My 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee
Discussion
I was asked by the organiser of the 2019 Huddersfield Comic Con if I could display Bumblebee as part of his star-car lineup.
The event itself was good fun, well organised and well attended. I took my daughter along with me and we had lots of fun – and also signed up to a family photoshoot where you all get dressed up as superheroes! We are due another family photo shoot and this looked like fun and something very different to the usual fayre. Looking forward to it!
In the meantime, here are a few pictures. The Batmobile was quite a spectacular sight!
Sadly someone stole one of my Autobot badges on the side of the car. These were only held on with magnets and are now only available from Amazon India in the correct size. Handily, one of the guys who works for me is due a trip over there next week, so has ordered me a bunch of them. When I get them back, they will be stuck on properly rather than just used as removable magnets. I guess it was always going to happen at some point.
The event itself was good fun, well organised and well attended. I took my daughter along with me and we had lots of fun – and also signed up to a family photoshoot where you all get dressed up as superheroes! We are due another family photo shoot and this looked like fun and something very different to the usual fayre. Looking forward to it!
In the meantime, here are a few pictures. The Batmobile was quite a spectacular sight!
Sadly someone stole one of my Autobot badges on the side of the car. These were only held on with magnets and are now only available from Amazon India in the correct size. Handily, one of the guys who works for me is due a trip over there next week, so has ordered me a bunch of them. When I get them back, they will be stuck on properly rather than just used as removable magnets. I guess it was always going to happen at some point.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Tuesday 15th December 09:18
MOT test today, passed with no issues.
Sadly it has only done a shade over 800 miles in the last year. Partly due to back problems and partly due to being a pain to get in and out of my small garage.
Good news however, our new house is currently being built and I'll have me a lovely electric double garage. Hurrah! This will make the Camaro will be much easier to use on a whim. Looking forward to it
Next week the car is booked for display at a school fayre, so that'll be fun.
Sadly it has only done a shade over 800 miles in the last year. Partly due to back problems and partly due to being a pain to get in and out of my small garage.
Good news however, our new house is currently being built and I'll have me a lovely electric double garage. Hurrah! This will make the Camaro will be much easier to use on a whim. Looking forward to it
Next week the car is booked for display at a school fayre, so that'll be fun.
Today I took the Camaro to a school fayre to help raise money for the school. It was a brilliant event, loads of people turned up - and plenty of excitable kids wanted to have their picture taken in Bumblebee - a few of them even brought their own bumblebee toys for the pictures. 
Whilst setting up, there is a separate playground for the juniors and they were all stood there chanting "real life... bumblebee" over and over. It was the cause of much excitement as I pulled onto the playgound.
Its great to be able to see others get so much enjoyment out of my car - and for me to be able to do something good with it too, to share the experience. It needs a clean now mind, with about 60 pairs of little hands and shoes scrambling about all over the interior. haha!!
Whilst setting up, there is a separate playground for the juniors and they were all stood there chanting "real life... bumblebee" over and over. It was the cause of much excitement as I pulled onto the playgound.
Its great to be able to see others get so much enjoyment out of my car - and for me to be able to do something good with it too, to share the experience. It needs a clean now mind, with about 60 pairs of little hands and shoes scrambling about all over the interior. haha!!
Edited by Cloudy147 on Tuesday 15th December 09:19
I was invited back to display the car at a Comic Con event at a museum in Redcar. This is a lovely place so was happy to attend, and Bumblebee is always very popular.
Once arrived, I gave the car a quick clean and removed all the bugs that had accumulated from during the drive. Yellow cars really do attract lots of insects!
As popular as ever:
I took my wife and daughter this time as its a great family day out. We visited the bird sanctuary next door and listened to a few talks and demos of the birds. Here the bird handler was letting everyone have a stroke of a baby owl, which had some really striking orange eyes.
An attempt at an arty shot:
Gremlins were knocking about inside...
And finally a picture with Hulkbuster Iron Man!
