DSCI2132.JPG

Panda (Classic) SEAT Marbella (Mk1 Panda replica).

Great news!! She passed her test first time today with some relatively minor advisories (the usual play in rear wheel bearings which there isn't much I can do about I don't think, as they are sealed units....and they are new bearings anyway so should be fine).

So she got a much deserved wash as been sitting out under a cover since september last year!
WP_20150518_17_49_53_Pro_highres.jpg


Also some shots of the engine bay...looking a bit neater each iteration of the mods but I think pretty much there now.
WP_20150518_17_10_40_Pro_highres.jpg


All the extra cooling mods have massively helped keep her cool as well and I should have no problem with over heating now...fingers crossed :cool:
 
congrats! gotta admit i chuckled a bit that the bay is looking neater, it looks like spaghetti junction lol. No offence intended!

It personally annoys me that i see cars with wires and stuff like across bays that pass tests easily and no comment passed but mine when it last went in for a test failed on "untidy horn wiring", because it wasn't ratcheted tight down and perfectly onto the slam panel! the fact it was all working, insulated, not touching or even near anything that was ever going to wear it down/ could probably have ran 20 years without even the slightest problem, wasn't even considered, it just wasn't perfectly flat = fail :bang: It's a personal sore point for me tbh :ROFLMAO:

Congrats on the pass, car is looking awesome! (y):D
 
sounds like you need to start using somewhere else mate lol... It amazes me how many testers seem to get away with failing stuff that clearly shouldn't - and don't even get me started on silly advisories!!

Yeah, made the mistake of taking it to a branded "Autocentre" purely on the basis i could get it in tested the next day and my usual place is a 3 week wait for a slot.

My personal hatred of a "fail" is the "Insecure battery" ones that seem to get handed out willy nilly on all cars by certain testers, VOSA guidlines are perfectly clear that a battery is only deemed "Insecure" if a battery is likely to tip over during use, it does not need to be strapped or bolted down as long as it is in a place where it can't fall over during general driving. In a lot of cars they can, but in some they can't.

Using the cinq as an example, in the standard battery tray it has the inner wing to the left side, the scuttle panel over it, the inlet manifold to the right and the coolant bottle in front of it, it is physically impossible for it to ever "tip" over yet unless it is clamped solid, most your day to day grease monkey big chain testers will fail the whole car it.
 
My personal hatred of a "fail" is the "Insecure battery" ones that seem to get handed out willy nilly on all cars by certain testers,
With Panda's certain testers like to hand out insecure spare wheel because the spare wheel just sits under the bonnet and is secured by the closing of the bonnet (it can't move anywhere once the bonnet is closed) yet some testers don't seem to be able to understand this concept.... :bang:
 
I've not had trouble with the spare wheel before but the mk1 4x4 and maybe the later 4x4s have the wheel clamped down in the engine bay as part of the jack extending block holder thingy. The marbella had no clampy thing though either but I moved the spare wheel to the boot and is clamped down tight :cool:

Anyway, final update before she is cut loose at Crystal Palace on monday...

Fitted a centre bonnet catch to help hold it down at high speeds...was fluttering a little bit and was going to end in fail!...(NB still might end in fail... time will tell :eek:) Can disguise it as a badge possibly or leave as is...this type I used on the bumper as well and is ideal for the bonnet as it is push button release :cool:...

WP_20150522_18_41_45_Pro_highres.jpg


WP_20150522_18_42_10_Pro_highres.jpg


From underneath:
WP_20150522_18_42_18_Pro_highres.jpg


Also has received another wash and wax to make her more aerodynamic :D Not sure why I have bothered really...going to be covered in flies by the time I get to London!
WP_20150523_19_31_37_Pro_highres.jpg


The number plate at the back is now a sticker...one bowl of cereal though and I've undone that weight saving... but every little helps :devil:
WP_20150523_19_31_55_Pro_highres.jpg
 
Last edited:
The number plate at the back is now a sticker...one bowl of cereal though and I've undone that weight saving... but every little helps :devil:

- Porsche would call it an 'RS' spec plate and probably ask an additional £1200.

I like the push button bonnet release, I'm tempted to copy, where was it from please?

Oh, and good luck on Monday:worship:
 
- Porsche would call it an 'RS' spec plate and probably ask an additional £1200.

I like the push button bonnet release, I'm tempted to copy, where was it from please?

Oh, and good luck on Monday:worship:

Thanks, I've got a few interesting cars to beat...in my class I have...

71 VW Scirocco Gli 1781 Blue 1979
70 Westfield Seiw 1998 White & Black 1992
69 Ginetta G4S4 2500 Green 1986
68 Sylva Phoenix 2000 Red 1996
67 Seat Marbella 1049 Black 1990
66 Renault Alpine A610 3000 Blue 1994
65 Ford Sierra Cosworth 2000 Moonstone Blue 1989

So it'll be no trophy for me but reckon I'll have the cosworth...:p

Did get a mention in the event newsletter as well, although no picture of the Marbella :( I didn't send in an action shot like the others did and there was limited space on the page I imagine were the reasons...

http://www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/images/NewsLetter/2015/newsletter_3-2015.pdf

Anyway, I got the bonnet catch from JJC race and rally via ebay (basically seem to be the same company as demon tweeks) and delivery is free. Arrived very quickly as well...but they are a bit pricey as far as bonnet catches go. Quality is good though...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PitKing-P...438?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item540f5a17ce
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Oh yes, also forgot to say I have now properly sorted the gear linkage on this one; like I did with the 4x4 and replaced the plastic ball joint with a metal one...got it down to 30 mins of work now :D...

WP_20150522_18_43_12_Pro_highres.jpg


Also yes, still need to do the other plastic ball joint at some point :p but that one is in good condition :)
 
Fear no MFrV1, I'll be back next year :D (hopefully it is still on as Ancaster Insurance are not backing the event after this year possibly).

Andy, I will ask my Dad RE: the wheels :D ...he reads this though so may let me know before I tell him :D

Anyway the day went really well, once I got the tyre pressures right :eek: My brother lucked out and had the interview which was put up over the tannoys :D he did very well in his Toledo...it's a great car and he drove pretty well as well.

Here is the video of the fastest lap, despite spinning wheels in the corners and body roll the car seemed to be handling well. Stiff suspension will sort 90% of the issue out...then limited slip diff hopefully the last bit. :cool:...


Very hard to get back into normal life which I guess is a good sign for an event like that. Crystal Palace is always something special, simply because of the number of people who come to watch and chat about the cars. Such a friendly event.

Need to sort out my next event, withdrawel is setting in :(
 
Howdy! Yes things are happening but I might have left it too late. The suspension is with GAZ atm and hoping will be done by 5th September when she gets her final run at Wiscombe Park this year. I can't come to Retro Rides this year unfortunately I've not got a working vehicle what with the 4x4's prop shaft a little shakey and this suspension work. Will be sorting that out this weekend weather permitting!
Was a good laugh last time though.
 
Back
Top