My XR4i. 30yrs old today via Southways Automotive.
Discussion
DSLiverpool said:
You know the panel behind the number plate has been added in as it wasnt standard at that age, also I am sure they are not original back lights but my memory may be fading.
You're correct the rear panel is a 85mdl onwards fitment.The part was fitted by me c1987.The rear lights are from the early Ghia model as is the boot interior rear panel.DSLiverpool said:
I have pictures of A931 NOO (a Ford press car) somewhere on film! In 1985 I fitted a Blaupunkt New York, stalk equaliser and cartridge based CD player with a few amps to mine, it had every option except Air Con. I was thrilled to have 150 BHP now a 1.6d can do better!
Still waiting to see them 
I did a piece about the "NOOs" in one of the XR4i threads.
Another milestone passed recently on "Drive it Sunday" 88000 miles! High mileage now!
Unfortunately after a run out on Sunday a nasty oil leak was found, will need to get underneath to have a proper look.
Plans this year are to get a bit of paintwork done and sort out the faded/peeling top half of the bumpers.
Its new house has started in the form of a garage extension, that should be finished shortly.
And of course try and get out more.
Unfortunately after a run out on Sunday a nasty oil leak was found, will need to get underneath to have a proper look.
Plans this year are to get a bit of paintwork done and sort out the faded/peeling top half of the bumpers.
Its new house has started in the form of a garage extension, that should be finished shortly.
And of course try and get out more.
wolfracesonic said:
You may have got an original brochure for your car OP, if not have a look here XR4i brochure scans Does your car have the 'clean hands' warning lights? What the hell are they?
It was a row of warning lights for Oil level, rad level, washer fluid,front brake pad wear, fuel, and a outline of the car which informed you of doors open,and bulb failures. Seen here with the optional 12 function trip computer. 
s m said:
T66ORA said:
It was a row of warning lights for Oil level, rad level, washer fluid,front brake pad wear, fuel, and a outline of the car which informed you of doors open,and bulb failures. Seen here with the optional 12 function trip computer.
Never had the optional computer though
A quick update, nominal use while concentrating on the building of the Sierra`s new home(garage)
The old girl was pressed into service when we were let down with a van, you wouldn`t get this in a TT or TVR
After gentle run to a rare meet the 4i achieved a creditable 28.7 mpg, not bad for a 33yr old Ford V6.
We entered 2 cars for a local car show over the bank holiday weekend,
Another MoT passed, the handbrake was adjusted at the same time, 547 miles this year.
I took the opportunity to take a couple of shots at the Submarine Museum,i was serving when I bought the car back in 1985.
The end of season show on Sunday 18th will be the Sierra last run out of the year, before going back into hibernation.
The old girl was pressed into service when we were let down with a van, you wouldn`t get this in a TT or TVR
After gentle run to a rare meet the 4i achieved a creditable 28.7 mpg, not bad for a 33yr old Ford V6.
We entered 2 cars for a local car show over the bank holiday weekend,
Another MoT passed, the handbrake was adjusted at the same time, 547 miles this year.
I took the opportunity to take a couple of shots at the Submarine Museum,i was serving when I bought the car back in 1985.
The end of season show on Sunday 18th will be the Sierra last run out of the year, before going back into hibernation.
A quick update.
Brought the 4i out of hibernation a couple of weeks ago, started up ok but then developed a fuel leak just before the fuel filter, and another nasty oil leak from the heat exchanger/oil cooler sandwich plate.
I quick cut and shut on the fuel line has made a decent temporary repair, but the oil leak will have to wait till later in the month when it returns to Southways for new front shocks and bearings to be fitted as well as a quick service.
Rich seems to think that Poly bushing the whole front end at the same time is the way forward, but I have heard conflicting reports about deteriorating the ride, its not a B road stormer so I will give it some thought.
Then it will be off to Simply Ford at Beaulieu for the its first show of the season{ May bank holiday weekend}
I gave the car a quick chamois and quick wax then tackled the front bumper,
The Camera never lies?? Well yes actually it does. Like any 30 odd year Ford with plastic bumpers mine have started to fade and peel. From a distance or caught on Camera they look fine. So I spent a hour or so doing the front, thought I would share some before and after shots. They might need another coat not sure yet
A great improvement especially the corner which was knocked many moons ago .The dye is not cheap at £25 but it might just have saved me a bumper and cladding respray.
