The "Today I did something to my car" thread

vectra · 06-01-2013 02:53AM

60 to 70 hours went into the Toledo to make it right. ( almost right ) :P

This is what it looked like prior to correction

And ended up with this :cool:

Rich11 · 06-01-2013 07:20AM

TheDoc wrote: »

This thread serving as a bit of an inspiration

I've an Opel Astra 2001 myself, and was always tinkering with the idea of a built in kinda mini computer. I have a couple of Raspberry pi's(for those who don't know, tiny little computers). Then I saw this pic, and I'm engrossed now

Also want to change the lighting at the back of the speed dials, they are old and that kinda musty, creamy bulb, want to change for something a bit more slick.

This is "sort" of the concept I'm working off

http://www.modifiedcars.com/pix/cars_high/19770_26211.jpg

that cool doc, iv an astra too n would love that, how much did dat mini compute set you back?

DanTheMan91 · 06-01-2013 12:24PM

Didn't want to make a whole new thread but I bought my first car the other day, a 01 Ford Focus, and I noticed that when I press the button to spray water on the windscreen it tries to spray water ( I can hear it ) but no water is coming out, I checked that the water is full so I suspect that the tube or pipe is blocked. Can i fix this myself or should I fly down to a mechanic? Probably a stupid question I know

L-M · 06-01-2013 12:36PM

Get a pin and stick it in the washer jets.

Actually, first, open the bonnet and spray and see does the water fall out( ie. The pipes aren't connected)

Failing that, pull out the water bottle ands see is there any crap blocking it.

Redisle · 06-01-2013 12:38PM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Ah, you're one of those lucky bastards that has a garage :mad:

Well it is my parents garage to be fair! One of the benefits of living "out the country". Negative being the car gets covered in muck again as soon as I drive.

Supergurrier · 06-01-2013 01:04PM

Sick of the horrible green backlighting on centre console of the ST and not too taken with the white backlighting of the dials, tempted to change them all to a blue colour.

Wonder how hard it would be

MetzgerMeister · 06-01-2013 02:07PM

Redisle wrote: »

Well it is my parents garage to be fair! One of the benefits of living "out the country". Negative being the car gets covered in muck again as soon as I drive.

Doesn't matter who owns it, you still have the use of it and for that, I don't really like you :P

We have a garage here too but the washing machines/dryers are out there along with a huge press. I tried bringing a car in before to detail it but I couldn't open the door enough to get out!

Dr.Rieux · 06-01-2013 02:09PM

After installing the Xcarlink iPod and Bluetooth on Christmas day I wanted to install the Bluetooth permanently as up until now I had done it by leaving wires visible so I could move the mic to find the best position for it so I did that yesterday, and while I was at it I wanted to reposition the iPod to somewhere more accessible for me.

First the bluetooth. I wanted it to be as invisible as possible so I have routed the cable for the microphone up the A pillar in the trim, then goes behind the trim into the dashboard at the driver's side fuse box in the Passat. It connects to the bluetooth module in the cubby on the drivers side, so to answer a call open the cubby and press the button on the module. The wires from here run through the dash to the Xcarlink module.

Shows the bluetooth module with the call answer button in the driver's side cubby.

Shows the driver's side cubby closed with no wires visible.

For the iPod the connector was originally in the glove box but the cable isn't all that long so I wanted to move it somewhere more accessible. I took the ashtray from the front out of the car and removed the cigarette lighter (I'm not a smoker and there'll be no smoking in my car so no loss to me). The iPod connector wire runs through where the cigarette lighter used to be and up the the Xcarlink module behind the radio. And when the ashtray cover is closed the system is completely hidden.

Shows the iPod connected in what used to be an ashtray

Shows the iPod connected and the length of cable available

Shows the ashtray cover closed and iPod hidden out of sight

And finally a picture showing everything hidden

Ded_Zebra · 06-01-2013 04:57PM

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

After installing the Xcarlink iPod and Bluetooth on Christmas day I wanted to install the Bluetooth permanently as up until now I had done it by leaving wires visible so I could move the mic to find the best position for it so I did that yesterday, and while I was at it I wanted to reposition the iPod to somewhere more accessible for me.

First the bluetooth. I wanted it to be as invisible as possible so I have routed the cable for the microphone up the A pillar in the trim, then goes behind the trim into the dashboard at the driver's side fuse box in the Passat. It connects to the bluetooth module in the cubby on the drivers side, so to answer a call open the cubby and press the button on the module. The wires from here run through the dash to the Xcarlink module.

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0051_zps6c9181f0.jpg
Shows the bluetooth module with the call answer button in the driver's side cubby.

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0053_zpsf2c01c65.jpg
Shows the driver's side cubby closed with no wires visible.

For the iPod the connector was originally in the glove box but the cable isn't all that long so I wanted to move it somewhere more accessible. I took the ashtray from the front out of the car and removed the cigarette lighter (I'm not a smoker and there'll be no smoking in my car so no loss to me). The iPod connector wire runs through where the cigarette lighter used to be and up the the Xcarlink module behind the radio. And when the ashtray cover is closed the system is completely hidden.

