eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 30, 2024 12:31:39 GMT
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Thank you - I was having nightmares about how to form a heavy lump of metal into a lovely circle shape eurogranada was extremely helpful to me in sourcing a complete 'cutout' some years ago from a fellow Dutch guy; which possibly explains why he is pushing me on to get it completed... ...Now I've just got to figure out where to put my lavender!! And how to weld around rubber without fire I really don't want to turn this into a thread hijacking... But... So you do have that cut off bit?? If so I don't really understand the hold up. Hehe, I must admit to remembering trying to get you such a piece.. I thought I'd found it too. I can remember discussing cut lines. There's some recollection of having it in hand and forwarding it (was it red?), but maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. For the life of me I can't 100% for sure remember if, or find proof of, it ever getting to you... In my perhaps false recollection there was plety of meat on the section to make a relatively easy higher up cut and shut job of it?! And with the subby in place you have an extr reference to get it right! Knowing your skill level you totally got this. If you do want to repair what you've got, is the bit strong enough to pull the rubber out so you can mimic the original poster's approach?? I made a homemade puller with some plate, some tube and an m10 or m12 bit of threaded bar which worked very well.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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I really like how you cut no corners, not anywhere! Quality work always and with anything you do.
These type of posts are why I always strive for my own best effort as well.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Thanks, good to see those. Is it me or do they look a bit more bulky on many of their versions?
I'm going to try and get it fitted this weekend...
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 28, 2024 12:54:36 GMT
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Cool! Exciting times!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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I changed as little as I could. It's really raised and slightly more angular enlarged arches and some side skirts and then the cut down bumper. Thought it might be possible to replace the chrome part of the door handles with body coloured flat metal, to blend them in. I didn't even change the stock colour. Nice and subtle! I really like the division of colours on your version too. Now with the lotus wheels... ;-) Sorry, couldn't resit stirring the pot. But this looks like a very doable customisation. I like it (not such a fan of the colour though)!!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Whatever you fix, there's always the next thing waiting. And when you're done... you can start over with the first things you addressed... ;-)
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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I hope it was a bit of help at least. It was difficult to explain without pictures. If you register on the consul granada klubb norge Facebook page, you can see some information on the scanning and pre work on the louvres. It is not only for Norwegians. The guy Selling them copied the perana louvres, but not all the detail. Some metal tabs and fasteners will probably suffice. It is nice to be able ro remove it without damaging it. It is a rare piece. Yes it was helpful, especially after doing what you advised: google on autoplas mount kits. I'm pretty convinced by now on the metal tabs idea. Even if it means drilling the louvre. I have ideas to make it a very nice fit. I'm not too interested in the origin of this louvre really, or it being an exact copy or not. I just like the look of it. Even as an aftermarket (copied) part it's quite rare and it's well made at least. There's also really no evidence of the production process itself. Now to try and get it all done before the 8th of June...
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 27, 2024 11:48:19 GMT
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First of all, congrats on the louvers. In my opinion, the Granada needs it to complete the rear, especially on the sedan version. I have had a look at the Consul Granada Klubb Norge Facebook page. The guy selling these louvers is a member there. The raised bit on the bottom rung is for the Perana emblem, it was mounted with poprivets. So i guess you will have to make your own emblem and put on, cossiemonster emblem. :-) The installation should be with two tabs on the sides of the louvre. You stick a piese of plastic with a "keyhole" under the gasket an on the lovre there should be a keyhole aligning with the tab. The ypu insert the "key", rotate it 90 degrees and the luvre is locked in place. Your lovre is missing this feature. The original Perana lovre also had two bars running down the window inside the strengtheners you can see between the rungs. If these two bars were connected to something, I cannot see from the pictures. On the sedan version, there are locing "keys" on the bottom corners, in addition there are two pieces of plastic holding it down at each side. the plastic bits are pressed in between te window and gasket. In addition there is a rod with a plastic fastener in each end. The plastic fasteners are pushed in between glass and gasket to hold the rod in place. On each end of the rod, one can thread the laouvre onto it to hold it in place. I think you need to alter the lovre a bit to allow for some