What an excellent Weekend, started off filling the car with just about as many tools as I could fit as well as some other bit's n pieces and a Bonnet, then at 6.45am Set off in a Southerly direction (in my dixon of dock green voice) Meeting Tony M just off the M6 in Lancashire.
A few things were passed including a bit of chat, a bit of Gossip and a Bonnet then the usual stand n pose pic.
One other thing that I had packed was 2 4x4 Sisley Door stickers which I planned to give to Jaff-fox, however unbeknown to me the little black bitch in the background of the Pic (below) was quite happily chewing it to pieces whilst engaged in deep & meaningfull conversation with Tony
The full Story was that the bonnet was packed carefully with all sorts which when removed the dogs had pleasure in running about the grass with, unfortunately I placed the logo's next to the packing.....Do'H.
Tony it was a pleasure to Meet you and your lovely erm wife/gf ? sorry I never asked but lovely she was
Anyway onto Netherton in West Yorks to meet a very good friend (aka fish) which was quickly followed by much drink, a mexican resturant and more drink (non alchoholic for me).
Morning saw particularly poor weather but was brightened considerably by a typical West Yorks Breakfast Mmmmmmmm! this fueled myself n fish for the task at hand, so left Netherton and arrived in Stockport at about 10.40 to meet Jaff-fox aka Chris at the home of his poorly Panda.
The Poorly Panda was still looking poorly so the remedy to this was quickly administered. The prescription for which was out with the old & in with the new. Everyone worked hard to get the poorly panda in shape and after a few hours and a few brew's (Jaff only had to be reminded once though
) the old engine & gearbox was out and the new one was in.
It was an apprehensive moment when Jaff was asked to turn the engine over and nothing happened the engine turned but nada nothing no life whatsoever
a bit of scratching heads thought there may not be a spark so as Jaff went off to find a spare spark plug to test, one of the more experienced crew realised that the ignition plug for the electronic ignition had no plug attached he of course had worked mainly underneith the car and had nothing to do with this part of the opperation
So Jaff was asked again to start the car and after just a couple of turns a cough & splutter were followed by VROOOOOOOOM and the engine burst into life achieving it's one & only aim in life to make a poorly panda happy again
It was a marvelous day, which I thoroughly enjoyed and seeing the engine run just about as it should was a very satisfying end to it. I have to thank Fish especially being an admin member of our BMW site had no hesitation in helping whatsoever which has always been his way and is just one of those Top blokes you count as priviliged to being a friend. Jaff/Chris it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you and I'm as pleased as you are that it all went well. I thank you so much for the bumper it will be in place just as soon as I find the time to fit it.
The last leg of the Journey was returning to West Yorks and was again fueled to the brim with legendary cooking, I don't think I will be able to eat for at least a week.
So there you have it an excellent weekend another 500 miles driven in the panda and some more friends made, what more could you ask
Unfortunately I wasn't able to take pics of the engine opperation as my hands were a little on the oily side so hopefully Jaff will be able to add to this part. I'm also expecting a full how to on the engine & gearbox removal by Jaff shortly (I hope he was paying attention)
![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
A few things were passed including a bit of chat, a bit of Gossip and a Bonnet then the usual stand n pose pic.
One other thing that I had packed was 2 4x4 Sisley Door stickers which I planned to give to Jaff-fox, however unbeknown to me the little black bitch in the background of the Pic (below) was quite happily chewing it to pieces whilst engaged in deep & meaningfull conversation with Tony
Tony it was a pleasure to Meet you and your lovely erm wife/gf ? sorry I never asked but lovely she was
Anyway onto Netherton in West Yorks to meet a very good friend (aka fish) which was quickly followed by much drink, a mexican resturant and more drink (non alchoholic for me).
Morning saw particularly poor weather but was brightened considerably by a typical West Yorks Breakfast Mmmmmmmm! this fueled myself n fish for the task at hand, so left Netherton and arrived in Stockport at about 10.40 to meet Jaff-fox aka Chris at the home of his poorly Panda.
The Poorly Panda was still looking poorly so the remedy to this was quickly administered. The prescription for which was out with the old & in with the new. Everyone worked hard to get the poorly panda in shape and after a few hours and a few brew's (Jaff only had to be reminded once though
It was an apprehensive moment when Jaff was asked to turn the engine over and nothing happened the engine turned but nada nothing no life whatsoever
So Jaff was asked again to start the car and after just a couple of turns a cough & splutter were followed by VROOOOOOOOM and the engine burst into life achieving it's one & only aim in life to make a poorly panda happy again
It was a marvelous day, which I thoroughly enjoyed and seeing the engine run just about as it should was a very satisfying end to it. I have to thank Fish especially being an admin member of our BMW site had no hesitation in helping whatsoever which has always been his way and is just one of those Top blokes you count as priviliged to being a friend. Jaff/Chris it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you and I'm as pleased as you are that it all went well. I thank you so much for the bumper it will be in place just as soon as I find the time to fit it.
The last leg of the Journey was returning to West Yorks and was again fueled to the brim with legendary cooking, I don't think I will be able to eat for at least a week.
So there you have it an excellent weekend another 500 miles driven in the panda and some more friends made, what more could you ask
Unfortunately I wasn't able to take pics of the engine opperation as my hands were a little on the oily side so hopefully Jaff will be able to add to this part. I'm also expecting a full how to on the engine & gearbox removal by Jaff shortly (I hope he was paying attention)