Diary of a Country Lad - VW V6 4Motion & Citroen C4
Discussion
B'stard Child said:
Depends on
1. how much time you have?
2. how you value it?
3. how much you enjoy doing it
No worries either way
Morning M. Enfant llegum1. how much time you have?
2. how you value it?
3. how much you enjoy doing it
No worries either way
Good question(s)
Briefly answered.
1. More than I used to.
2. By the hour. Don't do 'mates rates'.
3. Depends on the outcome/profit margin.
I was quite pleased with the cost/benefit ratio on this set of Porsche D-90's in rattle can Satin black.
Waaaay back in 2010 they started out Chrome.
Today they're probably rolling around New Jersey on a shagged out Jetta. Rechromed.
These 16" Cup 1's were a bit trickier.
New Jersey humidity was a bore when applying the lacquer.
Final result not helped by fitting new tires before the last coat hardened.
Cheers, Whatty.
geeks said:
Came to thread late on, enjoying it so far, keep up the updates 
Also I think we may have a mutual acquaintance! A chap who runs Dynos?
Hi Mr. Geeks, thanks for your kind words.Also I think we may have a mutual acquaintance! A chap who runs Dynos?
Not sure about our mutual acquaintance. Tis possible.
Could you give me another clue?
Geographic would help.
Cheers, Whatty.
BenWRXSEi said:
I had a look around the Zenos when I was at Autosport, it's quite a machine! Would have said hello if I'd known you were there.
Bit out of my budget, sadly. I'll stick to the old Westfield for the time being
Afternoon Mr. BenWRXSEi, hope this finds you well?Bit out of my budget, sadly. I'll stick to the old Westfield for the time being
The Zenos is quite a machine. Remarkable value.
I might just have to have one.
It has to be said that the Caterfield DNA runs pretty deep through its clever single central spine..
Which is no bad thing. Superb handling, running costs, smiles per hour etc.
Whether my personal, modestly elongated spaceframe will fit is another matter entirely.
And on the topic of older performance car engineering and ergonomics.....
Saturday January 23rd 2015.
Deepest South West Norfolk
An early morning phone call from UK Client #1 found me transported back in time....
Now this car tale is worthy of a few more words than my usual Haiku style.
Haiku?
Definition. A Japanese style of short poetry.
Apparently. Heard of it?
No, me neither.
Back in 2002, my client decided to finally treat himself to the car he'd always promised himself.
Old Ford fans will recall that bold and paraphrased advertising strap-line as being applied to the Capri.
While his 'new' old car is Ford Zetec powered it harked back to an older time of pushrods, sidevalves and others when women wore slingback stilettos.
And men wore stringback driving mitts and desert booties. He still does and with good reason. These modern vintage things are a bit primitive.
Having spent a lifetime educating no small number of Norfolk's younger generations he ante'd up for one of Malvern's finest in the form of a Morgan 4/4 finished in BRG.
Delightful old things. Both car and driver. Loves his cricket and beer.
When it comes to all things British his automotive eccentricity makes me look like positively rational.
In the course of 13 years he's racked up a fair few miles using the Moggie as a daily driver.
He's also been spotted moving furniture around Norfolk on the back rack at a fair rate of knots.
Audi RS6? Pah!
You can't beat an ash floored 4/4 for shifting stripped pine in.
I really do have to hand it to the old fella.
Despite his hard core 24/7 road time, through wind and rain, snow and sun and more recently a two foot ford (shiny new engine required), the old thing really does wear its miles well.
Don't ask me why he inadvertently drove through two feet of water. I was just asked to play technical Devils Advocate.
Where cars and corporate entities are concerned I know rather too much.
Note to self. Side screen in need of slight attention.
There's also a fair bit of paintwork patination, but nothing that suggests a 1000 century miles have passed beneath its ye olde ash floorboards.
Thanks to a sympathetic insurer their now all new as well.