A very fun day out and gave me a chance to blow off the cobwebs from the car as its not been used much recently.
Once arrived, I gave the car a quick clean and removed all the bugs that had accumulated from during the drive. Yellow cars really do attract lots of insects!
As popular as ever:
I took my wife and daughter this time as its a great family day out. We visited the bird sanctuary next door and listened to a few talks and demos of the birds. Here the bird handler was letting everyone have a stroke of a baby owl, which had some really striking orange eyes.
An attempt at an arty shot:
Gremlins were knocking about inside...
And finally a picture with Hulkbuster Iron Man!
A very fun day out and gave me a chance to blow off the cobwebs from the car as its not been used much recently.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Tuesday 15th December 09:23
Wakefield American Car Show
So this was good fun. Last year the event was held in Wakefield city centre, but this year the organisor had changed venues to the Featherstone Rovers stadium. There was a decent turnout of cars, but it wasn't anywhere near as big as previous years. This was a shame as it was to raise money for the Alzheimer's society, which is a great cause. There was a band playing most of the day too and they were really good. I don't know why it wasn't very well attended this year, I can only assume that the advertising wasn't as good as it didn't have the council promoting the event and I think this years hosts only posted once on their facebook page.
Nevertheless it was really enjoyable and, in a chance encounter, I met my dads old boss from many years ago. He owns two mustangs, a classic and a modern version - I knew my Dads workmate had two and there can't be that many people in this neck of the woods owning two distinct american cars like that. We had a good chat, his car was lovely and he is an enthusiast through and through. I also got to meet the owners of the American Police cars which was great. They have a huge fleet of them and were even featured in Liam Neilson's movie "The Commuter".
If there is a repeat of this event next year I'll be sure to mention it on here as it really is a good day out.
Moving House
We should be moving house all being well in the next few weeks as our new home is almost built. It has a double garage and a driveway big enough for at least 6 cars, which is fantastic and I'm really excited about it. The one thing I'll definately not miss about our current house is getting the Camaro in and out of the garage. I made a right old fist of it this time around and I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to get back in it again! Service on Friday, so we'll find out then!
So this was good fun. Last year the event was held in Wakefield city centre, but this year the organisor had changed venues to the Featherstone Rovers stadium. There was a decent turnout of cars, but it wasn't anywhere near as big as previous years. This was a shame as it was to raise money for the Alzheimer's society, which is a great cause. There was a band playing most of the day too and they were really good. I don't know why it wasn't very well attended this year, I can only assume that the advertising wasn't as good as it didn't have the council promoting the event and I think this years hosts only posted once on their facebook page.
Nevertheless it was really enjoyable and, in a chance encounter, I met my dads old boss from many years ago. He owns two mustangs, a classic and a modern version - I knew my Dads workmate had two and there can't be that many people in this neck of the woods owning two distinct american cars like that. We had a good chat, his car was lovely and he is an enthusiast through and through. I also got to meet the owners of the American Police cars which was great. They have a huge fleet of them and were even featured in Liam Neilson's movie "The Commuter".
If there is a repeat of this event next year I'll be sure to mention it on here as it really is a good day out.
Moving House
We should be moving house all being well in the next few weeks as our new home is almost built. It has a double garage and a driveway big enough for at least 6 cars, which is fantastic and I'm really excited about it. The one thing I'll definately not miss about our current house is getting the Camaro in and out of the garage. I made a right old fist of it this time around and I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to get back in it again! Service on Friday, so we'll find out then!
Edited by Cloudy147 on Tuesday 15th December 09:28
Service Time
Despite only covering a paltry 1,069 miles in the past 18 months, and the Oil Life readout still showing as good for another 92% of its life, I wanted to have the car serviced and a good mechanical check to ensure everything is still in order.
Time for a trip to Cas-Am (Castleford American Autos). This is a good little workshop with a great reputation, ran by Tony and Bill. They serviced my car last year so I dropped it off today and asked for an oil change and a once-over of the mechanicals, including a check on the timing belt.