plastic bits to go between the glass and gasket to hold it in place in addition to some velcro. If you google Autoplas lovre fitting kit, you might find some hints. Thank you very much for this elaborate explanation. I read it three timed and think I can follow most of it. I knew before hand this louvre was designed for sticking/gluing to the screen, it's just that I am a bit pigheaded and want to use it differently, want it to remain removable. I'll have a look at your suggestions. But I do kind of feel like making metal tabs and drilling the louvre... This design has the two supports in the middle, effectively making it a three sectioned thing visibly, but no supports or bars. However, when pressed to the screen, the rigidity of it all keeps those supports nicely to the window. I was planning on putting velcro under those to prevent any type of flapping/vibration in addition to any tabs or velcro round the edges. On the badge mount, you had me smile, because I had actually thought of making something custom up to put on there. But cossiemonster might be a bit of a long word to put in such a small space... I'd thought of making it a bit like a gel covered thing. But that is for the future.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Alex, you know it's all in jest In all honesty; I think it adds that finishing touch that the back end was lacking. Ties in with the bonnet graphics and balances out the black accents front and rear. "What's the purpose of the extrusion on the bottom rung?" Looks to low down to be effective as a high level brake light housing: Perhaps it's just a placement area for a badge? Thanks for the info: much to ponder! Hi Paul, Yes I know it is all in jest, just wanted to make sure others new as well. I agree on the finishing touch and the tying in the black comments completely. I've never missed it on teh car but it does seem to add something. I too don't really see a purpose for the raised bit on the lower rung. I also assumed originally it would have housed a brandname/logo or something. It really is far too small for a brake light. Hm, this comment makes me consider that I have added a third brake light at the top op my rear window that I don't know how it will be affected by the louvre. It can always be disconnected, but I quite liked the idea of the added safety. Still in doubt on how to mount the thing though. 1. Easiest is a sealant/glue from a tube in the caulking gun. But that is non removable and means no more cleaning of the glass. 2. Velcro or the 3M updated version are other options, which allow for it to be taken off (but also by others if one would want to) so cleaning the window can still happen. Velcro is thinner than the 3M stuff and including the thickness of the louvre itself theres a max of 3mm before it starts sticking out above the rear screen rubber/trim. 3. Making stainless steel metal tabs to secure the louvre in place. They have about 8-10mm to go under the rubber. Extra sealing may be in order. Disadvantage is having to drill holes through the louvre. Ideally two each side and two at the top. With a suitable screw this can look fine but it is a risk. 4. 3M double sided tape for car applications could be used. Again, no way of removing so no cleaning if needed. And if you ever need to get the stuff off again it's a time consuming job! Mostly on the louvre side due to the plastic nature of it versus the glass. So what is wisdom??? Ideally I'd like to have it mounted before the FordFreaks event in two weeks time. Although if it's not, it's not...
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 23, 2024 11:24:09 GMT
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You might just as well sell out now! Those cars will have to be patient I guess... All will find a balance, but do keep track of yourself as well. It's easy to forget.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 23, 2024 10:58:45 GMT
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Nice update. Now you only need pink painted blanking plates for where the MGB units were! ;-)
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Thanks for taking the time to post your progression. The rebuilt front subby mount repairs you carried out are a welcome reference to me 'when' I eventually tackle mine. Like one side of yours, mine also needs a repair to the bush tube itself: Did you form this from 2mm, or thicker still? Interesting to read of gess experiences - It did make me start to ponder if there is a way to recreate an open system by drilling some openings under the original vent grill area, into a open camber behind the C'pillar, then Tee'ing into the sunroof drain. Lovely end result on the rear wheelarch repairs! See, he's done the mounts in the way I tried to convince you to do it as well. Now get on with it, you are more than capable! If yours are weaker, just do one side at a time so you don't have alignment issues.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Hmmm that is a tempting offer but I just know you'll forward me the 'packaging' devoid of any contents aside from a handwritten note stating "You ***** ***, Balding **** **** * No, Not ever" [You think, I do!] OUCH, or, Great deeds are performed by lesser mortals whilst standing on the shoulders of others Please do! I may try and claim someone at customs also recognised and valued the contents and stole it before it got to you? Nah, conning people out of hard earned cash and name calling aren't my thing... All in good fun (for those who don't know we've built a genuine friendship). I've mailed you the details on the Louvre purchase and contact details in case you want to pursue. If I can be of any assistance just let me know!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 22, 2024 13:18:00 GMT
