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Just declared mine SORN #1647603
31/12/2020 15:25
31/12/2020 15:25
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,474
Aldershot
PeteP Offline OP
Hon Club Member 005, Membership Secretary
PeteP  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,474
Aldershot
With it unlikely that there will be any meetings to take the coupe to before May I took mine out just now for a last "essential" trip to buy some XL latex gloves before declaring it SORN.

I had been using it for the occasional shopping trip since the Autumn but with the worst of the winter weather on its way there was no point in paying the government about £25 a month to have it sitting unused.

This means that my back up car will be my now 41 year old X1/9 as its road tax is free of charge so no cost apart from insurance to keep it available for use.

Attached Files

16VT and X1/9 1500

We must all do our part for the planet.
I unplugged a row of electric cars that nobody was using.
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647605
31/12/2020 16:06
31/12/2020 16:06
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 626
Bulgaria
french_coupe Offline
Club member 773
french_coupe  Offline
Club member 773
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 626
Bulgaria
Good decision. I like that your everyday car is way older than the coupe.


lost in space
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: french_coupe] #1647607
31/12/2020 17:29
31/12/2020 17:29
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,474
Aldershot
PeteP Offline OP
Hon Club Member 005, Membership Secretary
PeteP  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,474
Aldershot
Originally Posted by french_coupe
Good decision. I like that your everyday car is way older than the coupe.

Unfortunately not so Frazer.

My everyday car is a 6 year old Vauxhall Meriva which has all the bells and whistles like heated seats, cruise control etc. which is nice to have.
It's actually much better than generally supposed, built in the Opel factory in Spain. One of the last pre PSA cars to be made.


16VT and X1/9 1500

We must all do our part for the planet.
I unplugged a row of electric cars that nobody was using.
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647631
02/01/2021 19:34
02/01/2021 19:34
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,159
,
S
samsite999 Offline
I AM a Coop
samsite999  Offline
I AM a Coop
S

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,159
,
Given lack of shows and the likelihood of upcoming shows both fiats I have will be coming of the road.
It sucks but that's the new world!

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647633
02/01/2021 19:52
02/01/2021 19:52
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 199
UK doncaster
markopolo Offline
On a journey
markopolo  Offline
On a journey

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 199
UK doncaster
Me to did it today,
You cannot drive anywhere and no car events anytime soon, so it’s SORN

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647694
04/01/2021 22:45
04/01/2021 22:45
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Rosso Offline
Club board member 1442
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My life on the forum

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Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Joined the SORN club this evening. Probably should have done it back in October as it aint likely to be going anywhere until atleast April.


[Linked Image]
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647701
05/01/2021 14:57
05/01/2021 14:57
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 947
Dorchester
R
respace Offline
Enjoying the ride
respace  Offline
Enjoying the ride
R

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 947
Dorchester
Maybe there should be a Coop SORN Register as it seems to the fastest growing group?

Mine has taken itself off the road again but officially is still on it!

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647704
05/01/2021 20:25
05/01/2021 20:25
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,162
Glos
Brilly1uk Offline
Club member 1034
Brilly1uk  Offline
Club member 1034
Competition Level

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,162
Glos
I SORNed mine immediately following its last MOT in October 2020.
Have spent a small fortune on more welding and brake refurbishments, etc. I decided to lock mine away to keep her dry until the Spring.

Lockdowns permitting, I hope to re tax her in either March or April and arrange a couple of road trips to various parts of the UK. smile


Fiat Coupe 20VT
Alfa Romeo Spider
BMW X3
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: Brilly1uk] #1647705
05/01/2021 20:57
05/01/2021 20:57
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,622
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Offline
Club President, member225
Edinburgh  Offline
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Posts: 16,622
Auld Reekie
Originally Posted by Brilly1uk
I SORNed mine immediately following its last MOT in October 2020.
Have spent a small fortune on more welding and brake refurbishments, etc. I decided to lock mine away to keep her dry until the Spring.

Lockdowns permitting, I hope to re tax her in either March or April and arrange a couple of road trips to various parts of the UK. smile



So this period will help to progress the "to-do" list, Mark?