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0048_zps15a67fe2.jpg
Shows the iPod connected in what used to be an ashtray

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0049_zps8c9a934e.jpg
Shows the iPod connected and the length of cable available

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0047_zpsa77f1b55.jpg
Shows the ashtray cover closed and iPod hidden out of sight

And finally a picture showing everything hidden
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q771/shanecowzer/iPod%20kit/DSC_0055_zps0b2bcd00.jpg

That interior is identical to our old B6 Passat that I learned to drive in. Good memories!
Those light coloured interiors are very rare but look really well IMO. The black interior in them is so completely black with no contrast at all. Very ugly yet 99% of the people who bought them went for the black:rolleyes:
That iPod install is neat too. Do you just leave that iPod in the car all the time?

Dr.Rieux · 06-01-2013 05:20PM

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

That interior is identical to our old B6 Passat that I learned to drive in. Good memories!
Those light coloured interiors are very rare but look really well IMO. The black interior in them is so completely black with no contrast at all. Very ugly yet 99% of the people who bought them went for the black:rolleyes:
That iPod install is neat too. Do you just leave that iPod in the car all the time?

I agree about the interior. The contrast between the top and bottom of the dash is a lot nicer than the all black one in my probably biased opinion.

The girlfriend only gave me that ipod yesterday as she doesn't use it anymore, my one is the old photo one which doesn't fit closed, but now with this nano I plan on leaving it there

Ded_Zebra · 06-01-2013 05:26PM

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

I agree about the interior. The contrast between the top and bottom of the dash is a lot nicer than the all black one in my probably biased opinion.

The girlfriend only gave me that ipod yesterday as she doesn't use it anymore, my one is the old photo one which doesn't fit closed, but now with this nano I plan on leaving it there

Cool It's a handy way to keep you music in the car so you always have it with you. and with it charging the whole time you never need to worry about again. all in a nice job:)
What engine's in her?

Dr.Rieux · 06-01-2013 05:38PM

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Cool It's a handy way to keep you music in the car so you always have it with you. and with it charging the whole time you never need to worry about again. all in a nice job:)
What engine's in her?

Unfortunately only a 1.6 FSI. It's my first car so insurance was a consideration. I work in Athlone and spend most weekends back up at home in Dublin. My mileage isn't overly high and it's doing around 38 -40 MPG on the motorway up and back. I'd like something with more power but as I said insurance would be higher.

But as far as first cars go, I'm delighted with it

Ded_Zebra · 06-01-2013 05:41PM

OSI wrote: »

I get some seriously odd looks when I show people the interior of my car. It's the same as the Passat above, but in a Golf GTI. Always remarks of, "sure it'd be filthy in no time". Err, no it won't as I don't treat my car like ****.

Similar with leather seats. "You'd be roasting in the summer!" What summer!

I was surprised how long they stay clean for once treated with a bit of care. Our Passat after about 100,000km looked a bit grubby but it was easily sorted with one of those carpet shampooer things you can hire.

Dr.Rieux · 06-01-2013 05:43PM

OSI wrote: »

I get some seriously odd looks when I show people the interior of my car. It's the same as the Passat above, but in a Golf GTI. Always remarks of, "sure it'd be filthy in no time". Err, no it won't as I don't treat my car like ****.

Similar with leather seats. "You'd be roasting in the summer!" What summer!

The paint work has swirls from the previous owner and I wouldn't have a clue about correcting it myself and have been paying it back for the last few months to have the money to send it somewhere, it's booked in with George Dalton for a service in two weeks and I'll be getting new Bridgestones all round on it. But once the cash frees up a little I'll get the paintwork sorted hopefully.

I try keep the interior as well as I can though I haven't hoovered it in a few weeks, that'll probably have to wait until I'm back up home again next weekend.

The cream is easy to keep clean, just keep the ****e that makes it dirty out of the car

Ded_Zebra · 06-01-2013 05:50PM

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

Unfortunately only a 1.6 FSI. It's my first car so insurance was a consideration. I work in Athlone and spend most weekends back up at home in Dublin. My mileage isn't overly high and it's doing around 38 -40 MPG on the motorway up and back. I'd like something with more power but as I said insurance would be higher.

But as far as first cars go, I'm delighted with it

Lol I wonder if yours is our old car (black 07-D-_ _ _ _ ,8 spoke alloys front fog lights)? Had 180,000 KM on it in late 2010?

I think they are a nice car to drive and they handle nicely. The engine is smooth for a 4 pot and revs nicely. It's nice to be able to drive at full throttle everywhere, not break the law and still get 40mpg:D.
I do miss that car and have class memories of the fun I had in it. I hope you enjoy yours as much

Dr.Rieux · 06-01-2013 05:55PM

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Lol I wonder if yours is our old car (black 07-D-_ _ _ _ ,8 spoke alloys front fog lights)? Had 180,000 KM on it in late 2010?

