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Post by shoutforjoy on Aug 15, 2011 21:57:20 GMT
Last week was a bit of washout - I didn't get very much done at all. Joyce is now back after having the number plate bracket welded. The rust is all gone and the front end is primed and needs to be rubbed down ready to be sprayed. Hoping to get some done this week and catch up. Target is to have it all done by the Thoresby Park show on 29 August. Pictures soon...
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Post by shoutforjoy on Aug 23, 2011 21:05:36 GMT
Finally got the changes to the front end finished. Sorted rust, replaced grille and added spot lights. The more observant of you will also spot a new number plate - it's a pressed aluminium one. Still need to replace one the screws holding it as it has the wrong coloured cover. Before:  And after:  Any my favourite picture, with the lights on:  After I put it all together I ran it for a while and everything was OK. Next time I tried to start it it wouldn't turn over. Turns out I must have caught one of the wires on the solenoid when I put it back together - the vibration of starting and running it made it fall off. Had to take it all apart again and reconnect the wire, cleaning the terminal and tightening the connection.  All is fine now and ready for Thoresby Hall  Just needs a clean and polish. Still haven't got round to Waxoyling it! Had to renew the insurance, bit disappointed to learn that garaging Joyce makes no difference to the premium than keeping her on the drive. Apparently we are in a very low risk area. |
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Post by asahartz on Aug 25, 2011 11:20:42 GMT
Had to renew the insurance, bit disappointed to learn that garaging Joyce makes no difference to the premium than keeping her on the drive. Apparently we are in a very low risk area. The lowest - lucky you! See here: www.motorcarinsuranceuk.co.uk/post-code-ratings.phpI'm in group B, but not too far down the road it's group C... This was highlighted when I was at my last school. They moved Reception from one building to another, which changed the postcode - and consequently increased the entire school's insurance premiums! It's a pretty blunt instrument as it rather depends which low-life council estates you happen to share your postcode with - and our postcode stretches to what I would consider the other side of town - it actually includes Pleasley! And you know how far I am from there. Holly's boyfriend lives in an affluent area of Birmingham but even that's D! |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Sept 14, 2011 14:33:51 GMT
Having waited patiently for more than 3 months for someone to deliver on their promises we have given up on the 1275 auto engine upgrade. We started to have another minor problem with the transmission so the time came for action.
Joyce has now gone for a short stay at MRA hospital again. This time for a full transmission rebuild. Should be as good as new when she gets home and last for many years to come.
Had a long and informative chat with Martin while I was there.
I will update you all on her return.
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Post by clambod on Sept 15, 2011 6:53:31 GMT
Sorry to hear that you have got problems with the gearbox. I'm sure MRA will fix it. Nice to see you last Sunday too.
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Post by shoutforjoy on Oct 3, 2011 6:26:21 GMT
Had first report from Martin...
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Post by joakwin on Oct 3, 2011 6:42:19 GMT
Your car looks nice, I'm sure mra's will hook it up right, keeping another mini on the road
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Post by shoutforjoy on Nov 9, 2011 6:26:06 GMT
Quick update... Joyce is still not home after nearly 8 weeks  Martin's initial guide was that it would take up to 4 weeks so I am not a happy bunny to say the least. The latest indication is another 3 weeks. This is because MRA Engineering Ltd the company that trades as MRA Minis is now in liquidation. Martin currently plans to continue trading and has said that he will meet all of MRA's work commitments. All I can do is sit tight and wait to see what happens. |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Dec 25, 2011 18:39:54 GMT
Well Joyce is back from MRA after having the transmission refurbished  She's running very well, and getting better with use, but turning over very slowly to start - got to check the starter connections. Also need to check the oil and coolant fluid levels. Struggling to find the recommended 10w40 mineral engine oil. Looks like I'll be going with 15w40 instead. She really needs a good clean too after sitting in Martin's dusty workshop for 3 months. Hoping to get round to it this week as work has gone quiet after a crazy few weeks in the run up to Christmas. Aiming to get to Bingley Hall Mini Fair at the end of January. The only minor disaster since she came back is that the back of the exhaust fell off. The rear-most bracket had rusted away but the rest of the exhaust was in good nick. New brackets have been fitted and we are in fine fettle again. |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Dec 26, 2011 14:36:49 GMT
Spent a few minutes on her today.