I picked it up this afternoon and the report was all clear. Tony informed me that the car has had some paint in its life, commenting on the overspray on the front and rear lower apron/bumpers. My timing chain was a-ok, but my spare tyre was flat. That was pumped up, as was all the tyres for which I noticed a couple were a few psi down on where they should be.
Mechanical check over and I asked Tony to show me some of the cars they had been working on, which he was more than happy to do. Cas-Am do a lot of restoration work, and not just servicing - the former being the bulk of the work as folks who own and enjoy the old American cars tend to be of the hands-on variety for mechanicing (that would make me very much an exception then ).
The quality of the work was impressive, Tony showing me how they’d changed the colour of some of the seats, door cards, dashboards and trims of a variety of cars and modified bodywork etc. I hadn’t realised what a well-rounded little goldmine-find this workshop really is.
Returning to conversations about my car and they can do pretty much any of the minor mods that I want (in particular a few trim pieces in the future and retrofitting foglights and the 4-pod sports guages in the centre console). I asked about exhausts too, and out came the catalogue, along with a contact who makes custom exhausts which Tony recommended.
A bargain at just over £150 for the service and great to catchup with both Tony and Bill. I took the Camaro out for a drive this afternoon, stopping at a local pub for some dinner with the Mrs.
That should be the Camaro sorted for another year, fingers crossed.
Oh, Tony also gave me a promo mini torch too as a souvenir, which my daughter is now using as a bedtime light!
Despite only covering a paltry 1,069 miles in the past 18 months, and the Oil Life readout still showing as good for another 92% of its life, I wanted to have the car serviced and a good mechanical check to ensure everything is still in order.
Time for a trip to Cas-Am (Castleford American Autos). This is a good little workshop with a great reputation, ran by Tony and Bill. They serviced my car last year so I dropped it off today and asked for an oil change and a once-over of the mechanicals, including a check on the timing belt.
I picked it up this afternoon and the report was all clear. Tony informed me that the car has had some paint in its life, commenting on the overspray on the front and rear lower apron/bumpers. My timing chain was a-ok, but my spare tyre was flat. That was pumped up, as was all the tyres for which I noticed a couple were a few psi down on where they should be.
Mechanical check over and I asked Tony to show me some of the cars they had been working on, which he was more than happy to do. Cas-Am do a lot of restoration work, and not just servicing - the former being the bulk of the work as folks who own and enjoy the old American cars tend to be of the hands-on variety for mechanicing (that would make me very much an exception then
).The quality of the work was impressive, Tony showing me how they’d changed the colour of some of the seats, door cards, dashboards and trims of a variety of cars and modified bodywork etc. I hadn’t realised what a well-rounded little goldmine-find this workshop really is.
Returning to conversations about my car and they can do pretty much any of the minor mods that I want (in particular a few trim pieces in the future and retrofitting foglights and the 4-pod sports guages in the centre console). I asked about exhausts too, and out came the catalogue, along with a contact who makes custom exhausts which Tony recommended.
A bargain at just over £150 for the service and great to catchup with both Tony and Bill. I took the Camaro out for a drive this afternoon, stopping at a local pub for some dinner with the Mrs.
That should be the Camaro sorted for another year, fingers crossed.
Oh, Tony also gave me a promo mini torch too as a souvenir, which my daughter is now using as a bedtime light!
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 6th December 17:43
Garage Goal!
Great news, we have just finally completed on our new home! Priority for me when researching? Had to have a double garage and I'm pleased to say that the Bumblebee now has space in which to spend time - albeit next to a big pile of junk.
But its nice to be able to easily get in and out of the car, Going from this...
... to this...
I'm really pleased with it. Next steps are to buy a summerhouse and shed for the back garden to move all the crap out, then have the remainder of the walls plastered, decorated and then have a black-and-white grid style floor of some description. Watch this space.
Great news, we have just finally completed on our new home! Priority for me when researching? Had to have a double garage and I'm pleased to say that the Bumblebee now has space in which to spend time - albeit next to a big pile of junk.
