Well, Home safe with my new toy.
So, about this latest purchase.
I'd viewed this on Monday but it was tonight before I could get it picked up. For the first time in a while I was excited about getting a car! (I was terrified bringing my Locost home in sub zero temperatures in February but that's another story)
The folk I've bought it from have had it for 12 years and it has a full service history. it was his wifes car but he used to enjoy it when he could
It's standard apart from a stainless exhaust fitted because the guy couldn't get a hold of a standard 182 exhaust for sensible money.
It is due a service now and also the dreaded timing belt and dephaser pulley.
Paperwork was filled in, a set of jump leads were applied and the petrol station (200m from his house) was visited. I left it running as the battery was flat. I had the Locosts battery with me but thought I'd see how I got on with the one in it.
Bonus squashed beetle shot, my girlfriends lovely (cough) TT transported us there
I got some bald bloke to fill it up for me, I'm far more attractive than that
So, off straight onto the A1 in a car that hadn't moved since June, with a shonky battery, possible starting issue and unknown electrical maladies. Oh and no MOT (but it is booked in for one)
I took it easy for the first 20 miles or so. Every application of the brakes had clouds of dust appearing in the headlights of my girlfriends car behind me. The initial throttle response was a bit lumpy, I couldn't get the cruise control to work and the thermostat is goosed as it's not heating up.
To reinforce the Frenchness of it every now and again every warning light on the dash would come on. Luckily the engine kept running fine, especially as it did it on the approach to the Forth Road Bridge. On the plus side, I'm pretty sure I won Connect4 at one point.
Back home safe, switched it off after an hours driving and the starter just clicked. Stuck the Locost battery on and it fired up first time. Have put the Clios battery on a battery conditioner but I suspect it's gubbed. The owner was told by a garage it needed a starter. I suspect battery and possible ropey earths, we shall see
Other issues
Random starting issue-possibly battery
Thermostat shot
Front LHS shock goosed.
Rust bubbles on rear arches
The brakes seem to work, will strip them down and clean them up before the MOT though.
Rear exhaust hangers are shot-I have Powerflex ones for a Chevette courtesy of this forum which I'll fit.
MOT booked for Tuesday, then once it's got one it's getting the belts done. I am aware how much of an arse of a job this is, I've arranged to get my hands on the proper tools.
Then? Drive it. I love a good hot hatch and these are supposed to be one of the best.
Here's the pics from the ad. They do flatter it a bit, I think. I've yet to see it in daylight....
So, about this latest purchase.
I'd viewed this on Monday but it was tonight before I could get it picked up. For the first time in a while I was excited about getting a car! (I was terrified bringing my Locost home in sub zero temperatures in February but that's another story)
The folk I've bought it from have had it for 12 years and it has a full service history. it was his wifes car but he used to enjoy it when he could
It's standard apart from a stainless exhaust fitted because the guy couldn't get a hold of a standard 182 exhaust for sensible money.
It is due a service now and also the dreaded timing belt and dephaser pulley.
Paperwork was filled in, a set of jump leads were applied and the petrol station (200m from his house) was visited. I left it running as the battery was flat. I had the Locosts battery with me but thought I'd see how I got on with the one in it.
Bonus squashed beetle shot, my girlfriends lovely (cough) TT transported us there
I got some bald bloke to fill it up for me, I'm far more attractive than that
So, off straight onto the A1 in a car that hadn't moved since June, with a shonky battery, possible starting issue and unknown electrical maladies. Oh and no MOT (but it is booked in for one)
I took it easy for the first 20 miles or so. Every application of the brakes had clouds of dust appearing in the headlights of my girlfriends car behind me. The initial throttle response was a bit lumpy, I couldn't get the cruise control to work and the thermostat is goosed as it's not heating up.
To reinforce the Frenchness of it every now and again every warning light on the dash would come on. Luckily the engine kept running fine, especially as it did it on the approach to the Forth Road Bridge. On the plus side, I'm pretty sure I won Connect4 at one point.
Back home safe, switched it off after an hours driving and the starter just clicked. Stuck the Locost battery on and it fired up first time. Have put the Clios battery on a battery conditioner but I suspect it's gubbed. The owner was told by a garage it needed a starter. I suspect battery and possible ropey earths, we shall see
Other issues
Random starting issue-possibly battery
Thermostat shot
Front LHS shock goosed.
Rust bubbles on rear arches
The brakes seem to work, will strip them down and clean them up before the MOT though.
Rear exhaust hangers are shot-I have Powerflex ones for a Chevette courtesy of this forum which I'll fit.
MOT booked for Tuesday, then once it's got one it's getting the belts done. I am aware how much of an arse of a job this is, I've arranged to get my hands on the proper tools.
Then? Drive it. I love a good hot hatch and these are supposed to be one of the best.
Here's the pics from the ad. They do flatter it a bit, I think. I've yet to see it in daylight....