BumbleBee carer smile
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647706
05/01/2021 22:43
05/01/2021 22:43
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,162
Glos
Brilly1uk Offline
Club member 1034
Brilly1uk  Offline
Club member 1034
Competition Level

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,162
Glos
It should do Simon, but my recent attention has gone into the Spider 939 and home maintenance.
The Porto is all tucked up in the garage with a CTek battery charger and car cover. tongue

Come the Spring, I need to get my wheels immediately re-tracked once it is taxed, as my local National Tyres Gloucester completely messed my tracking up when I had 2 new Goodyear tyres fitted to the front!
National Tyres claimed the tracking was completely out, showing me an error tracking report.
This caused me some alarm, as another tyre dealer had set up the tracking with Joe only days before, following suspension work!

I am resolved never to use National tyres again, as I believe the tracking report was just a rouse to cover up subsequently discovered scuff damage to one of my front wheels after they must have dropped it on their concrete floor.
Following National Tyres "adjustment", the car immediately pulled to the left and whilst National Tyres offered to re-track the car following my complaint, my trust in them is completely destroyed.
In the scheme of all that happened for everyone 2020, it is not worth fretting over and I will find someone else hopefully to track the car correctly again.


Fiat Coupe 20VT
Alfa Romeo Spider
BMW X3
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: respace] #1647708
05/01/2021 23:34
05/01/2021 23:34
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Rosso Offline
Club board member 1442
Rosso  Offline
Club board member 1442
My life on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Originally Posted by respace
Maybe there should be a Coop SORN Register as it seems to the fastest growing group?

Mine has taken itself off the road again but officially is still on it!


Up until 4 year ago I always drove every coupé I owned all the year round and always found them pretty good in the snow and got me home on some really bad winters when a lot were stuck on the motorway from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

So they always served me well on my commute however I was becoming unhappy subjecting them to salt eating away at them and ended up with a wee Abarth 4 years ago for the main miles and the coupé could stay tucked away in the winter. I feel pretty lucky to do so now and hopefully prolonged the life of a very solid coupé.


[Linked Image]
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: Brilly1uk] #1647715
06/01/2021 11:06
06/01/2021 11:06
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 291
Free State of Jones
clanger Offline
Making a profit
clanger  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 291
Free State of Jones
Originally Posted by Brilly1uk
It should do Simon, but my recent attention has gone into the Spider 939 and home maintenance.
The Porto is all tucked up in the garage with a CTek battery charger and car cover. tongue

Come the Spring, I need to get my wheels immediately re-tracked once it is taxed, as my local National Tyres Gloucester completely messed my tracking up when I had 2 new Goodyear tyres fitted to the front!
National Tyres claimed the tracking was completely out, showing me an error tracking report.
This caused me some alarm, as another tyre dealer had set up the tracking with Joe only days before, following suspension work!

I am resolved never to use National tyres again, as I believe the tracking report was just a rouse to cover up subsequently discovered scuff damage to one of my front wheels after they must have dropped it on their concrete floor.
Following National Tyres "adjustment", the car immediately pulled to the left and whilst National Tyres offered to re-track the car following my complaint, my trust in them is completely destroyed.
In the scheme of all that happened for everyone 2020, it is not worth fretting over and I will find someone else hopefully to track the car correctly again.


Providing the rear suspension is in good condition, as the car has fixed or non adjustable rear suspension you can get the tracking damn close with just the use of a laser level and engineers rule. I have not needed to do this on the Coupe yet but use this method on 2 other cars without needing to ever visit a garage or tire place.


E85
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647723
06/01/2021 16:37
06/01/2021 16:37
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 53
Uk
D
Daley82 Offline
Club member 2066
Daley82  Offline
Club member 2066
Reaping the fruits
D

Joined: May 2016
Posts: 53
Uk
Sorn'd club member!

Not used mine since i got it back from JBT for some work doing a few months ago. Now sat in my heated garage until April no doubt until the weather improves then out for new exhaust fitting and alloy wheel re-fresh. Pull it out once a week (Weather permitting) and run upto temp for 20-25 min & gets polished and cleaned constantly! (I have no kids!!)

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647731
06/01/2021 18:48
06/01/2021 18:48
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,298
Pontefract, West Yorkshire
andyps Offline
Club member 1482
andyps  Offline
Club member 1482
My job on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,298
Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Sorned mine in November when the MOT ran out as I know it needs some welding. As soon as it warms up a bit I'll get that done and take it for a test but probably won't retax it until March or April when and if the hillclimb season starts again.


