oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
1986Uno45S what a load of BULL!
Whoah, easy now!
oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
you dont need traction control and all that crap, I can drive and make my own judgements and i dont need some computer to make decisions for me.
That wasn't my point. You're more likely to have an accident because of OTHER DRIVERS in the winter. Wet, icy and dark roads lead to more chances of skidding plus reduced visibility increasing the 'sorry mate, I didn't see you' factor.
And a turbo charged car that has a 'kick' when the turbo comes in is not the best combination on slippery roads. Even my 45bhp 45S will spin its wheels with little provocation on winter roads...
I can drive and make my own judgements too, and my 20 year driving record shows that I am a very safe driver (maximum no claims on my insurance, 1 non fault accident in 10 years). What I can't account for is other idiots on the road running into my car and whether on a cold day the road up ahead is covered in black ice or not.
oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
do you know how difficult it is to get parts? my local motor factor can get literally every servicably part, panel, light, everything needed for a Uno Turbo next day.
Yes, I know how difficult it is to get parts for the mk1 Uno. According to Fiat my car doesn't exist because it is pre-1988 so they won't order anything unless I insist they look up the part for a post '88 model. My local motor factor can't get a throttle cable for me as they are no longer stocked. The lower suspension arm clamps for a Uno turbo are no longer available. Anything to do with the trim is unobtainable and no longer stocked. Brand new ECU's are not available. It's a well known fact that the turbo throttle cable is no longer available (check Ebay to see how much they go for when one does come up). Fiat are notoriously bad at keeping a supply of parts for older models.
Granted that most of the service parts and panels are still available at a price, but that doesn't take into account how much it costs to have them prepped or fitted if the owner can't do it themselves. Plus a slight knock is likely to write the car off unless an agreed valuation has been made when taking out the insurance. For instance, my only knock a couple of years ago wrecked just my steering rack. The insurance company wrote the car off as an uneconomical repair. I fixed it with a second hand rack for next to nothing...
oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
has no one ever heard of Waxoil underseal? underseal your car and waxoil places that you dont want to rust eg doors wheel arches. it WILL protect from rust.
True, but what about suspension arms? Rear beam axle? Exhaust systems? Brake calipers? Ball joints? Rubber gaitors? These can't be covered in Waxoyl and all hate being covered in damp and road salt plus will deteriorate far quicker under winter conditions than in summer.
Plus you have to Waxoyl every couple of years as the stuff doesn't last forever...
oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
I'm sorry but i dont see an Uno turbo as a classic, do you really think a it of rain and snow are going to destroy an UT over the winter?
Erm, yes, winter will greatly accelerate the deterioration process. Read articles in Practical Classics to see just how much damage winter can wreak on an old car. And judging by how few UT's are left on the road because most have rusted away kind of proves this. That's why countries with dry and temperate climates still have old cars that haven't rusted away, but in the UK many of our cars suffer badly. Maybe one winter won't destroy a Uno turbo, but it can be very brutal on a pristine example. Paintwork doesn't like salt, any water that gets into body seams and then freezes can then crack the sealant/ paint allowing further water ingress and greater chances of rusting.
I've been involved in the owning, running and restoring of old cars (I grew up with 70's cars - trust me they definitely don't like winter!) for many years and have seen what happens when they are exposed to winter elements. It's a sorry fact I know, but winter is brutal on a car.
oldskoolmk1unoturbo said:
lol sorry but a car is to be driven, not hidden away.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing worse than a 'Trailer Queen' car that is kept pristine and never used, and only makes occasional appearances as some car show concours event. Personally I don't like concours cars. If a car is like new then stick it in a museum! And I totally agree that a car is meant to be driven and not hidden away.
But in Rob's case he's making his car 'mint', spending a lot of time and money bringing it up to scratch and was contemplating on whether to drive it all the time or use it as a second 'fun' car. In fact, in his own words he said something about it being a weekend fun car and wants to keep it for a long time.
All I was trying to point out was that it would be a shame to risk spoiling all that work on a car that maybe is not a classic, but is cherished, rare and will be in excellent condition. Plus if he insured it under a classic policy (not necessarily because it is a classic car, but because the insurance is a lot cheaper AND the car is more accurately valued) he'll be able to get the best deal for keeping it on the road. He will also be reducing the chances of it deteriorating and ensures it will stay in good condition to be used on the road for many years to come.
And that, surely, is what it's all about?