Chrome wires a b
h to keep clean.Time for a quick road test and running in advice.
I'll ride shotgun as I don't need Deep Vein Thrombosis in me thighs c/o the Moto Lita bus wheel. Nice as it is.
Wow this is great. Rock hard ride through the low lanes.
England's very green & pleasant in January. Compared to New Jersey its a bit tropical.
38f compared to the -4f I used to enjoy.
Up to temperature. Half an hour and about turn. A new lump plus full service intervals and he's all set for another 100k of sadomasochism.
Personally speaking the thought of jumping in and out of this for 4475 days straight is laughable. I'd spend the same amount of cash on chiropractic care as he did for the car when it was new.
That said the view in here is quite something.
Steady at 65mph in January I feel slightly claustrophobic. Flat out down the Mulsanne Straight at 2.30am on a summers morning I'd be flippin' ecstatic.
Today, January 25th, signifies six months since I started my shaggy dog of a car story story back in the States.
Since landing backing in the UK on September 9th the little Citroen avec slushbox has chalked up a fair few miles.
Time for an oil change. Definitely time for a wash.
Time perhaps for a new chapter?
Ms. Whatty & I have a new old shed within our grasp. Finally.
Someone should do something productive with this modern Norfolk one.
Much like old motors contemporary car factories need regular use.
Shame.
The Road to Hell is supposedly paved with good intentions.
This Fenland road to Peterborough however is just badly paved.
But it might be the start of something new,which is quite exciting.
Cheers, Whatty.
PS.
mstewart.
Enough of your VAG upgrade chat up lines.
The 4Mo is currently resting in a paint booth while I decide its fate.
Plus I'm still looking for a special car for my new shed.
Edited for PS.
Edited by Whatty on Tuesday January 14:46
Edited by Whatty on Tuesday 27th January 08:17
Friday February 6th 2015.
The Mongrel has now returned to the Whatty Stable with previously pox ridden wheel arch rejuvenated.
Being silver the end result is tricky to capture but the job is a good 'un.
No less than 10mm of slap had been applied by some bodgeworth.
Mr. Henry, Purveyor of Perfection in the Paint Department has gone beyond what was expected in the resulting finish.
But NOT what was quoted and to that end is a very GOOD egg and worthy of much more custom custom].
It really is a pleasure being back in Blighty and stumbling on local folk who take a real pride in both their work and customer relations.
While not a big job Mr. H has not once cut a corner and in fact had to prime his paint gun three times before he was satisfied with the finished product.
While occasionally short of tea mugs he'll happily crack open the good stuff in the name of customer hospitality.
And he'll be delighted to demonstrate his fabrication skills on this here folding thing.
And now unencumbered by my piddling little job he can crack on with this Oriental rarity.
You'll have to ask him what it is. I've forgotten. Twice now.
I do recall though that this Retro-tastic Rim is attached to a nice 80's VAG product.
So in the best tradition of my old vocation.
Another well deserved plug for.....
https://www.facebook.com/Sugarbeetcountycustoms
Click it hard enough & Whatty Dog #1 will appear before your very eyes.
Cheers,
Whatty.
PS. If anyone know how to get marker pen graffiti off my period 1968 garage door do let me know.
Edited for Photopail Muppetry.
The Mongrel has now returned to the Whatty Stable with previously pox ridden wheel arch rejuvenated.
Being silver the end result is tricky to capture but the job is a good 'un.
No less than 10mm of slap had been applied by some bodgeworth.
Mr. Henry, Purveyor of Perfection in the Paint Department has gone beyond what was expected in the resulting finish.
But NOT what was quoted and to that end is a very GOOD egg and worthy of much more custom custom].
It really is a pleasure being back in Blighty and stumbling on local folk who take a real pride in both their work and customer relations.
While not a big job Mr. H has not once cut a corner and in fact had to prime his paint gun three times before he was satisfied with the finished product.
