#ZedShed Marks 30k Mile Minter

[Lee]

So continuing on the theme I’ve had an influx of people wanting their zeds to feel a bit more confident and not so scatty on the road. I’ve been fixing this by replacing the beam bushes and diff bush along with a Meyle HD kit up front and new shocks all round. The recipe is working wonders so far and proving really good value for money.

This time I have a real stunning 30k mile 2.8 pre facelift car but fitted with the M52TUB28.

all parts on order and the tear down starts tomorrow

 

[Lee]

Made a good start. Thought I would get the subframe out ready. All the parts are on order so it’s the waiting game now.

shortly into removing the beam I noticed a snapped rear spring. Luckily plenty of these freshly coated in stock.

Other side was ok

working solo today I had to do things a little differently. Combination of a trolley and some blocks of wood I used gravity to assist.

Now needs some new straps and a clean up

Out!

Parked till parts arrive

few people have asked me what tools I use. This is me trolley with the tools loaded. I have a set of wratchet spanners, 1/2” set and 3/8” set. This is 90% of all the tools I use doing these builds.

 

[Dino D]

Wow that’s a beauty and basically my cars twin - it used be just like that and with a beige interior too!

 

[MGC]

Really glad I found Lee. The car needed sorting.

 

[AntStark]

Really glad I found Lee. The car needed sorting.

Looks stunning, love that colour. Seriously, you won’t know it when you get it back.

 

[Dino D]

Really glad I found Lee. The car needed sorting.

I’m mega jealous how fresh you Montreal Blue 2.8 is underneath.
Did you have it from new?
With some of the tricks Lee’s learned over the years he makes them handle better than new.
Seriously fun cars when sorted properly (for those who actually want to drive rather than be driven!)

 

[MGC]

I bought it just over 2 years ago. Owned previously by BMW. I think it had been inside most of its life and only had 18000 miles
I was very disappointed with the handling and at a loss until I came across Lee.

 

[Dino D]

Tell Lee to sort you out some track mods…you’ll be shocked what it can do, even on a wet track!

 

[Dino D]

I bought it just over 2 years ago. Owned previously by BMW. I think it had been inside most of its life and only had 18000 miles
I was very disappointed with the handling and at a loss until I came across Lee.

Amazing find.
And in the best colour

 

[Lee]

Today we did a few more prep jobs while parts are on order. First up old beam bushes pressed out. Front end we started removing a few bits ready for the MeyleHD kit to arrive.

 

[Lee]

Been a very productive few days. Parts are finally starting to arrive.

First job was fitting the new beam bushes and reassembling the rear subframe. Love how you can see the factory markings on the diff casing.

can see the factory R stamp indicating it has an LSD fitted.

gave it all a wipe down and it’s amazing how clean it is.

then minutes later I had it back up in the car.

at this point I always fit the shocks so the rear end is supported. New Sachs shocks

new fasteners in the right places to make future removal easier. Removed the cap heads for flanged hex.

The following 3 hours is just a methodical reassembly.

Replacement springs also fitted.

the main photo showing the biggest reason all these builds take place. Finally the beam bushes supporting that beam.

Some new flanged nuts for the exhaust. Always find these past their best.

With the back end now done. I moved up to the front. All the hardware here is being replaced.

Was funny I needed to remove the callipers to hang out the way and one of the brake pads now identifies as wireless.
Will get some fresh discs n pads in the morning

good few hours in and all the old stuff removed.

I always leave the wishbones till last.

both front hub assemblies

shocks also waiting to be replaced

Now all gutted

some of Meyle’s HD finest to go back on.

This is how far I’ve made it in the last two days. At this rate she’ll be done by the weekend.

 

[MGC]

Thanks for the updated blog Lee.

 

[Lee]

Car went together perfectly today. I started off building the front shocks up.

All looking fresh now up front

next up was the roll bar. Can really see the size difference between normal and Meyle HD bushes.

Annoyingly forgot to take many photos today.

shortly after I got all 4 wheels on and started the last job. The seats really rock.

drivers seat out. Old Bush has fallen apart.

in bits

new PTFE inserts. Does the job nicely.

Last job of the day was a nice test drive. Took her out for a few miles and she drives lovely.

with only 30k miles on the clock she’s now ready to be enjoyed!

 

[MGC]

A huge thanks to Lee@ZShed HQ. The Z3 drives superbly now. Drove back to Chipping Norton on country roads good and bad and a bit of motorway and dual carriage ways.