But its nice to be able to easily get in and out of the car, Going from this...
... to this...
I'm really pleased with it. Next steps are to buy a summerhouse and shed for the back garden to move all the crap out, then have the remainder of the walls plastered, decorated and then have a black-and-white grid style floor of some description. Watch this space.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 6th December 17:39
Garage Makeover
Here is the Camaro's new home, completed this over the lockdown period. Really happy with the results:
Before:
Now:
An Expensive Service
So this is the first major expense I've had on this car in the years that I've owned it.
With lockdown closing most of the car and comic scene for this year, and me working from home, there hasn't been much of a reason to use the car. As a result it has only covered a few hundred miles.
But I felt a service was important as we had hit the timeframe for one.
My usual service centre (Cas Am) has sadly closed down now and is a parts only shop. They recommended one of their previous employees (Shawn) who now works for himself so thought I'd give him a try. His workshop was full at the time, but offerred to come and do it at my house, which I accepted. £130 later and the oil change was completed. He also checked out other components which all looked fine, with the exception of the cabin filter which was very dirty.
I also had noticed a small leak of coolant fluid on the floor and asked him to look at this. He wasn't able to see where it was coming from but returned with a scope to check it out the following week and found what looked to be the faulty component in the pipework. New parts ordered, including the cabin filter and this was fitted this week. Shawn informed me that it was something of a nightmare of a job due to where the pipework was underneath with very little access.
Including the scope, and the ordering/collection/payment of parts etc, then the fitting which took a couple of days it cost me £450 for the job(s). Whilst he had the car on the ramps he gave it a good looking over and said it is in great condition otherwise and that you wouldn't believe its 60,000 mileage looking at it from underneath. My Camaro has been well serviced and maintained all of its life (I've got a huge folder of receipts), plus the advantage of spending most of its life in California has clearly made a positive impact on its condition.
Driving home was great fun - I keep forgetting how enjoyable this car is to drive, not least watching the reactions of others.
Who doesn't love Bumblebee eh?!
Picture Tidyup
My website where I host my photos isn't SSL enabled, and this now appears to mean that forums don't hotlink to them. As SSL is a paid-for service, I'm going to close my website down next year, as hosting a website now seems to be endless pay-pay-pay. I'll therefore get the pictures linked on this thread to one of the free image hosting sites to restore service soon.
Three (and a half) Year Cost Breakdown
2017 - New tyre pressure sensors: £169
2017 - Fitting of above (no receipt): Lets say £50
2018 - Service £245.39
2018 - Drop Link fix £67.50
2019 - Minor service - £159.57
2020 - Oil Change Service - £130.44
2020 - Repair Coolant Leak - £450.40
Depreciation: NIL (I believe it is still worth what I paid for it, looking at market prices)
Total cost over 42 months: £1272.30. (£30.29 per month).
As for tax and insurance, without going back and checking all the records I suspect that they have probably been offset by income generated from renting the car for display at commercial events, so are cost neutral.
A pretty cheap to run thus far! Fingers crossed that it continues!
Here is the Camaro's new home, completed this over the lockdown period. Really happy with the results:
Before:
Now:
An Expensive Service
So this is the first major expense I've had on this car in the years that I've owned it.
With lockdown closing most of the car and comic scene for this year, and me working from home, there hasn't been much of a reason to use the car. As a result it has only covered a few hundred miles.
But I felt a service was important as we had hit the timeframe for one.
My usual service centre (Cas Am) has sadly closed down now and is a parts only shop. They recommended one of their previous employees (Shawn) who now works for himself so thought I'd give him a try. His workshop was full at the time, but offerred to come and do it at my house, which I accepted. £130 later and the oil change was completed. He also checked out other components which all looked fine, with the exception of the cabin filter which was very dirty.
I also had noticed a small leak of coolant fluid on the floor and asked him to look at this. He wasn't able to see where it was coming from but returned with a scope to check it out the following week and found what looked to be the faulty component in the pipework. New parts ordered, including the cabin filter and this was fitted this week. Shawn informed me that it was something of a nightmare of a job due to where the pipework was underneath with very little access.