Topped up engine oil and anti-freeze. Used the last bit of 10w50 mineral oil that I have, Tesco's own brand - I saw it once but haven't seen it since.
Also tightened the connections on the starter motor and battery. It turns over as it should and starts much better for it.
Went for a short run.
Running well but seems to have a bit of flat spot when coasting along around 30mph. I do wonder if this is because Martin topped the dashpot up with engine oil (that's all he had) whereas I usually use 3-in-1.
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Post by clambod on Jan 8, 2012 16:34:35 GMT
minimine in stoke on trent have a web shop now I believe and they have bottles of the Zentih / SU dashpot oil,and it'snot expensive. They will probably have some on their stand at Bingley Hall.
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Post by shoutforjoy on Feb 1, 2012 15:26:28 GMT
Not really done anything on Joyce since I got her back. Just driven and enjoyed her Took her for her MOT today and, as expected, she failed: - - rear fog light does not work - n/s inner CV gaiter split And that's it! 2 minor fails and no advisories. I can live with that. |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Feb 3, 2012 21:41:30 GMT
Sorted! Joyce now has 12 1/2 months MOT.  |
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Post by clambod on Feb 4, 2012 7:35:34 GMT
Glad to hear that Joyce is now fully compliant.
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Post by shoutforjoy on Apr 11, 2012 16:56:36 GMT
I finally got around to Waxoyling Joyce today. Only a year after I first planned it Not really much to see but "Dad's Helper" (aged 11, see pic 2) insisted that we take some pictures and put them up.  You can see the slight difference in the colour of the door I sprayed here. It's more noticeable in some lights.   Just need to wash and polish her now. Hoping to make Thoresby Hall show on 7th May. Really hoping to get new scuttle, a-panels and doors sorted this year. Unfortunately the family car broke a front spring (kindly ripping into a tyre with less than 2,000 miles on) a couple of weeks ago so we are all out of savings again. |
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Post by clambod on Apr 12, 2012 13:19:24 GMT
I've recently waxoyled two minis and it's one of the worst jobs on a mini. Definitely a shower afterwards and clothes in the washer.
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Post by asahartz on Apr 12, 2012 22:27:51 GMT
Unfortunately the family car broke a front spring (kindly ripping into a tyre with less than 2,000 miles on) a couple of weeks ago so we are all out of savings again. Bad business. Coil springs seem to break all too often these days - partly under-engineered (the ones on the back of a C2 are like biro springs!) and partly with all the speed bumps and potholes! I know some Citroen models had a recall "to fit a spring cup to prevent the tyre being punctured if the spring breaks". Perhaps it should be a compulsory component on modern cars. I've had similar issues with my planned Megajolt and money - the Volvo has had £400 thrown at it during February, the tumble dryer packed up... every time I get cash a disaster happens and eats it up! |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Apr 13, 2012 9:34:55 GMT
I've recently waxoyled two minis and it's one of the worst jobs on a mini. Definitely a shower afterwards and clothes in the washer. Tell me about it! It doesn't matter how you cover up and mask off the car it just gets everywhere. Hopefully we will reap the rewards though. |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Jun 3, 2012 6:24:03 GMT
Not done much lately to Joyce. Work is bit hectic and we're getting ready to move to Swindon later in the summer.
Had to change the rocker gasket last week as the old one began leaking a little oil.
Other than that she is running great and giving us no problems, although she is due an oil change - it's been 6 months since MRA did the last one. She's only covered a few hundred miles. Hopefully I'll have time soon.
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Post by joakwin on Jun 3, 2012 14:52:22 GMT
Unfortunately the family car broke a front spring (kindly ripping into a tyre with less than 2,000 miles on) a couple of weeks ago so we are all out of savings again. Bad business. Coil springs seem to break all too often these days - partly under-engineered (the ones on the back of a C2 are like biro springs!) and partly with all the speed bumps and potholes! I know some Citroen models had a recall "to fit a spring cup to prevent the tyre being punctured if the spring breaks". Perhaps it should be a compulsory component on modern cars. I've had similar issues with my planned Megajolt and money - the Volvo has had £400 thrown at it during February, the tumble dryer packed up... every time I get cash a disaster happens and eats it up! I feel you on this, my wife's Chrysler van needs a new A/C part, gonna cost 100 for the part itself, but then the dash and blower box has to come out of the vehicle in order to do it, plus the recharge to make it work again, my wife says she don't need A/C but well see how that goes this summer |
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Post by asahartz on Jun 3, 2012 23:32:44 GMT
Huh yes, our Volvo keeps costing us a fortune. Every time a message appears in the computer display I feel a pain in my wallet. Currently "Anti-skid temporarily off", "ABS service required", and "Brake assist service required" looks very painful. On top of the £450 it has already cost this year. I wish my Mini could pull my caravan.
