tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13431707981213904402024-03-14T07:36:49.747+00:00MG Rover 25 Build BlogThis Blog will follow the progress of my Rover 25 1.4 as I restore, refurbish, modify and upgrade it.AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-67943697226415076102012-04-09T17:22:00.001+01:002019-02-21T07:43:12.741+00:006 Most Popular Rover 25 PostsTo celebrate the fact that this little blog about my MG Rover 25 has reached 20,000+ page views, I thought I would put up a post with a couple of interesting facts and figures, and a list of your favourite updates.<br />
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The blog gets a massively diverse array of visitors, from the UK to USA, Spain, Serbia and Russia. It is becoming more and more popular each month, with around 1,300 page views last month.<br />
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Most of you are using Internet Explorer, closely followed by Firefox and Chrome. Almost all of you are viewing the blog from Windows, and as for the mobile readers, it appears this blog is more popular with iOS users than Android.<br />
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A little while ago my image hosting site changed the number of images you could host with them, and a lot of my images got taken down as a result. Unimpressed I am now part way through uploading the pictures to Google. Using this as a positive I have gone to all the old posts and rewritten them with more details and more pictures, so in the long run it's worked out better for you guys.
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At the end of the day, I hope it has inspired and helped all that have come here, and may continue to do so in the future for many years to come.<br />
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Enough chat, onto the most popular posts, click on the titles to go to the related post:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhPn41XKIJc/TFL37xNrkxI/AAAAAAAAA30/NSGkT8jGA2M/s1600/DSCF1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Solar Red Modified Rover 25" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhPn41XKIJc/TFL37xNrkxI/AAAAAAAAA30/NSGkT8jGA2M/s200/DSCF1476.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-powder-coated-mg-zr-hairpin-wheels.html">New Powder Coated MG ZR Hairpin Wheels</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTMa_rMQvd4/T1pZ3l8nB6I/AAAAAAAAB08/G1Yv1fN1kHA/s1600/DSC00578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seat Leon Cupra R Splitter" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTMa_rMQvd4/T1pZ3l8nB6I/AAAAAAAAB08/G1Yv1fN1kHA/s200/DSC00578.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/04/seat-leon-cupra-r-custom-moulded.html">Seat Leon Cupra R Custom Moulded Splitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-awCCjEIpkrc/T4MLJGRMZfI/AAAAAAAACNM/2LK4rgf0xus/s1600/DSC01618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vibe CBR12 Evo II Subwoofer" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-awCCjEIpkrc/T4MLJGRMZfI/AAAAAAAACNM/2LK4rgf0xus/s200/DSC01618.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/08/vibe-subwoofer-and-amp-box-fitted.html">Vibe Subwoofer and Amp box fitted</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NTjxbjdD9w/T4BIM7VfBYI/AAAAAAAACKs/MVeGZkpMUHY/s1600/DSC00350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Half Leather Matrix Seats" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NTjxbjdD9w/T4BIM7VfBYI/AAAAAAAACKs/MVeGZkpMUHY/s200/DSC00350.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-half-leather-seats.html">New MG ZR half leather matrix seats</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW9fkZoJz8g/TBO606enS-I/AAAAAAAAAZE/a2nObP-SYGQ/s1600/DSCF0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 K-Series Exhaust Manifold Heatshield" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW9fkZoJz8g/TBO606enS-I/AAAAAAAAAZE/a2nObP-SYGQ/s200/DSCF0687.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2010/06/exhaust-manifold-heatshield-refurbished.html" target="_blank">Exhaust Manifold Heatshield Refurbished</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5yjbyA-ZJk/T4MMVhyqjiI/AAAAAAAACNU/QUE0L0KZU2Y/s1600/DSC01513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vibe SE K-Series 60 Speaker" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5yjbyA-ZJk/T4MMVhyqjiI/AAAAAAAACNU/QUE0L0KZU2Y/s200/DSC01513.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/08/front-door-speaker-upgrade.html" target="_blank">Front Door Speaker Upgrade</a><br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-90133551451543796242012-02-12T17:07:00.000+00:002012-02-12T17:07:28.346+00:00Head Gasket Replaced - Top End RefurbishedThe car had been slowly losing water and smoking a little on start up for quite some time, but recently it started getting worse.<br />
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I decided to get a compression tester to confirm the sneaking suspicion the car was developing head gasket failure again. It had already been done by Rover under warranty before my ownership. You would have thought they'd do a good job of it, but obviously not.<br />
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The compression test turned up some damning results that confirmed the head gasket was on its way out. The results are shown below;<br />
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1 - 195<br />
2 - 195<br />
3 - 180<br />
4 - 200<br />
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As you can see, cylinder 3's compression is way down on cylinder 4's.</div>
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With those results I started populating the kit I'd need to do a proper job fixing it.</div>
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I ordered the following from eBay:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-52306-CAM-LOCKING-TOOL-ROVER-K-16-ENGINES-/130556268466?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1e65c28fb2#ht_2885wt_905&clk_rvr_id=315151713006" target="_blank">Draper Cam Locking Tool</a> - £3.60</li>
<li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200602205489&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2755wt_1185" target="_blank">Multi Layer Steel (MLS) Head gasket repair kit</a> - £117.26</li>
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<li>MLS Gasket</li>
<li>Additional Saver Shim coated with heat activated bonding agent</li>
<li>Directional oil seals and valve stem seals</li>
<li>Steel locating dowels</li>
<li>10x Stretch bolts</li>
<li>Additional gaskets required</li>
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<li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290510316835&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1441wt_1185" target="_blank">Water pump and Continental Timing Belt</a> - £61.93</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZR-MG-ZS-K-Series-Engine-Cam-Carrier-Sealant-A21-/200564687136?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item2eb2964120#ht_1002wt_952" target="_blank">MG Rover Cam Carrier Sealant</a> - £6.24</li>
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With all the kit ordered and delivered, work got under way. First thing to do was to get the engine stripped down and the head off.<br />
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With the head off I could analyse the head gasket and confirm that it was indeed gone. As you can see from the photos below the gasket has started to break down. You can see the orange elastomer has started to melt in quite a few places.<br />
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I also checked the variance in the head surface, in places I could get a 002 shim under a straight edge placed across the head.</div>
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With the head off I started removing the tappets and bagging them individually, numbering which position and which side they came from so as to return everything back to it's original location. The valves also got the same treatment.<br />
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Whilst the head was off for skimming, I started refurbishing the tappets. All 16 were taken apart and cleaned in white spirits, dried, then refilled with brand new oil.<br />
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Whilst being skimmed, the head got cleaned up a bit too. Here's how it looked before and after the work was done.<br />
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<b>Before</b> (left) - <b>After</b> (right)</div>
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Now the head is back I could start rebuilding it, first up was lapping the valves back in.</div>
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Now that the valves were back in, the rebuild could start. The block was cleaned up a little and all the old coolant dried up, also the tappets were replaced.</div>
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Whilst the cam carrier was off that got cleaned up too. Carefully, the cam carrier sealant was squeezed on and spread out across the face.<br />
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Sealant on, the cam carrier could also be put in place, and all the bolts tightened up in the specific sequence.<br />
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Unfortunately I didn't get any more photos than this, however, the engine got put back together successfully, all new parts went on ok too.<br />
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On the first firing up the engine revved up to the red line, so it was quickly turned off. Second time round it was fine.<br />
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After the work was the done the engine ran so smoothly and quietly, it held its water and wasn't smoking. A complete success, and after a test drive the car was feeling better than ever. Despite the hard work, and shelling out just over £250, it was more than worth it to get the car back into excellent running condition.<br />
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Final thing to do was add the timing belt sticker and fill in the mileage and date. As you can see, it's taken me a little while to type this up!<br />
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<br /></div>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-29312728382515410592011-03-17T21:32:00.001+00:002011-03-17T22:33:20.426+00:00Heater Resistor RepairedAfter a rather uneventful day at work, I was almost done with my commute when I noticed that the heater I had set to stage 1 wasn't actually doing anything. I initially thought it might be a dodgy heater unit.<br />
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After a little investigation, it appeared that my heater resistors had gone (apparently very common in Rovers), thankfully this is a piece of cake to fix. Went on ebay and ordered a REZPAX repair kit for about £7. For anyone that has this problem, they have an instructional .pdf that might be of some use. Check out the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rezpax.com/USERIMAGES/RRRGOCR001.pdf">How to fix MG ZR / Rover 25 heater resistors</a><br />
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To get at the heater resistor pack the glove box had to come out, so that was the first job. Then out with the resistor pack. This is what I was greeted with. It's not very clear in the second one, but you can just make out that the nearest resistor is split two coils from the left end.<br />
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Next I snipped off the old resistors and broke out the new set. (I forgot to take a picture of the new set not attached so I nabbed REZPAX image, my kit looked identical to the picture). Then just soldered them on. Refitted it and jobs a good'en, all settings work fine. Another plus is the resistors look a little better in quality too, so shouldn't go again.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xZwVq8BR1r8/TYJ9VqKzZsI/AAAAAAAABB0/x3LgeyXyZbI/s1600/rezpax+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xZwVq8BR1r8/TYJ9VqKzZsI/AAAAAAAABB0/x3LgeyXyZbI/s200/rezpax+kit.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-194BIvI-fK4/TYJ9co0hxjI/AAAAAAAABB4/Q_5qcZ36jiY/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-194BIvI-fK4/TYJ9co0hxjI/AAAAAAAABB4/Q_5qcZ36jiY/s200/IMAG0162.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-83879866263825426012011-03-14T21:50:00.003+00:002011-03-17T22:34:58.214+00:00Door Card Clips ReplacedOver the winter a couple of clips broke that hold the door card to the door frame. Apparently this is a common thing with Rovers, so I ordered a few off of ebay.