Andy

[Linked Image]
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647735
06/01/2021 20:51
06/01/2021 20:51
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 43
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Un...
A
adamjow94 Offline
Club member 1876
adamjow94  Offline
Club member 1876
Discoverer
A

Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 43
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Un...
I sorned mine In November and put it under a car cover to protect the bodywork as I've not been going out much especially since lockdown began. Done the usual disconnect batter, leave handbrake off, and put bricks in front of the wheels so doesn't roll at all. Not sure when I'll put it back on road. Earliest most likely April depending on situation.


A Jow
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647741
07/01/2021 07:11
07/01/2021 07:11
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
barnacle Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
barnacle  Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
Sorned since I Emilygrated to Berlin... can't drive it over here and not a lot of point paying 25 quid a month to park it. So it's in dry storage now...


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647742
07/01/2021 07:17
07/01/2021 07:17
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Rosso Offline
Club board member 1442
Rosso  Offline
Club board member 1442
My life on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Neil what's required to drive it in Germany?


[Linked Image]
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: Rosso] #1647743
07/01/2021 07:32
07/01/2021 07:32
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,077
FCSS 01684 593187
Countrycruising Offline
Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising  Offline
Club Rep Europe, member 914
Forum veteran

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,077
FCSS 01684 593187
Originally Posted by Rosso
Neil what's required to drive it in Germany?


Moving the steering wheel to the left side chinny

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647752
07/01/2021 18:53
07/01/2021 18:53
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
barnacle Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
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Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
For practical purposes I'd have to convert the headlights and meet the TÜV tests, and register and insure it over here. Given the history of mine I'd rather not bugger around with it; easier to get one over here that's already registered.

I can drive it over here for a couple of months in summer if I feel the urge.


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647753
07/01/2021 19:03
07/01/2021 19:03
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,380
Lightwater, Surrey
DaveG Offline
Club Treasurer Member 311
DaveG  Offline
Club Treasurer Member 311
Je suis un Coupé

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,380
Lightwater, Surrey
Do you really need to convert to LHD? I believe that only RHD cars are allowed to be driven in Australia, but maybe 40+ year old LHD cars are ok? Need Boosted7 (IIRC) to confirm?


1996 Portofino 20vt & 2000 Pearl White Plus
1985½ & 2016 2017 Fiat 124 Spider + XF Sportbrake
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: DaveG] #1647764
08/01/2021 04:38
08/01/2021 04:38
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,723
Brisbane, Australia
Possum Offline
My life on the forum
Possum  Offline
My life on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,723
Brisbane, Australia
I have driven LHD cars here "Downunder".

As vehicles are registered in the State/Territory in which they are garaged, it varies with each one. Here in Queensland it is a 30 year old car that can be registered. A mate has a 131 Abarth Stradale and an original Abarth 124 Spider which are both registered, but then they are both over 30 years old.

Have a look here : https://prestigemotorsport.com.au/left-hand-drive-car-registration-australia/


Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647798
10/01/2021 10:39
10/01/2021 10:39
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Rosso Offline
Club board member 1442
Rosso  Offline
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My life on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,517
Motherwell - Scotland
Neil I'm pretty sure I just found you 2x 16v for sale in Germany for you chinny


[Linked Image]
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1647805
10/01/2021 18:21
10/01/2021 18:21
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
barnacle Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
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Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,512
Berlin
Dave G - I need to convert to continental headlights, and possibly other things required to get through the TüV test here. Then register it... best just to bring it over from time to time for its holidays!


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: Possum] #1647862
12/01/2021 22:26
12/01/2021 22:26
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1
Sarnia
S
SimonVT Offline
Newbie
SimonVT  Offline
Newbie
S

Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1
Sarnia
Originally Posted by Possum
I have driven LHD cars here "Downunder".

As vehicles are registered in the State/Territory in which they are garaged, it varies with each one. Here in Queensland it is a 30 year old car that can be registered. A mate has a 131 Abarth Stradale and an original Abarth 124 Spider which are both registered, but then they are both over 30 years old.

Have a look here : https://prestigemotorsport.com.au/left-hand-drive-car-registration-australia/

Queensland is now 25 years. This could prove helpful, as I am an Aussie living in Canada and I bought a 20VT (that is sitting inside a Lancia Kappa) from the Netherlands in Nov 2019 and imported it into Ontario in March 2020. It looks like we will be heading back to Brisbane in the next 2 years or so. Hopefully there will be a short time period between when we arrive back in Brisbane and when my car turns 25 in July 2024.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/register/left

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: SimonVT] #1648832
22/02/2021 10:55
22/02/2021 10:55
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 973
Behind Enemy Lines
Master_Mariner Offline
Club member 583
Master_Mariner  Offline
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Enjoying the ride

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 973
Behind Enemy Lines
Totally understand sorn'ing,

I hate to give the UK tax money. Period. But have not sorn'ed my coup-just in case it was needed.