I will do the rest of the body kit in the near future to match it all up.
AFTER
That's it for now, will take a few shots of the suspension change later in the month
Brought the 4i out of hibernation a couple of weeks ago, started up ok but then developed a fuel leak just before the fuel filter, and another nasty oil leak from the heat exchanger/oil cooler sandwich plate.
I quick cut and shut on the fuel line has made a decent temporary repair, but the oil leak will have to wait till later in the month when it returns to Southways for new front shocks and bearings to be fitted as well as a quick service.
Rich seems to think that Poly bushing the whole front end at the same time is the way forward, but I have heard conflicting reports about deteriorating the ride, its not a B road stormer so I will give it some thought.
Then it will be off to Simply Ford at Beaulieu for the its first show of the season{ May bank holiday weekend}
I gave the car a quick chamois and quick wax then tackled the front bumper,
The Camera never lies?? Well yes actually it does. Like any 30 odd year Ford with plastic bumpers mine have started to fade and peel. From a distance or caught on Camera they look fine. So I spent a hour or so doing the front, thought I would share some before and after shots. They might need another coat not sure yet
A great improvement especially the corner which was knocked many moons ago .The dye is not cheap at £25 but it might just have saved me a bumper and cladding respray.
I will do the rest of the body kit in the near future to match it all up.
AFTER
That's it for now, will take a few shots of the suspension change later in the month
HarryW said:
Still looking good Tony, nice to have two appreciating assets rather than two money pits...
We will have to catch up soon "H" you can give me the gossip on the new TVR, is your mobile still xxxxxxx 394? If not PM me and will arrange to meet, still off work at the moment with Sciatica caused by a slipped disc last week, can just about walk a few yards, stand for a couple of mins, and sit normally for about 30 secs lol bloody agony...getting old mate.therevday said:
Blimey!!! Theres some names from the old TVR days! Tony do you or Harry still own a TVR? Sorry to here about your back Tony we are all a little older now
Glad you kept the xr4i all the old Fords Seem to have a really good following now.
Hello Chris, long time mate, I still have the Tamora, currently Sorn/stored for a rainy day ,the car just never got any use once the XR4i got back on the road, too many toys not enough time Glad you kept the xr4i all the old Fords Seem to have a really good following now.Happy memories of some of the meets/runs we had, most over 10 years ago now
Think Harry still has the Green Cerb, not sure on its status, he might pop along shortly.
Last time you and I spoke you just had a Porker go up in smoke!
The XR4i spent the a day last week at Southways Automotive having a service and some long overdue front suspension work; the front end wasnt touched during its 18 month mini resto/ recommissiong so the old Spax units removed the uprated springs were kept, sand blasted primed and sprayed in Hammetrite bright red.Then reassembled with new bump stops top bearings uprated top mounts and of course new gas shocks.
A new track rad end was fitted also.The nasty oil leak from the heat exchanger /cooler was traced to the seal thankfully.
The 4i rubbed shoulders with some decent machinery also it 4 TVRs A 60s Cadallac and a impressive RS 200 replica. Some photos from the day
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4372330199...
A new track rad end was fitted also.The nasty oil leak from the heat exchanger /cooler was traced to the seal thankfully.
The 4i rubbed shoulders with some decent machinery also it 4 TVRs A 60s Cadallac and a impressive RS 200 replica. Some photos from the day
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4372330199...
We had a national meet at the weekend at Hatton country park in Warwick to celebrate the cars 35th anniversary, 18 cars turned up, proving the rarity of the species.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/q32C4Xvb2zLyects6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/q32C4Xvb2zLyects6
Mr Tidy said:
That's great - I'll have to tell my mate as he bought a black one a year or two ago.
I think he bought it as a homage to the Caspian Blue one that we used for so many track days back in the 90s - it was the only car that did every one and never broke down!
We are running it from the Facebook page, if he is on that? I think he bought it as a homage to the Caspian Blue one that we used for so many track days back in the 90s - it was the only car that did every one and never broke down!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1815430532093315/?...
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