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Got 10 for something like £2.50 posted, cheap as chips.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bH0Heiw4Qhg/TX6ERViiPKI/AAAAAAAABBY/GaCm2MQ6zpE/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bH0Heiw4Qhg/TX6ERViiPKI/AAAAAAAABBY/GaCm2MQ6zpE/s200/IMAG0140.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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First job, get the door card off. If you want to know how I did that, take a look at my door card removal guide here - <a href="http://mgroverservice.blogspot.com/2010/06/door-cards-removal-and-refitting.html">Door Cards - Removal and Refitting</a><br />
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After fetching the door card off, I noticed that one clip (the broken one) was still stuck in the door. You could also see that almost all of the clips were a different type. As I had bought 10, I decided to swap them all out for some new ones. Compared to the ones that were on it, the new ones looked a lot meatier too. After swapping them all out, I just put the door card back on and all is well. Holds nice and tight against the door.<br />
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<b>Broken Clip</b></div>
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<b>Mixed Old Clips</b></div>
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<b>New Clips</b></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-59232787112040618202011-03-12T19:31:00.002+00:002011-03-17T22:35:11.229+00:0075000 Mile ServiceService time, long over due as a result of mother nature.<br />
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Pretty big one this time, decided to refresh a few elements.<br />
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The full list of what's been done;<br />
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<li>New radiator</li>
<li>Coolant flush and replaced with O.A.T + water (1:1 mix)</li>
<li>Oil changed for Mobile Super 2000</li>
<li>Oil filter changed for a new HOF213 halfords part</li>
<li>Wynn's Hydraulic valve lifter treatment added.</li>
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First up was to change the radiator over. I picked up a brand new one off of ebay dirt cheap, under £30. So all hoses off and out came the old one. Which on inspection after removal, was considerably worse than I thought it was. As you can see from the pictures below it was pretty corroded, with blue tinge's all over, probably coolant.</div>
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Here are some pictures of the old one and the shiny new one. (Excuse the state of my car in the picture of the radiator fitted)</div>
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Whilst the radiator was off, I took the chance to flush the coolant system. Since I had bought it, it had the wrong type of coolant in it (unbeknownst to me). So out came the hose and flushing began. All signs were good as only clear water came out, no mayo/hgf signs. Then with the radiator fitted, the new O.A.T coolant was added. The bleed screw was a bit of a bugger to locate, for your (and my) information a picture of it is below.</div>
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All changed the engine runs slightly quieter, as always with a service, and stays at the right temperature. So all-in-all a successful service. </div>
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For the price of a new one, I'd definitely recommend changing your radiator, judging by mine yours could end up being quite a lot worse than you thought.</div>
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<br /></div>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-48485918587981688692011-03-07T20:20:00.002+00:002011-03-17T22:35:24.290+00:00OMP Strut BraceI've been after a strut brace for some time now, to add a bit of rigidity to the front end, finally got round to it and picked one up second hand.<br />
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I bought an OMP strut brace, which some eagle eyed readers will notice is mounted the wrong* way up, however the way I have it means it doesn't rub on anything in the engine bay. The correct* way up would have resulted in quite substantial rubbing on the coolant reservoir, to the extent it simply didn't fit.<br />
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The paintwork isn't great, but that's not a problem because I'm planning to respray it Solar Red during the summer.<br />
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As for the handling gains it brings, I would definitely encourage people to fit one. I noticed quite a good increase in grip and overall body roll reduction. It gets the much coveted two thumbs up award from me.<br />
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Here's some pictures of it fitted (please excuse the dirty engine bay,...and the high coolant level, I had just flushed the coolant so it hadn't settled yet).<br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-6085715528322651662011-02-24T18:36:00.002+00:002011-03-17T22:35:40.388+00:00K&N Air Filter Recharge KitIt has been a while since anything has been posted up on the blog, but that doesn't mean work hasn't been going on.<br />
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The first of many items on the to do list was to fully clean out the K and N panel air filter. I bought a K and N recharger kit to do the job properly.<br />
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Bonnet up, filter out, first inspections show quite a lot of crap had got itself lodged in the filter. Plenty of bugs for that matter.<br />
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In the picture below you can still see some of the crap that was in it, but unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it to show the full extent, nevertheless still dirty.<br />
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Using a soft bristled brush I gently removed majority of the looser large dirt particles.<br />
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Next up was to put liberally spray on the air filter cleaner, and leave to soak for 10 minutes. After that I rinsed it with fresh water and then repeated the process just to make sure.<br />
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You are supposed to leave the filter to dry naturally, but these things really hold water. I left it over night and it was still soaking, so I moved it indoors near to the fire and left for another whole day. It was still a tiny bit damp in places, the next day, but it'll do.<br />
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Finally you just have to spray on the air filter oil. This is how it looked all cleaned up and re-oiled.<br />
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Whilst I was performing this process I replaced the K and N with an old paper filter. The difference is most definitely noticeable upon refitting of the K and N, justifying my recommendation to buy one if you haven't already.<br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-82083624237363567602010-08-10T17:32:00.003+01:002011-03-17T22:35:49.595+00:00Triumph TR4A IRS - Detailing Guide PromotionAnother <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> promotional post, and another nice looking car. This time a Triumph TR4A IRS.<br />
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It was in pretty good condition to be honest, as the last person to clean it was me. But that was a year ago, so there was room for improvement.<br />
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So the procedure selected by the customer for this detailing was as follows; (full product list at the bottom)<br />
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Hose Rinse (not jet wash, due to the questionable water-tightness)<br />
Wash<br />
Hose Rinse<br />
Dry<br />
Polish<br />
Wax<br />
Metal Polish<br />
Glass Polish<br />
Vacuum<br />
Interior Dash/Plastics<br />
Leather Seat Treatment<br />
Tyre Gel.<br />
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Sadly there are no comparison pics this time, the weather was looking a bit unpredictable which left me umming and ahhing as to whether I should actually start work, so I totally forgot.<br />
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Nevertheless here are the finished pics, looking rather good if I do say so myself.<br />
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The products used for this detail were as follows;<br />
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Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo and Conditioner<br />
Microfibre Noodle Mitt x2 (one for wheels one for body)<br />
Meguiars Step 2 Polish<br />
Meguiars Step 3 Carnauba Wax<br />
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Meguiars Natural Shine Vinyl and Rubber Protectant<br />
Meguiars Endurance High Gloss Tyre Gel<br />
Autoglym Car Glass Polish<br />
Brasso<br />
Henry Vacuum<br />
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Don't forget, if you are impressed with these results then head over to the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> page of this blog.<br />
<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-26512485137224267532010-08-06T21:35:00.002+01:002011-03-17T22:35:58.732+00:00Alfa Romeo 156 - Detailing Guide PromotionMy girlfriends mum just bought an Alfa Romeo 156, and as a good will gesture I said I'd detail it for her.<br />
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Whilst I was doing it I thought it would be an ideal example car to show the results of the methods outlined in the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> of this site.<br />
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For anyone who hasn't seen the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> yet, it is a comprehensive guide to detailing your car, going through all of the following steps;<br />
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#SnowFoam">Snow
