www.RX7fb.com

ian65 wrote:I really feel for you being in this situation Kevin.... you're caught between a rock and a hard place really.
If you leave the car with him, it'll probably be another 6 months before it's done, assuming he can motive himself..... I've restored loads of cars over the years and doing the bodywork and getting a car into paint is only part of the process.... it takes an age to refit all the trim, parts etc onto a freshly painted car and in many ways seems just as time consuming as the bodywork.
I'd probably take the car back off him as is but then you've got the hassle of squaring him up for the work that he has managed to do ( and putting some sort of value on it) and then finding another quality classic car restorer or bodyshop who can finish the car to the standard you want and be prepared to take on a half restored car.

Hi Ian, I have thought about doing what you suggested for a few months now but the longer I have left it the more difficult it is to take it away from him. He has had made more promises than you can imagine but I know he is an idiot but I think he is quite competent at resto work and cares about the quality of his work.
I have already fronted him £1600 but will not give him another penny until complete. I know what you are saying about refitting all the trim, especially when the trim and fittings are over 30 years old, and it could easily be another 6 months before it is completed. But the driving months of year have almost passed so I am inclined to leave it with him as I probably won't drive it beyond November even if it were ready.
It has been a very painful lesson but I really struggled to find anyone who wanted to take on the work in the first place. Not many restorers have worked on FB's as they are so rare. I just wish i was more hands on and had the facilities at my disposal.

spirit r wrote:

Threesevens wrote:

spirit r wrote:What a wonderful colour. Very nice elford.
Your "Restorer"? has cut the drainage tube from the sunroof

I don't think he has cut the drainage tube as it is tucked away behind the new plate he welded. I did check this.

You can see it on your picture:

Schneiden Sie point.png

By the way: check your rear brake pads!!!

Hi Spirit, I really appreciate your comments but I am not sure why you are suggesting I need to check my rear pads. What do i need to check. Thanks Kev

Threesevens wrote:Hi Spirit, I really appreciate your comments but I am not sure why you are suggesting I need to check my rear pads. What do i need to check. Thanks Kev

You can see the different hand brake lever position. Left side is your picture. It show me the possibility your brake pads are worn out. Check the thickness of all four pads.

If pads are OK:-
Check the handbrake adjuster......in the handbrake handle.....accessed via a little side screw holding the cover....just made for dropping down the tunnel carpet every time!!!!

Once opened up just tighten the adjuster to give 5 click on the ratchet from 'off' to 'full on'.

Simple job but requires doing regularly as pads wear down.

Thanks for the advice on the brakes. i am sure the pads are ok because they were all checked out when I first got the car. I have only done 1000 miles since then so it is almost certainly the handbrake adjustment that is needed.
When I get the car back I will have a go at it but might comeback to you so I am sure I know what I am doing.
Cheers
Kev

you must feel sick kev , kidnapped your car, keep chopping bits of the body off , and the ransom goes up. sounds like a horror film. might be time to send in the S.A S. get it back. the quality of the work dont look that good.

rip7 wrote:you must feel sick kev , kidnapped your car, keep chopping bits of the body off , and the ransom goes up. sounds like a horror film. might be time to send in the S.A S. get it back. the quality of the work dont look that good.

Nightmare on Elford Street

When the time comes to collect the finished job, pay half in cash, the other half by cheque then race to bank & cancel it quick. Then he will have to wait while you make false promises to pay, "bortaS bIr jablu'DI' reH QaQqu' nay'" "Revenge is a dish best served cold"

S A22W. dont give no more money.

Contacted the restorer asking if he could give me an update on the progress he had made since I was last there and also to arrange for the carb to be refitted.
This is his reply
"Hi Kev, I'm in York at moment as my wife had emergency ceasarian on Monday. Will be about on Monday if he can do it then?"
How much bad luck can anyone have??