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My vote is a definite NO! You really need to take that hideous thing off. Bag it up and store it somewhere out of eyesight until you find another gullable fool to take it away. You still have my address don't you? Theres a saying that "There's no fool, like an old fool", so I'll take it off your hands so you can sleep peacefully again - You're welcome Alex, this is soooooo weird - I have litrally in the past few days been looking for any 'Autoplas' lourve for my rear screen and BLAM, you sneek this out. Does this Norwegian chap have any more would you know? hehe Paul! I kept the packaging I received it in.... can forward without issue, lol. Funny how our connection works, isn't it. You think, I do! ;-) I can drop you a PM if you like. I'm pretty sure the guy has some more to sell.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Wow, can't be many of those left anywhere - and it's in perfect condition by the looks of it. Mark, it's a reproduction part. Hence looking pristine. Some fellow in Norway has designed and commissioned it, I think. He's selling them at least. Very nice form and it looks amazing. It's hard plastic. It's thick enough to be a solid thing. When fitted to the rear window it's nice and stable. This one uses no brackets but is designed to be either taped or glued to the rear window. I've yet to decide what to do. I kind of wanted to be able to wash the rear screen underneath it when necessary... Hinging it at the top, or just making it easily removable, but I don't yet see how to do this. One train of thought is making thin metal brackets that slide under the rear window rubber and angle up so I can drill a hole in the side of the lowest louvre and screw it to the bracket. Do the same at two or three places at the top. Another option might be velcro. But I also don't want to have to worry about it being ripped off. Screws would be more of a deterrent, but in al reality the window rubber isn't very deep so a good pull on it would probably have it come loose. I bought it as I liked them, but wasn't sure how it would look. But as it is a rare part I felt I could always sell it on at cost. The consensus however is that I should definitely fit it... I myself like the extra black that highlights the blue even more in that area, though I've never missed it on there before, now I've seen it I think it does add something. Looking out from inside seemed rather cool, even my teenage son commented on that. which says something, lol. With? or Without? Other angles (quick garage shots as it was about to start raining)
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 21, 2024 13:00:57 GMT
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The weekend was a long one, yet also a full one. It started Friday with a simple check up for my diabetes. Which seems to be well enough under control. Thankfully. As there was some time between that and my next commitment I set to removing my winch from my garage floor (from when the granada was an immovable object) and fit that to the h-van. This in preparation for picking up a marketplace acquisition, a nice second hand but 100% new gas powered weber outdoor bbq/kitchen. This had some weight to it and was to be picked up at a presumedly old widow so this would help assure I could load it easily via the mobility scooter ramp. This job went smooth and I got it buttoned up. Battery on the charger (as it's not a permanent installation, although I could leave it) ready for Sunday. After that I had an appointment to demolish the garden shed at my MIL's. It was rotten and one side was sagging pulling it all out of form. It was roughly 2x3 meters but the amount of wood coming from is was staggering. Of course it also had to be removed so a trip to the tip was in order. Along with a few other items, this turned out to be 450 kilo's. The van obviously had no problem with it all. It was just a bit of work. But including dismantling, cutting the longest of beams and loading and unloading we got it done in just over 3 hours. Not too bad. But my energy level had dropped quite a bit by then and my muscle aches were playing up. Saturday I had a birthday to go to, but plans needed to change when I was sending off my daughter for her volunteer work when I saw her tire was flat. Looking closer some spokes had also snapped... I dropped her off by car an canceled the birthday visit and focused on fixing the bike. Obviously it was the driven wheel, which means a bit more dismantling. Next up, finding spokes and fitting them. Trying to get the wheel as straight as possible. There was indeed some metal shaving in the tire so that needed a quick patch as well. With that done I could drop off the bike at her work so she could come home on her own as we had a dinner to go to early evening. That was very enjoyable in and of itself though. But it became another long day. Sunday morning came and me and the lad went on our merry way. Almost 1,5 hours one way. So we had a good little road trip and a lot of good conversation. Really nice. The widow was a very friendly lady whose husband had been an avid hobby cook. He'd bought this BBQ and a load of accessories only to fall ill and never fire it up even once before passing on. This was obviously sad, and also why I made a respectful bid. We got even more than we bargained for and it was soon loaded in the car manually as the son was present. At home I did lower the bbq out of the van by winch which worked a treat. Needless to say we tested it out that evening after a little spruce