Foaming</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Washing">Washing</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Claying">Claying</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Polishing">Polishing</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Glass">Glass
Polishing</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Waxing">Waxing</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Alloys">Cleaning
Alloy Wheels</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Plastics">Black
Plastic Trim</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Chrome">Exhaust
Tips and Chrome</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Tyres">Dressing
the Tyres</a><br />
<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html#Interior">Valeting
the Interior</a><br />
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Anyway, back to the Alfa. Overall the cars paintwork was in great condition for the age, and fairly clean too.<br />
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There were a few areas of interest to concentrate on, few key scuffs, light scratches, residue, tar etc. Should be able to fetch most of that off.<br />
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The procedure used on the car for this particular detail was what I would call a standard overhaul detail. This included; <i>(For the full product list, scroll right down)</i><br />
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Jet wash<br />
Wash (using two bucket method, microfibre mitt, Meguiars shampoo)<br />
Jet wash rinse<br />
Dry (using an extra large microfibre drying towel)<br />
Polish<br />
Wax<br />
Black plastic treatment<br />
Tyre Shine<br />
Interior Valet<br />
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During the detail it became apparent that the car could do with a Clay Barring (slightly rough to the touch, indicating microscopic dirt particles in the paint), but there wasn't enough time and I didn't have my kit with me, so I decided this could be done on another occasion.<br />
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On to the photos. Instead of putting the photos of before first, then the after last, I've put it as a comparison due to the paintwork being fairly good. To be honest most people would probably think it's pretty darn clean. Well...we shall soon see about that.<br />
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<b>Before</b> <i>(left)</i> and <b>After</b> <i>(right) </i></div>
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That's it for the comparison shots, now just some beauty shots of after the detailing.<br />
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The full product list used for this detail is as follows;<br />
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Meguiars
Gold Class Shampoo and Conditioner<br />
Microfibre Noodle Wash Mitt<br />
Autoglym Super Resin Polish <i>(using up old stock, not encouraged to use this product, see <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a>)</i><br />
Meguiars Step 3 Carnauba Wax<br />
Autoglym Car Glass Polish<br />
Meguiars Natural Shine Vinyl and Rubber Protectant<br />
Meguiars Endurance High Gloss Tyre Gel <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B001G1FNLS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe class=" bbjorfvlpceclihrthvh" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B002PX5GQ8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B001153ALO" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B003JIBYA0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B001G1NSJC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mgro25bubl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B0009IQXJ0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe></div>
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So if you're impressed with the results achieved here, go ahead and click on this link to go to the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> page.<br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-44971386692548112332010-08-06T14:48:00.002+01:002011-03-17T22:36:08.958+00:009 SMD LED SidelightsAbout a week ago my old single LED sidelights blew, so it was time to get some more.<br />
<br />
Was recommended some SMD LED sidelights, SMD standing for Surface Mount Diodes. So I went on eBay and got some 9 SMD LED sidelights from a seller in Hong Kong for a nats under £4 posted. They arrived within a week too, which was pretty impressive.<br />
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Got them fitted, they are far, far brighter than my old LED bulbs. Pretty much identical hue of light produced though, intense white in the middle with a slight blue tinge.<br />
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It's quite difficult to get a photo of light showing it exactly how it is, but these photos are fairly close. Overall really impressed.<br />
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<b>Comparison with old bulbs</b></div>
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<b>Appearance in daylight</b></div>
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<b>Light pattern from just the sidelights</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFwR28FNIQI/AAAAAAAAA5M/rF5Xna3wTGg/s1600/DSCF1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFwR28FNIQI/AAAAAAAAA5M/rF5Xna3wTGg/s200/DSCF1496.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Slightly underexposed, brighter in real life</b></div>
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</div>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-7064482491597261892010-07-30T17:08:00.003+01:002016-12-22T15:21:47.615+00:00New Powder Coated MG ZR Hairpin WheelsBought a spare set of MG ZR Hairpin alloys, way back at the start of the year, with the intention of spraying them black myself.<br />
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After a LOT of consideration, I decided to have them powder coated. That then raised the problem of where to get it done. A number of recommendations were made to use City Powder Coaters, in Birmingham.<br />
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This is the place I used, and I have to say the finish is fantastic for the price, £25 per wheel inc refitting the tyres and balancing. The guy that I spoke to was a really nice bloke, always willing to help and let me examine the wheels at every stage of the process, which I imagine most companies would not allow without becoming agitated.<br />
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I'm still deciding what to do with the centre caps, but to be honest, I quite like the look with them missing. Almost a race feel to it, which is the direction I'm taking the styling.<br />
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Anyway on with the pictures, first up is how the wheels looked when I got them home. Look ok, but I'm a detailer so there is room for improvement.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL1OaIL1VI/AAAAAAAAA3M/qxaDanTC-xI/s1600/DSCF1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Hairpin Alloy 16"" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL1OaIL1VI/AAAAAAAAA3M/qxaDanTC-xI/s200/DSCF1458.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL1UNElEbI/AAAAAAAAA3U/LKivfUZpJrw/s1600/DSCF1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Hairpin Alloy 16"" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL1UNElEbI/AAAAAAAAA3U/LKivfUZpJrw/s200/DSCF1459.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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The detailing began with a light jet wash to loosen up the tyre soap and dust from the factory, then a hand wash using a microfibre wash mitt and some Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo and Conditioner. They were then dried with a microfibre.<br />
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After that, two layers of Meguiars Step 3 Carnauba Wax was applied, this should hold off the brake dust and grime for as long as possible. Then finally, two coatings of Meguiars Endurance High Gloss Tyre Gel.<br />
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This left the wheels looking like this.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL2-3p5gEI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XlMh78SYhP0/s1600/DSCF1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Hairpin Alloys 16"" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL2-3p5gEI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XlMh78SYhP0/s200/DSCF1460.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL3GrOQiII/AAAAAAAAA3k/yVMhh3T0SYQ/s1600/DSCF1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Hairpin Alloys 16"" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL3GrOQiII/AAAAAAAAA3k/yVMhh3T0SYQ/s200/DSCF1467.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL3O8e8eeI/AAAAAAAAA3s/FmSECOPwZ7Y/s1600/DSCF1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Hairpin Alloys 16"" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL3O8e8eeI/AAAAAAAAA3s/FmSECOPwZ7Y/s200/DSCF1465.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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All cleaned up they looked absolutely awesome, very high gloss finish and a deep black. Exactly what I wanted.<br />
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So having spent ages cleaning them, I eagerly set about fitting them. Finally here are the photos of the wheels fitted to the car.<br />
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I think they look really good, they tie in with the rest of the car, giving it that aggressive race look that I was aiming to achieve. <br />