Over the weekend, a strange orangey light re-appeared in the sky.
The snow had all disappeared, and roads which have been half a foot or more under water for much of winter were just muddy.

It was time to get the weekly essential shopping-in full lockdown mode of course. And it was time to fire up the Winter dormant Coupe. and put some essential fuel inside her.

I'd been running her regularly and moving her in and out of her garage as dry weather allowed. But she had not moved a few yards in months. Handbrakes left off. Air/con run each time she was fired up.

She fired straight away and I tiptoed through the back roads and on to the main routes- didn't rush her (had checked oil and fluids before starting and made sure no obvious issues since last time she was driven). The tyres were in need of a gentle mile or two to smooth them back out (fairly new rubber) and although willing- I kept everything gentle and let her get her first warm up. Suspension definetly needed some time to come back to life. Ditto the brakes.

Petrol station- and new fuel-and then the drive to the nearest "big" shop, allowed everything to get warmed through nicely.

An open bit of road beckoned and I could open her up a little bit - pulling well, if a bit surge-ish on full tap. Air/Con....hmm no cold air coming out. Shopping done- an easy cruise back -sun shining down. At least three groups of bikers, clearly out in a "pac". Several sport cars clearly out on inaugural spring shakedown runs.

With the five pot burble-visions of the "feedom" we used to enjoy entered my head.

Back to base-and a good wash, dry and left to sit in the sun for an hour before being put back in the garage.

Just a simple spin felt like a real escape from this current Lockdown. Role on Spring. Role on end of lockdown, and hope a few of you will get the itch to re-sorn, and take yours for that first shakedown run (lockdown allowing where you are). And hopefully spring is now just around the corner.

Lets hope we get some car time in 2021!


Now...time to get that A/c sorted out...for the 3rd time!

Regards

MM

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1648835
22/02/2021 14:09
22/02/2021 14:09
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,622
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Offline
Club President, member225
Edinburgh  Offline
Club President, member225
Forum veteran

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,622
Auld Reekie
That's a great feel MM, today I drove our project car 100 metres and even that was good, having not driven my own for a good while. Fingers crossed the border will re-open before too long to enable my trip down to pick it up.

The a/c pipework I'm beginning to think becomes susceptible to pinholing - my friendly chap has diagnosed this happening (right in front of his nose on one occasion) and raided the yards for Alfas which tend to use the same bore pipes, then jointed them in. The lower pipe he's replaced for a muckle rubber beast which will never suffer!

I like the way you class fuel "essential", and by implication "non-essential", the latter clearly being carte blanche for any random country blast laugh



BumbleBee carer smile
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: Edinburgh] #1648873
23/02/2021 19:41
23/02/2021 19:41
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,446
Scottish Borders
G_Man Offline
Club member 1656
G_Man  Offline
Club member 1656
My job on the forum

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,446
Scottish Borders
Looks like I'm bucking the trend and is still a daily runner. Due to care comittments up in Edinburgh it's done this run on a monthly basis sun, rain or snow - and I mean serious snow on 27th Dec through the Borders shocked Every time I take it out I still get that buzz you're driving something just a wee bit special driving

Back up Abarth though is car goals if I can convince my youngest she needs the Fiat 500 in her life laugh

Last edited by G_Man; 23/02/2021 19:44.

77 77
Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PeteP] #1648880
24/02/2021 11:08
24/02/2021 11:08
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 622
Cleveland
P
PaulL Offline
Club Member 1872, Regional Rep N.E.
PaulL  Offline
Club Member 1872, Regional Rep N.E.
Enjoying the ride
P

Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 622
Cleveland
Mine was a daily driver until respray earlier this month. It's back and looking lovely, with a few minor snags. I need to burst the bubble and get back out in it regularly. I love the car too much to save it for weekends only. For the time being, I'll go out when weather isn't too bad. I hate dirty cars.

Have fun everyone.

Re: Just declared mine SORN [Re: PaulL] #1648996
02/03/2021 23:10
02/03/2021 23:10
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
Gripped Offline
Club member 1924
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
Originally Posted by PaulL
Mine was a daily driver until respray earlier this month. ..


We need photos love


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