2006 Lagoon Blue Van Substitute!

[Cailsey]

Now that sounds like fun.
Had a blast down the M20 today.
Sun out roof down.

Lovely morning for it! Not so nice out there now.
I shall be blasting down the M20 for my first fishing trip in the MR2!
Will be most entertaining seeing how little tackle I can fit in!

Have you had any luck with John yet - the detailing guy?

[Cailsey]

I use the odb reader in conjuction with torque app and my phone.
Is the cd for connecting to a PC/laptop?

Yes, I believe so. But I'm assuming it also has instructions for the Wifi setup.
I downloaded Dash Command for iPhone.
Will have a play at work tonight if it's quiet - Although I'm hoping to spend a bit of time on the lathe and make a set of solid gear shifter mounts.
Took it apart last night for measurements, so just need to turn them now.

[Topdownman]

I just bolted my shifter cage to the floor without the rubber mounts. I prefer this to using the solid mounts that came with my shortshift kit.

Maybe worth a try?

[Cailsey]

I just bolted my shifter cage to the floor without the rubber mounts. I prefer this to using the solid mounts that came with my shortshift kit.

Maybe worth a try?

Thanks for that. May give it a try! Did consider it myself, but assumed there was a reason for using the solid mounts.
Well, there's one way to find out!!
Would be nice to firm up the whole shifter assembly and give the changes a more positive feel.
Cheers,

[Cailsey]

Managed to get a bit of time on the lathe last night. Couldn't find any scrap aluminium, so turned these;



Getting there;



Into these - solid brass gear stick cage mounts;



Fitted straight away. Made a significant difference to the feel of the gear change on the way home.
Still not as slick as I'd like, but a few other areas to go through and see if I can make improvements.

[lron]

Fitted straight away. Made a significant difference to the feel of the gear change on the way home.
Still not as slick as I'd like, but a few other areas to go through and see if I can make improvements.

If you haven't seen these already they should help:  l viewtopic.php?f=36&t=44471 l

I fitted mine today and they make a noticeable difference, cage mounts are next on my list.

[Cailsey]

Yep, I've seen those. Seems like a popular bolt on option.
May end up ordering a set too, but I always like to have a good look at what I am replacing before fitting aftermarket solutions.
There is still a bit of play at the gear stick end that I'd like to eliminate, as well as whatever is going on at the gearbox end.
I'll be doing a gearbox oil change too this week.

[1979scotte]

Those brass mounts look lovely.
Not had a chance to contact your buddy.
Not much point ATM as i am so busy with work.
No free weekends.
Apart from this one coming and i am off to Roma to see the rugby.
I really would like him to give it the once over though.

[Cailsey]

Those brass mounts look lovely.
Not had a chance to contact your buddy.
Not much point ATM as i am so busy with work.
No free weekends.
Apart from this one coming and i am off to Roma to see the rugby.
I really would like him to give it the once over though.

Those brass mounts look lovely.
Not had a chance to contact your buddy.
Not much point ATM as i am so busy with work.
No free weekends.
Apart from this one coming and i am off to Roma to see the rugby.
I really would like him to give it the once over though.

Cheers, yes, the mounts look great in brass - shame they are hidden!
I like to make my own bits and bobs as much as possible. Not because I'm being tight, but because I like the challenge and satisfaction.
Always been into tinkering cars and bikes.
This is my current road bike - pic is a bit out of date now though:



No probs with the detailing, just drop John or me an email when you are ready.
I'll get him to give mine a going over - he'll then have a good idea of the time required.

[Jrichards20]

Oh that is gorgeous! Wouldn't mind seeing some more pictures! and some up to date ones. (the buell that is)

I really don't know much about them, what model is it? A lightening of somesort I imagine?

[Cailsey]

Oh that is gorgeous! Wouldn't mind seeing some more pictures! and some up to date ones. (the buell that is)

I really don't know much about them, what model is it? A lightening of somesort I imagine?

Hi there. Yes, it's a Buell Lightning XB12. I bought it new as an XB12STT - a kind of semi off road/adventure/super moto style.
It is typically Buell, fuel in the frame, the swingarm is the oil tank - it's effectively dry sumped. Perimeter disc on the front - ie, disc is bolted to the wheel rim and the 6 pot caliper is inside the disc. Its a belt driven 1203cc V-Twin - air cooled Harley derived engine.
I've gradually modified it with lots of original Buell parts from different models to shorten the subframe and seat and added a fair few quality aftermarket parts. I've had to fabricate a few bits and bobs here and there. There are lots of subtle mods that make it different, but without seeing it next to the original, you wouldn't really know, unless you were a Buell spotter!!
I don't like to hack things apart and spend lots of time measuring/photographing/dismantling and putting back together before making a change. I prefer to remove and replace so that I can always revert back to standard.
I'm considering selling it this year as I really fancy something old and it doesn't get ridden enough.
It's only on just over 5000 miles since I bought it in Oct 2008! But I'm not sure I can part with it....... it's so different. Thats why I like it - and it makes such a great noise!!!