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<i>(Note: Some eagle eyed readers will notice the tyres are low in the photos, directly after taking the photos I went to the garage and blew them up to the correct pressure)</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL37xNrkxI/AAAAAAAAA30/HQtVDmI28SA/s1600/DSCF1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Modified" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL37xNrkxI/AAAAAAAAA30/HQtVDmI28SA/s200/DSCF1476.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4CN9PdUI/AAAAAAAAA38/NfDeMbRsw1s/s1600/DSCF1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Modified" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4CN9PdUI/AAAAAAAAA38/NfDeMbRsw1s/s200/DSCF1475.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4HhVZkpI/AAAAAAAAA4E/7KN4qWcziM4/s1600/DSCF1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Modified" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4HhVZkpI/AAAAAAAAA4E/7KN4qWcziM4/s200/DSCF1474.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4SIoF0YI/AAAAAAAAA4M/UdjDL8_u64g/s1600/DSCF1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Modified Rear View" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4SIoF0YI/AAAAAAAAA4M/UdjDL8_u64g/s200/DSCF1478.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4WJRdJxI/AAAAAAAAA4U/hGSPq2XZkpE/s1600/DSCF1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Modified Rear View" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4WJRdJxI/AAAAAAAAA4U/hGSPq2XZkpE/s200/DSCF1479.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4mqXI_4I/AAAAAAAAA4c/F5GnJN2o4To/s1600/DSCF1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG Rover 25 Painted Calipers Black Wheels" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4mqXI_4I/AAAAAAAAA4c/F5GnJN2o4To/s200/DSCF1482.JPG" title="" width="142" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4p3tsJaI/AAAAAAAAA4k/vfV1dy0FjHk/s1600/DSCF1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG Rover 25 Painted Calipers Black Wheels" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TFL4p3tsJaI/AAAAAAAAA4k/vfV1dy0FjHk/s200/DSCF1487.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-80412392279482512012010-07-27T13:51:00.002+01:002011-03-17T22:36:26.950+00:00Steering Wheel Radio ControlsBeen driving for a while now with a big hole in the new leather steering wheel, so I though it was about time to get my thinking cap on and sort it out.<br />
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I bought the steering wheel radio controls ages ago to go into the gap, just had no idea how to wire them up as I had been sent a bundle of wires, the controls and a couple of screws.<br />
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Luckily I still had my old steering wheel, so I played around with that to try and figure out what was what. Turns out I had been sent too many wires, and an extra connector.<br />
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So to start off I had to remove the controls from the connector they came with, so I could fit them into my steering wheel. Getting the wires out of the connectors though was a bit of a game, plenty of prodding and pulling and they eventually came out and left me with this.<br />
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Next job was to <a href="http://mgroverservice.blogspot.com/2010/07/airbag-drivers-removal-and-refitting.html">remove the airbag</a>, after that it was a case of unplugging the connector and shoving in the wires in.<br />
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After that all that was left to do is screw it to the wheel, this was easily done, two small screws and its job done.<br />
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Just a case of replacing the airbag and connecting the battery up. Here they are fitted.<br />
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After having replaced the headunit, I was curious to see whether they would still work, but sadly they don't. In the future I may invest in a converter so that they will work, but for now I'm just happy to have filled the void in my wheel.AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-3770634807127061072010-07-22T19:55:00.002+01:002011-03-17T22:36:36.433+00:00X-Power Caliper Vinyls and Brake Paint RefurbDue to the impending refurb of my spare set of alloys, I wanted to tidy up the brake/wheel area.<br />
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Using some Halfords Brake Cleaner I got most of the crap off the calipers, then took a wire brush to them, and finally sanded the main face. I sanded the main face ready for the white X-Power vinyl decals I acquired to go there.<br />
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I got the vinyls from a member of theMGZR.co.uk (Dazzer) who runs his own custom vinyl business, very nice chap. Got them specially made up the right size for the 1.4 calipers.<br />
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I repainted the calipers in the same Hammerite smooth red as before.<br />
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The calipers needed two coats of paint to get them looking as good as they could be, wanted to give them a good going over so they last a fair while.<br />
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Whilst I was there I noticed my new <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2010/05/6700068000-service.html">mintex discs</a> had gone rusty in the non contact areas. This was making the wheel area look very untidy. So I painted them with black engine enamel, which not only covers up the rust but should prevent any more rusting.<br />
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All in all the wheel/brake area looks a treat now, makes it look very fresh and a bit sportier/newer.<br />
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(<i>Note: In the pictures the before shots are of the opposite side to the finished shots as I forgot to take pictures of the process on just one side.)</i><br />
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<b>Before</b><i> </i> </div>
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<b>Painted</b></div>
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<b>Applying the Vinyl</b></div>
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<b>Finished</b></div>
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<b>Finished - Wheels On</b></div>
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<b> </b></div>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-28968775346440269112010-06-29T16:58:00.001+01:002010-06-30T09:22:51.490+01:00Janspeed Intermediate (Mid) Pipe upgradeAfter quite some time of wanting one, I've finally took the plunge and bought a Janspeed Intermediate (Mid) Pipe. For those not in the know, the exhaust system is made of 4 sections in the following order; Manifold, Catalytic Converter (cat), Intermediate Pipe, Backbox.<br />
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Got it for £70 posted, was in fair condition, apparently having covered around 8k miles. It's also the stainless steel version so should last quite a while. Bit of a good deal considering they are £130ish new.<br />
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Unwrapped it and immediately set about it with the cleaning equipment, got it shining up fairly well, although not as well as I did with my <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-exhaust.html">Longlife backbox</a>. You can see in the images below the before (left) and after (right) shots of the clean-up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoPL0qj8aI/AAAAAAAAAnk/5eb0-HsnfK8/s1600/DSCF1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janspeed Intermediate Mid Pipe" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoPL0qj8aI/AAAAAAAAAnk/5eb0-HsnfK8/s200/DSCF1034.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoPQQ_XMAI/AAAAAAAAAns/cFBZJVLSTas/s1600/DSCF1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janspeed Intermediate Mid Pipe Clean" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoPQQ_XMAI/AAAAAAAAAns/cFBZJVLSTas/s200/DSCF1036.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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After a good scrub it was time to fit the thing. First was the job of getting the car high enough to actually get at the fixings. This took three planks of wood and a helpful gradient. Not even on Rover springs was the car ever this high up. Took the opportunity to have a butchers at the underneath of the car too, doesn't look too bad for a 9 year old.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoRgg3Sb4I/AAAAAAAAAoE/oIN6_DZJDu4/s1600/DSCF1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Jacked Up" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoRgg3Sb4I/AAAAAAAAAoE/oIN6_DZJDu4/s200/DSCF1040.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoRur9UtMI/AAAAAAAAAoM/BypVYWwrhBs/s1600/DSCF1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG Rover 25 ZR underbody underneath" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoRur9UtMI/AAAAAAAAAoM/BypVYWwrhBs/s200/DSCF1042.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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With a little penetrating oil the bolts came off and with them the existing mid pipe. Took another opportunity, this time to compare old with new. Pretty much identical length and pipe shaping, but a considerably smaller box and a noticeable weight difference (the new Janspeed being lighter).<br />
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Next job was to make up some gaskets. Pretty much just traced the outline and cut a 2" hole in the middle.<br />
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Offered up the midpipe and tried to fit it, but realised the holes in the flange on the backbox were about 6mm out from the new pipe. So back to the lab to file the holes in a bit so they were slots.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoWvUOWLuI/AAAAAAAAAo0/cxOwYzaCa0M/s1600/DSCF1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janspeed Intermediate Pipe Flange" border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TCoWvUOWLuI/AAAAAAAAAo0/cxOwYzaCa0M/s200/DSCF1050.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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After the slight modification it fitted a treat. Upon first firing up the car it wasn't really that clear that it had made any difference at all really. But after driving it a few times you can hear it bedding in, there are a few more pops and a slightly different exhaust note. Sounds a bit more race like too, which was exactly what I was after.<br />
