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

I've had a quote of 5kish to do the paint properly but there's a lot of extra costs involved because you don't want to put old trim on fresh paint, but then not all the trims are available, and that's the start of the rabbit hole.

I admit, I was going to paint the existing trim black rather than source new, just as long as said trim came off without disintegrating.

I've been chatting with a company called Augment wheels in Canada, one of the things they do which is quite cool is to remake classic wheels but in modern diameters and offsets, so for e.g. with the 911 I'm thinking of getting the classic hollow-spoke Turbo Twists made, but in 19" and probably ET50 front and rear, 8.5" front and 11" rear.

I think the 850 would look very cool on 18" Volans that were a little further toward the guard, it's the kind of change that would have people scratching their heads - something's different, but really hard to work out what it is.

I'd be largely doing it to fit 380mm brake discs and AP callipers, but the "what's gone on here" element is attractive on its own.

Srs Bsns. #oof 😎

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42k? My view is that at 42k it's new enough that I'd say "do almost everything" and not expect very much. I'd push them to replace control arm bushing, rubber items, ask about engine mount bushings, etc.

I might splurge on new suspension set up but for that sort of car its probably quite pricey and I'd see if bushings do the trick until a later date.

Why no pictures?

Tim was showing me his car with the wider rear track so it's square rather than wider at the front, and that's exactly the sort of thing I like. It instantly looks so much better, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what's making it look better.

I wouldn't be averse to slim spacers to push the front wheels out or aftermarket wheels in a touring car flavour, but then it ruins the existing aesthetic.

https://www.carfolio.com/search/specific/?searchon=cdb&asp=&y1=&y2=&num=500

Looks like Tesla is a way down the list for Cd - they don't have Tesla CdA on that site, although they do for various other cars.

Details on this please. From the subsequent pic you posted, is it Zetec powered?

Tim was showing me his car with the wider rear track so it's square rather than wider at the front, and that's exactly the sort of thing I like. It instantly looks so much better, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what's making it look better.

I wouldn't be averse to slim spacers to push the front wheels out or aftermarket wheels in a touring car flavour, but then it ruins the existing aesthetic.

The wheels I always wanted were the Tritons - 18" BBS mesh that are OEM Volvo.

However, square 18" Volans would look cool I think.

Yeah, 2.0 zetec, ‘busa ITBs, racy cams, mega-squirt ecu… putting out 200ish hp through a type 9 5 speed gearbox to a live axle. Weighs in at 750kgs so it’s quite pepy and still gives mid 30s to the gallon 👍

Chaley

Yes yes, missed this! This is excellent.

Those are nice, but I think the guy who found ex Ferrari BBS E88s achieved near perfection.

If I was to go aftermarket I'd want these ATS centre locks but they'd need a hefty drop to go with them so I'm looking at about 2,500 all in which is pricey.

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Blimey, that is quite a lot! With a full service history like that at least you know it's been well looked after.

Good breakdown. I always find his presenting style funny. It's like he's doing a segment on the one show with that clipboard/dossier in hand. That slow-mo watch flex at the end of the video had me in stitches too.

Sounds great fun and an interesting way of doing something that is usually way more traditional with a SBF or Rover V8.

Is it a fibreglass body or a original steel body?

That slow-mo watch flex at the end of the video had me in stitches too.

Was that an Apple watch?

Let me just show it again, slower, zoomed, just in case you didn't notice.

Unfortunately it’s only plastic, I’ve done the river V8 thing with this in the past and the little 4 banger makes more power, weighs less, is cheaper on parts and doesn’t throw a fit if you Rev the tits off it!

Chaley

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How do you get away without having wheelarches/fenders/wings come MOT time?

£800 to fix the E46 coolant leak

Oddly it’s only an advisory on the test and not a fail! but i think that’s changed recently or changing at the moment. I do have a set of bolt on bike style fenders in the boot, which as I’ve got older I leave on more and more.

Chaley

Yes, of course, it's a C&U requirement not MOT.

The man knows his onions. It’s illegal, but that doesn’t matter…😂🤔 It’s not endorsable either. They can give you a probation notice and make you trailer it home, but keep the car clean and in the dry and I’ve never had an issue.
Chaley

Yeouch! Water pump seal or radiator?

I see it now, maybe it's the clipboard but there is something Peter Snow about him sometimes. Yeah the watch flash was great, as if we didn't know he's done well for himself with the warehouse of lovely classics.

I'd certainly hope that the local plod would have better things to do if it's dry. Or, at least, be hanging around the M&S at the local petrol station drinking coffee, which is where I see them most.

ETA: I suppose if you did get stopped you could always point that while you might be breaking the law, it would only be in a limited and specific way, which means it's fine. Apparently.

There were comments on one of the Lambo engine refurb videos about the mechanic sporting a submariner (and Harry rocking a PP)...

I read that too and always look out for it on Tyrrell's Classic Workshop vids now.