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Oct 30, 2010 17:58:10 GMT
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Shiny newly refurbed Calipers with many thanks to Bigg Red Ltd. Sent them off Tuesday and got them back on Friday, so I'm very happy! Also got one upper arm re-jointed and polybushed, and on the new crossmember. Every other part is nearly finished drying from the paint. So it's getting close now which is exciting considering I havent had a car for over 6 months! Frustrating as well that it's taking so long when it could easily be done in a couple of weeks max. At least at uni in Brighton I can take my mind off it by dreaming of buying this
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Oct 17, 2010 21:33:24 GMT
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Oct 16, 2010 22:58:45 GMT
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Oct 10, 2010 12:06:40 GMT
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Just realised I got N/S and O/S mixed up in the post with the pics. Corrected now
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Oct 10, 2010 12:03:21 GMT
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No, I probably didn't explain it very well. The repairs they have done do look to a good standard. However when I picked it up I was told it was perfect and driving better than it ever had. If you remember I purchased new top and bottom arms, control rod and crossmember, thinking the old item were damaged in the accident. When I took the car in I made sure they understood that if any items were bent, I had replacements I was painting up and rebushing, and I would bring them over to be replaced. They then told me that none of the original items were damaged in anyway and were all 100% straight.
Yet when I drove it for a couple of minutes round the block and down the drive, there was a clicking or knocking sound coming from the repaired corner. Once I got the Viva in my own garage and inspected it, it's clear the nearside (damaged) hub is at an angle, completely different to offside. Looking at the pictures, see how the damper on the nearside exits the cup at quite an angle.
I am also concerned at the gap there is in the joint between the control rod and crossmember, and the crossmember and repaired section of the chassis. I believe it was this causing the clicking.
The work the bodyshop did is actually of pretty good standard. The part I'm unhappy about is that we agreed if any components were bent I would be notified and they would be replaced with the rebushed items if needed. The bodyshop told me all parts were 100% straight and it was ready for going back on the road, all distances, angles whatnot had been checked and corrected, and 'it would drive better than ever'.
This I'm afraid is simply not true, I really don't like places taking me for an idiot, lying to me and giving me a dangerous car. If they gave me exactly the same car and parts but told the truth and said I would need to replace the crossmember and arms etc, I would be quite happy with the work.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Got the white one back from the bodyshop today, with pics to show. Was told by the body shop it was all fixed up and would drive better than it ever had, and that all the suspension parts and crossmember were still straight and true. As I unloaded it off the trailer and drove it down the drive I was therefore quite surprised to hear a knocking/clicking. Upon closer inspection it was clear at least some of the parts were in fact bent and I'm not completely happy that it was put back together well. There seems to be larger gaps between control rod/crossmember arm and crossmember arm/chassis than there should be but I will investigate that later. Don't want to say too much at this stage as I haven't had a chance to talk to them about it yet. As for the actual repair work, it looks quite good. Nevertheless I have the new suspension parts nearly ready, crossmember needs paint and waxoyl, arms need ball joints replacing, paint and the whole lot needs rebushing. O/S Caliper is off to be rebuilt, hopefully N/S will be off tomorrow and I'll get on with dropping the crossmember off the body and engine. Still hoping for it to be done and back on the road in a few weeks. N/S Before: The N/S repairs: N/S Control rod to crossmember: Quite clearly bent here: O/S straight (hopefully) N/S bent Pictures don't really show how bent it is, but it's clearly visible when you compare the two sides. End of the day shot:
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Last Edit: Oct 10, 2010 12:06:02 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Always loved these for some reason, no idea why. Still look occasionally, and i see one's on ebay right now. Just as well I don't have the money really. Here's one of my first photoshops I did years ago. Would like to do something like this, engine swap with a charger involved. i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/oli8925/Photoshops%20Old%20and%20New/LadaRivaMuscle.jpgYours looks really tidy, definitely needs the lowerage though. Any other plans at this stage?