While occasionally short of tea mugs he'll happily crack open the good stuff in the name of customer hospitality.
And he'll be delighted to demonstrate his fabrication skills on this here folding thing.
And now unencumbered by my piddling little job he can crack on with this Oriental rarity.
You'll have to ask him what it is. I've forgotten. Twice now.
I do recall though that this Retro-tastic Rim is attached to a nice 80's VAG product.
So in the best tradition of my old vocation.
Another well deserved plug for.....
https://www.facebook.com/Sugarbeetcountycustoms
Click it hard enough & Whatty Dog #1 will appear before your very eyes.
Cheers,
Whatty.
PS. If anyone know how to get marker pen graffiti off my period 1968 garage door do let me know.
Edited for Photopail Muppetry.
Edited by Whatty on Friday 6th February 19:26
Whatty said:
B'stard Child said:
Little reminder - Wednesday next week
We can discuss my Colin Chapman approach to my Track car...... EA section - key word "plasma"
1. Diaried.We can discuss my Colin Chapman approach to my Track car...... EA section - key word "plasma"
2. Commented.
Whatty said:
Talking of track cars.
I've been scrumping in local orchards.
You're gonna run open wheeler on track?I've been scrumping in local orchards.
Whatty said:
Talking of track cars.
I've been scrumping in local orchards.
You're gonna run open wheeler on track?I've been scrumping in local orchards.
Suffice to say, something has to go.
No room at the new inn for too many tin tops.
For Sale:
2000 VW 4Motion V6
3 door
127k miles.
Lots of history.
Bills to support.
Lovingly maintained including recent bodywork.
Pukka heated leather Recaro bucket seats.
Rare Brushed Aluminum Trim - Not the usual wooden stuff.
Will consider sensible offers.
Alternately.
2005Citroen C4 LXi 1600 Automatic
2 owners.
35xxx miles. May change as is daily use.
The property of a lady. She's only driven it twice.
Full Dealer Service History from Day One.
Recent cambelt change.
All options including cruise control but no annoying sunroof.
Either one can be re-homed but either one will be sadly missed.
Cheers, Whatty.
ecotec said:
Whatty entire change of fleet then, any plans for new arrivals or have they arrived?
Not an entire change at this stage. There are short term and long terms plans afoot.
On arrival home last year neither were viewed as long term propositions but now either are welcome to stay.
The Citroen does make for a very nice daily, supple suspension but obviously not the last word in driving pleasure.
Compared to the BMVV 120i I drove down to Kent at the weekend the Frenchie is a smoother riding cruiser.
Likewise the FoMo is fleet of foot and despite its age/miles still feels like the quality built item it is.
Hence I was happy to invest in a bit of cosmetic improvement for either my satisfaction or the next guy's.
Cheers, Whatty.
Saturday 14th 2015.
Bugger.
Knew I'd forgotten to finish something.
House of Whatty.
Norfolk
UK
Dear Ms. Whatty.
Thanks for the card.
Hopefully the United States Postal Service does it bit and you get mine.
Through wind and rain and sun and snow and all that.
How's the weather over there?
Bad I hear.
Dreadful here. Freezing in fact.
It almost dipped below 48f at one point.
I've been a bit snowed under myself with stuff.
Client meetings abound.
Must tidy temporary office.
Not much to report Norfolk wise.
In comparison to New Jersey my morning commute hasn't been too bad.
I see your fearless leader is making the headlines.
Approaching retirement he looks very cool.
More Bond than Bourne?
My reading specs have gone walk about.
Is that BOOM TIME or boom time ?
Glad you liked the pictures of the new ride.
Green suits it very well. Most appropriate.
Love the steering wheel.
I neglected to mention that the ride and handling were grown locally.
From Hethel in fact via Japan.
I'll make payment and take delivery when time allows.
Must get back to rehearsals for next Wednesday's job.
Can't say too much at this stage but its going well.