Including the scope, and the ordering/collection/payment of parts etc, then the fitting which took a couple of days it cost me £450 for the job(s). Whilst he had the car on the ramps he gave it a good looking over and said it is in great condition otherwise and that you wouldn't believe its 60,000 mileage looking at it from underneath. My Camaro has been well serviced and maintained all of its life (I've got a huge folder of receipts), plus the advantage of spending most of its life in California has clearly made a positive impact on its condition.
Driving home was great fun - I keep forgetting how enjoyable this car is to drive, not least watching the reactions of others.
Who doesn't love Bumblebee eh?!
Picture Tidyup
My website where I host my photos isn't SSL enabled, and this now appears to mean that forums don't hotlink to them. As SSL is a paid-for service, I'm going to close my website down next year, as hosting a website now seems to be endless pay-pay-pay. I'll therefore get the pictures linked on this thread to one of the free image hosting sites to restore service soon.
Three (and a half) Year Cost Breakdown
2017 - New tyre pressure sensors: £169
2017 - Fitting of above (no receipt): Lets say £50
2018 - Service £245.39
2018 - Drop Link fix £67.50
2019 - Minor service - £159.57
2020 - Oil Change Service - £130.44
2020 - Repair Coolant Leak - £450.40
Depreciation: NIL (I believe it is still worth what I paid for it, looking at market prices)
Total cost over 42 months: £1272.30. (£30.29 per month).
As for tax and insurance, without going back and checking all the records I suspect that they have probably been offset by income generated from renting the car for display at commercial events, so are cost neutral.
A pretty cheap to run thus far! Fingers crossed that it continues!
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 6th December 17:55
monarodom said:
Just read the whole thread, very enjoyable and the car looks great. Jealous of that garage too!
Thanks for the kind words, monarodom. I'm really pleased with how my garage turned out. LanceRS said:
Glad to see that you’re still enjoying it. How are your back issues coping with it?
Its not too bad these days, thanks for asking. I've had several years of regular physio with two back specialists which has been well worth the money for my health and wellbeing. My back is a lot stronger thanks to a lot of physio and specific exercise routines. Although I still do have issues and have to be careful with twisting etc, it is infiniately better than it was and as good as ever it'll get. As a consequence of that I can now drive the Camaro fine without having any real concerns. I wouldn't want to be driving on a two-hour commute in rush hour traffic, that would certainly make my back angry again, but say if I want to go for an hours jaunt out on a sunny day in the afternoon, I wouldn't have to think twice about it.
The irony is that the seats and the seating position are actually really quite comfortable, its just that there isn't enough room for my entire head, and so have to crunch down in the seat, which is what causes the problem.
But its all good for what I use it for - and that means the Bumblebee is fine to stay here for the long haul too!
MOT Test
After 18 months, including its free 6 months extensions, the Camaro was due its MOT test - which to my surprise it failed!
A minor failure though, the side indicator was no longer indicating.
Upon removing the indicator, one of the wires had falled out and needed putting back in again and resealing. I put it back in for a test earlier this week and it passed without any issues. I asked the tester if there was anything to be concerned with underneath etc, to which he said 'nothing' and commented on how clean it looks under there. Good news!
Filthy car - and thats just from driving to the MOT centre and back!
Less good news though is it appears to have dropped a little more coolant on the floor again whilst it has been stood. I'm hoping its just residue that was left hanging around since it was fixed a few months ago, but if not it'll have to go to the workshop again for a more thorough investigation. Its quite a puzzle as the tank is still completely full of coolant, so the leak must be very small indeed. Watch this space.
After 18 months, including its free 6 months extensions, the Camaro was due its MOT test - which to my surprise it failed!
A minor failure though, the side indicator was no longer indicating.
