How about collecting some of the experiences we get as daily barchetta drivers? Sorry if this kind of thread already exists, I couldn't find one with a quick search.

My first tip, after learning the hard way on friday:

Tip #1: Once a year or something like that: Remove the metal plate in front of the windscreen. Is't only 6 torx screws (T30?/40?), a 13mm nut to remove the wiperarms, and two 21mm nuts. Then check if the wipers move without restriction. My left wiper was 100% stuck, which made the linkage to the wiper motor pop off at 2 different places - lots of swearing, not so much visibility. :bang: If they don't move freely, use some WD40 or similar first, and some thicker oil (engine oil, ect) in the end before putting if back together. This will take max 30 min, and will ensure you that your wipers don't f%#& with you on a rainy day, like mine did..

Good idea for a thread, I am just off put for a Pizza Exoress so more later but in the meantime park in gear when in a sub-zero climate!

I could do a top tip sticky thread and as each post is added a link/list to the previous post is also added such as.....

____________________________________________________________

* first post description of what you want to say*


(Post 1 wiper linkage lubrication)

_____________________________________________________________

*second post description of what you want to say*

(Post 1 Wiper linkage lubrication)
(Post 2 Going out for Pizza )

_____________________________________________________________
Etc

Etc
_____________________________________________________________

I would edit from the start and you can add as you wish following the same format.

A sticky would be great, if people come with more tips&tricks.

Spend saturday polishing the B's bodywork. Spend Sunday polishing the wife's bodywork. Retire exhausted to bed on Sunday eve. Wake up Monday and Lo! it raining. Make sure B is warm and dry in its garage and take the train...

My daily drive is a Mondeo estate turbo diesel. Sometimes I forget and drive to work with the B still parked in the back.

ok my brain is tired tonight !!! what are we after here ? are we trying to list the faults of B when driven daily?

if that's the case that's easy drove he every day for 14mths and she has let me down 3 times not starting, and usual leaking roof and her current problem is swing bush arm need changing,

all the cars i have had that is the cheapest car i have run she is great.

ignore me if this it not what you wanted to know LOL

What I'm thinking about is small tips & tricks you have learned while driving your barchetta. Like my tip on how to avoid that your wipers get stuck, Lrb's tip on never parking with the handbrake on in the winter.

My next tip: Put a towel/blanket or similar inside the bow of the rear window when you fold the roof. This will help the plastic to keep a nice even bow, and not give marks and cracks.

Unclechuchu said:

My next tip: Put a towel/blanket or similar inside the bow of the rear window when you fold the roof. This will help the plastic to keep a nice even bow, and not give marks and cracks.

Click to expand...

I go one step further and keep a section of foam pipe insulation in mine, works a treat!



Another tip for the cold weather, before you leave your b for any period of time prop the door handles out of their recess with a matchstick, this will stop them freezing insitu.........

This thread should go on, is useful!
I will try to revive it with my own experience.
I am not your usual daily Barchetta driver because I am a bit of a maniac when it comes to safety and checking everything. That is why:
Every 4 months my B gets new NGK spark plugs
The air filter is cleaned regularly at least with some air gun if not sport air filter detergent and oil spray.
Watch when you take it to mechanic for this and that, watch for the front bushes, every one. Inspect for cracks, wear. Take one wd40 and spray where the moving parts meets, joints, whatever, keeping the dirt and water away and keeping that rubber bushes young.
Do not put strutbrace unless you make some mods to the suspension also (at least eibach springs), otherwise, you get stiff front and loose back if you drive sporty, otherwise there is no biggy.
Well said about the wipers. Once a year inspect mechanism. Mine was blocked and it burned the motor.
Park your car backwards into some shop window and check that all the rear lights are working. Rear lights may crack with time, let moisture in, affect your bulbs, you may end up on the street with no braking lights, unaware!
Make a small tool kit and put it in the truck including some electrical tape, super glue, fuses and light fuse tester, maybe a small voltmeter, a pair of working gloves, small bottle of antifreeze, tire pressure tester, pliers, some plastic ziperrs, spare luight bulbs kit H1. Most of these can fit easily in the spare tire compartment.
brb

Hi Chu chu. I have the same problem with the wipers. If I don't use them for a few days they seize up. How do I get at them? Not sure which panel you mean. I drive my b every day and have done for five years. Had very few problems but this thread will be really useful.

spiderboy said:

Hi Chu chu. I have the same problem with the wipers. If I don't use them for a few days they seize up. How do I get at them? Not sure which panel you mean. I drive my b every day and have done for five years. Had very few problems but this thread will be really useful.

Click to expand...

panel between windshield and bonnet, wipers are sticking out of that. 2 bolts accessible when you open doors, and 5-6 when you open bonnet. also you need to release wipers... when you take all bolts, carefully lift panel because water hose for squirters are attached to panel... and are not quite long.

Thanks Faust I did have a look. I just need some torx thingies now. !