26
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27
General Banter / Paint or Polish?
« on: March 11, 2011, 02:07:01 pm »
I have a set of 3rd gen wheels (the ones in my avatar <--- ) that I'm about to do a basic refurb on. I plan on painting the main angled spokes in black and having the outer rim and spoke edges raw/polished or painted silver.
Given that this is a daily driver that doesn't get cleaned as often as it should, what do you think I should do with the silver bits - polish or paint with a bright silver wheel paint?
Given that this is a daily driver that doesn't get cleaned as often as it should, what do you think I should do with the silver bits - polish or paint with a bright silver wheel paint?
28
General Banter / Has a bomb hit MK?
« on: March 01, 2011, 03:10:26 pm »
There's been no posts in over 24 hours 
29
Questions and Queries / Tyre Suppliers
« on: February 24, 2011, 08:40:04 am »
Can anyone suggest suppliers of Rasied White Letter tyres, other than North Hants, Sinton and Camskill?
Not specifically looking for the cheapest, just stockists. I've just found out that due to law changes, they'res a bunch of tyres that can no longer be imported, and stocks are starting to dwindle.
Just my luck that I need tyres soon, but not right now.
Not specifically looking for the cheapest, just stockists. I've just found out that due to law changes, they'res a bunch of tyres that can no longer be imported, and stocks are starting to dwindle.
Just my luck that I need tyres soon, but not right now.
30
General Banter / MOT Pass
« on: February 21, 2011, 12:10:58 pm »
Wasn't too confident going in this year, but the Camaro has passed for another year. 
A few minor advisories (as usuall), which will probably be ignored (as usuall).
Nearly fell out with the garage though. The youth who gets to sit in the car and rock the steering while it's up on the ramp thought it would be a good idea to unscrew the B&M T-handle off the shifter. Not too bad until he screwed up the threads trying to put it back on, then denied even touching it. (Metal shavings on the shifter boot were a bit of a give away, as well as the handle being cock-eyed).
Thankfully the owner was able to pick out enough debris to allow it to screw back on properly.
What is it about the 'helpers'? I seem to have a history of screw-ups from them. 1st year I had it, one of them tried to unlock the drivers door but turned the key the wrong way. Rather than try the other way he just kept pushing and I watched him turn the key full 360 degrees(with force). Luckily, it didn't seem to do any damage, but I wasn't impressed. 2 years ago, the help managed to snap the parking brake cable, but tried to hide it rather than own up
A few minor advisories (as usuall), which will probably be ignored (as usuall).
Nearly fell out with the garage though. The youth who gets to sit in the car and rock the steering while it's up on the ramp thought it would be a good idea to unscrew the B&M T-handle off the shifter. Not too bad until he screwed up the threads trying to put it back on, then denied even touching it. (Metal shavings on the shifter boot were a bit of a give away, as well as the handle being cock-eyed).
Thankfully the owner was able to pick out enough debris to allow it to screw back on properly.
What is it about the 'helpers'? I seem to have a history of screw-ups from them. 1st year I had it, one of them tried to unlock the drivers door but turned the key the wrong way. Rather than try the other way he just kept pushing and I watched him turn the key full 360 degrees(with force). Luckily, it didn't seem to do any damage, but I wasn't impressed. 2 years ago, the help managed to snap the parking brake cable, but tried to hide it rather than own up
31
General Banter / Bloody VirginMedia
« on: December 20, 2010, 01:11:21 pm »
Apologies to Baz, as all the dealings I've had with him have been great, but...
Bloody muppets.
We were on NTL when we moved into the house and signed up for Cable broadband and all was great. One problem in 5 years, and Baz got us sorted within a day.
We fell for marketing of 20Mb for free with Sky and switched, then regretted it as the best we got was 3Mb. Worked out the minimum term, then had to wait till the financial circumstances were right to switch back, which we did 2 weeks ago.
Problem 1: Picked an installation date of 23rd Dec. Got email in the post saying it would be 29th.
Problem 2: We asked to port our existing number back so we didn't need to change it. "Computer says no". No reason given. Turns out the reason for problem 1 is the user kept cancelling order and retrying 'in case it works', and thus missed the original slots. Suggested we should 'try again with the order', 'in case it works again this time', but would mean the installation date would move to the 9th Jan'. I told them no, they should stick with the 29th and find out why there was a problem, rather than just keep pressing the button.
Called back the next day and spoke to someone sensible. They told me this was a common problem with numbers that were originally NTL that were ported out then back again, and it was a simple fix for the IT departmentm, and would be done later that day. Installation date would stay as was.