Upon removing the indicator, one of the wires had falled out and needed putting back in again and resealing. I put it back in for a test earlier this week and it passed without any issues. I asked the tester if there was anything to be concerned with underneath etc, to which he said 'nothing' and commented on how clean it looks under there. Good news!
Filthy car - and thats just from driving to the MOT centre and back!
Less good news though is it appears to have dropped a little more coolant on the floor again whilst it has been stood. I'm hoping its just residue that was left hanging around since it was fixed a few months ago, but if not it'll have to go to the workshop again for a more thorough investigation. Its quite a puzzle as the tank is still completely full of coolant, so the leak must be very small indeed. Watch this space.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Tuesday 19th January 21:18
Its been a loooooooooooooong time since I updated this thread, so thought I'd post a few notes if anyone is interested?
The coolant leak mentioned on the previous update seems to have gone so it must be a very small leak indeed and since that time, a good six months ago now, it seems to have stopped, so I'm putting it down to perhaps a lack of use, or possibly a small amount of residue left around the pipes since the fix was done.
Four Year Cost Breakdown
2017 - New tyre pressure sensors: £169
2017 - Fitting of above (no receipt): Lets say £50
2018 - Service £245.39
2018 - Drop Link fix £67.50
2019 - Minor service - £159.57
2020 - Oil Change Service - £130.44
2020 - Repair Coolant Leak - £450.40
Depreciation: NIL (I believe it is still worth what I paid for it, looking at market prices)
Total cost over 50 months: £1272.30. (£25.45 per month).
As for tax and insurance, without going back and checking all the records I suspect that they have probably been more or less offset by income generated from renting the car for display at commercial events, so are cost neutral.
2021 Events
I haven't used the car very much for events over the past year or so for obvious reasons, but now the car season is back in full swing I have taken the car to a couple of car shows which was very enjoyable. I have been using my Boxster for those 'sunday morning run' type events, and the Camaro for show events.
The first was at The Motorist Hub, alongside my friend who has a KITT car replica....
... and the second was last weekend where I went to the Sports Cars in the Park and Newby Hall, which was great fun!
And here is a picture of the Camaro alongside my Boxster in the garage.
Hoping to get to some more events in it this year with the event season now starting to kick back into life and I'll be sure to post some pictures as and when we get to them.
The coolant leak mentioned on the previous update seems to have gone so it must be a very small leak indeed and since that time, a good six months ago now, it seems to have stopped, so I'm putting it down to perhaps a lack of use, or possibly a small amount of residue left around the pipes since the fix was done.
Four Year Cost Breakdown
2017 - New tyre pressure sensors: £169
2017 - Fitting of above (no receipt): Lets say £50
2018 - Service £245.39
2018 - Drop Link fix £67.50
2019 - Minor service - £159.57
2020 - Oil Change Service - £130.44
2020 - Repair Coolant Leak - £450.40
Depreciation: NIL (I believe it is still worth what I paid for it, looking at market prices)
Total cost over 50 months: £1272.30. (£25.45 per month).
As for tax and insurance, without going back and checking all the records I suspect that they have probably been more or less offset by income generated from renting the car for display at commercial events, so are cost neutral.
2021 Events
I haven't used the car very much for events over the past year or so for obvious reasons, but now the car season is back in full swing I have taken the car to a couple of car shows which was very enjoyable. I have been using my Boxster for those 'sunday morning run' type events, and the Camaro for show events.
The first was at The Motorist Hub, alongside my friend who has a KITT car replica....
... and the second was last weekend where I went to the Sports Cars in the Park and Newby Hall, which was great fun!
And here is a picture of the Camaro alongside my Boxster in the garage.
Hoping to get to some more events in it this year with the event season now starting to kick back into life and I'll be sure to post some pictures as and when we get to them.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 8th August 19:26
Edited by Cloudy147 on Thursday 24th February 21:49
Edited by Cloudy147 on Thursday 24th February 21:52
Service Time!