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Post by shoutforjoy on Jun 24, 2012 13:03:19 GMT
Joyce's latest escapade was a trip to my son's prom. He decided against anything too big and flash, choosing to take Joyce instead. So washed and polished off she went to perform her duties...   And either the Mini or my son are a real girl magnet. I think it's Joyce!  I'm sure the girls weren't that cute when I was 16! |
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Post by asahartz on Jun 25, 2012 22:38:25 GMT
A couple of years ago I took Skye and Nemo on a prom Mini convoy. We had 8 Minis - well one was a Scamp - and 2 or 3 youngsters in each. Round Nottingham Ring Road - one guy had a blow-up crocodile tied to his roof which stood up every time we got over 30mph! We arrived at the venue (Goosedale) and parked up two-abreast, Italian Job style! Really stole the thunder of the Ferrari. And in true Mini style, we all did an extra lap of the car park before leaving!
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Post by notamini on Jul 2, 2012 22:06:41 GMT
Please don't take offense but... why is it nerdy looking dudes get the good looking babes these days?  |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Jul 4, 2012 6:50:07 GMT
Please don't take offense but... why is it nerdy looking dudes get the good looking babes these days? I do know what you mean. And he is a straight A student. They had a fancy-dress picnic and bbq on their last day of term. Matt and a friend went as the Blues Brothers. I've seen dozens of pictures and he's with a different girl in every one. I really don't know how he does it! |
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Post by shoutforjoy on Jul 26, 2012 6:00:33 GMT
Changed the oil and filter yesterday. It's a little over 6 months since the last change but less than 1000 miles. Discover an oil leak between the block and the oil filter head. Sorted that too.
After the transmission rebuild Martin put 10w40 oil in as he recommends. This seems to be seeping out a little in a few places, which could be down to the viscosity of the oil. I've switched to 15w40 to see if that helps.
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Post by shoutforjoy on Aug 13, 2012 21:03:03 GMT
I got my insurance renewal documents through today. Footman James wanted £185 to continue cover on the same basis. When I called and told them about our impending move to Swindon it went up to over £200 so I've been shopping around. Best I can do is £115 with Lancaster - at the new address with all mods declared and an agreed valuation. I thought I'd try to increase the agreed value to £2,000 this time.
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Post by asahartz on Aug 16, 2012 22:15:39 GMT
Interesting. The advantage for me of the FJ policy is that I have 4 Minis covered on it for the same price and unlimited mileage. And being a BMC member gives a big discount.
Unfortunately different areas have different costs, and you currently live in the lowest price band. Think yourself lucky you're not moving to Birmingham or London or Manchester...
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Post by shoutforjoy on Aug 18, 2012 7:30:54 GMT
When I first went to FJ they were one of the most competitive, charging around £100. Two years on they have been taken over and are one of the most expensive. I know others have had similar experiences and some people who FJ have declined to renew.
I used to work for Aviva and some of the tricks they get up to make your eyes water. For instance, if a customer has renewed more than twice it shows a high level of loyalty and you can get away with bigger increases. There's no reward for loyalty.
We all need to shop around to get the best deal.
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Post by asahartz on Aug 18, 2012 23:04:19 GMT
Oh I certainly know that! But as my FJ policy didn't go up by more than a few pounds I left it.
And I tend to leave my campervan insurance with Flux, as most of the other companies who will even consider a panel van converted to a camper and fitted with a 3.5 V8 want an engineers report and brake modifications. What they don't understand is, a big engine doesn't actually make it go faster; the top speed's probably lower, but it just gets there faster and has enough grunt to tow with!
Insurance companies are second only to bankers in my book. And as for Admiral/Elephant/Diamond... I'd sooner pay more than deal with them.
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All is fine now and ready for Thoresby Hall 