[Jrichards20]

I was looking at the picture and stumbled a bit, I wasn't sure whether it looked normal "size". I couldn't figure out whether it was just the numberplate holder removal that was changing the shape.

I love the exotic aspect of the fuel and oil in the frame, really is a bit clever! Didn't know about the perimeter disc, another nice touch. The subtle mods are always the best when on these styles.

That's not a lot of miles at all, how can you not ride it often with the sound, bet it sounds fantastic!!

I've got an old Suzuki GN250 non-runner in the shed, that I've always thought, one day, I will get round to fixing it up and turning into a café racer. But I never have the time and there are always other things that I end up doing! I'm not sure I would want to get rid of the Buell, as you say, its different and got to be special!

What old bike are you looking at to replace it then?

[Cailsey]

Ah, I've got a cafe racer project on the go too! It used to be a Honda Hornet 600, it was absolutely immaculate and my pride and joy till I crashed it........
Ideally I'd like something pre war, ie 1930's Harley or similar, suicide shift, unrestored with proper age and patina - worn through paint etc. Just after a real honest old bike.
Or maybe a simple bobber or a board tracker style bike. I also like the look of the Japanese style custom bikes like those from Zero Engineering.
If you like bikes, check out  m http://thebikeshed.cc/ m  and  m http://www.bikeexif.com/ m
My Buell has a longer swingarm and short subframe so it looks quite 'short and stumpy'. It does sound awesome, especially on over-run. 112 db at Brands - they wouldn't let me on track.
Do you still ride?

[Cailsey]

Well, I got my leather seats today. Went to have a look at some at the weekend as they were pretty local. So will get them swapped over tomorrow.
The only problem is.........

[Cailsey]

They were attached to this (on the right), so I somehow ended up buying the whole car! Oh dear, oh dear.....

[lron]

Starting a collection there? How come you ended up with the whole car?

[Cailsey]

I've been looking for some black leather seats for my existing car (on the left), so when this facelift car with leather came up for sale locally, I thought I 'd take a look. I didn't really have a plan. I was going to see if the seller would be interested in a seat swap with cash from me, as the car belonged to the his Grandad and was sitting idle and hadn't moved for months.His Grandad could no longer get in or out of it.
I looked over the car at the weekend and decided I'd make an offer on it as my car had chrome trim and other bits I'm not keen on so I could swap them over. I also want to refresh a few parts, wheels, suspension etc, so I figured if I have a spare car, I can move parts from car to car whilst refurbishing so I am not without transport.
Anyway, with a little negotiation, my offer was accepted and I picked the car up today. I was really surprised, as I didn't really want the whole car so my offer was pretty low to be fair, but he seemed happy enough!
In fact, I almost wish I'd bought this car first, as a project, as my other is a bit too nice to modify and I think I'd prefer to keep it relatively standard.
So, one or other of them will be sold later in the year........

[Topdownman]

Oh dear, buying your second 2 doesnt usually happen so soon!

[Jrichards20]

Ah, I've got a cafe racer project on the go too! It used to be a Honda Hornet 600, it was absolutely immaculate and my pride and joy till I crashed it........
Ideally I'd like something pre war, ie 1930's Harley or similar, suicide shift, unrestored with proper age and patina - worn through paint etc. Just after a real honest old bike.
Or maybe a simple bobber or a board tracker style bike. I also like the look of the Japanese style custom bikes like those from Zero Engineering.
If you like bikes, check out  m http://thebikeshed.cc/ m  and  m http://www.bikeexif.com/ m
My Buell has a longer swingarm and short subframe so it looks quite 'short and stumpy'. It does sound awesome, especially on over-run. 112 db at Brands - they wouldn't let me on track.
Do you still ride?

Oh that's a shame, at least it gives you something different to look forward to now!
Going for a really old bike, that will definitely be one that feels a bit special then once you've got it going  s:) s:)  
I like the Japanese custom ones, but I've always thought they've got to be incredibly uncomfortable, possibly a bit too long.

I'll definitely have a thorough look at those links, had a quick peak and some nice bikes on there!

