Rexanne!

[Herman]

The car's been running great, so I've taken the opportunity just to do a couple of small little jobs.

First up, I want to do a track day at Castle Combe in the spring, so I took the car up there to see if it'd meet the 100db static noise test. Which it did... just! Having got 99.7db, the scrutineer advised me to cut off the down turned tailpipe so a bolt on racing muffler can be fitted if for some reason the car is slightly louder on the day!




I think I'll get a bit of stainless pipe to extend the 'stump' out a bit, as the exhaust exit is pretty tucked under the car now.



Whilst I was under there I noticed a cracked exhaust rubber, which wouldn't have been helping with the occasional knock.



So that got sorted with a new one.


Next up, the 'dealer issue' front number plate was annoying me because it's massive and also quite beat up.


So I ordered a fancy-dancy pressed aluminium plate that's the same size and type as the ones they have in Japan...





Finally, the battery terminals were badly designed, all knarled up with repeated use and too big for the posts on the battery, so I replaced them with some of the 'quick release' type I had... much better!





So then it was time for a wash and wax (the car not me, I didn't fancy the 'back, sack and crack'!!) then off for a quick 'test drive' and some pics.

[codge]

That Ally number plate looks good.
Is it road legal? It looks as if it might be.

Where's it from?

[A7RXY]

Looking good, nice to see you are taking good care of Rexanne.

Dibs

[Herman]

Cheers dudes.

The plate is from http://platemyride.com/ - quite expensive by the time you've paid for postage, but it's the only place I could find that make them in this style.

[Joetary]

Is this part easy to find new overthere? How much is it? The upper control arm mount. it looks brand new and I need them for both sides, Thanks in advanced.

[Steve-A]

That upper control arm mount was just the original one cleaned up. The outer plate was rotten but the inner plate was fine.

As far as I know there are no repair panels available. I made all mine from scratch.

[Herman]

Quick progress update. Sorry no pics - was too busy getting stuck in for photography!

Windscreen replacement
The screen had a load of gravel chips in it and little flecks (from Steve's angle grinder I guess...) I had the largest chip repaired but it fell out straight away, so the only option was a new screen...

However they're no longer in production, so it took 6 weeks for Pilkington to make one up. I didn't realize this before but apparently it has a slight blue tint.

Anyway, I now have a nice shiny, chip-free screen. Next job here is to repaint the ally trim strip.

MoT time
Failures were:
- Front tyre
- Number plate light bulb
- Rear light too dim
- Rear handbrake ineffective

The first 3 were easily fixed, but I didn't really know where to start with the handbrake. Adjusting the cable didn't do it, so I stripped both calipers, sandblasted the area, rebuilt with new seals (and one new piston,) fitted new pads, and bled through. Quick re-test and the ticket was mine!

DIY wheel refurb and polishing
The mismatched wheels front to rear look OK, but have always bothered me slightly. I couldn't find any SSR Longchamps for sale in the UK when I was looking, so I ended shipping a really rough pair over from Malaysia.

They were badly kerbed, which is a problem because you can't fill polished wheels without it showing. After experimenting with silver solder and brazing, I mixed epoxy with aluminium powder to fill the gouges as best I could. Then I set about the wheels with a 100 grit bevel disc. This was then followed with a brown polishing compound on a felt polishing wheel and I've got to say, I'm really pleased with the results. Next task it to either get my spacers milled down, or get some new 15mm ones made up...[/u]

[A7RXY]

Hi out on interest and being nosey how much did the new screen cost you.

Dibs

[Herman]

Not at all mate - perfectly reasonable question!

I've got one of those stupidly comprehensive classic insurance policies, so although the screen probably cost hundreds, it only cost me £60.

Given how cheap classic policies are, it's probably worth taking one out (£150 say) just to get a new screen!!

[A7RXY]