt just spring apart when I release the clamps......
I did mine on the car as the bumper pulls into a slightly different shape when you fit it, mine also still fell off over time.👍🏻
Quote from: Topdownman on August 28, 2022, 08:10So, bondage night had a slight hiccup and has now become bondage morning (no, I didnt forget the safe word).
Despite my test clamping
Was Haagen Dazs consumed to cope with the stress? ;D
While I noticed the food packaging lid I had no idea what it was from. Having linked to Haagen Dazs from
@Gaz mr-s 's post I found that Haagen Dazs Japan have an App!
I do like ice cream but I really don't need to "follow it" !
@Gaz mr-s They are historic pots from the garage, I stopped buying the premium ice creams when they reduced the quantity size from 500 to 460mls! Did they think we wouldnt notice? I never heard anyone say, "I like pralines and cream but the tub is just a bit too big".
I do find applying any kind of silicone etc stressful and its not a job I like due to the ever present risk of f------ it all up! Second spat now on and curing but still got some other bits to do before I can get back under the car to do the final coat of paint and get the undertrays back on as I need to use the car tomorrow. Perhaps I do need a tub of HD after all!
Quote from: Topdownman on August 28, 2022, 10:43@Gaz mr-s They are historic pots from the garage, I stopped buying the premium ice creams when they reduced the quantity size from 500 to 460mls! Did they think we wouldnt notice? I never heard anyone say, "I like pralines and cream but the tub is just a bit too big".
I do find applying any kind of silicone etc stressful and its not a job I like due to the ever present risk of f------ it all up! Second spat now on and curing but still got some over bits to do before I can get back under the car to do the final coat of paint and get the undertrays back on as I need to use the car tomorrow. Perhaps I do need a tub of HD after all!
Heh heh.....thankfully I was right. ;D I only buy at £3.00, Salted caramel is my weakness. ;)
I was a player when it was £3 for 500ml!
Actually got to drive it yesterday, was weird driving home at night with no dashboard lights so I stripped it down today and found out why it wasnt working!
Is this normal with leds or did I get faulty ones?
Starting to look a bit better at the back at least now (well I think so anyway)!
Yes your rear is looking very smart now Simon ;)
Some new mats arrived today at a bargain price thanks to a heads up from
@ManInDandism , came with 2 new clips too which was good as I was missing one.
The new one is on the left..
Looks good in the car, along with the Widermuller carbon door pulls which went on recently.
Got the front wheels back on and the car back on the ground after a good couple of weeks due to needing to fit a 2nd hand front hub assembly (I had to do the other one back in June so it shouldnt have been a surprise).
I got the hub and a brake carrier and slider pins from J Spec and they were a pleasure to deal with as always.
Got the battery on charge so will have to wait for the test drive to hopefully find the noise has gone and everything still works!
Sadly, there will be no more updates on this thread.
A few weeks ago someone decided to reverse their campervan to allow an oncoming car to get through a gap but neglected to look in their mirrors...
The car was beyond economic repair so I have received the full value of the car and it is now a cat N should it be put back on the road. The buy back price was too high for me given the uncertainty of what damage may have been caused to steering or suspension.
A sad end to all that work!
That's terrible! So sorry to see that.
Damn shame, sorry for you Simon.
Such a shame after all the work you did to her :'(
Sorry to hear that mate.
Will there be another?
Quote from: 1979scotte on July 3, 2023, 12:44Sorry to hear that mate.
Will there be another?
Not sure what I am going to do yet as looking at changing my motorbikes as well so lots of looking at ads at the moment!
Heartbreaking 💔
@Topdownman Sorry to learn of that Simon, can't see where the Silver lining is in that cloud.
so sorry to see your pride and joy in this state, after all the work you have carried out.
Ah no man.. that is terrible news... :'(
Terrible news! I guess no-one being hurt is the main thing.
But I would be so upset if it was my car, and compared to all your efforts I haven't really started!
Good luck with the next chapter ;)
Gutted for you. At least insurance came through for you.
Quote from: SuperArt on July 3, 2023, 20:17Gutted for you. At least insurance came through for you.
Thanks for all the comments everyone.
My insurance was useless (even though I did not make a claim) but I was impressed by the others drivers insurance (LV) who sent me a text 25 minutes after the accident saying it was their drivers fault and they would cover all my costs and I would not have to pay any excess. I had a chat to their assessor on the phone and he was happy to recommend the figure I said. The money was in my account about 3 weeks after the accident.
I think there is a good chance that the car will be put back on the road by somebody, I just didnt have the will to start all over again!
1) - good.
2) - don't blame you. Life's a b.... sometimes.
I've just decided to break/scrap an '06. Chassis rust. It was already a CatD, & sitting on the garage floor looking at it last week I wondered about the structural strength, & the wisdom of all the work I was planning on doing.....
>:D what is more sad more about this is time and effort plus your cost of all the new parts you have put into this build. then there is our trips out to garage of distance MR 2s.
hopefully you have good memories as well from this 2 that lives no more >:( >:(
take your time and enjoy bikes now and you still have a V6 2 at this moment making more 2 memories and story's to tell 8)
life and crap happen it always leaves us with story's to tell the bad and the good 1s.
i think any who reads this build thread will be gutted by the very sad end :'( :'( :'(
Quote from: Topdownman on July 3, 2023, 10:06A sad end to all that work!
It's the one thing that worries me about mine (probably all of us really). Time, effort and money put into your pride and joy, only to be wrecked by some idiot.
My commiserations.
I have rationalised it that they paid me what the car owed me so all my time spent on it got me 15 months of motoring and about 7k miles.
I was most gutted that I had filled it up with E5 fuel just 20 minutes before it happened!
A rather sad end. Sorry for your loss, Simon. Has anyone told Del yet?
Quote from: cptspaulding on July 4, 2023, 22:22A rather sad end. Sorry for your loss, Simon. Has anyone told Del yet?
Yes, I have sent him some pictures!