1983 Daihatsu Charmant

Ah, sorry, don't know much about tyre sizes! Yours look nice and chunky! I have the size I need written down somewhere. Was a good size when I checked, decent tyres available for it and cheap too! Either going to get Yokohama S Drive or Bridgestone Potenzas, because it's such a fast racing car and all that.

On a similar note though, I forgot to ask - I tried using the stock wheel nuts with the new wheels and they don't fit, so I'm going to need to buy some different wheel nuts. Fair enough, but what sort do I need? There seems a lot out there, open end, closed end, different thread sizes etc. Any info I can supply to help?

As for thermostat, would seem to tie up! Will order one in! Ta!

OK as an update to the above pic (brightness a bit weird sorry):



Also:



to



I'm VERY pleased with the work. New rear arches had to be fabricated as replacement ones for the Charmant don't exist. They took the rear bumper off and dealt with all the grot under there too, as well as a worryingly thin streak of rust down below which they plated. Credits to Spencer and Broadhead Garage in Wakefield, who have done work for me before with top results. I'll also be painting the insides of the arches prior to more exciting rust protection action.

Apologies for not being hardcore and doing it myself, but I have zero bodywork skills and don't want to ruin this one as a practice.

Now, where are those Equips.....

Yeah, it's a very thin seam, but I wasn't bothered about them recreating it (looks a bit awkward and seems to be an area Charmants rust on) so I just let them smooth it over.

Consider it a modification!

£600 (!) but it was both whole arches and a load of other stuff on the back too. It was about £90 for paint and parts, rest all labour as it took ages. Think it depends how much time it takes more than anything else.

Lot of money for a Charmant, but I intend to keep it for a really long time so I don't mind.

Those lace seat covers are the bizzle!

Well done for getting it seen to! In reality, £600 is probably less than a set of tyres or a service on some fancy modern car, or a month or so's finance payment on something that's depreciating.

I've just commited myself to over £300 on buying a tankful of heating oil, that would have done an arch and a bit on one of mine!

Really look for ward to seeing it in the flesh this year - you are coming to the Japanese Nostalgia Weekend aren't you?

wow the fresh bodywork looks good.. did it cost much?

OK gave it a wash and celebrated the new arches by taking it somewhere for a nice sedate photo.



Coming next: wheel action. When I've saved up enough for tyres.

Audio experts, in the below pic, any idea what brand/model the tape deck and equalizer are, or close to it? Something 80s required!



I say as I've just hooked up my aerial and although Magic 828 is now available (hooray!), a tape deck would be pretty snazzy. I suspect to do that I might need to upgrade to the AM/FM radio available on some Charmants to do that, though.

Have dismantled some of the trim - the under dash "box", shift surround and handbrake surround. Some repair work is required as a few bits are cracked, probably as they weren't on properly. Might need to make some new bits, the rubber surround on there for the handbrake has perished somewhat and the gear gaiter was missing when I bought it.

Also found a mysterious connector which leads to a blanked off button next to the handbrake. Probably for my non-existent central locking. Could add central locking I guess!