I think they are a nice car to drive and they handle nicely. The engine is smooth for a 4 pot and revs nicely. It's nice to be able to drive at full throttle everywhere, not break the law and still get 40mpg:D.
I do miss that car and have class memories of the fun I had in it. I hope you enjoy yours as much

No not the same car, it's brown 07-C, 10 spoke alloys and no front fogs. I've gotten a new laptop so not sure I've any pictures of it on here but I'll take a look. Just shy of 92,000 KM right now with FSH.

Edit: Other handy thing is I did the NCT back in October I think so not due again until Jan 2015

Hal1 · 06-01-2013 10:40PM

Supergurrier wrote: »

Sick of the horrible green backlighting on centre console of the ST and not too taken with the white backlighting of the dials, tempted to change them all to a blue colour.

Wonder how hard it would be

There's a lad on ffoc that does the led conversions called Boyle. I think he has an advert on ebay too. He's done a fair few of them now. Are you registered on there?

Here's the guide he works off for the led conversions, it's for the mk1 but sure it can be used to an extent for others. : https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8dFl4zAa59OdGg0ejM3aEZmMjA

TheDoc · 07-01-2013 02:44PM

Rich11 wrote: »

that cool doc, iv an astra too n would love that, how much did dat mini compute set you back?

O that is not my AStra, just some concept photos of what I'm toying with

YouTookMyName · 07-01-2013 07:12PM

Started first time today no problems, After 2 weeks sitting idle over christmas. Little things the count.

07-01-2013 11:03PM

I had some smd led's laying around so replaced the stock yellow ones, I'd love to get at the gauges but with the car for sale I dont have the urge to pull them out and solder in some blue ones at the moment!

MetzgerMeister · 07-01-2013 11:16PM

Today I finally sorted out what I thought was a busted angel eye on my car. I was looking at a few options of fixing it, all of which were expensive. Turns out the bloody bulb was never seated correctly. It's been like that since I got the car but is now sorted and I'm happy out!

Mar4ix · 08-01-2013 12:50PM

removed air condition pump, replaced alternator, replaced most of vacuum pipes ... which i still have left unused since skyline times, cleaned earth points.. which was only two ... :eek: on gearbox and on front top bar.

EDIT: actually car is well smoother now, as i found one lil hole in on of vacuum pipes, and all rest pipes somehow didnt hold well, and had cracks, those pipes are since car was build, 15 years now, so it is good time to change.

advertsfox · 09-01-2013 09:33AM

I'm one of those chaps who will tear the car apart to try find the source of a noise / tick / knocking in my car - you can imagine my frustration at the suspension knocking in my GP on every stop and start of the car! To rectify this, I have order two original suspension top mounts and drop link rods to finally get rid of the noise and reduce the overall front end noise so I can drive peacefully along

Stay tuned, my first nitty gritty pictures will be up as I'm assisting my mechanic with the job - poor chap :P

langdang · 09-01-2013 09:46AM

5500 wrote: »

I had some smd led's laying around so replaced the stock yellow ones, I'd love to get at the gauges but with the car for sale I dont have the urge to pull them out and solder in some blue ones at the moment!

http://i49.tinypic.com/34rskzm.jpg

Love the oddball jap stuff, had a look at your advert - that bB is pretty cool - handy as an advertising type vehicle too.

dgt · 09-01-2013 08:34PM

It's the small things

Failing ash tray and gaiter

Better

Onto the control links. These are a link to stabilise the camber and toe of the rear wheels. Here's an example of a 406 with a broken link...

This could help someone if they're going to do this on their 406!

Remove the drop link. Vice grips and impact socket, using a torx bit and spanner is a waste of time

And in no time it's out

Onto the link itself. Some come out nice and easy, like this one. Allen bit and vortex socket

The bolt at the back is eccentric, to control the camber and toe as I just said. Both are 16mm heads, both have a distinct lack of room to work with!!!

Sometimes, they might be a bit iffy to get out, so wiggle it out...

The new ones

Clean up the eccentric bolt, washer and nut well, then copper grease the f*ck out of them!

Et Voilà

The other side wanted to be an arse!!!

Drop link, my arse....

dgt · 11-01-2013 08:14PM

The small details

Wipers: in dire need of replacement

Better

Missing mirror

Convenient new one...

Perfect!

That radio was on the chop next

It's new resident

Now, to change a sidelight, you simply twist the white piece towards the top. Some ape (me :rolleyes:) went to move it and it broke....

....so a headlight out job! Which is an ECU out job!!! :P

Just for this...

The things I do for entertainment.... :pac:

Toyotafanboi · 11-01-2013 08:23PM

some man for heartache dgt :pac:

you should try a toyota :P

dgt · 11-01-2013 08:27PM

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

some man for heartache dgt :pac:

you should try a toyota :P

Been there, done that....

dgt · 11-01-2013 11:22PM

It's began...

A crappy mock up

Hal1 · 11-01-2013 11:41PM

Ohh projector lamps. Does she style a set of hids? Has anyone with non projector headlights tried the HIDR's yet? They are supposed to stop the glare and pass an MOT with them. Seen them on ebay :rolleyes:. Sure they get hot enough and it's got me thinking they would gradually melt the lense

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The "Today I did something to my car" thread

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