Having completed just 469 miles in the last 14 months, time was upon us to get a service (as opposed to mileage). Whilst the miles covered isn't a very high number, I like to get my cars checked over at least annually. Whilst my Boxster was in for some work recently, I asked John at Porsche Euro if he fancied working on the Camaro too. I've used Porsche Euro for all of my Porsches over the last 15 years or so and trust the two guys there completely. "Sure, no problem" was the reply.
I sent him details of what the car needs from a service perspective and he checked over the requirements from there. Basically it only needs an oil and filter change for the next few services. After that it's an air filter as well (every either 4 or 5 years, can't quite remember - its in the manual though). Other than that its spark plugs at 100,000 miles - but given the miles I do that could be quite some time away so I might have them done next year anyway.
Servicing for these cars is really cheap compared to my other cars that I owned and have owned, at just £130 and John sorted it for me just before Christmas. John had a good poke around the car and gave it a clean bill of health, so thats good news.
Driving this car is always an occasion. It attracts a lot of attention and kids love it. Several schools are all leaving on my journey to pick up daughter on school days, and one of them will usually shout "Bumblebee!" as I drive past.
Sadly on the school drop off that morning, I misjudged my parking spot and kerbed the otherwise perfectly un-kerbed wheels! And its a monster of a scratch too, so I do need to get this repaired as it looks cr*p!
This is very much my 'weekend car' and, as the miles suggest, it only comes out when I really fancy it. Its a long term keeper this one (four and a half years and counting so far), so I'm not in a rush to drive it just for the sake of it. I just take it out when the mood takes my fancy and road/journey conditions are suited to a fun drive - and always thoroughly enjoy it as a result.
Watch
Back on page 1 I mentioned that I'd bought a fun watch from Ebay, which has the face of the Camaro steering wheel. The watch strap broke not long after, but I decided to take it to the jewellers and get it fixed. It was sent away and repaired - which cost more than the price of the watch - but I'm pleased to say its all working again, and on my wrist as we speak. Its also now a rarity - whilst ebay used to be flooded with them, I can't find any now! It keeps good time too.
Having completed just 469 miles in the last 14 months, time was upon us to get a service (as opposed to mileage). Whilst the miles covered isn't a very high number, I like to get my cars checked over at least annually. Whilst my Boxster was in for some work recently, I asked John at Porsche Euro if he fancied working on the Camaro too. I've used Porsche Euro for all of my Porsches over the last 15 years or so and trust the two guys there completely. "Sure, no problem" was the reply.
I sent him details of what the car needs from a service perspective and he checked over the requirements from there. Basically it only needs an oil and filter change for the next few services. After that it's an air filter as well (every either 4 or 5 years, can't quite remember - its in the manual though). Other than that its spark plugs at 100,000 miles - but given the miles I do that could be quite some time away so I might have them done next year anyway.
Servicing for these cars is really cheap compared to my other cars that I owned and have owned, at just £130 and John sorted it for me just before Christmas. John had a good poke around the car and gave it a clean bill of health, so thats good news.
Driving this car is always an occasion. It attracts a lot of attention and kids love it. Several schools are all leaving on my journey to pick up daughter on school days, and one of them will usually shout "Bumblebee!" as I drive past.
Sadly on the school drop off that morning, I misjudged my parking spot and kerbed the otherwise perfectly un-kerbed wheels! And its a monster of a scratch too, so I do need to get this repaired as it looks cr*p!
This is very much my 'weekend car' and, as the miles suggest, it only comes out when I really fancy it. Its a long term keeper this one (four and a half years and counting so far), so I'm not in a rush to drive it just for the sake of it. I just take it out when the mood takes my fancy and road/journey conditions are suited to a fun drive - and always thoroughly enjoy it as a result.
Watch
Back on page 1 I mentioned that I'd bought a fun watch from Ebay, which has the face of the Camaro steering wheel. The watch strap broke not long after, but I decided to take it to the jewellers and get it fixed. It was sent away and repaired - which cost more than the price of the watch - but I'm pleased to say its all working again, and on my wrist as we speak. Its also now a rarity - whilst ebay used to be flooded with them, I can't find any now! It keeps good time too.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Wednesday 29th December 17:36
Events are here! And its great to be back in action....
