A Highland Z3 1.9 roadster

[Ianmc]

Given the state of Ratty, you have likely made a good call.

 

[Althulas]

Looks a good local purchase. With a solid base I’m sure it will serve Sarah and you well

 

[Mint]

That looks a great car Paul, good decision I think

 

[t-tony]

I agree with previous comments Paul. A good choice made by knowledge and common sense. Hope it serves you as well as Ratty has. How about Robin for a name?

Tony.

 

[Pls]

Thanks @t-tony - one vote for 'Robin'! It should be reliant! Better than 'Basil' - fine until it goes wrong or 'faulty'!

Cheers

Paul

 

[Argyll Andy]

Got to be Scarlett?

looks nice and a suitable replacement

 

[Pls]

Got to be Scarlett?
looks nice and a suitable replacement

Indeed, most appropriate. The other options put forward here have been Rufus, Rudolph, Poppy, Flynn, Carmine (!), Rusty (!!), Clancy and Basil, all of which have some connection with 'red', the most popular so far is Basil! But we shall give it a while and drive tge car for a bit and see if its' personality prompts any ideas! (I did think of Torqemada, but it turns out that unlike his depiction in Monty Python, he didn't wear a Cardinal's red robes, as he was a Dominican friar, wearing black and white.)

Cheers

Paul

 

[Pls]

So today I acquired the red car, taxed it and drove it home. It really does feel precise and 'taut' compared with Ratty. Of course there are other slight differences too, as with any change of car.

The first thing I noticed was that the temperature gauge needle only went just over the pale blue 'cold' mark. The coolant level is correct, and the heater puts out heat, although not a great amount. Am I right that is a sign that the thermostat needs replacing?

So I then spent some time going over the car - the hood felt a bit stiff, but eased up nicely after the various joints were given a drop of Three-in-One oil. The boot lid gas struts could do with replacing. And while I was in the boot I decided to check the spare wheel.

I had thought there wouldn't be much to do, but now - let the pimping begin!

The cradle is in good nick, and soon I had cleaned up the wheel and cover.

But it all cleaned up nicely!

Cheers

Paul

 

[t-tony]

Yep, sounds like a new thermostat is required.

Tony.

 

[Pls]

Yep, sounds like a new thermostat is required.
Tony.

Thanks Tony. Do you reckon it's ok to drive it on short runs till I've replaced it?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Stevo7682]

If jammed open just wont heat up .
If you run the car a few minutes then check the top and bottom radiator hoses if both about the same temp thermostat jammed open for the small additional cost i would do water pump as well prone to fail especially on viscous equipped engines.
Stephen.

 

[Pls]

If jammed open just wont heat up .
If you run the car a few minutes then check the top and bottom radiator hoses if both about the same temp thermostat jammed open for the small additional cost i would do water pump as well prone to fail especially on viscous equipped engines.
Stephen.

Great, thanks Steve. Sound advice! I shall check hoses.

Cheers

Paul

 

[t-tony]

Thanks Tony. Do you reckon it's ok to drive it on short runs till I've replaced it?

Cheers

Paul

Sorry for late reply Paul we've been out all day till just now. But, yeah what Steve said.

Tony.

 

[Pls]

It turns out that it takes longer to warm up than Ratty, so the thermostat could be stuck open, but with a longer run today, the gauge showed normal temperature:



So I needn't have worried - and the thermostat can be replaced, probably with the water pump, in due course as preventative maintenance.

It poured with rain all day today, and there were no leaks in the hood at all, so that's good!

Cheers

Paul

 

[Pls]

The garage has needed a bit of a sort out (!) so that I don't have things hanging from the roof over my posh 'new' Zed!

This also means that I can open the bonnet in the garage - always helpful!

The car has air conditioning, which I haven't encountered before, so I've been doing some online learning. It has an electric fan, behind the radiator, and no viscous fan.

I have tried the air conditioning out, and it seems to work fine, although it might be difficult to be sure in 5°C Highland weather! On return home, the top hose is at 75°C with the temperature gauge indicating the normal, vertical position.

Cheers

Paul

 

[AntStark]

Look how shiny it is

 

[Pls]

Look how shiny it is

Yes, I think that it's the smartest car that I've ever owned! So I'm going to have look after this one more carefully! Its got a 'Kenzo' ceramic coating from IGL Coatings apparently.

Don't you just love your children's sense of humour:

Cheers

Paul

 

[Stevo7682]

Paul new car new progress thread to document your new zed .

Does the air con work ? have you tested it yet.
Looks in nice condition is that a factory issued 6 digit plate.

Stephen.

 

[Pls]

Paul new car new progress thread to document your new zed .
Does the air con work ? have you tested it yet.
Looks in nice condition is that a factory issued 6 digit plate.
Stephen.

Righto, will do.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Stevo7682]

Only right as this is still Rattty's thread and you still have and may keep to break so Ratty's story with you not over yet.
Stephen