The wife's coupe was due a cambelt change. It was overdue and I hadn't kept up with regular maintenance due to a house move and not having a garage. The house still needs a load of work but the garage was finished a couple of months ago.
I am in no rush to get the coupe back on the road so its getting worked on whenever I get chance and have the energy!!!

I started with knowing the cambelt needed doing so decided that everything associated with it would get done too. I ordered all of the pulleys, belts, water pump etc as well as cam phase sensor. I also have a cambelt guard from Joe that I ordered ages ago, so that will go on. Also replacing the cam cover gasket and the 5 plugs.

Whilst looking around the car I see the water hoses could do with replacing so they are on order. Going with Viper. A new thermostat going in too as its pretty old now.

There were oil leaks all over the place so that meant oil filter back plate seal as well as oil cooler pipe seals. Dip stick tube needs a new seal too. The gearbox is not leaking too much but I decided to do the output shaft seals as well.

I noticed that there was oil from the bell housing so the gearbox has come off for a crankshaft seal. Might as well do both ends seeing as the cambelt is getting done anyway.
As the gearbox is off then the clutch may as well be replaced. The old Valeo is in good order, but with 315bhp I have gone for an uprated CG clutch.

With all the bits coming off I saw that one of the wishbone ball joints was loose so I am replacing both wishbones. There has been a whining noise from the front right side for a while so both front wheel bearings are getting changed as well as the steering pump bearing.
At the same time I am making a 5 ton hydraulic press. It will pay for itself with just this work. I had quite a bit of the steel anyway so its mainly just time.

One of the CV joints is not great so replacing both sides.

The steering rack gaiters are split so changing these and both track rod ends at the same time.

The callipers came off and the bottom thread stripped on both so I have a Helicoil kit to repair these.

The aircon needs the compressor overhauling. I already have the seal and gasket set so good to go here. The condenser had seen better days so I have ordered a new one (Not easy to find now. I got this one from Italy). A new dryer as a matter of course too.

I am replacing the starter as its a real pain to get to and it has occasionally been temperamental.

Once its all cleaned up and back together the car will get all new fluids and filters too.

Hopefully the car will be back on the road sometime around Xmas / New Year.

I knew that the car needed some TLC and she is 25 years old now (The wife bought the car new back in 1997). I know that the investment will be worth it as the life of the car will be greatly extended.
Next year hopefully, we will get her resprayed.

After all the work we will be ready for Turin 2024.

A couple of pics of the car looking a bit sorry for itself partially stripped and car parts all over the garage.

I hope that this inspires people for winter repairs, maintenance or upgrades.

Great read,will keep an eye on progress

Jamie

Brave guy, I envy your dedication.

Enjoy having the work done and the future completion.

Paul

I wish I never read this post - now suffering from garage inadequacy syndrome

Great job FC

Makes my garage look like a box room..

The coupé is an iceberg

Great effort, you can't whack peace of mind

Garage envy, indeed

I did forget to mention that I own this forum a lot. Without the help of people on here I would probably not still have the car. The assistance on here makes doing some of the jobs a lot less daunting. Also sourcing parts is getting quite tricky so I really appreciate the help people have provided to get the correct parts.

I have waited more than 20 years to get a garage. When we moved that was my only must have. I said to the wife that she can do whatever she wants in the house, but I am having a decent garage.
As we are in Bulgaria the cost of having the garage built was nowhere near what it would have been for a much smaller garage in the UK. The locals think that I am opening a business!!!

I'm pleased that you spend time with the locals.

It's the best part of being away from the UK

We are in an area with very few foreigners. We are the only English in the village. Other than us and a German guy everyone is Bulgarian. Definitely helps to learn the language faster.

I said exactly the same when we bought our house last year. My search criteria on Rightmove etc. was Essex, Double garage.

I have plans for my Coupé's interior this winter and posts like this do inspire me to knuckle down.

Start a project in the projects section

Lol. I like the search criteria.

Good news to give people inspiration. This is what the forum is all about for me.

I didn’t start a project thread as it’s only engine stuff really and not any kind of resto. I will keep updates going when I have progress.

Also I will share stuff like the hydraulic press build once it’s done.
I made some brackets to make life easier so will start a thread with these once I know they all work. I have used the gearbox bracket and it works great. Just made a small mod today. I should be able to get the box out and back in with no effort or assistance.
Not sure people will be making stuff like this but hopefully it’s interesting at least.

Perfectly appropriate for a Project thread if you wish Frazer I just contact Begbie

Fantastic work Frazer. At this age, scratching the surface tends to find a stack of hidden stuff to fix. With a nice dry garage it should be fun though!

Like others have said, a double garage is top of my list next time we move.

Look forward to seeing the progress.

But a double garage is not enough

Great work Frazer

Good luck with all your work Frazer. Amazing how jobs multiply once you start on something!

Thankfully I only have the headlining to replace over winter - I think our long hot summer finally caused the foam lining to dry and turn to dust so it's looking a little 'saggy' right now.

Paul

Just how connected are those two statements

I think I might find out at. some point ......

When I changed mine I did the strip-out myself but ordered up suitable material (£30-odd quid IIRC) and got a pro to stick it on.

I thought it might be a little difficult to find a good supplier out here, but actually found at least two very good ones.

They have quite a selection of colours and materials in both 2mm and 3mm foam backing, plus the special adhesive to stick it (so you don't ruin the foam). About the same price (in €) depending on the quality you choose.

Further news now in the Project thread section