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Sorry to hear you've been unwell Robert. And your back problems reminded me of when I was full of pain: I had 2 frozen shoulders about 15 years ago, and the only NHS treatment available at the time was either a cortizone injection in the affected shoulder (I had 5, all of them very painful and equally ineffective), or to have keyhole surgery, which I eventually had on both, with total success. However, in the period leading up to being put on the waiting list for surgery, I could not sleep, was in constant pain, I was having trouble with mood swings and I was willing to try anything. Somebody suggested acupuncture. So I went to see this guy, on the recommendation of someone I knew. Unfortunately for me, this guy was the antithesis of someone caring for his patient. He made me lie flat (something I found extremely uncomfortable at the time), and as a result made me completely on edge for something that was supposed to be completely relaxing. It was then, after the session when he showed no regard for the discomfort he caused, and tried to get me to sign up for other "therapies" (which of course were equally expensive), that my suspicions of him being a total con-artist were realised. Having a professional who cares is an absolute must. I have not been near an acupuncturist since. Amusingly the needles were of no bother! On the flipside, I have an issue with my hand, which has been referred to a specialist. This consultant is by far the most thorough, knowledgeable and brilliant health professional I have ever met. She explains things fantastically for a simpleton such as myself, and despite my condition being unusual, she has identified potential alternative ways in which to treat it. I cannot rate her highly enough. Looking forward to the next installment of Farm shenanigans and Gabby of course. Stay healthy Robert. For a bit of fun, here's a picture of Daisy: She's no huntress like Gabby - this was as close as she got to the squirrel...
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Hello everyone - wasn't sure whether to put this in here or in technical, but as I am Buying a service, it can be in here.
Not for my Retro specifically, but my modern Merc needs a proper alignment as it pulls to the left. I had 4 new tyres fitted a couple of months ago and the garage that did it "did a 4-wheel alignment" but I was given no print out because "it was done manually", which makes me question whether it was done at all. I am not going to bother going back there due to the time that's passed, as they'll probably say it's because I hit a pothole or something, and also there's the part that I wasn't exactly impressed with their previous "work".
A few years ago I got a proper computerised alignment done on my Golf GTi after having new struts fitted, with a print out which included the set-up and the corrections made. It's so long ago I don't think the place that did it still offers that service (think they've also changed hands). I want to get something similar done.
What I need to know is what exactly am I asking for and does anyone have any recommendations? I'm based in the Ipswich area and don't mind visiting one of the big names provided their work is good (note: Not National Tyres - see above). I've heard ATS do this. Can anyone confirm?
All assistance gratefully received!
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Last Edit: Nov 7, 2023 14:25:28 GMT by mrbounce
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Some dribble-worthy builds there!! What a fantastic thing to do!
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I am starting to run out of wall space - I actually had to move a sign to somewhere else in the garage in order make way for this! I found this at the car boot sale last weekend. I was expecting it to be quite expensive, as people selling signs usually price them as collectible. This is a decent size and I really like it. Total cost? One English Pound. Excellent. Also there was a circus on the Boot Sale Field, so rather than using the concrete path down the middle, you had to drive across the grass to get parked. This had turned muddy and was very slippery. I wish to make it known that I did NOT turn off the Traction Control on the Merc just to experience some sideways action on the way out. Not...at...all... New sign - like it!
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I have been a very busy chap recently so I have not done a lot. I changed the rev counter for a much nicer item that I had sitting around. This was brand new - it had been in its box on a high shelf and as such I'd completely forgotten about it. The bezel is much nicer and it looks less "cheap". An easy 5 minutes' work. There was another job I really needed to look at with regard to the dashboard. The clocks are supposed to have tubes that run all the way to the surround - these act as "tunnels" for the indicator dash repeaters - there's a bulb in the back of the unit, and green coloured arrow lenses built into the surround. Because my dial unit had presumably been used in a car which had an aftermarket dashboard fitted, the tubes had been cut to make it fit (quite common apparently). My initial thought was to try and make something to fill the gap, but finding something the right size and shape proved difficult. I did try using (of all things) an empty tube of Pritt Stick cut to size and shaped but this did not work. The plastic was too thick and did not take kindly to some heat to reshape it (i.e. it stank and wouldn't bend the way I wanted it to). I then remembered I had a curse word dash unit (before anyone says swop them over, I seem to recall they were slightly different - good old Austin Rover changing things slightly enough so they don't interchange). I have cut the ends off this unit and will fill the gaps with these bits. And some glue. Newer Rev Counter. Much better looking. The picture makes the glass look weird and possibly cracked - I can assure you it's fine. Gap between dial unit and surround... And the bits I am going to rob to fix it...
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Excellent work that man!
Much prefer those centres for the steelies - think it's the contrast in colour.