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After it's bedded in for a good while I will take a video for you all to compare. As for performance, the car seems to rev much more freely, and possibly pick up better. This could be a combination of the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/02/service.html">K and N panel filter</a>, and the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-exhaust.html">Longlife
backbox</a> coming into effect.AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-74243906164943773632010-06-12T17:55:00.007+01:002012-04-09T17:09:32.412+01:00Exhaust Manifold Heatshield RefurbishedWas a nice day today so decided to get some spraying done. Went to halfords and picked up some <a href="http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_174093_langId_-1_categoryId_165495">Halfords Very High Temperature Paint - Aluminium</a> and set about removing the exhaust manifold heatshield.<br />
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The heatshield was fairly rusty and looked very scruffy in the engine bay. So it was about time it had a bit of a freshen up.<br />
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Removing it was simple enough once I figured out the best way to get at the bolts, of which there were two bolts and one nut. Then it just came away.<br />
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To get some of the surface rust off I used a wire brush, I didn't go at it too hard as the thing isn't all that strong. Not to mention the bottom fixing looked dubiously weak. So after a quick scrub up I sprayed it, gave it two coats just to make sure.<br />
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I will be adding a guide on how to remove this part and what tools you will need, for my service guide.<br />
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In the mean time check out the photos below of the outcome.<br />
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<b>Before</b> (left) and <b>After</b> (right)</div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-54718892688179240102010-06-12T10:07:00.001+01:002016-12-16T10:36:04.353+00:00Site UpdatesWell I would just like to say thank you to all the people that contributed to the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a> it has now been updated with even more pictures, more sections and more accurate information. <br />
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Product suggestions have been changed for better solutions, with the help of a professional detailer, and various forum members who are keen detailers too.<br />
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The guide will be updated periodically as I want it to be as comprehensive as possible, and as useful as possible. So please do check back regularly.<br />
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Click the following link to visit the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">detailing guide</a>.<br />
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Quite a few visitors to the site have been asking for a guide on how to fit an MG ZR front splitter, but as I already had a post on fitting mine I chose to update that instead of create a new one. So instead of just pictures showing how I did it, there is now text to support the pictures and hopefully give a full picture of how to do it.<br />
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<a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/04/front-bumper.html">How to fit an MG ZR front splitter</a><br />
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Finally, I have started work on a servicing guide which I am quite excited about due to the success of the detailing guide. It should be launched soon so check back for that.<br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-34779807857577717642010-06-06T21:53:00.006+01:002010-06-11T09:27:13.794+01:00How To Detail - A Beginners GuideI'm pleased to announce the new <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html"><b>Detailing Guide.</b></a><br />
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It is a pretty comprehensive guide to detailing your car, from washing to clay baring to tyre dressing.<br />
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It's not aimed at the very experienced detailer, but you never know, you might still learn a trick or two. Beginners and moderately experienced detailiers will certainly learn something, so its worth a read and maybe a bookmark if you think you will forget.<br />
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I've also provided links to all the products I use, so you can go right ahead and buy them for yourself.<br />
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Go to the page by using the following link - <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/p/detailing-guide.html">Detailing Guide</a> or click the page link at the top or side of this blog. <br />
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If you're not convinced here are some tastey snap shots of the results I get from using the techniques described (not bad for a 9 year old car).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvEKaD9EkI/AAAAAAAAAVg/QpXLtHurHyA/s1600/DSC01546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvEKaD9EkI/AAAAAAAAAVg/QpXLtHurHyA/s320/DSC01546.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvHFyOsv4I/AAAAAAAAAWI/_7pb697065Y/s1600/dsc01788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvHFyOsv4I/AAAAAAAAAWI/_7pb697065Y/s320/dsc01788.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvGvLUb0EI/AAAAAAAAAVw/p_G000Kp01M/s1600/DSCF2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvGvLUb0EI/AAAAAAAAAVw/p_G000Kp01M/s320/DSCF2936.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvCG7EAZSI/AAAAAAAAAVY/_dPmdel7K7c/s1600/DSC01558noreg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iayQp2ta8xc/TAvCG7EAZSI/AAAAAAAAAVY/_dPmdel7K7c/s320/DSC01558noreg.jpg" /></a></div>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-33878230541564241692010-06-04T17:53:00.000+01:002010-06-04T17:53:43.845+01:00M.O.T PassedToday was M.O.T day, usual checks were carried out yesterday; light's, handbrake, wipers and jets. Handbrake needed nipping up, was at the higher end of the scale at 14/15 clicks. So was adjusted down to 9 clicks. Brakes had just been replaced so they would hopefully be fine. Drive shaft gators did look a little suspect however, was just a waiting game to see if they pulled it up for them.<br />
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Pleased to say the car passed with no advisories, 3rd time on the trot since I've owned the car. Can't ask for more than that, being a 9 year old car. They didn't pull up the gators either, so all is good.<br />
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It also means that work can go ahead on the wheels, which I held off on starting in case any expensive repairs were needed.AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-60972146727812693042010-05-22T15:05:00.007+01:002017-04-27T21:45:37.730+01:00Engine Detail<div style="text-align: justify;">
The exterior of the car is now looking pretty darn good, the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/04/pics-of-full-body-kit-on.html" target="_blank">MG ZR body kit</a>, <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/04/seat-leon-cupra-r-custom-moulded.html" target="_blank">Cupra R splitter</a>, <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/08/de-tangod-front-indicators.html" target="_blank">de-tango'd indicators</a> etc. all complimenting each other perfectly.</div>
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Wanting to make use of the good weather, I focused on an area of the car that was looking a little lacklustre, the engine bay. Being a bit of a wuss, I chickened out of using a pressure washer to tidy it up as I didn't want to mess up the electrics.</div>
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Instead I resorted to some good old fashioned elbow grease and a new product I'd not tried before, <a href="http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/engine-cleaner-degreaser/autoglym-engine-cleaner" target="_blank">Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BelN0p0Bj2Q/WQJRYFwsvCI/AAAAAAAAGhY/xOXc3ovZTREFU-a4UQuwIN7L5XK2ypFdACLcB/s1600/094_989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BelN0p0Bj2Q/WQJRYFwsvCI/AAAAAAAAGhY/xOXc3ovZTREFU-a4UQuwIN7L5XK2ypFdACLcB/s200/094_989.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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Using some old brushes I found lying around in the man cave, I worked the cleaner fluid into all the surfaces. I didn't go too mad, only addressing the worst of the grime, but it was making quite a difference.</div>
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After wiping all the surfaces to remove any excess cleaner fluid, I applied a coating of <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xmeguiars+vinyl.TRS0&_nkw=meguiars+vinyl&_sacat=0" target="_blank">Meguiars Vinyl and Rubber Protectant</a> to give everything a nice sheen.</div>
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<b>Before</b> and <b>After</b></div>