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Look what I now have ;D It's in as good a condition as mine, if not better. Arches and sills are perfect, even the battery tray has the smallest amount of surface rust. Was used as a daily until 2001 when the owner got given a van from work, so it was put into a rented garage to preserve with the view of getting it really nice and back on the road. 9 years later and he's finally admitted defeated and wants to let it go as long as he knows its going to be used well. I need to arrange transport for it now but its shouldnt be more than a week or two until I have it. Unfortunately I'm now at uni 40 miles away so updates will only come at weekends. So from this one I'll be taking the engine which I'm told is a rebuilt Chevette 1256cc, the wheels which will one day be banded, and some of the nice SL trim it has around it. Then the rest will be passed on to someone who wants it. My dad has all of a sudden become very interested in it so looks like he might take it off me, or I know of someone in the Mini world who wants one to play about with. So plenty of options. Can't wait to get it home and give it a good clean, should come up very nicely
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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There's an '89 one of these down the road from me, looks incredibly tidy and in a really nice blue. Been tempted to leave an offer note on the windscreen so often! Only problems are my bank account, my space and the fact right next to it there's an immaculate E30 320 in completely original condition I also want. Yours looks very tidy agreed it might look better with black detail rather than chrome. Photoshop time
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Maximum oooof has been achieved!
Don't surpose you'd mind emailing a few of the original high res piccies? Would make for some awesome screen savers
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Love these little things So nearly bought one a few years ago that looked a lot like pauldaf44's housemate's 'loon. Then when I was on the lookout for a new car when I crashed my Mini a polo was what I was aiming for, again a 'loon was joint top of my wish list along with a mk3 GT. Unfortunately everything seemed to be far too expensive for the condition it was in due I guess to the 'dub' tag. And then I found my Viva. Yours looks really nice though, lovely colour and bargain price
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 30, 2010 10:41:02 GMT
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No no! Just being taken away to the body shop for repairs. I miss it sitting outside on my driveway. Think it's got to the stage where it would take something really serious to sell it, and it would have to be in repaired condition so i get a decent enough return on it (or as little loss as possible)
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 29, 2010 12:08:20 GMT
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Was clearing out the phone pics and thought I'd post some up. Cleaning the vinyl door cards: Before After Will get some of the seats all cleaned up when I get the car back, and the dyed carpet when I get round to that. Had the car jacked up high at the front to do the alternator, made the back look nice and low taster of things to come (soon!) Here shows the hole between boot and rear seat. This is where I want to make a board to attach the amp and sub box to. The board shouldn't be too difficult but as you can see it's at an angle and has a big ridge in front of it. Seeing as I hate and am rubbish with woodwork, I'm really really not looking forward to trying to do that bit. Wires will be re-routed and tidied up when I do this Prep and painting of the replacement suspension parts. Bird feeder makes for an excellent stand to hang parts off for spray painting And finally the poor little thing being taken away
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Last Edit: Sept 29, 2010 21:04:21 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 28, 2010 18:44:17 GMT
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When renewing the bushes on the top arms, do you need to take the original sleeve shown in the pictures off the arm? I.e. does the new bush assembly replace this part? I've got new superflex bushes to be specific. I can't quite tell and don't want to take the sleeves off yet just in case. In fact, taking a closer look I'm certain they do need to come out. The new bush does seem to have a new sleeve, albeit a funny looking one and there's no way the bush is going to fit into the current one. Onwards and upwards
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Last Edit: Sept 28, 2010 19:55:06 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 27, 2010 16:53:11 GMT
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That has to be the weirdest mistake I have ever made sorry about that and sorry to the guys at Full Circle Bodyshop, they can do whatever they like when they finish work. Mods will only be a stage 3(ish) head, leccy ignition, weber 40dcoe, bottom end balanced and an oil cooler. Any more than that and the bottom end needs a fair bit of strengthening, plus parts are too hard to come by. Will stick with the standard 90 cam so it remains driveable too. All in time though, had a nasty shock yesterday when I found out I over-estimated my monies and only have £20 left hate being a student! Government money etc etc etc but to be honest I was much more at home working 5 or 6 days a week and having money to play with.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 26, 2010 23:08:08 GMT
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Got the transport in the end. Last company I found and tried could pick it up at 2 and through luck they knew a few guys at the body shop so had a word and made sure they'd be around for when it was delivered (they close at 2pm on Saturdays). So now she's there waiting for the work to be started tomorrow. Mum's got her driveway back so she's happy. And I've still got to finish stripping and painting the new crossmember and suspension bits so that keeps me happy. When I get her back I'll spend another few weeks stripping the suspension, cleaning and painting and reassembling with the new shocks and lowered springs. Sort out the interior and get the reverse switch wired in, then she'll be ready for the MOT And after that I'll get the body work sorted and hopefully have the other Viva so I can get the steels banded, then take out the engine and gearbox and rebuild them. So still plenty to do. Pictures on there way.