Problem 3: Our phone line stopped working this moning. Called BT to report fault, but they couldn't detect a problem with the line. They said they could send an engineer round, but would cost £130 if the problem wasn't their fault. On a hunch I called back and asked if the account was still active, due to pending transfer. Sure enough, VirginMedia have sent the request in with todays date, leaving us without a phone. BT say they are powerless to do anything to help, as VM are the official owners of the number now.
Called VM. 1st lady confirmed that BT had accepted their request for the 20th, which confirms VM cocked up. She put me through to the installation team to see what they could do. The guy there claimed they'd not even made a porting request. He said he would need to speak to the porting team and get back to me. So far, I've not had that call back...
Bear in mind, all of this has happened, and I've not even been sent a contract yet, let alone signed it.
Bloody muppets.
We were on NTL when we moved into the house and signed up for Cable broadband and all was great. One problem in 5 years, and Baz got us sorted within a day
. We fell for marketing of 20Mb for free with Sky and switched, then regretted it as the best we got was 3Mb. Worked out the minimum term, then had to wait till the financial circumstances were right to switch back, which we did 2 weeks ago.
Problem 1: Picked an installation date of 23rd Dec. Got email in the post saying it would be 29th.
Problem 2: We asked to port our existing number back so we didn't need to change it. "Computer says no". No reason given. Turns out the reason for problem 1 is the user kept cancelling order and retrying 'in case it works', and thus missed the original slots. Suggested we should 'try again with the order', 'in case it works again this time', but would mean the installation date would move to the 9th Jan'. I told them no, they should stick with the 29th and find out why there was a problem, rather than just keep pressing the button.
Called back the next day and spoke to someone sensible. They told me this was a common problem with numbers that were originally NTL that were ported out then back again, and it was a simple fix for the IT departmentm, and would be done later that day. Installation date would stay as was.
Problem 3: Our phone line stopped working this moning. Called BT to report fault, but they couldn't detect a problem with the line. They said they could send an engineer round, but would cost £130 if the problem wasn't their fault. On a hunch I called back and asked if the account was still active, due to pending transfer. Sure enough, VirginMedia have sent the request in with todays date, leaving us without a phone. BT say they are powerless to do anything to help, as VM are the official owners of the number now.
Called VM. 1st lady confirmed that BT had accepted their request for the 20th, which confirms VM cocked up. She put me through to the installation team to see what they could do. The guy there claimed they'd not even made a porting request. He said he would need to speak to the porting team and get back to me. So far, I've not had that call back...
Bear in mind, all of this has happened, and I've not even been sent a contract yet, let alone signed it.
32
General Banter / Tons of information about your Chevy
« on: November 30, 2010, 01:03:02 pm »
Just found this link:
http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits.html
More information than you can shake a stick at. Recommended for any of you with Chevys.
http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits.html
More information than you can shake a stick at. Recommended for any of you with Chevys.
33
General Banter / One for Martyn tonight
« on: November 26, 2010, 04:48:34 pm »
QI specialist subject tonight is:
Health & Safety.
I look forward to Martyn's review tomorrow
Health & Safety.
I look forward to Martyn's review tomorrow
34
General Banter / MKB RSS feed
« on: November 05, 2010, 03:27:27 pm »
Anyone else interested in having this enabled?
I've looked at the plugin that's available and it's incredibly easy to add.
I've looked at the plugin that's available and it's incredibly easy to add.
35
Questions and Queries / Arghh - help
« on: November 04, 2010, 12:46:23 pm »
As you will have read elsewhere, part of the recent batch of work was to remove the fuel tank to fix the boot floor. All seemed to go well at the time, but things have got worse by the day:
Problem 1: The primary side of the carb was slightly overflowing every couple of minutes, causing a stumble. I figured this may have been some dirt dislodged and causing an issue. I took apart the filter and float blow, cleaned a blew it through. No real issues spotted. Result - now overflows a lot more - to the point were it was almost permanently stubling and almost undriveable. Last night I replaced the needle and seat with a brand new one to remove any possibility of damage being an issue, and also swapped the float in case this one was getting soaked and sinking. End result - slight improvement, runs fine with sight plug on side of bowl is removed, but starts to overflow when it's refitted - oddly, the fuel level appeared to remain constant at this time. However, it was driveable again.
n.b, the warmer the car got, the worse the problem was - at all stages.