Happy Valentines Day.
See you soon.
Whatty xx
PS. Despite the temptation I have not been anywhere near a 911 forum or Porsche classified ad site in weeks.
Unlike this bloke.
Who might wish he hadn't.
Tuesday
February 2015
Norfolk.
Early.
Hi The Jimi
Re :That little offline discussion we were having the other night.
Careless talk cost lives but suffice to say I'll be in touch when there is more to tell.
For now the 'Auld Gowf' is doing a rather good job as a stand in model.
Right 07:00am
Much to do.
Cheers,
Whatty.
Edited for yet another farkin fotobuckt foul up.
February 2015
Norfolk.
Early.
Hi The Jimi
Re :That little offline discussion we were having the other night.
Careless talk cost lives but suffice to say I'll be in touch when there is more to tell.
For now the 'Auld Gowf' is doing a rather good job as a stand in model.
Right 07:00am
Much to do.
Cheers,
Whatty.
Edited for yet another farkin fotobuckt foul up.
Edited by Whatty on Tuesday 17th February 07:18
Still Tuesday.
Still Norfolk.
11.52am.
This deadline business is getting a bit tight.
21 hours to Zero hour.
Getting genuine.....
Rural sporting bloke.
Birdwatching Pensioner.
Attractive tattooed clubber.
Rugby player.
Norfolk Broads Sailor.
....for a group photograph at 72 hours notice was easy.
Even a drive-in photographic studio and real racing circuit location was simples.
Securing a genuine FIA approved Nomex suit yesterday was pretty easy.
Getting a 5'10-6' tall max 32" waisted 18 year+ guy or gal volunteer willing to anonymously model it on a midweek morning in Norwich?
Harder than one might imagine.
Bit peckish. Lunchtime.
Still Norfolk.
11.52am.
This deadline business is getting a bit tight.
21 hours to Zero hour.
Getting genuine.....
Rural sporting bloke.
Birdwatching Pensioner.
Attractive tattooed clubber.
Rugby player.
Norfolk Broads Sailor.
....for a group photograph at 72 hours notice was easy.
Even a drive-in photographic studio and real racing circuit location was simples.
Securing a genuine FIA approved Nomex suit yesterday was pretty easy.
Getting a 5'10-6' tall max 32" waisted 18 year+ guy or gal volunteer willing to anonymously model it on a midweek morning in Norwich?
Harder than one might imagine.
Bit peckish. Lunchtime.
coopedup said:
Really interested to see where this one is going mate
You're not the only one Mr. Coopedup.Bit curious myself.
However I can assure you it doesn't feature a prancing pony.
No lunch pics today.
A certain Lotus Carlton owner scoffed at my scran snaps offline last week.
Geek factoid at lunchtime:
Just learnt that magnetic car decals and fridge door-type magnets are two very different things.
Over time the thinner fridge door-type magnet will literally weld themselves to your car paintwork.
So there you go.
You always need the right tool for the right job.
And in this particular case a bigger budget.
20 hours to go.
Still need a skinny bloke/ette.
Plenty of time.....
Cheers, Whatty.
Still Tuesday
3:23pm
Right round the houses since lunch.
Keep off the road when taking pix.
Sort of appropriate for this job.
Saw this.
Mobile farrier's Mitsui Crew Cab.
Fully functioning with working forge.
Very nicely thought out.
9/10 Norfolk ponies can't be wrong.
Been there.
Done that.
And got the T-shirt.
Still don't have my racing driver.
Tea time methinks.
3:23pm
Right round the houses since lunch.
Keep off the road when taking pix.
Sort of appropriate for this job.
Saw this.
Mobile farrier's Mitsui Crew Cab.
Fully functioning with working forge.
Very nicely thought out.
9/10 Norfolk ponies can't be wrong.
Been there.
Done that.
And got the T-shirt.
Still don't have my racing driver.
Tea time methinks.
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