Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Ok - who can recommend some axle stands?

So, Neil, when I gave up the booze my hyper-productive, "do all of the jobs now, wow I can't believe my mind and body is so active" phase lasted about 3 months.

How long has yours been going on?

I've not had a drink for just over seven years now.

I just washed the Volvo when I got back from my failed Costco visit:

Clarkes 6 tonnes ones. Big, red, cheap, strong enough to support a lorry. What's not to like.

Diable, is that you?

Diable, is that you?

Hang on, something racist, something about a flat rebuild, and that emoji he liked.

How'd I do?

Clarkes 6 tonnes ones. Big, red, cheap, strong enough to support a lorry. What's not to like.

But they're out of stock (and somewhat spendy).

Fairy nuff then.

My Boxster seat backs were lacquered

Jack and axle- machine mart or sip or sealey.

Or sgs engineering

I have found a knackered old Merc to replace the Volvo with

That's badass. Faulty electronics too so certainly has potential to become a very deep money pit

- Neil, it needs new pistons
- How much?
- Well, they're £2,500 each

It's not an estate, so it's not a suitable Volvo replacement.

If it was an estate I would have to buy it.

How about a Stagea?

They're awesome either stock or with a skyline front clip.

The Volvo replacement is meant to be the (despite the Porsche probably being the actual) middle-aged car.

So - automatic gearbox, nice place to be, comfy chairs, soft suspension, huge poke.

The idea of an R34 GT-R wagon appeals, but that said I really just want something relaxing - something that can handle the M4 stop/start on the way to Heathrow and be left in the carpark for two weeks.

Almost linked an eBay listing of a Stagea here the other day, but wasn't sure if it'd go down well. In Japan belated news saw a bone stock Silvia S14 yesterday in a B&Q car park, was quite taken with it I must say.

This really is pointing to a Volvo 240 estate shell, blasted, reinforced, painted. 6ltr LS fitted and suitable chassis setup for cruising.

Sounds exactly like a stagea, they're much more relaxed than an actual skyline or GTR and most for sale seem to be autos. Not sure how fast they are IRL, you planning mods or leave something stock?

Problem with StageA's apart from the name is they are still a big heavy Japanese car. Interiors are full of hard plastics. And they are not refined in the same way a E39 estate would be. I think you'd have to fit some fairly nice suspension under the stagea to get that kind of ride quality and handling. Also, the engines are pretty gruff and think the 850 r already ticks the tuned turbo box.

That said they have unicorn badges and with the r34 front do have a certain cool.

i'll just leave this here again

https://youtu.be/UjDGM7noTJw

you planning mods or leave something stock?

LOL.

Let's all take a minute to remember who you're talking to... :)

That is epic with the Toyota (?)v8