Fleet Occurrences

Talk about your cars etc here. Keep it sort of sensible and on topic please.
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SubPar
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by SubPar »

SiC wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:12 pm Cavaliers were cheap bangers when I was learning to drive and so they've got stuck in my eyes as that. I imagine much like a Marina/Maxi/etc is to those a decade or two older than me.
I still think of 90s Peugeots the same way. 306s / 405s etc. Thus I'm still shocked to see them up for 4-figure amounts now.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Split_Pin »

SiC wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:12 pm The only Cavalier I'd consider would be the one with the 2.0 engine in. I always remember them going far better than any right to have. They were a fast car you could buy when you passed your test that wasn't super expensive to insure. Likewise the Omega was too.

Cavaliers were cheap bangers when I was learning to drive and so they've got stuck in my eyes as that. I imagine much like a Marina/Maxi/etc is to those a decade or two older than me.
You'd need deep pockets for a 2.0 now, especially a multipoint injection SEH 8v SRi.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Split_Pin »

RetroShite wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 10:35 am Are you still considering selling the cavalier?

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I think I will hold onto it for the time being.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by paulplom »

It was mk2 escorts and the like that were rusty shit boxes when I first started driving. My first proper car was a silver two door mk1 cavalier.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Split_Pin »

Recent occurrences:

Cavalier: Both leaking pipes from the thermostat replaced, one or both still leaking. Otherwise running well.

75: Still providing good service, mainly used on longer journeys at weekends now. Airbag light has popped back on again. Easy fix but I have to contort myself under the passenger seat to unplug and plug the connectors. I'm not taking the seat out every time this happens!

Civic: The boot will never open, we are just living with it as is and its actually a jolly good car otherwise. Knock frkm front suspension but the MOT is due soon so will have that picked up then.

Audi: The exhaust that I bought from ebay using cross referenced part numbers, which came up with an apparently close item for a 2.0 4 cylinder model, not only doesn't fit but is a completely different shape. How that is even possible I don't know. Stuck at the garage now with just a downpipe, considering options.

I am not getting much time for cars these days as my weekends have become very busy. My son has got really interested in indoor skate parks with his scooter so we are taking him there all day both days each weekend. Keeps him fit.

Hopefully I'll get the Audi back and I can use it again. I'd like to give it a bit of a polish for the winter too.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Split_Pin »

Realised its been a month since I updated this, fleet generally going well.

Cavalier: Finally fixed the leaking thermostat pipe with a correctly sized 45 degree silicone elbow. I had to order 2 as the first one that came I cut it too short! The car is running well as always but I decided to Sorn it at the beginning of the month as a fairly rust free and original Cavalier is a rare thing now. I'd like to keep it that way.

75: performed faultlessly on a trip to the Lakes earlier this month. I really do love driving it. Airbag light still intermittent, I'll fix it nearer the MOT.

Civic: Passed its MOT last month needing only a damper and 2 drop links, all of which I knew about. Not bad at all.

Audi: You'll see in my last update that it was in the garage for an exhaust repair from 5th October.

Week 1: I chased him, he was sorry he didn't manage to get to it.

Week 2: I chased him again, answer phone says they're shut for a weeks holiday. They never mentioned this to me. I sent him a message and he said yeah sorry he meant to say to me, will get to it on Monday. Promised me the car was stored inside.

Week 3: No update by Wednesday so I decided to pay the garage an unannounced visit to see what was what. Said he's flat out with all the MOTS being pushed out from March last year to October and hasn't got to it but will get it in the garage tomorrow or the next day.

27th October: Still nothing. Miraculously, I managed to find a brand new cat and centre section in ebay, together with a good used rear section. I messaged him to ask if this was easier than repairing the centre section. He said it can't be fabricated so yes, this was the only way. The problem with it he told me, is that it isnt a simple bolt off and bolt on job.

So it took him almost a month to tell me that. Cheers.

Dropped off all the bits on Monday 1st November. So the job was literally now a simple bolt on/off job. Downpipe, middle and rear. I gave him all hangers, clamps and bolts, he supplied the downpipe gasket.

Wednesday, still nothing. Phoned, my mechanics wife has Covid so we are a man down, been flat out with just the 2 of us. He's back on Monday though.

Monday, we've been really busy, we didn't get to it.

Tuesday. Now my mechanic has Covid, we didn't get to it. I said I'll stop you there pal. When do you open in the morning? 9. I'll be there first thing, I'm taking it away.

Wednesday, got there, car has clearly not moved since 5th October, tyre flat and filthy inside and out. Thanks for neglecting my car.

I had to blow up the tyre myself and took the car and by bits away sharpish. At least he didn't charge me and gave me the £1 gasket for free.

Yesterday. Dropped it at a different garage, full exhaust fitted in under 2 hours, car sounds great now.

Regarding the first garage WHAT WAS THE FUCKING PROBLEM. He has done several jobs on my cars before, all no problem, so why the act now?

Beyond fucking words man.

At least I have the Audi back though.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Eddie Honda »

Split_Pin wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:38 amMiraculously, I managed to find a brand new cat and centre section in ebay, together with a good used rear section.
Apart from all the faffing around, that's a Brucie Bonus.
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Split_Pin »

Aye I couldn't believe it, there were even 2 of them!
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by Eddie Honda »

TWO! #shockerooney

Choose me six numbers between 1 and 47...
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Re: Fleet Occurrences

Post by captain_70s »

When I sent the Dolly away to have it's brakes looked at it sat in the yard for 2 months - I did say there was no rush, but that was a tad excessive.

I just treat it as free storage, took the car back when it's MOT exemptness was closer and chucked new drums and shoes on it one evening after work.

I think some garages just don't turn down work, despite not having any inclination to do it.
1976 Triumph Dolomite 1850HL - Field based greenhouse.
1977 Triumph Dolomite 1300 - Lean green oil dripping machine.
1983 Triumph Acclaim L - Japanglish daily runner.
1989 Volvo 740GLE Estate - Mobile storage unit.
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