120,000 miles yesterday.

Replaced wheel bolts as original security ones had become worn and possibly troublesome if I needed to remove a wheel in an emergency.
Used my Lidl impact wrench. Easy and fast, BUT needed to do final tightening by hand.

MOT on Monday
Expecting to need some welding to the cills at the rear

Meeting the mechanic beforehand for him to drive and inspect underneath, to build up a plan of other tasks while it's in.

I've had intermittent leaking from the heater matrix pipework? for the last couple of years, so I'm going to ask him to troubleshoot that.

This is my new garage. He's not a Coupe specialist, he's a racing scrutineer and enjoys working on classics and interesting cars.
He also doesn't mind welding, something my other garage doesn't enjoy.

As always, I'm a little anxious.

Paul

Leaks around heater matrix are common at this car's age and younger, all fixable with a double-jointed back

At least the repair gets rid of the residue on the windscreen and damp patches in the footwell.

Sometimes it's the seals or it's a replacement unit.

Fingers crossed for you!

Got the first MOT under my ownership for mine in a couple of weeks so hoping nothing too bad comes up; last year’s MOT only had an advisory for minor engine oil leak but it’s always an anxious moment when the car gets seen by a different garage to before as you never know how lenient the previous place was or how strict the new place will be…

Mine turned 120K this week, just dropped it off for the rear arches........not sure I had a leaky matrix but about 10yrs ago after finding the mat area damp I stuck some of the super duper Radweld in (I know the opinions about such use!) but never had an issue since..........

Fingers firmly crossed PaulL!

Hopefully after all the pre-planning she will sail gently through the MOT!

Regards,

MM

Pre MOT check has approved everything apart from rust repair to cills in front of rear tyres.
So this work is being done with a little work to cills at front.
Leak in footwell is not heater matrix but clutch master cylinder ! Strange, as no drop at reservoir.
Then dependant on costs, I'll have the drivers side window mechanism and door lock overhauled.

I've been without my car for two and a half days.
I'm not coping well. Just finished a family size packet of cheesy wetsuits.

Paul

Is your clutch pedal behaving normally Paul?

What's wrong with the door lock?

Y'know, it would be _very_ easy for an evil person to arrange things so that the door locked whenever you depressed the clutch pedal... there's even a place for a switch

Clutch working fine, when I start driving there would be slight softness on brake pedal, then perfectly fine.
It's italian, it's 25 years old and the big useless knob behind the steering wheel issue.
The driver's side door is the most exposed to the weather and obviously most used. When it freezes, I'm a little anxious that something will snap.
So overhaul. Lubricate and just do the best we can.

Paul

Good attitude PaulL,

I'm feeling the coupe pain today if its any commiseration- just had her come back from paint. And a full cambelt service. She is looking good. And I was very chuffed as its not been cheap.

Sadly someone has broken the sunroof button while she has been away.

AND even worse-she is stuttering and fluttering at 2.5k as the turbo comes on. There is a hose loose somewhere. I've no time to look at her now till sunday when I will be trying to find out what hose is off-and hoping i can reach it easily without a ramp. If not- its back to the garage-who have been really good and apologised profusely. I then have to source a new sunroof button and hope its not broken off any internal plastic clips in the holder by the gear stick. Its a pretty prestine car as well

So feeling the coupe blue's today....will feel better when I have fixed her Sunday.

Keep smiling all!

MM

I spoke to the garage yesterday.

Progress is being made, although I would be happier if it was quicker.

The MOT pre check identified rust holes, passenger side cill and drivers side cill at rear.
The passenger side turned out to be a drain hole.
Cleaning off underseal has identified a couple of holes in the floor under the drivers seat and the rear cill is a bit bigger than previously thought, with a previous repair.

The previous repair must have been more than six years ago when I bought the car.

The plan is to thoroughly clean these areas, wire brush, cut out poor metal, piece in new, prior to rust inhibitor, paint and underseal.

I've been given an indication of likely cost, which is within my planned budget.

Might not get the car back for a week.

This is my new garage and I'm feeling comfortable with his attitude and approach.

Paul

Sounds Good PaulL!

Almost a mini restoration- which you should feel good about. Its been seen. Its going to be corrected.

Then you know that its all as good as it can be going forward!

Maybe some pictures as to how things are going?

Regards

MM

Call from the garage saying that he's found some metal around the holes in the floor !

It's all taking a little time.

Back from holiday at the weekend and I'll go snd see.

Paul