Bognor Lean-to Project

[Mazzal]

Shouldn’t that be the “Mad Malc” look - well done bruv - it’s now looking like a project nearing competition - when can I expect delivery - oh and how much warranty do l get.

 

[Mazza]

Had a midday gig today so nothing done on the car…… till I got back and just had to get out and start it again….
First time in the sunshine for about 2.1/2 years

Just let it idle for a while ( with the occasional rev)

gradually got up to temperature.. and no leaks

The only thing that happened was the low fuel light came on …. Not surprising really…. So put about 5lts in and the light went out so at least I know it works.
The Engine Management light is on… but I am assuming that its because there is no MAF sensor ( ordered a new one yesterday £35 ftom Autodoc ( inc Postage) . Its a Ridex one … used their stuff before so I am hoping it will be ok.
The other dash lights I expected.
Water pump bearing sounds a bit noisy but all the cooling parts will be replaced including the radiator.
At least its had a warm up

oh and the horns work… (replacements from Andy)….. loud enough to wake the dead

 

[Mazza]

A few bits done today....
Started with the bumper cover....just a bit more rubbing down.....

Then cleaned off and went over it with a tack cloth. ( see really professional... )

Then a bit of primer....

All good ....until I noticed one of the inserts that I put in was not straight....and didn’t take much to remove ....
The main reason was that the hole had been opened out a bit and the insert wouldn’t crimp down on to it properly....
So had to come up with another solution, and I didnt want to use a larger insert..... so came up with this...
I got another matching insert, And put an external M8 thread on it. Wasn’t easy and the first one didn’t go well, but the theory was fine. With a bit more care, I managed to do it and this was the result...

Fixed it in with a washer and an M8 nut ....and a drop of threadlock.....

I’m not sure that the new radiator is the right one for the car though.....

Andy said it was a Z3M special when he charged me £250 for it ...........only joking
Its a mates, and he asked if I could rub it down as he was so impressed with what ai did to the bumper.....MMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

I checked the nut on the front drivers side hub ( couldn’t remember if I had torqued it ), bent the tabs in
, and put the cover on.

Couldn’t do the bumper top coat as it got too windy and the sun went in....plus I have to drill 4 holes where the lower grill tabs have broken off.

I will need to get some thin self tappers as not a lot of material thickness to play with. Needs to be done as I’m sure the lower grill will vibrate otherwise.

Might order the cooling bits tonight..water pump, thermostat, and a new belt.
It may need a new idler but as it didn’t seem to be making any noise when I had the engine running, I will leave that for now.

 

[Mazza]

Didnt get a lot done today as still working on the radiator ...but managed to get some paint on the bumper..

Now sitting in the garage overnight and then a go over with some 1200 grit paper and then a lacquer coat.

But I couldn’t resist starting it again and sitting revving it up Got it up to temp and glad to say alls well....But a problem with the clock unit . Not illuminating. And ticking ??????.. so may need to replace it. Andy @spurs fan in a coupe

 

[Mazzal]

Isn’t that what a clock is supposed to do- tic-toc, tic-toc

 

[Mazza]

I have been a bit distracted over the last week or so with other things. Like finishing the radiator for my mate, getting the modification bits done for five sets of Z3M tank straps, a 467 mile round trip leaving at 3.30pm and back home at 3.15am ...but managed to get a few bits done.

Ended up taking it back to bare metal but worth the effort to get a decent finish..

Found the reason the OBC didnt work....

It’s broken ..... anyway I found an analog clock for £19 so that will be here soon to Replace it. Also found the correct wire that plugs into the clock

Its the one with the ‘?’ on it.

Collected the lower grille and fixings from local Stealer ( although they were actually the cheapest this time)

Sorted the bumper cover where the 4 nibs had been broken off....

Drilled a 2mm hole where the nibs were and have 4 self tappers to fix it at those points.

It was while I had the bumper cover upside down that I noticed that the return edges were still grey ....

So had to go and get another rattle can of Topaz Blue ....
And set up a spray booth......

But needed to be doneb

Still not done the lacquer coat yet as weather be too damp ...

The car is currently back in the air... two reasons....one, I was checking on the fixing point for a Z3M canister strap ( not that it will have one, but the anchor point is on all cars and wanted to check where the block goes on the support strap and check a dimension. )....... and two ..... brakes are still a bit spongey so will be getting them re bled next week with the help of @Alan Slade.

Will probably have to take the centre console out to get the clock installed when it turns up....
And towards the end of the month , got to remove the drivers seat from the 1.9 as its going to have the leather seat cover repaired ( properly ...this time).

 

[colb]

Good luck with the Ridex Maf, tried cheap one, make unknown on my 1.9 when it had running problems, ended up getting a Bosch one fropm BMW at inflated price but it was plug and play, instant fix to the running problems. Did you use stainless self tappers on the grill in that exposed position.

 

[Mazza]

I’ll wait and see about the MAF , but the self tappers are stainless

 

[AntStark]

That radiator doesn't look OEM

 

[Mazza]

Haven’t been doing much of late as other things to occupy my time… but this morning thought I would have a look at the lights.
One of the lenses is a bit shabby and the other has lost the adjuster….. so having been given a set that also had a broken adjuster, thought I would try to make one good set from them.

First !!!! Walked up to B&Q and got a heat gun.
Cant use the oven method as its gas and I would probably end up with a kitchen fire

so never done this before, but just went round and round the edge on max heat (600 degrees) and after about 4 mins could see traces of glue bubbling … gently eased it apart. (had to use a bit more heat on one corner) but lens came off and in one piece

I also removed the indicator lens….
So on to the next one….
Same thing and again removed without damage.
So two nice clear lenses that can be used

and a pair of clear indicator lenses which will go in my spares box as I wont need them.

Before I swap the lenses over, I need to somehow repair one of the adjusters on the other set. Luckily none are seized, just lost the black knob that turns the spindle. Thinking of a grub screw or a pin to hold it ….
Will practice on this donor set first to see whats possible.

 

[Mazza]

Well , today at the Lean-to …. The arrival of a donor car…. I bought Rusty’s beloved car that unfortunately has terminal rust. There will parts that will live on, on my 2.8 (roof , bonnet and other parts) … the rest will be available to anyone who needs parts.

Even has a 3/4 full tank of fuel .

cd Changer

and a complete beige interior which is in great condition … which I will be selling so open to offers

 

[Mazza]

@Matt Barnes
Matt, if you want to do some practice welding on it at any time you are welcome to come over and use it once the panels etc have been removed.

 

[Mazzal]

I’ll take the fuel - can you send it to me

 

[AntStark]

Jeez.. you'll be changing your name to 'Bognor Regis Town fan in a coupe' at this rate.

 

[pgunter]

Are you trying to keep up with Andy @spurs fan in a coupe then Malc

 

[Mazza]

I only hope I can remember which one it is that I’m breaking

 

[Mazzal]

Its definitely not the white one.

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I only hope I can remember which one it is that I’m breaking

They are all in similar condition!

 

[Mazza]

They are all in similar condition!

I hope not !!!

 

[Pond]

PMed.