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</b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE80kkvQoho/WQJV3nNfQQI/AAAAAAAAGhk/oPrPPQU-SGcXh6qEGK4JMJqw-6w6HUjzACLcB/s1600/DSCF0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 1.4 K Series Engine Bay" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE80kkvQoho/WQJV3nNfQQI/AAAAAAAAGhk/oPrPPQU-SGcXh6qEGK4JMJqw-6w6HUjzACLcB/s200/DSCF0530.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elkjEaYPz78/WQJV3nD5VaI/AAAAAAAAGho/g950HNmpCf4o9a4HPN63szUCo1iZy-XjgCLcB/s1600/DSCF0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 1.4 K Series Engine Bay Detailed" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elkjEaYPz78/WQJV3nD5VaI/AAAAAAAAGho/g950HNmpCf4o9a4HPN63szUCo1iZy-XjgCLcB/s200/DSCF0535.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdIpzRu6Lbg/WQJWK-5Z1qI/AAAAAAAAGhs/14f9L-cg1TQDWsBw_gYxGWzSGGn8XXzQACLcB/s1600/DSCF0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 Engine Bay Washer Fluid Refill Cap" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdIpzRu6Lbg/WQJWK-5Z1qI/AAAAAAAAGhs/14f9L-cg1TQDWsBw_gYxGWzSGGn8XXzQACLcB/s200/DSCF0531.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7PYx8Fpcys/WQJWLEqKqmI/AAAAAAAAGhw/EH25h2PLJsEzSd7IXB1lrMUUTFl0e-ZlQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 Engine Bay Washer Fluid Refill Cap" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7PYx8Fpcys/WQJWLEqKqmI/AAAAAAAAGhw/EH25h2PLJsEzSd7IXB1lrMUUTFl0e-ZlQCLcB/s200/DSCF0537.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2GAL3sKCI/WQJWkohCzXI/AAAAAAAAGh4/oM84gwipeisWKvyIbxDmlIjBo6NEQhD8wCLcB/s1600/DSCF0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 Engine Bay Coolant Reservoir" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2GAL3sKCI/WQJWkohCzXI/AAAAAAAAGh4/oM84gwipeisWKvyIbxDmlIjBo6NEQhD8wCLcB/s200/DSCF0533.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTQESav7LU4/WQJWkTZX4sI/AAAAAAAAGh0/NxuXMr1p_MoS0vLD_pRLFUF6vCeLOSHJQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 Engine Bay Coolant Reservoir" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTQESav7LU4/WQJWkTZX4sI/AAAAAAAAGh0/NxuXMr1p_MoS0vLD_pRLFUF6vCeLOSHJQCLcB/s200/DSCF0538.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">For a couple of hours work, it was well worth the effort, transforming the engine bay from that of an unloved commuter vehicle to someone's pride and joy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1AE87zGCtk/WQJXAV1909I/AAAAAAAAGh8/LOp1ZNJKMDATpihj6OxvG-X4X_5z7CIKwCLcB/s1600/DSCF0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MG ZR Rover 25 K Series Engine Bay Injectors" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1AE87zGCtk/WQJXAV1909I/AAAAAAAAGh8/LOp1ZNJKMDATpihj6OxvG-X4X_5z7CIKwCLcB/s200/DSCF0542.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-83776511575870875392010-05-22T14:34:00.006+01:002013-01-25T21:57:57.263+00:0067000 Mile ServiceThis service spanned a 1000 miles, from 67,000 to 68,000, due to needing the car intact for a month, meaning the discs and pads couldn't be changed in case anything went wrong. Anyhow all parts have now been changed.<br />
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Parts that have been changed:<br />
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Fuel filter - MG Rover original part - WJN 101191<br />
Oil Filter - Halfords - HOF213<br />
Mobil Super S - 10W-40 Semi Synthetic Oil<br />
Castrol Differential Oil - EPX 75W-80<br />
Mintex Brake Box -<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>MDK0008<br />
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First thing changed was the engine oil, this went without problem as its changed regularly, as with the oil filter.<br />
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The fuel filter however was a pain to get off, one of the bolts would not budge. At almost the point of rounding the bolt gave way luckily. The old filter had some surface rust, but obviously its not possible to see the state of inside. I decided to change it because at one point it was run constantly on only £10 worth of fuel at a time, so I thought some crap might have been drawn up, and the car is now 9 years old so it was about time.<br />
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Brakes were next. The discs on the car were low, and hadnt been changed since I bought the car. On first inspection it was clear they weren't in good condition but on measuring and comparing with the trusty haynes it appeared they were below the minimum threshold. The disc was not only low but wavey on the surface, so it was now not wearing uniformly.<br />
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On a recommendation mintex discs and pads were bought to replace them. Fitting went smoothly with no problems or dodgey bolts, thankfully.<br />
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First impressions were that they need bedding in, very spongey and didnt exactly stop too well. After about a week they are as good as the previous brake set up, and also no squeaking. It might almost be a valid comment to say they are slightly better.<br />
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Whilst at the job, the brakes were bled as well, make sure there was no air in the system.<br />
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Lastly and most surprising in its results was the gear box oil change. The gearbox had become pretty problematic, not going into gear and feeling generally rough. The swap to the castrol oil cured all of this, gears now change very smoothly and is a pleasure once again to drive. It must be noted the large amount of filings on the drain bolt though, which was cleaned off as well as possible. This could have contributed to the dodgey gear changes.<br />
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<span style="color: #ff0010; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 180%;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Service Parts</span><br />
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<a href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3845/dscf0453z.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3845/dscf0453z.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Fuel Filter</span><br />
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<a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9884/dscf0448m.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9884/dscf0448m.th.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6585/dscf0454lq.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6585/dscf0454lq.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Old vs New</span><br />
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<a href="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3084/dscf0451n.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3084/dscf0451n.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gearbox Oil</span><br />
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<a href="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/760/dscf0457ds.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/760/dscf0457ds.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Engine Oil</span><br />
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<a href="http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6308/dscf0458v.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6308/dscf0458v.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Brakes before</span><br />
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<a href="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9785/dscf0506c.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9785/dscf0506c.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Brake Disc Lip</span><br />
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<a href="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8501/dscf0505v.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8501/dscf0505v.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Brake Pad Lip</span><br />
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<a href="http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6765/dscf0524.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6765/dscf0524.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Old vs New</span><br />
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<a href="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2691/dscf0515t.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2691/dscf0515t.th.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/4670/dscf0516d.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/4670/dscf0516d.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6606/dscf0521t.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6606/dscf0521t.th.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6748/dscf0523j.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6748/dscf0523j.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">New Brake Disc Fitted</span><br />
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<a href="http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9818/dscf0519z.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9818/dscf0519z.th.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes to self, caliper to hub bolts, and socket size</span><br />
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<a href="http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9507/dscf0512x.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9507/dscf0512x.th.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3863/dscf0507.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3863/dscf0507.th.jpg" /></a>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-30995266767330221522010-03-21T16:53:00.003+00:002017-02-23T20:16:00.293+00:00Chrome Dial Rings and Year Plans<span style="font-weight: bold;">First update of the year, chrome dial rings.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
The first mod of the year is a simple, yet very effective one. The standard Rover 25 instrument cluster is pretty lack lustre and doesn't exactly scream premium.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ns6O2jHMI/WK8sz_n_GkI/AAAAAAAAGMs/9ykFrLCFig4Fc9O38Aakn7r-xo8YUWwLQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0422panbefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 instrument cluster dials" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ns6O2jHMI/WK8sz_n_GkI/AAAAAAAAGMs/9ykFrLCFig4Fc9O38Aakn7r-xo8YUWwLQCLcB/s200/DSCF0422panbefore.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a> <br />
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So, to give it a bit of an uplift (and to tie it in with the <a href="http://andybuckr25.blogspot.com/2009/10/custom-heater-dial-design.html" target="_blank">heater dial rings</a>), I picked up a set of chrome dial rings from a forum member on <a href="http://themgzr.co.uk/" target="_blank">theMGZR</a> for £15 posted.<br />
