1498 replies to this topic

[1987_ParkLane]

Not sure yet, I don't want to get rid of it, but at the end of the day if its just going to keep breaking and stuff, might just sell it, and stick with the sh*t Fiat for a bit. Just can't get the help and stuff and only really have Sundays free.

[Down&Out]

Ooh now I understand what you are on about Dunlop D1s! I would easily save for a pair if they were 6 inches wide!

yup. same i want something like it for mini but nothing really takes my fancy,

[analogue_radio]

Not sure yet, I don't want to get rid of it, but at the end of the day if its just going to keep breaking and stuff, might just sell it, and stick with the sh*t Fiat for a bit. Just can't get the help and stuff and only really have Sundays free.

Mini > Fiat Panda.
You can't sell it mate!

On a plus side, got some overtime today, 7 hours of time and a half which works out at about £60 for a days work really chuffed about it.

[analogue_radio]

Whay heeeey! everything is back on track and going to plan.

I've got a very special set of hinges that should be coming at the end of this month, perhaps a few weeks after that.

I will be ordering a clubby fibreglass front towards the end of this month also, then I can start putting it together (I also need to source a grill & indicator units) which I know I can get but it'll be finding money for those is the issue, also some new headlights & a numberplate for the front, oh and bonnet pins oh and brace bars too.. estimated the front flip will be around £400, I think that sounds about right.

Once that's all in place I can start working my way backwards on the rust issue, starting with the scuttle, scuttle support, a panels, door sills etc etc.. until I reach the boot which will be a bigger job, then it's a case of saving for a respray which will be a mission and a half! but I'll get there without a doubt .

[1987_ParkLane]

Mini > Fiat Panda.
You can't sell it mate!

Panda? Its a Cinquecento, thats worse lol, been trying to work on it loads but just not getting anywhere, seems pointless to me.

[Adcuz]

Why do you need new head lights? I thought the standard ones are the same for both types.

[analogue_radio]

Why do you need new head lights? I thought the standard ones are the same for both types.

Current ones are rusted & in a bit of a state.

[analogue_radio]

Dad is bringing home a battery from a VW Lupo we've got stored at a relatives house, It's been measured and will fit in my battery box so this means I can run around on this battery and if the problem continues it definitely means the alternator is at fault, took the cover off a few days ago to check the brushes and they were at a satisfactory level, so we'll see what happens.

[analogue_radio]

Couple of small jobs tonight;

+ Got both numberplate lights working as only one was, bit of a tricky job because the screws had rusted so I came up with a small device to unhook the bulb and then improve the contacts with some sandpaper then wrapped the hook around the wire and pushed it back in again, so that's only a small job but makes a difference.

+ Fixed the reason why my headlights kept cutting out for a few seconds, replaced the earth screw in the fuse box with a longer self tapper and cleaned up all the fuses & contacts with sandpaper.

Battery died again whilst I was moving her around the drive, but the Lupo battery is charging in the garage now so I'll run around with that for a week which will determine if the battery or the alternator is at fault.

[Deathrow]

Just test your alternator.

Start your car and measure the voltage across the two battery terminals with a multimeter, if it reads 14 volts or just under 14, like 13.89 or something, your alternator is ok.

[analogue_radio]

Been done already, but with lights & all the electrics turned on it drains rapidly as if to say the alternator isn't do it's job.

[Deathrow]

Been done already, but with lights & all the electrics turned on it drains rapidly as if to say the alternator isn't do it's job.

Hmmm.

Have you tried turning all the electrics on and testing at the battery again?

[analogue_radio]

Battery is in now, and it's been running fine all day! in fact I'd say it's been even more lively than normal, is this to be expected with a new more powerful battery? I'll be leaving it in for another week to see how things go, but that's a good idea I'll try that later.

[analogue_radio]

Well I've decided on a few things, and now I'm on top of my money issue I can start planning a few things in advance.

I'm going with a 1 piece MK1 front from (?) what's the best place to buy one from in terms of how well it fits & quality? I'll need a new MK1 grille and surrounds, new headlamps (with bowls, surrounds etc..) & new indicator gaskets just to clean things up a bit, I should be also buying the hinges at the end of this month so I can start putting everything together.

Of course I can't do it all at once because I'm on a slow budget! so it'll hopefully be (fingers crossed) MK1 front & complete headlamp set up, indicator bits & custom hinges. Then I can start cutting holes and assembling the front whilst saving up for the grille, I'll get a quote on how much it will cost to spray the front too from a local friend whose Dad owns a bodywork shop, which will probably be out of next months wages, then I'll need a week with Dad cutting off the front and fitting the whole completed front, brace bars and hinges included, this way I can minimise time it's off the road.

So I'll be going to Santa Pod with a wad of cash in my wallet looking out for parts.

So happy I've started to make progress.

So, questions.

Best place to buy a fibreglass front from in terms of fitting & quality?

[Adcuz]

ABS Motorsport - http://www.absmotors...roducts_id=3134