qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,409
Club RR Member Number: 52
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Sept 29, 2022 18:20:10 GMT
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Thanks joem83 for the link. That's the Alto that I actually saw pictures of on the internet and gave me a bit of inspiration! Thanks Davey for the information about different shocks/springs. At the moment that is way beyond my capabilities mixing and matching parts - I can just about replace springs (on the rear so far). 👍 You'll be amazed what you can do when you just crack on. I just wish I had found that confidence when I was 17 and not when I was 27!
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Feb 19, 2023 17:09:44 GMT
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Hi, I haven't updated this in a while, as there has not been much to report.........until now! I finally finished off the underseal treatment, carefully going over everything with masking tape that I didn't want to be covered by underseal! It has been a long job that is very satisfying to do, but will not be seen by the majority of people - MOT and Tyre Fitters will see my efforts! Anyway, today has been a really good day as I finally plucked up the courage to attempt something that I thought was far beyond my capabilities - the front lowering springs! They have been waiting patiently in the garage and now they are on the car. I was really pleased that the front springs were the same length as the original ones when un-clamped, very different to the rears that were about 50mm longer and had no effect on the height of the car until the angle grinder came out. So, a couple of photos showing the pleasing efforts of today's tasks! I have also ditched the wheel trims in favour of just painting the steel wheels.
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ovimor
North East
...It'll be ME!
Posts: 810
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Nice to see some AltoAction....
*envious of your extra pot! 🧐
OVIMOR
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Knowledge is to know a Tomato is a 'fruit' - Wisdom, on the other hand, is knowing not to put it in a 'fruit salad'!
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Davey
Posted a lot
Resident Tyre Nerd.
Posts: 2,190
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Great job! Not scary at all if you just jump in head first.
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K11 Micra x3 - Mk3 astra - Seat Marbella - Mk6 Escort estate - B5 Passat - Alfa 156 estate - E36 compact Mk2 MR2 T-bar - E46 328i - Skoda Superb - Fiat seicento - 6n2 Polo - 6n polo 1.6 - Mk1 GS300 EU8 civic type S - MG ZT cdti - R56 MINI Cooper S - Audi A3 8p - Jaguar XF (X250) - FN2 Civic Type R - Mk2 2.0i Ford Focus
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Thanks davey1991! I procrastinated for a while - quite a long time actually, and then I just got stuck in with it and have really enjoyed myself. I was so happy to have done the front lowering springs on my own - it took a while, but I am really pleased how it is turning out.
Thanks for reading!
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,907
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Mar 11, 2023 20:06:58 GMT
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Thanks, yes I got a bit eager with the angle grinder! The Alto hasn't moved since. I have ordered some new rear springs so waiting on those at the moment before going any further with it. I just came here to say great work, and I've done exactly the same thing in my excitement before 🤣🤣😬
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Mar 11, 2023 23:40:05 GMT
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Nice work. My mum has owned a red 2005 Alto for yonks now, which has been amazingly reliable, with minimal maintanance apart from the odd replacement battery and a clutch she wore out.
I think it's held up so well because they were designed with Indian roads in mind.
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Mar 18, 2023 14:30:45 GMT
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Hi All, thanks for all the positive comments, it's great to know that people are taking the time to look and read about my little Alto! So, today I have had a go at cleaning up the headlights. They were a bit pitted and rough feeling with a slight tinge of yellow. I got at them with the wet sandpaper - 1500 grit followed by 2000 grit, and then went over with T-Cut. I think they have come up really well, and they feel so much smoother! The photos don't really do the headlights justice, but the front view is before cleaning up the headlights, and the individual photos are showing the lights when done. I may have another go at them to see if they come up any 'shinier'! As always, thanks for reading!
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Mar 24, 2023 13:04:28 GMT
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Happy Days! MOT pass, a couple of advisories, but good for another year of bargain motoring! The advisories will be addressed in the coming months. Thanks for reading.
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Nice to see you growing in confidence in what you'll tackle.
A few folks reckon that spraying the headlights with a clear lacquer stops the yellowing.
Congrats on the MOT, a couple of minor things to be done and all good for another year.
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pugbug
Part of things
Posts: 27
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Thanks Morris63. Yes I will try the clear lacquer on the lights, I think they need a bit more work with the 2500 wet’n’dry to get them perfect.
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