Problem 2: This morning I drove happlily for 5 minutes to the petrol station to fill up (Yesterday's overflowing used a LOT of fuel). After the petrol station it was a total dog, permanently overflowing a lot - Stalled twice, and after the 2nd time wouldn't restart - just throws fuel out of the top when cranking. I figure this could the replacement float has also sunk, and will look at this tonight.
Problem 3 : this is where I need some suggestions. Whilst parked up waiting for the AA, a work colleague pulled up to help, and pointed out a rather large puddle at the back of the car. A quick look underneath found petrol pissing out of the seam. After about 10mins the flow stopped, and the gauge is still showing 3/4 full, so I'm thinking it must be a pressure releated issue.
Anyway, the question now is - can the fuel tank be repaired, CHEAPLY and easily?
All suggestions welcomed.
Cheers,
Jamie
Problem 1: The primary side of the carb was slightly overflowing every couple of minutes, causing a stumble. I figured this may have been some dirt dislodged and causing an issue. I took apart the filter and float blow, cleaned a blew it through. No real issues spotted. Result - now overflows a lot more - to the point were it was almost permanently stubling and almost undriveable. Last night I replaced the needle and seat with a brand new one to remove any possibility of damage being an issue, and also swapped the float in case this one was getting soaked and sinking. End result - slight improvement, runs fine with sight plug on side of bowl is removed, but starts to overflow when it's refitted - oddly, the fuel level appeared to remain constant at this time. However, it was driveable again.
n.b, the warmer the car got, the worse the problem was - at all stages.
Problem 2: This morning I drove happlily for 5 minutes to the petrol station to fill up (Yesterday's overflowing used a LOT of fuel). After the petrol station it was a total dog, permanently overflowing a lot - Stalled twice, and after the 2nd time wouldn't restart - just throws fuel out of the top when cranking. I figure this could the replacement float has also sunk, and will look at this tonight.
Problem 3 : this is where I need some suggestions. Whilst parked up waiting for the AA, a work colleague pulled up to help, and pointed out a rather large puddle at the back of the car. A quick look underneath found petrol pissing out of the seam. After about 10mins the flow stopped, and the gauge is still showing 3/4 full, so I'm thinking it must be a pressure releated issue.
Anyway, the question now is - can the fuel tank be repaired, CHEAPLY and easily?
All suggestions welcomed.
Cheers,
Jamie
36
Projects / Rear Window repairs
« on: October 19, 2010, 08:00:38 am »
Now onto day 4, I thought I'd post up some progress pics.
There's been a leak that fills the boots whenever it rains, and deposits a large amount of rust debris. It's pretty clear that the main culprit was the rear window. There is also a large patch of rust along the top edge of the inner roof skin, where it has leaked badly in the past.
I didn't have the camera until day 3, so there's no early pics. The first day was taken up with removing the chrome trim (which had been glued on with urethane
) and getting the glass out. It's no fun cutting out the butyl/urethane sealant from both sides. I used up about 10 of the long thin stanley blades in the process, but finally at about 4:30pm it was out and I was able to assess the damage.
First impressions were that it wasn't too bad, no obvious holes, but a reasonable scattering of rust patches. After attacking with scrappers and screw drivers, I opted to remove 3 areas -
1. 2 foot strip along the top edge where the inner/outer roof skins meet, this included going 2 inches deep into the inner skim (to repair the interior trim screw holes),
2. The driver side lower corner and
3. A four inch strip along the drivers lower side.
I started at the top edge and carefully cut the worst out, then using a patch cut from the spares car, trimmed to fit. Everything was going well, until I tried to spot weld it in, only to find there was no gas in the welder
I paused there, and moved to cutting out the next bits.
This is where the pics start:
Top strip cut and replacement ready for welding
Two patches cut out of corner/lower side, with surrounding area treated with Kurust
Top strip welded, grinded and treated
Cancer cut out of the corner
Patches filed and grinded
The side wasn't so bad and cleaned up with the grinder
Rear corner doesn't look too good and needs more investigation
Since then I've cut a bit more away from that rear corner. It appears to be a 3 panel junction between the outer quarter, the inner wheel house structure and the trunk opening. The top two layers have rusted and been removed, but the top of the inner structure is toast
and it can't be properly repaired unless the rear wing comes off . For now, I've cut a bit more of the channel forward of the corner out, to give access to put a small patch to some semi decent metal, and that will have to do.
More pics and updates to follow after todays exploits.