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Last Edit: Sept 27, 2010 16:43:05 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 24, 2010 23:23:51 GMT
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Does anyone know of a trailer or dolly I could hire or borrow tomorrow, sunday or monday, in the South East near Tunbridge Wells? Or anyone around the area with a suitable trailer/dolly and towing vehicle who'll be happy do it for fuel and beer money. Ideally tomorrow but anything will help.
I've been let down and need to get my car to the body shop by Monday. Please PM me with a contact number if you know of anything.
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Last Edit: Sept 24, 2010 23:29:42 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 17, 2010 20:39:54 GMT
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At the gatwick easyjet sales desk, when I told the guy that both the website and customer services had said there was this non-existant flight on Friday, he simply said 'well thats customer services for you, they don't know anything. There's nothing we can do, you'll have to talk to them again.'
I questioned him about this and said it was basically like they were two independent companies in the way that easyjet personnel have no connection, communication or shared responsibility with customer services and he just outright agreed. He wouldn't apologise on their behalf, attempt to help or anything. Anyway, I won't get started. I'll never stop!
Definitely agree a good alarm is worth the money, but would still prefer one that's just as good, but a bit cheaper because it doesn't have remote start, central locking compatibility and whatever else it might come with. £2-300 is pushing my limits, although if it wasn't for easyjet....
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 17, 2010 20:03:59 GMT
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Ok, quick update. Been having a pretty curse word time in the past week. First I was supposed to be going on holiday to Rhodes with the gf on Wednesday, then I found out I had a couple of uni exams on Thursday so had to cancel my outgoing flight out and book another flight with easyjet for this morning at 7am. Yesterday I had the exams, one of which went very badly, then whilst doing the final flight checks I find out easyjet have actually put me on the wrong flight and I'm in fact going to Turkey. Panicked last night and managed to get through to their customer services (who?) and get told the flight I'm supposed to be on is fully booked so I'll have to be transfered at my cost on to a flight to Rhodes on Saturday afternoon. Decide to go to the airport this morning just incase I can get on instead of a cancellation or no-show flyer. I then get told there never has been a flight to Rhodes on Friday, and that the next flight is the one I'm already booked in for on Saturday. So so far I've missed 4 days of my 8 day holiday because of exams and easyjet being s, I've also payed £200 on top of the £300 the holiday cost just to get out there! Anyway, sorry about the whinge, this left me with an entire day free. At least I managed to get some stuff done to the car. Modified the fog light brackets so they'll be the correct height, reattached front bumper to car, test fitted the SL grille, and managed to reconnect the heater control cable (most fiddly cable ever and awful design by Vauxhall!), and from there managed to put my dashboard back together with it all looking a bit cleaner and my aux gauges bracket painted black. Only little jobs but at last they're done and I can forget about them. Also got this package: 22kgs of front crossmember, upper wishbone, lower wishbone and a control arm to replace my possibly damaged items. Just need to clean them up and then she's ready for the body shop on Monday week. As for alarms, I'm still looking. Would like a cat 1 but all I can find seems to be very very expensive and have a lot of gadgets. Are there any reasonably priced cat 1's that are just a nice and simple alarm/immobiliser? Will pm Craig when I'm back from hols to hear his views.
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Last Edit: Sept 17, 2010 20:07:12 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 9, 2010 22:27:14 GMT
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Something I've just remembered which I've been meaning to ask for a while...
What is the best Alarm/Immobiliser package I can get for my retro? Seeing as I'm spending so much on it, it's so easy to get into and it'll be kept on the mean streets of Brighton with the possibility of not being in front of my window, I think it will be a worth while addition.
don't want to be spending silly money on one and doesn't need all the gadgets like remote start and that rubbish, but would like it to be good and reliable. Would also be a bonus if it's one that will get my insurance down, although am I right in thinking they need to be installed by an approved garage or something anyway? So will have to see about that.
Anyway, any help and opinions on that will be much appreciated.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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