Forgot about the track, no point ruining the sound by silencing it just to go on a track day  s:) s:)  

I don't at the moment, I had a minor accident not too long ago, which was encouraged me to sell the bike. And haven't got round to getting another yet. I've decided (well, the girlfriend has) that I'm not to go on the road much with a new one (granted I was commuting when I had the accident). So next one will probably be a track focused bike, but haven't put a lot of thought into it yet as need to get the car working properly first. I keep buying the magazines and casually browsing the Internet a lot more recently, so I can tell I won't be able to resist the urge much more.

[lron]

Bikes look like so much fun but I'm always scared off by how dangerous they are. I suppose a lot of fun things can be, but my dad's had 3 accidents in recent years (one could have been fatal) from cars just not seeing him, and people pull out in front of my regularly enough on a bicycle but that's easier to stop.

[Cailsey]

Bikes look like so much fun but I'm always scared off by how dangerous they are. I suppose a lot of fun things can be, but my dad's had 3 accidents in recent years (one could have been fatal) from cars just not seeing him, and people pull out in front of my regularly enough on a bicycle but that's easier to stop.

Yes, I find the same. There is rarely a motorbike journey where there isn't a near miss or some kind of close encounter - and I'm pretty sensible on my bike these days. I always have my headlamp on and wear bright clothing. To be honest, that's part of the reason I like having a noisy bike - if they don't see you coming they should certainly hear you!
I ride as defensively as I can but you still get oblivious car drivers who do not use mirrors or indicators, or they basically do not give a monkeys about any other road users. I've had cars swerve out in front of me to stop me filtering, I've been squeezed against the kerb, been brake tested a few times for no reason and so many occasions where they pull out in front with no perception of speed and still countless drivers using mobile phones.
My friend had a cigarette that someone tossed out of their window land in the collar of his jacket and go inside and burn his neck.
I do believe it would be a huge benefit to get every car driver to experience riding a bike on the road! Just experiencing how the road surface, white lines, drain covers, pot holes etc, become significant obstacles especially in the rain - along with how vulnerable and how alert you have to be.
Mind you, when you get an opportunity for a blast and crank it over in some sweeping bends, it puts a huge grin on your face.   s:D s:D

[1979scotte]

Bikes scare me silly.
Only been on the back of a 1300 bandit never again.
Mrs used to ride 125s but came off and never got back on did leave a scar which can be a big deal especially for a woman.
Poor drivers dont see the 2 let alone bikes.
We all need to take more care.
Cyclists drive me crazy with their blase attitude.
Even after all the deaths in London you still see them going up the sides of lorries and buses.

[Cailsey]

Starting swapping bits over from the 'other' car this afternoon. Leather seats cleaned, treated with leather feed and fitted into the '06'. Removing the cloth seats had a couple of bonuses;
First, I was able to give the carpets a real good going over and they've come up lovely.
Second, I only removed the passenger seat initially, as I wanted to go fishing at the coast as it was such a nice day! Made fitting all the tackle and rods in much easier with only the drivers seat in place.
I also found some loose change too when I later removed the drivers seat, which is always nice.
Managed to de-chrome most of the interior too. Swapped the dash pod, center console (gearshift surround), mirror switch and removed the chrome trim from the cluster of 4 switches (fog lamp etc)
It's much more to my taste inside now. Just the door cards to swap now.
Had a lovely drive today. The MR2 is just brill on B roads. Always feel wanting for more power on the straights, but in the bends its fab.
There are some cracking roads out in the Romney Marsh area - Rye, Camber, Lydd, Jurys Gap.
Although the weather spoiled things for a while with a massive hailstorm.

[Cailsey]

I managed to source some bearings for my gear shift cable ends. Sometimes its an advantage working in engineering! Fitted them today, just need to get some 'R' clips to complete the job. Nothing new here....... blatantly replicating a common mod...... Annoyingly, one of the airbox bolts sheared off - fortunately, with removal of the cross brace, I was able to get in and drill and re-tap it quite easily.



Before;



After;



Also bought some blue LED T5 286 capsule wedge fitting bulbs. I'm planning to pop these in the dash to see if I can colour code it to my new stereo - but I'm suspecting  may not get the effect I'm hoping for as the lit areas seem to be already coloured red/orange. Still, I'll give it a go and see what happens.



Also going to be dropping the gearbox oil and probably refilling with Redline MT90. Loving the new gearchange feel already with the solid cage mounts and cable end bearings. I did notice some play in the cable fitting by the handbrake, so I shall investigate that tomorrow.

[Cailsey]

A few little bits arrived from Opie today.

Gearbox oil;



Headlamp bulbs;



Cleaning stuff;