There's been a leak that fills the boots whenever it rains, and deposits a large amount of rust debris. It's pretty clear that the main culprit was the rear window. There is also a large patch of rust along the top edge of the inner roof skin, where it has leaked badly in the past.
I didn't have the camera until day 3, so there's no early pics. The first day was taken up with removing the chrome trim (which had been glued on with urethane
) and getting the glass out. It's no fun cutting out the butyl/urethane sealant from both sides. I used up about 10 of the long thin stanley blades in the process, but finally at about 4:30pm it was out and I was able to assess the damage.First impressions were that it wasn't too bad, no obvious holes, but a reasonable scattering of rust patches. After attacking with scrappers and screw drivers, I opted to remove 3 areas -
1. 2 foot strip along the top edge where the inner/outer roof skins meet, this included going 2 inches deep into the inner skim (to repair the interior trim screw holes),
2. The driver side lower corner and
3. A four inch strip along the drivers lower side.
I started at the top edge and carefully cut the worst out, then using a patch cut from the spares car, trimmed to fit. Everything was going well, until I tried to spot weld it in, only to find there was no gas in the welder
I paused there, and moved to cutting out the next bits.This is where the pics start:
Top strip cut and replacement ready for welding
Two patches cut out of corner/lower side, with surrounding area treated with Kurust
Top strip welded, grinded and treated
Cancer cut out of the corner
Patches filed and grinded
The side wasn't so bad and cleaned up with the grinder
Rear corner doesn't look too good and needs more investigation
Since then I've cut a bit more away from that rear corner. It appears to be a 3 panel junction between the outer quarter, the inner wheel house structure and the trunk opening. The top two layers have rusted and been removed, but the top of the inner structure is toast
and it can't be properly repaired unless the rear wing comes off . For now, I've cut a bit more of the channel forward of the corner out, to give access to put a small patch to some semi decent metal, and that will have to do. More pics and updates to follow after todays exploits.
37
Projects / Project 'X'
« on: September 12, 2010, 06:34:42 pm »
Spent a leisurely weekend fitting the contents of these:
Before:
After:
Any guesses? Plenty more pics to come...
Before:
After:
Any guesses? Plenty more pics to come...
38
General Banter / Finally - delivery day
« on: September 03, 2010, 02:06:56 pm »
It's been almost 3 months since the order was placed, but finally it has all arrived.
Project 'X' will commence next weekend.
Project 'X' will commence next weekend.
39
Questions and Queries / Low tyre pressure
« on: August 04, 2010, 07:56:44 am »
Any idea why I have one tyre that won't hold the required pressure? (30psi)
It doesn't go flat, but always drops to 25psi.
It doesn't go flat, but always drops to 25psi.
40
Questions and Queries / 3rd Gen Wiring
« on: August 02, 2010, 02:48:08 pm »
Anyone have any wiring diagrams, or know where I can find some online? (1990 if possible, if not any will do)
The ones I was using have disappeared from Geocities.
I'm trying to find the details for the rear defog switch - to see if the connection is the same as the 2nd Gen.
TIA
The ones I was using have disappeared from Geocities.
I'm trying to find the details for the rear defog switch - to see if the connection is the same as the 2nd Gen.
TIA
41
Questions and Queries / Anyone got a router?
« on: June 08, 2010, 12:55:34 pm »
I've jsut started my latest project - Replacing the rear parcel shelf.
I've got myself a sheet of 1/4 inch MDF for the main body (I'm mounting speakers into it), but the gap into which it needs to slot is slightly less.
I'm still pondering different ideas, but I'm currently thinking a router along that back edge to angle or step it will be the best option. Problem there is I don't own a router.
Does anyone on here have one that could be borrowed at some point?
I've got myself a sheet of 1/4 inch MDF for the main body (I'm mounting speakers into it), but the gap into which it needs to slot is slightly less.
I'm still pondering different ideas, but I'm currently thinking a router along that back edge to angle or step it will be the best option. Problem there is I don't own a router.
Does anyone on here have one that could be borrowed at some point?
42
General Banter / Exhaust shops
« on: May 17, 2010, 01:09:20 pm »
I'm going to be pursuing the council for damages to my exhaust system and am looking for quotes to be able to send them.
I can get the parts in kit form from USAutos, and there's Pipecraft for a fully installed, custom fit system.
Does anyone know of anywhere local that can do a custom fit like Pipecraft?
I can get the parts in kit form from USAutos, and there's Pipecraft for a fully installed, custom fit system.
Does anyone know of anywhere local that can do a custom fit like Pipecraft?