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To fit them, the instrument cluster lens has to be removed. Before you can do that the binnacle trim needs to be removed. Easier said than done though, I had quite a lot of trouble with some particularly resistant metal clips that put up a rather good fight.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1n7LXygl5c/WK84CU5S-XI/AAAAAAAAGNI/FNEQzr1wXcAEltkwXobKqnC5rb0g0_0cACLcB/s1600/DSCF0429anglebefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 instrument cluster with binnacle trim removed" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1n7LXygl5c/WK84CU5S-XI/AAAAAAAAGNI/FNEQzr1wXcAEltkwXobKqnC5rb0g0_0cACLcB/s200/DSCF0429anglebefore.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5OaQ6wDtow/WK84CdoaoDI/AAAAAAAAGNE/QP4V5meUL6UU9XBxpVHW0xzgG9vbfBPTgCLcB/s1600/DSCF0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 binnacle trim clip" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5OaQ6wDtow/WK84CdoaoDI/AAAAAAAAGNE/QP4V5meUL6UU9XBxpVHW0xzgG9vbfBPTgCLcB/s200/DSCF0424.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the rings were a little out of shape when they arrived. This meant some of the return flange had to be trimmed to allow the rings to sit flush to the dials.<br />
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Once they had been trimmed I applied some silicone sealant to the rear, using a small syringe, then pressed them into place.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9epO6RvOqks/WK85jy-M7oI/AAAAAAAAGNc/gTvaExyOPOM5uSozASZo-iSaY2MekK6ZwCLcB/s1600/DSCF0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 with chrome instrument cluster dial rings" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9epO6RvOqks/WK85jy-M7oI/AAAAAAAAGNc/gTvaExyOPOM5uSozASZo-iSaY2MekK6ZwCLcB/s200/DSCF0431.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur7YxxAxgg0/WK85h1LFMZI/AAAAAAAAGNY/Hmud1dcAJ4MxmaamXt7mVzbFpoR2M2o_QCLcB/s1600/DSCF0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 with chrome instrument cluster dial rings" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur7YxxAxgg0/WK85h1LFMZI/AAAAAAAAGNY/Hmud1dcAJ4MxmaamXt7mVzbFpoR2M2o_QCLcB/s200/DSCF0433.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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With all four rings now secured in place I could remove any excess silicone and give the cluster a thorough dusting before replacing the lens and binnacle trim.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGLd5ZEUMDs/WK9CsuXUtcI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/xteiwsUBzfocAx8F3vRa7MHDd3TuA0WZgCLcB/s1600/DSCF0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 with chrome instrument cluster dial rings" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGLd5ZEUMDs/WK9CsuXUtcI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/xteiwsUBzfocAx8F3vRa7MHDd3TuA0WZgCLcB/s200/DSCF0441.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KeBAqD5_uM/WK9Csq_md8I/AAAAAAAAGOU/IynIcwfTLgslSBUtugjlzRvrmvdf9l4cQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 with chrome instrument cluster dial rings" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KeBAqD5_uM/WK9Csq_md8I/AAAAAAAAGOU/IynIcwfTLgslSBUtugjlzRvrmvdf9l4cQCLcB/s200/DSCF0442.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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Replacing the rubber steering column upper gap hider was easier said than done. It has rubber prongs that locate into the holes in the dash, however, being rubber they flex all over the place. They also have an enlarged tip to secure the gap hider to the dash.<br />
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I started off by trying to press the prongs in, but this lead to them splaying off in all directions. I changed tact and tried to pull the rubber prongs through the holes with string. Good idea on paper, rubbish in reality.<br />
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Some expletives later I went back to the original plan and just pushed harder, surprisingly this actually worked.<br />
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The final reveal then, for £15 and a bit of faff the chrome rings have really lifted the dull dials. It's impressive how much difference they have made, something I'd definitely recommend doing and great value for money.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ns6O2jHMI/WK8sz_n_GkI/AAAAAAAAGM0/EU-tkEuqgXYB8_0OKDMoMiC6AlDgrLmIgCEw/s1600/DSCF0422panbefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 instrument cluster dials" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ns6O2jHMI/WK8sz_n_GkI/AAAAAAAAGM0/EU-tkEuqgXYB8_0OKDMoMiC6AlDgrLmIgCEw/s200/DSCF0422panbefore.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1HU_dEhcc/WK8-EB3UrsI/AAAAAAAAGN8/gpoP-B-kgCkummbOh_eBrqjEl08S9Ow7gCLcB/s1600/DSCF0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 instrument cluster with chrome dial rings" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1HU_dEhcc/WK8-EB3UrsI/AAAAAAAAGN8/gpoP-B-kgCkummbOh_eBrqjEl08S9Ow7gCLcB/s200/DSCF0445.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Plans for the year</b><br />
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The car has had one problem after the very harsh winter, a dodgy boot seal. So that has been taken off, cleaned up and siliconed back on, so far so good, no leak.<br />
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Due to the harsh winter the car has not been maintained to its usual level of shine which, now the spring is here, will all change. A full (very detailed) detail is on the cards for as soon as time permits.<br />
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The drums and callipers are in desperate need of a rub down and painting, as well as some replacement pads and discs.<br />
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A full service is also overdue, which this time will include a gearbox oil swap.<br />
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Radio controls still need to be fitted to the new leather steering wheel too.<br />
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A big change this year will be in the form of the wheels. The wheels will be going black, at some point, when the acquired ‘summer’ set of hairpins get sprayed, nudging the car ever so slightly out of the standard look.<br />
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-72816780626374455682009-10-03T19:10:00.004+01:002013-01-25T22:00:11.549+00:00Serviced After 5000 MilesWell it was overdue, I originally planned to do it at 3000mile intervals but never got round to it.<br />
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Again put in some Mobil 1 Super S semi synthetic 10W40 oil and swapped the old oil filter for a new halfords one. This time tried some new stuff, Wynns Hydraulic Valve Lifter Treatment, supposedly cleans out the tappets and various engine components and also aids with engine noise.<br />
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Initial thoughts were that it had quietened the engine down a bit, runs smooth so seems good so far.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Stuff used</span><br />
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<a href="http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6049/dsc01894h.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6049/dsc01894h.th.jpg" /></a>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-86785089687334715232009-10-02T22:24:00.004+01:002010-05-28T11:10:13.191+01:00Custom Heater Dial DesignContinuing my interior renovation is the heater dials.<br /><br />Got a replacement wood effect fascia off the bay for £4, then set to work rubbing it back.<br /><br />It turned out i had to remove every last bit of wood effect before any paint would stick to it <img src="http://www.themgzr.co.uk/vb/images/smilies/hmm.gif" alt="" title="Hmm" class="inlineimg" border="0" /> which took forever. Anyway got sprayed black.<br /><br />Dad very skilfully turned (on a lathe, not with magic) some stainless steel into some very stylish rings, then they got glued in.<br /><br />I couldn't paint the fascia with the bottom two stickers on so they had to come out, they wouldn't come out without breaking, so i had to come up with a cunning plan.<br /><br />Eventually decided to make my own.<br /><br /><br />Bit of a<b style="font-weight: bold;"> </b>blue peter style make, but does a very nice job.<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />1x photoshop skillz<br />1x inkjet printer<br />1x laminating sheet<br />1x jaffa cake wrapper<br /><br />Designed the new stickers in photoshop, and added a very subtle mod. The car for the left sticker is now a direct outline of my car <img src="http://www.themgzr.co.uk/vb/images/smilies/smile1.gif" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" border="0" /> not the standard generic boring car shape.<br /><br />Printed them off and laminated both sides, then to get the orange glow when backlit, i cut up a jaffa cake wrapper (exactly the right orange <img src="http://www.themgzr.co.uk/vb/images/smilies/grin.gif" alt="" title="Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" />) and laminated that to the back.<br /><br />Shines exactly the same colour and brightness as the stock ones do, so well chuffed.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stainless Steel Rings</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1663/dsc01869hz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1663/dsc01869hz.th.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8933/dsc01870hj.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8933/dsc01870hj.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaffacake Packet</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2047/dsc01872k.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2047/dsc01872k.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One sticker laminated</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8238/dsc01889z.