filmidget
East Midlands
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Oct 29, 2020 12:12:43 GMT
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Question for the floor, if I may: I have permission to redecorate the conservatory in an automotive theme (I know, she's a keeper). I have a few ideas for this, with one of them being a mini front end as a piece of ‘wall art’. Not very original I know, but hoping to set it apart slightly with headlights and spotlights acting as room lighting, and also a couple of fans behind the grille to disperse some heat build up in summer. I picked up a cheap GRP front end, intending to fill, sand and paint all nicely… however I am quite liking the patina: I have the lights, indicators and spotlights, but no grille/surround or bumper yet, although I would not fit a bumper if leaving as is. So, would you make it all shiney, or leave it with ‘character’?
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Oct 20, 2020 14:16:51 GMT
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As a bridge Engineer, I can tell you that sort of thing, but on a slightly larger scale, is not as uncommon as you might hope! Can you cancel? If you can hang on for a month or so, I might have a suitable beam going spare/cheap Assuming the builders turn up to start the garage (oh yeah, and house) extension this week... Edit: And of course that is a lovely garage build. Does it mean you will be clearly the various car related articles from your parents place?
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Last Edit: Oct 20, 2020 14:19:24 GMT by filmidget
'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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The trouble I had with Modern Classics was 'knowing the cost of everything, but the value of nothing'.
I found the emphasis (obsession?) on investment potential distasteful.
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jul 10, 2020 17:44:39 GMT
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These are brilliant vehicles to own. Although admittedly not to look at. Bought an identical looking one (but the oil thirsty 1600cc) at 55K miles, and have had 50k miles of utterly reliable transport, including 1200 miles to the far end of Belgium and back last year. It took 140km/h 5-up with a roof box on top through the Netherlands easily All it's had other than the occasional service were discs and pads, and a couple of A/R bar drop links.
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Last Edit: Jul 10, 2020 17:45:25 GMT by filmidget
'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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You are welcome.
BTW the sketch shows a 5 degree slope to the roof.
When you decide on the actual construction materials/details I can adjust the drawing to suit if it helps.
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jun 14, 2020 21:24:20 GMT
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Quick and dirty AutoCAD sketch: The intent is to show a general layout plan and elevation, with a few assumed dimensions. Unfortunately I have omitted to show the angle of the roof (and it's late and have just shut down the CAD machine), but that's easy enough to adjust anyway. I had assumed a wall plate, as also suggested by Slater. That any use?
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Last Edit: Jun 14, 2020 21:26:35 GMT by filmidget
'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Apr 14, 2020 11:45:51 GMT
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Probably have a copy relatively easily accessible in the garage.
Might even be one of the numerous duplicates.
One of the 'garage clearing' activities on the list of Things To Do is sort through the numerous boxes of magazines, so this seems a good reason to start that job...
Will try this evening if nobody else finds one first.
EDIT: Anybody have any other requests while I am at it?
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Last Edit: Apr 14, 2020 11:49:01 GMT by filmidget
'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jan 28, 2018 21:36:34 GMT
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Only just noticed this - did it get sorted?
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Dec 14, 2017 22:15:11 GMT
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Not sure why I am still doing it at this time of year!
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Dec 14, 2017 21:46:53 GMT
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Very happy to see the new bridge progressing well... both for the heritage line and because it's providing me some nice close-to-home PICOP* shifts Saturday night/Sunday morning *Person In Charge Of Possession (of the railway, allowing engineering works that may effect the safety of trains to be carried out)
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jan 18, 2017 19:39:36 GMT
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SOLD.
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jan 17, 2017 17:10:41 GMT
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Replied.
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Jan 10, 2017 12:33:03 GMT
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It's on 10" wheels with 146/80 tyres - I assume they are mini wheels?
Wheels are attached with intact studs and nuts, and spin OK, bearings don't seem knackered, and castellated nuts are fitted with washers and split pins so I would hope you would still have 4 wheels after 100 miles. How well the tyres will hold up not so sure, though should be OK unladen at steady speeds?
When it was last used regularly it went Nottingham-London-Nottingham a few times, and even over to Europe (Belgium to fetch one of those little old fashionable caravans I think!?).
Phil
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Finally decided to sell my purpose built car transporter trailer, due to lack of use/tow car, having owned it for about 15 years. Twin suspension-axled trailer (10” wheels), with over-run cable operated brakes from a reversing hitch unit. Bed length about 3.7m long - need to check that dimension, but have carried 4.2m long Sciroccos on with front overhanging. Has good strong hinged ramps attached. The trailer nice and light, and has the bed set low between axles with an unusually long wheelbase, resulting in it towing exceptionally well. Unfortunately the trailer been stood a few years during which time it has deteriorated… It rolls around OK, but has known issues: Brakes definitely need significant attention (I would say a full rebuild* required) Jockey wheel doesn’t wind up or down (though can move it in the clamp) Mudguards a bit bent/dented, and brackets are a bit battered/broken, but all functional. The lights are all broken, although the wiring is present (but not checked, I just used a trailer board). Tyres have tread but assume are knackered due to age. Needs painting (appears to be just surface rust) *ISTR my local trailer spares place said it used an Alko(?) braking set up, and he could get all the parts. Overall has potential to be useful purpose built little car trailer again WITH WORK, and IMO better than starting with some dodgy old caravan chassis. Looking for £200 ono (collected, from a few miles North of Nottingham). Please reply or PM if interested.
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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I am the previous owner of this beast A few more good points IMO: 1) I will PM Sparkysparks the location of a hidden sticker with the radio code on it so should be working shortly 2) The top engine mount has been polybushed, which makes it sound lovely inside 3) The speedo has been bust a couple of years, but we didn't do massive mileage in that time, probably 10k a year? 4) Sparks is being very straight/honest with his price (if not a bit generous, as I think he got it at a good price 'cos I needed the driveway back, but he turned up when he said he would, with cash in hand). 5) I think they are Apex -40mm springs, and it handled well for a big old barge. 6) In the last couple of years it's had new front lower suspension arms (inc balljoints), rear beam bushes (curse word of a job), and rear dampers (decent make... Bilstien? Boge?) and rear top mounts. 7) Last time it was up on the ramp it appeared utterly solid underneath. 8) Could be great again... the wife and I have missed owning it these last few months (though not the fuel bills!) 9) It's a T5. 10) A manual T5!
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Last Edit: Jul 1, 2016 18:57:19 GMT by filmidget
'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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SOLD!
(Trailer indeed... )
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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Apr 14, 2016 12:01:31 GMT
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The last photo attempts to show the oil on the drive after a couple of trips out and a week stood. Could be minor, could be fairly serious, I really am not sure.
Buyer's risk if they decide to drive it away...
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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Apr 14, 2016 10:36:11 GMT
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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Apr 14, 2016 10:33:38 GMT
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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filmidget
East Midlands
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Posts: 1,652
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Apr 14, 2016 10:32:40 GMT
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'79 MG Midget 1500 - Still patiently awaiting attention '02 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Elegance(!) - Better than you might think '03 Mazda MX5 - All new and shiny looking (thanks to Antony at Rust Republic) '09 Renault Clio - Needs to go.
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