up with some cleaners for the outside. It was litteraly never fired before. I loved how easily I could get started without my neighbor shouting and threatening to throw a bucket of water on it. Ok, so why all this on a car forum, well as this all lead up to a bit of a rotten feeling inside. It was once again a nice weekend filled with obligations that meant the blue monster was once again asleep in the garage... So I really wanted to get out there with the car to some show or tour. A tip via facebook meant I set of on the monday.... But immediately I felt the car was off. It didn't pull well, it didn't keep to a speed well and was just a bit jerky. First and only suspect really? The fuel cap. I stopped and opened the cap, no rush of air so I though this is not my problem. Added some petrol (no fun at these prices) and I now knew for sure I could not suffer a lack of fuel either. I noticed at that time that my nice little hole in the cap and the rubber seal were out of alignment. Thereby probably blocking it completely again. So I decided to remove the rubber seal for now and just run the cap without. It was now definitely not sealing. And, never had another issue all the way there and back. Ran fine at speed and more power on acceleration. It must be to do with the new fuel pump for the injection system. It's the only changed component compared to previous long runs etc. I can't say I fully grasp why this new pump would have this as a side effect though. Anyway, the meeting was a bit messy but the conversations were great. After 3,5 hours I set of home, feeling slightly happier that the car had been out and seen and loved! Loved by sooo many. And the kids all respond to the six cookie monster dolls in the car, which makes me smile. As a bonus today I was suprised with a gift from abroad. I had bought the car something. Not knowing if I'm going to use it or not but it being rare, even as a reproduction part, I bit the bullet thinking i can always sell on... It's generally considered a holy grail item.... I'll try it out when I get home from work...
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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May 21, 2024 12:17:23 GMT
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Have you ever been in a 69-73 Mustang Mach One? It is like a mobile tin can, you would miss the refinement of your Granada. Eeehhhmm, yes I have, when a friend was inspired by my Mustang and wanted his own but the later model. We drove two and he bought one. But it was a very rough one and the other one that we took for a testdrive also wasn't the one. And obviously I drove a 66 V8 c-code coupe for four years. Actually my Mustang in a way was my reference at the time. Well, when it wasn't being restored. But that was much more of a rolling restoration. Honestly, I don't know if there would be much difference between the mustang and the Granada. At least as I have it now and how I'd want the mustang to be. The mustang would be just as well sorted and with updated suspension and drive train. My Granada is also not as refined/wafty as it once was. PU rubbers all round makes it stiffer, the heavier engine and seats mean it behaves different on its springs... It's comfy still but I wouldn't expect a mustang to be much worse. The one thing I do remember on the Mustang that scared me in a way was the front end going very light at speed as the huge bonnet acted as a scoop lifting the front. I guess the want is mostly for it being able to do a decent burnout just from standing and between gears and the looks department. Although the Granada coupe is much more rare then the mustangs. The Mustangs of that era have a certain look that draws me.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Always happy to read about you enjoying the car when you can. I did have a sense of 'Oh no, this is sounding like it doesn't end well" on your last escapade, but a few hundred metres from home is a win in my book!" Burn-outs, at yor age! I'm guessing you must have found an old bottle of Brut and a tarnished medallion in the glove box that has ignited this 70's Macho outbust - I've always found Hire cars the easiest entry point for the working man into motorsport for such frivolity Close to home can still feel very far away under the wrong circumstances! ;-) But in this case there really wasn't a real issue. Although after probably at least a 1000km's on this fuel cap it was strange that it now suddenly was a problem. Only reason I can think of is the little extra capacity of the new injection pump, which has been on for about 400km's now? But still... Well, what can I say, I'm a simple boy at heart! I'd love to occasionally do a little burnout. Or even just knowing the car can do it. But despite the above, I've not yet dared... Which is also why my dream project is a 69-73 mustang mach one sportsroof with coyote engine, automatic and 9" strong ford diff....and possibly a line lock on the front brakes. I just love cars that can slip the wheels just changing gears lol. Although that may be compromised by my wish to drive an automatic. If I had the balls and the money I might also just see if I can make that setup work in my Granada, that would probably also tickle my fancy then. PS. a commnique is underway....
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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This is quite the weldathon! I applaud you keeping sight of what needs to happen when...and how.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,513
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Nice to see you progressing!
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