CarlM

Took it work with me! ?

Today I made grills for my side vents, wanted to keep the original look to the car so I've fitted them behind the vent. Can't really notice them unless you look close, but will keep the crud out. Will do the same to the front grills probably when I take the bumper off to clean the rads out, unless they come out in the same way as the sides? 

Grills fitted in both pictures

Took the snorkel off, although I'm not sure it will make any difference. Cleaned the vent and made a template of it while it was off the car.  I'm going to fit some mesh behind them and the front grills over the next few weeks.

So yesterday after an uneventful drive to work and back I decided to do the roof relay mod, for no particular reason other than I thought it would be handy to be able to close the roof whilst in slow moving traffic if it started to rain. Got the relay apart no problem and soldered the wire, bit of a fiddle but managed it.

Today I popped the relay back in, took handbrake off, pulled the roof catch and pressed the button. The roof started to open but the door windows didn't drop, tried to open the windows using the buttons but they wouldn't work, opened the doors and closed the hood. Popped the relay out and the windows operated normally again from their buttons. Reopened the relay, trying to work out when I could get to Douglas Valley Breakers for a replacement!

On close inspection I noticed that some of the solder appeared to be bridging across to another terminal. Already resigned to the fact I probably needed another  relay I got the soldering iron out again. Cleaned the terminals up and resoldered the wire. Put the relay back in the car and tried opening the roof again, this time the windows dropped and the roof opened. Decided to try it on the move and it worked a treat! had a little moment as it was closing when the hood warning light flashed up on the dash but it went off again once the latch was fastened. Job done!! 

With hindsight I think the tip of my soldering iron was too broad so if attempting this mod I would recommend a fine point if you've got one.

Decided to use mine for the journey to work as the forecast was good. Felt the backend go a little on a sharp left hander, damp and a little too much acceleration out of it I think, was impressed by the way it quickly corrected with a a flick on the steering wheel. Dropped the roof for the journey home much to the amusement of my colleagues.............but who cares!

All being well I'll use it again tomorrow?

8 hours ago, Sazzy said:

Alongside the tyres and alignment? Brake, oil and transmission fluid changes and handbrake adjustment.

@Sazzy ah right, I was just wondering if you'd had some suspension work done when you mentioned the improvements. 

15 hours ago, Sazzy said:

Took the car out properly for the first time since getting it back on Wednesday, having had, amongst other work, two new front tyres and laser wheel alignment. 

OH MY GOD, I have a different car!!! I actually cannot believe how much better it feels and drives! Much more planted at the front end. Very chuffed. 

@Sazzy What have you had done?

23 minutes ago, el 3.2S said:

Hahaha I know that feeling. Think it was about a year before I saw the engine in my car. Possibly managed a bit more as actually removed some dust and checked the air filter, before reassembly.

Today and for last 3 days my car has not left my garage due to rain. This makes the access track to my house, really muddy and more suited to a 4x4.

Rain in Spain?! Sounds like an excuse for a public holiday!! Mind you I remember that when it rains it really rains heavy, my Mum used to have a place in Mojacar and on the rare occasion of rain it bucketed down 

I've not had mine out of the garage for a week now, dull and drizzle over my way☹️

Had my first look in the engine compartment since I got the car last November, flicked a detailing brush around to redistribute the dust, hovered the carpet and put it all back together again!?

3 hours ago, Jason986S said:

OPC sweeties and class energy drink, never seen the drink before! Taste like super unleaded?

Not tried it but it is too small for the cup holder!!

Run out for breakfast with Mrs M and fitted these!