43
General Banter / Long shot - 2nd/3rd gen brake drums?
« on: May 15, 2010, 07:43:41 pm »
Any owners, past or present, got any spare rear drums.
One of mine has gone egg shaped and I could do without having to buy new ones right now.
One of mine has gone egg shaped and I could do without having to buy new ones right now.
44
Classifieds & Useful eBay Links / Free TV
« on: April 23, 2010, 01:47:21 pm »
Large (28+?? non-widesreen) CRT TV.
Sony, Dolby Pro-Logic output (no surround speakers), no remote (but any Sony remote works). Damn good telly in good working order, it's just out of date technology.
If no one want's it the council will get it on Monday.
Sony, Dolby Pro-Logic output (no surround speakers), no remote (but any Sony remote works). Damn good telly in good working order, it's just out of date technology.
If no one want's it the council will get it on Monday.
45
General Banter / Powder coating?
« on: April 12, 2010, 11:08:16 am »
Anyone got any contacts for cheap/free powder coating?
I've got a pair of door handles that I'd like doing.
TIA
I've got a pair of door handles that I'd like doing.
TIA
46
General Banter / Good for another year
« on: February 12, 2010, 08:05:43 pm »
MOT time today and went to a new place (nearest to home for a change), and thankfully it sailed through fine.
I'm thinking of getting her redone in the Summer though. It was too cold standing outside watching, and I wasn't relishing the thought of having to carry out any repairs in the cold, wet weather. Much better to have to do it in the warm and dry.
I'm thinking of getting her redone in the Summer though. It was too cold standing outside watching, and I wasn't relishing the thought of having to carry out any repairs in the cold, wet weather. Much better to have to do it in the warm and dry.
47
General Banter / Anyone got a spare HEI coil?
« on: December 02, 2009, 11:05:00 pm »
I've developed an intermittent electrical misfire. Only happens when it's hot, and appears to get worse the warmer the car is. Symptoms are momentary loss of spark (tach needle drops, then bounces back up).
I've tried an spare ignition module and it's not that. I've got a spare cap and rotor to try, but I haven't got a spare coil to try. They're not cheap, so I don't want to buy one unless I've been able to prove that the current one is the problem.
It's the stock GM, in cap coil - anyone got a spare that I could borrow for a while for testing?
I've tried an spare ignition module and it's not that. I've got a spare cap and rotor to try, but I haven't got a spare coil to try. They're not cheap, so I don't want to buy one unless I've been able to prove that the current one is the problem.
It's the stock GM, in cap coil - anyone got a spare that I could borrow for a while for testing?
48
General Banter / Engine Swap planning - 11-13th December
« on: November 30, 2009, 08:22:53 pm »
I've now confirmed that I won't be required at work on this weekend, so the dates are now definite and it's time to start the planning. Food and drink need to be bought and jobs worked out.
Can anyone whose able to come over please let me know which days/times you'll be able to assist.
Fri - not expecting anyone, but you're still welcome
Sat - 11am onwards
Sun - until finished and car driveable?
Does anyone want to stay over for food/drinks/social on either evenings? Anyone welcome.
Can anyone whose able to come over please let me know which days/times you'll be able to assist.
Fri - not expecting anyone, but you're still welcome
Sat - 11am onwards
Sun - until finished and car driveable?
Does anyone want to stay over for food/drinks/social on either evenings? Anyone welcome.
49
Classifieds & Useful eBay Links / Door Bell transformer
« on: November 25, 2009, 02:04:53 pm »
Probably a long shot, but anyone need a doorbell transformer?
I've bought one, but found it doesn't do what I thought it could and is now surplus to requirements.
Byron 7770. 220-240v to 8v AC out. Cost me £18.50 from B&Q. Can't take it back as I've chucked the receipt.
MKB special - £15
I've bought one, but found it doesn't do what I thought it could and is now surplus to requirements.
Byron 7770. 220-240v to 8v AC out. Cost me £18.50 from B&Q. Can't take it back as I've chucked the receipt.
MKB special - £15
50
Questions and Queries / Data retrieval from dead disks?
« on: November 21, 2009, 01:14:43 pm »
Any one know of anywhere that does this? The HD on our laptop has died. It powers up and will boot the PC, but dies within a couple of minutes - before I can make any attempt to copy stuff off.
I've tried it in a drive caddy on the PC, so the drive isn't running the OS, but it won't recognise any files.
I've tried it in a drive caddy on the PC, so the drive isn't running the OS, but it won't recognise any files.