Well, it's finally turned cold this week and now wet so I'm not sure the Coupé will be coming out to play too often for a while.

At least I can take the opportunity to give it a very good clean and inspection as I work my way round. So far the only problem I have seen with rust is at the bowery bottom of the passenger door, about an inch long and at the very edge where the paint is bubbling a bit. Need to get that taken back and some ant-rust on before it gets worse, then some touch-up paint.

Apart from that everything seems clean and solid. A couple of rattles when going over rough ground, but haven't found what might be loose as yet - guess there's something touching underneath, maybe exhaust / heat shield (all had to come off when sorting the gear selector). Doesn't sound as if it's anything else, or worrying!

Just thankful to have plenty of space all round to work on things -



Paul

Just love the colour of that stone

Oh, it's seen some life has this barn! Built in the 1890's, just before our house I think (it has it's own address, despite being within our grounds), was used as part of a builders merchants until the early 70's I believe and then was used for commercial saw sharpening / minor engineering works until about 2000.

The walls have seen some abuse, have been part plastered where benches were, but have gradually gained a significant layer of dirt (although I did vacuum a large part of it in the 'garage' end)

But, as you remark, the Charente stone has a nice warm colour to it. The house is built from the same stuff!

Paul

Hi All,

To add to this thread- winter checks (is it really winter already?)

After having a running issue sorted out (water ingress into one of the spark plugs-how it got there is a mystery that will never be known). I spent some time this weekend on a dry, sunny but cold day to do the following, which I tend to think are the necessary winter hibernation checks. Like many- I'm lucky enough to have a space to keep my Coupe inside-away from the worst of the elements.

Oil/coolant/screen wash all checked and topped up if necessary.
Wash down thoroughly-including washing down any mud/crud on the underside - and properly dried so no water remains on her.
Polish applied-so that she has a barrier in place for the next few months.
All tires inflated by a few PSI - to avoid any flat spots( car is used if opportunity arises and its dry but cold over winter-or in an emergency-so its not left on axle stands)
Handbrake left OFF-and in gear-the brakes like to stick even if you think everythings dry)
One dehumidifier pad stuck inside- just in case any dampness occurs.
Car on to an intelligent trickle charger...ready for next time she is fired up.

Where I live- the fields will cover the roads and make it look like a mud track until probably mid march now...but if the weather allows-I like to keep her ready to go if an opportunity arises.

Have I missed anything obvious?

Are you all packing your cars away- or are there some who will be running them throughout the winter?

Regards all,

MM

Mine runs year round for the last 20yrs+ of ownership.....garage spaces used for other cars...I care about the Coupe but it is my everyday car doing circa 1K a year..........never cover it, regular wash and wax, wheels were refurbed 9yrs ago and still looking good, replaced front wings,, front/rear sill ends and rear/front arches outer and inner welded, boot seam done etc.....still looks good, I keep on top of jobs to prevent big bills. Mixture of Bilt products, ACF50 and this year to see how good it is Lanocare.

Hats off to your submariner for the commitment to full time use!!

Cheers mate, I cannot let this car go, just such a great car and part of my life...weird really.