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

Pretty sure it’s fully comp, but unsure of the excess.

Need to get a cat that actually fits, return the one that doesn’t. Try and figure out the labour costs of faffing around to access the first cat to get it drilled out etc.

Joy.

And it looks like the thermostat I ordered for the e46 is lost in customs somewhere.

Loss of no claims and cost of making a claim for the next six (is it since admitting a claim) years.

There are a couple of KwikFits around - one in Dulwich and another on the OKR.

There is also this place in Brockley - https://www.lewishamtyres.co.uk/

We have protected no claims, which is good for one claim I think. But worried that any amount of telling the insurance about it will cost money.

Haha it’s all good. Wine deffo helped yesterday. Already back in frugal strategy making mode.

Looks like the issue is that I’ve got a euro cat 4 part, and I need the euro cat 5.

The pipe on the cat 5 is clearly longer and should clear the roll bar, unlike the cat 4.

Mate with a lockup who is near has offered to have a go at drilling the bolts out by taking the anti roll bar off to give better access. Failing that there’s a good garage near there.

Just the kind of craic you want hungover on a Sunday.

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We're still getting a car a week in to replace stolen cats. They're all on insurance but I don't know what the ramifications of a claim might be. It might be worth asking and also seeing if they'll contribute towards a fitted cage. Don't ask, don't get. Look on your insurance's website for FAQs.

I called a breaker to ask if they wanted my old cat (from the Volvo) they said they’d give me maybe £8 for it, I dropped it in the metal re-cycling bin.

I take it they are actually worth more than £8?

It appears the key difference is euro cat 4 or 5, it is the latter with precious metals in it, hence the pattern part for a euro 5 being thrice the price of the 4.

Cheers for the advice.

I think we’re going to endure with doing it ourselves, but may well tap out of the process if it drags on/money permits. Mate has recommended a good garage (he himself is an engine designer), so we have a reliable back up plan for now.

I will investigate insurance details tho.

Plus the little tyke that nicked it will know when to return so definitely consider fortifying your under parts. Ooh matron etc

Yeah, hoping that off-road parking and a security light will help. Maybe some cctv signage. Fuck knows.

I don't think that matters. One of our customer's wife was shouting at the blokes who were under her husband's car cutting off the cat. It was dark o'clock but she had her phone in her hand waiting for the old bill to answer. A neighbour came out too but the baddies kept them at bay until the deed was done then drove away with the car lights off. No description, no registration and suffering the threat of getting filled in by some bloke.
If anything, I think a security light might make it easier for them and they don't seem to give a fuck if they're seen. Gas or hydraulic suspension to sit the car on the deck would be the foolproof deterrent but I really think either change car or fit a couple of hundred quid's worth of cat cage and sleep easy.

All have precious metals in the RX8, I got for free, without engine and gearbox the cats were £200, I had to prove the car was mine and cash by bank transfer.

Could not give quite a few of the parts away.

Yeah these people have tools and have injured people in the past.

I got £40 for a cat last week

I paid £90 for an Abarth 500 one last week. But obviously Jazz, Prius and similar command a higher price due to demand.

A new oe Magnetti Marelli one = £1600.

When I say I got £40 that was as scrap

Help! I need a near-side rear lense for my 2006 VW Polo GTi, some git in a van has driven into my car, broke the lense and driven off, can't find a replacement anywhere, can anyone help. Thanks.

Try one of the many scrapyard apps.

Breakeryard is one, or just key in breaker yard to the marvel that is the Internet.

Try one of the many VW polo owners groups on facebook

I've got enough clearance for the extra 18mm offset, tyre shop guy even suggested I go up a size as well... Not sure about that, might try it on the day... He may just be upselling me...

Worked out well pricewise, the tyres are cheaper as are the rims!

So to a 65 profile? I'd probably go up a size.

That's what he said, I'm not so sure... I've already spent the money I saved on the OEM sport grille... Couldn't help myself... 🤷

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Air suspension but wait until they're under it?

Remote controlled air horn?

Tynans anti-theft paste?