And those 5 spokes are excellent. Considered a similar set for the Bora when I had it, but could not find any.
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This was fun to follow. Thank you for an awesome thread for a lovely motor!
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My condolences as well Dez - I too have been through it with losing both parents in the space of 6 months - one not entirely unexpected, the other more of a shock. Thoughts are with you.
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Oct 30, 2023 19:04:38 GMT
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Those wheels look SO much tidier! An excellent job grizz
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Oct 29, 2023 21:27:33 GMT
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I've seen your Escort thread. The amount of work you've put into it is really a proper labour of love. As you say, it is a dream motor that you'd never have the chance of owning again. Keep it. The moment that leaves your ownership you'll be kicking yourself.
The Rod is a different kettle of fish - as you state, you haven't done anything on it for 3 years despite having a vision for it. How likely is it that this vision ever makes reality? If you haven't touched it for 36 months, it'll seem like next month before you realise that the 36 months has become 72. You need to be realistic. Are you ever going to get it finished?
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Oct 28, 2023 11:31:30 GMT
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Early yesterday evening, whilst waiting for the boys to come round for Poker Night, I was casually browsing Farcebook Marketplace. Yes it's quite often full of scammers and scallywags, but occasionally, you get a gem from a genuine seller. This is actually a wooden reproduction, but it is full size (1300mm) and looks like a really well-made bit of kit. 2 screws, a couple of big rawlplugs and a bit of brutality with the Impact Driver and it's up on the wall (I did have to move the road lamp to get it in as it is a bit of a beast. Why Liverpool Street? Living in East Anglia, it's the railway station I always go into whenever I go to London, so I do have a tenuous link to it. Excellent.
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Last Edit: Oct 30, 2023 12:41:28 GMT by mrbounce
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Oct 27, 2023 17:00:39 GMT
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Changed my mind on the Railway Possession Limit Board. It doesn't fit easily anywhere in the garage so I decided to move it on.
I shall continue with my search for more signs and other unusual stuff.
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Oct 26, 2023 19:17:19 GMT
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Excellent - look forward to seeing this with the grizz touch.
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Oct 21, 2023 10:33:52 GMT
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As others have said, it's a niche thing. Cars are subconsciously being made into Public Enemy because they're apparently the main cause of global warming, so a car show isn't going to appeal to the general public. People bang on about "the old Top Gear" with Clarkson, Hammond and May, but I felt it had run its course with those three long before Clarkson was thrown off the air. It was always full of fake jeopardy and manufactured situations with clever editing. I actually enjoyed the Chris Harris/Paddy McGuinness/Freddie Flintoff version more, but I still felt it was missing "something". Probably the fact it was more about the driving and buying rather than the fixing/building aspect.
I have a Motor Trend subscription on Amazon Prime - there are loads of car-based programs on there - granted they're mostly US-based, but I do like Roadkill, Roadkill Garage, Roadworthy Rescues, Faster With Newbern and Cotten and HotRod Garage. I occasionally have a dabble with AutoAlex on You Tube and I am also subscribed to Junkyard Digs. I like the guy - he's down to Earth, amusing and knows his stuff. Plus Mook (his other half) is nuts. I haven't watched any of the later Wheeler Dealers shows because although they can be quite interesting, I find Mike Brewer's TV personality unbearable (I'm sure he's a bit different away from the camera).
I'd also wager that most major TV channels do not want to do a car show. I can't imagine that there's enough money in it for them.
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Oct 21, 2023 10:10:38 GMT
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There's always this which I found - just the 3-dial binnacle. The difficult part would be matching it. But it is less than a full dash. Might be worth giving these guys a call? This Might Be Good
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Last Edit: Oct 21, 2023 10:11:09 GMT by mrbounce
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Oct 20, 2023 10:07:28 GMT
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I have to admit that I was tempted by this earlier in the year. An orange 76 C10 which was for sale and had a "lived in" look. However, nowhere really to put it, I have another orange project still to finish and the fact it was a straight six when I would want a V8 saw me leave it alone. I know crate and s/hand engines are available, but I had to say no. Shame, because I rather liked it. I do have a full size kit form of its older brother for sale when you have a fist full of dollars and some ambition in each of your hands. Seriously. Stop it you Temptation = BAD!! Plus, to be fair, I'd prefer a square body...
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How have I not seen this? Excellent work!
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I have to admit that I was tempted by this earlier in the year. An orange 76 C10 which was for sale and had a "lived in" look. However, nowhere really to put it, I have another orange project still to finish and the fact it was a straight six when I would want a V8 saw me leave it alone. I know crate and s/hand engines are available, but I had to say no. Shame, because I rather liked it.
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Expensive work bench.... Nice. James DEFINITELY not a workbench For display purposes only!!
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