Introduction
I figured it was about time that I introduced you to my little project, she is a 1.2 16v Sporting in black and I am in love. As with all cars of this age she came with a few problems but I am progressively working through them as and when time and money will allow. So before I loose your interest with endless text take a little look at her just after I brought her (note I had given her a quick clean prior to these photos as she was filthy).
In fact this is a small example of the dirt.
So when I first picked her up (well within the first few months) I had some welding done and have under sealed the whole passenger underside, the drivers side doesn't really need welding and it would do if left a few years so I plan on doing it at some point in the near future and under sealing once its done.
I fitted a new lambda sensor and cat as emissions were reasonably high when she went for an MOT, she passed but it was touch and go and I wasn't convinced that I was getting the fuel economy I should have been. Since being fitted I get around 480 miles on a full tank instead of the 300 I was getting initially so I'm glad I made the decision.
Obviously she was given a very thorough service when she came under my ownership, I'm very glad I have half a clue as when I looked at the car the oil was barely showing on the bottom of the dipstick.. Straight home, fully serviced and treated to some lovely Castrol juice.
I also replaced the rear drivers trailing arm and it had excessive play, as I had it on stilts I also took the time to replace the section of brake hose connected to the drum as it had clearly seen better days. I also decided once finished that I should adjust the handbrake as it was taking around 5 clicks and I'm a stickler for a 3 click handbrake.
Since then I have just replaced/upgraded bits as they've gone, I recently fitted HID's when one of my bulbs died. (I know its naughty but they are very nice at night)
I also took the oppertunity to replace the sidelights with some nice white LED substitutes.
<-- Give them a little click to have a real look
I replaced the number plate bulbs as one was gone. In fact since the below photo I have changed them again for a brighter set as one died so I'll try to grab a little pick of them in action this evening.
That's pretty much all I've done to her over the 5 or 6 months that I've had her asides from cleaning the actual hell out of her.
She has some lacquer peel/car wash wounds of the top of the drivers door and a ding in the bonnet as someone has clearly shut it down with a tool on top of the engine.
There's also a rather nice door mark down the passenger door, otherwise she is in fairly good nick and under my ownership always gleaming. I will replace the damaged panels along our journey as I plan on having her around for many years to come, even if she's not my daily drive. I'll leave you now with a snap of how she stands now and as always I look forward to your comments.
In fact this is a small example of the dirt.
So when I first picked her up (well within the first few months) I had some welding done and have under sealed the whole passenger underside, the drivers side doesn't really need welding and it would do if left a few years so I plan on doing it at some point in the near future and under sealing once its done.
I fitted a new lambda sensor and cat as emissions were reasonably high when she went for an MOT, she passed but it was touch and go and I wasn't convinced that I was getting the fuel economy I should have been. Since being fitted I get around 480 miles on a full tank instead of the 300 I was getting initially so I'm glad I made the decision.
Obviously she was given a very thorough service when she came under my ownership, I'm very glad I have half a clue as when I looked at the car the oil was barely showing on the bottom of the dipstick.. Straight home, fully serviced and treated to some lovely Castrol juice.
I also replaced the rear drivers trailing arm and it had excessive play, as I had it on stilts I also took the time to replace the section of brake hose connected to the drum as it had clearly seen better days. I also decided once finished that I should adjust the handbrake as it was taking around 5 clicks and I'm a stickler for a 3 click handbrake.
Since then I have just replaced/upgraded bits as they've gone, I recently fitted HID's when one of my bulbs died. (I know its naughty but they are very nice at night)
I also took the oppertunity to replace the sidelights with some nice white LED substitutes.
<-- Give them a little click to have a real lookI replaced the number plate bulbs as one was gone. In fact since the below photo I have changed them again for a brighter set as one died so I'll try to grab a little pick of them in action this evening.
That's pretty much all I've done to her over the 5 or 6 months that I've had her asides from cleaning the actual hell out of her.
There's also a rather nice door mark down the passenger door, otherwise she is in fairly good nick and under my ownership always gleaming. I will replace the damaged panels along our journey as I plan on having her around for many years to come, even if she's not my daily drive. I'll leave you now with a snap of how she stands now and as always I look forward to your comments.