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8238/dsc01889z.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaffacake packet laminated to the back of the stickers</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8894/dsc01873yd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8894/dsc01873yd.th.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8755/dsc01888o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8755/dsc01888o.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ring test fit (pre paint)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5521/dsc01871z.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5521/dsc01871z.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rubbed down</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8643/dsc01874q.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8643/dsc01874q.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Painted with stickers attached</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/574/dsc01890t.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/574/dsc01890t.th.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Painted test fit of the rings (now glued in and fitting snug and level)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2231/dsc01893m.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2231/dsc01893m.th.jpg" border="0" /></a>AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-75412459064590267022009-09-21T10:24:00.006+01:002017-02-24T15:33:18.752+00:00Leamington 100 - 2009Saturday consistently almost entirely of a marathon 6 hour detailing session, ensuring the 25 was ready for it's first show appearance at the Leamington 100.<br />
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The show was set up to raise money for <a href="https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/" target="_blank">North Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance</a>. if you can spare any pennies please send them their way.<br />
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Slap bang in the middle of Leamington Spa are the Royal Pump Room Gardens which, for the first time, would be the setting for the '100.<br />
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After a rather early wake up, I headed out toward a retail park just outside Leamington city centre. A procession would work it's way through the city to the Pump Rooms and open the show.<br />
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As I'd spent such a long time prepping the car I decided to enter into the Clean Machine competition. Rather unjustly I thought, I was pipped at the post by someone in a brand new Peugeot 207, cheating if you ask me...<br />
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The car looked great in the September sunshine though, the Solar Red paint was a real head turner.<br />
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On that note, here's some of my favourite shots of the car from the show.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOqERwSnEMI/WLBQM-NfctI/AAAAAAAAGPg/tynaP3YAidExx8XPytrGvLbS65uriZHmQCLcB/s1600/DSC01787-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Front Left Corner Modified" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOqERwSnEMI/WLBQM-NfctI/AAAAAAAAGPg/tynaP3YAidExx8XPytrGvLbS65uriZHmQCLcB/s320/DSC01787-1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owJCiZFRnuQ/WLBQM732VSI/AAAAAAAAGPk/3UufgYbLNXkzzjeiSMs9sXXMOWs-_eRXACLcB/s1600/DSC01788-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Rear Right Corner Modified" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owJCiZFRnuQ/WLBQM732VSI/AAAAAAAAGPk/3UufgYbLNXkzzjeiSMs9sXXMOWs-_eRXACLcB/s200/DSC01788-1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORqkpKNa28M/WLBQOJ1XxcI/AAAAAAAAGP4/OTFVWUU-CdkcsD6MdmMiZPS39gpx00iVgCLcB/s1600/DSC01802-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Rear Right Corner Modified" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORqkpKNa28M/WLBQOJ1XxcI/AAAAAAAAGP4/OTFVWUU-CdkcsD6MdmMiZPS39gpx00iVgCLcB/s200/DSC01802-1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-CHID9JoMU/WLBQM5qOEjI/AAAAAAAAGPo/hoMK3_aFp0gHlD664tVjexVqq-urKxqzACLcB/s1600/DSC01789-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Side Close Up Modified" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-CHID9JoMU/WLBQM5qOEjI/AAAAAAAAGPo/hoMK3_aFp0gHlD664tVjexVqq-urKxqzACLcB/s200/DSC01789-1.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGXWFF4T5WU/WLBQNslIbVI/AAAAAAAAGPs/a0gry5VVyMwWC1-RFs8tBttdX6O5EhszACLcB/s1600/DSC01790-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Side Close Up Modified" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGXWFF4T5WU/WLBQNslIbVI/AAAAAAAAGPs/a0gry5VVyMwWC1-RFs8tBttdX6O5EhszACLcB/s200/DSC01790-1.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1A2z8IhnkQ/WLBQNi2UEwI/AAAAAAAAGPw/Rlb5G3FjpGkpf33BRroo9QZAVqRf0mlCwCLcB/s1600/DSC01791-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Face Off Grille Seat Leon Splitter" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1A2z8IhnkQ/WLBQNi2UEwI/AAAAAAAAGPw/Rlb5G3FjpGkpf33BRroo9QZAVqRf0mlCwCLcB/s200/DSC01791-1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8VETgkVujc/WLBQNivijfI/AAAAAAAAGP0/4g_xRvy3mP0YWsGa_3k18YQFYsBRObJLgCLcB/s1600/DSC01792-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 Solar Red Rear Close Up" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8VETgkVujc/WLBQNivijfI/AAAAAAAAGP0/4g_xRvy3mP0YWsGa_3k18YQFYsBRObJLgCLcB/s200/DSC01792-1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343170798121390440.post-58264082934702980052009-09-21T10:11:00.003+01:002017-02-25T20:29:28.937+00:00Leather Steering WheelAs standard the 25 comes fitted with a PU (polyurethane) steering wheel. It's pretty low rent and doesn't feel nice to hold, and definitely doesn't shout sporty.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6JvfYSkYeU/WLHROeAFZOI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/YBnPEu_MJmsj5NS1uAv1VunnYeKbLbMDQCLcB/s1600/DSC01750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 standard interior and steering wheel" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6JvfYSkYeU/WLHROeAFZOI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/YBnPEu_MJmsj5NS1uAv1VunnYeKbLbMDQCLcB/s200/DSC01750.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><br />
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There was, however, an optional extra leather wrapped wheel, much more like it.<br />
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After keeping a keen eye on <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">eBay</a> I managed to pick up an absolute bargain. I bagged a superb condition perforated leather wheel, with cut-out ready to take steering wheel controls, for just £1 + £7 postage.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VOKZe6jmUU/WLHQUNXbDgI/AAAAAAAAGQs/Vggq9N6swOYMqvtrM9kMI08-HcLZduFIgCLcB/s1600/DSC01722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 perforated leather steering wheel with steering controls" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VOKZe6jmUU/WLHQUNXbDgI/AAAAAAAAGQs/Vggq9N6swOYMqvtrM9kMI08-HcLZduFIgCLcB/s200/DSC01722.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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Although the PU is made with a leather like grain, it's no substitute for the real thing. The addition of a foam inter-layer gives the leather wheel a millimetre of padding, doesn't sound much but it makes all the difference.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SJiC7tz8Tw/WLHWw-FkMMI/AAAAAAAAGRM/VplpkGOm5A4NIzlLbBpQSr07bDf2g2IDgCLcB/s1600/DSC01724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 close up perforated leather vs PU steering wheel" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SJiC7tz8Tw/WLHWw-FkMMI/AAAAAAAAGRM/VplpkGOm5A4NIzlLbBpQSr07bDf2g2IDgCLcB/s200/DSC01724.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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Fitting the wheel doesn't take too long, it's just a case of removing the airbag, then the nut securing the wheel to the steering column and doing the switch.</div>
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In terms of value for money, this upgrade must be the best I'll ever do. Even at £50 this would have been a steal, the look and feel of the wheel is now in a different league.</div>
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<b>Before</b> and <b>After</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMWhyfobXj0/WLHlb9K4xWI/AAAAAAAAGRs/17loMxo5Ke48YFi2Dh5xOY74whI8bOCjwCLcB/s1600/DSC01750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 standard interior and steering wheel" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMWhyfobXj0/WLHlb9K4xWI/AAAAAAAAGRs/17loMxo5Ke48YFi2Dh5xOY74whI8bOCjwCLcB/s200/DSC01750.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8N2IKIU8t4/WLHlb7E6rhI/AAAAAAAAGRo/jatlFTY4Fw0b9xBSiu5oeFJRYDCkf5g-gCLcB/s1600/DSC01752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 interior with perforated leather steering wheel" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8N2IKIU8t4/WLHlb7E6rhI/AAAAAAAAGRo/jatlFTY4Fw0b9xBSiu5oeFJRYDCkf5g-gCLcB/s200/DSC01752.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOkPzUF_RSo/WLHmmNJo2vI/AAAAAAAAGR0/K5YNId2GJysS36tMzpB5vBqUGxsoZ_V2QCLcB/s1600/DSC01749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 standard PU steering wheel" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOkPzUF_RSo/WLHmmNJo2vI/AAAAAAAAGR0/K5YNId2GJysS36tMzpB5vBqUGxsoZ_V2QCLcB/s200/DSC01749.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k43hhSPFNKI/WLHmmZXBkbI/AAAAAAAAGR4/js7AH4XG7lYuA42m26PssijFf9E-6Gb7ACLcB/s1600/DSC01753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rover 25 perforated leather steering wheel" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k43hhSPFNKI/WLHmmZXBkbI/AAAAAAAAGR4/js7AH4XG7lYuA42m26PssijFf9E-6Gb7ACLcB/s200/DSC01753.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
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<br />AndyBuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442827792442140532noreply@blogger.com0