Last weekend I was at a comic convention in Halifax, called Hali-Con. These convention events are always so bright and cheery and the car was as popular as ever. Also at the event were several movie stars, including the guy who played Darth Vader in the latest Star Wars movie and Noah Hathaway who played Atreyu in The Never Ending Story!
The event bookings are starting to come in again now, so will be out and about in the car a little more this year all being well!! Can't wait!
There were a couple of other cars on display as well, including the NY Taxi that was used in the TV series "Suits", as well as a DeLorean, a Lightning McQueen and even a Ford Focus that has been fitted out like a storm trooper and looked really nice!!
Last weekend I was at a comic convention in Halifax, called Hali-Con. These convention events are always so bright and cheery and the car was as popular as ever. Also at the event were several movie stars, including the guy who played Darth Vader in the latest Star Wars movie and Noah Hathaway who played Atreyu in The Never Ending Story!
The event bookings are starting to come in again now, so will be out and about in the car a little more this year all being well!! Can't wait!
There were a couple of other cars on display as well, including the NY Taxi that was used in the TV series "Suits", as well as a DeLorean, a Lightning McQueen and even a Ford Focus that has been fitted out like a storm trooper and looked really nice!!
It has been almost a year since I updated this thread! Time flies. I still have the Camaro and am still enjoying it as much as when I bought it 6 years ago – perhaps even more so now. Here is a whistlestop tour of a few highlights of the previous year:
ServIce
The car was serviced at the start of this year, along with an MOT. A clean bill of health once again and a service using genuine items brought the bill for both to £150.
Cosmetics
Shortly after the Camaro was first launched, an option pack was made available called the “Transformers Edition”, which owners of cars painted in Rally Yellow could purchase either at the time of ordering a new car, or as a retrofit pack. This pack consisted of Autobot emblems on the side of the car (mine has replica items) and bonnet and boot stripes (obviously I have those). Also in the pack was a set of Transformers kick-plates, an Autobot leather arm rest and Autobot wheel centre-caps. I decided to complete the set and begin the purchase of these items. The kick plates came first:
I also tracked down some wheel centre caps, but these are still in their packets for now. The reason being that my wheels were repainted in traditional power-coat sparkle, whereas the OEM look for these wheels is the chrome effect. When I get the wheels refurbed I will have them done to standard, but for now they still look great, but the centre caps wouldn’t match, so leaving them off for now. The arm rest I’m still looking for and keep checking eBay periodically.
Events
I love doing events as its a great way to share the car with others. I have of course been to a few motoring meet ups in the car, but I tend to use my other sports car for these as much as I do the Camaro. But I have continued to attend several of the comic type events, and went to a few in Huddersfield area in the past year:
With bumblebee and Optimus Prime
And a public display event:
Earlier this year my car was also displayed at a Comic event in Sheffield. I introduced myself to the organiser who was looking for cars for his event and the Camaro joined the screen-used Taxi from the TV show Suits for the event.
With a Bumblebee costumer
I also got to meet Chris Barrie!
Bringing us closer to date, and last weekend, in a pure happening of coincidence, I was called on Thursday by an event organiser in Blackpool asking if there was any chance I could bring the Camaro for display all weekend. This would ordinarily be further than I tend to travel with it, but I happened to be going to Blackpool for a family weekend holiday the following day! So instead of our daily, we piled everything into the Camaro and off we went.
The event was good fun, this time I roped the car off as we were out all weekend doing the holiday-thing, but it looked great in the corner of the Winter Gardens with the black backdrop. Just to the side of the car was a wrestling ring, with performances going on throughout the day. I got to meet a few of the wresters (both men and women) who are working the UK circuit and was really interesting listening to their stories. Really nice people and they had their pictures taken sat in the car too.
I got chatting to a few of the traders as well, always interested to talk business as I think its really fascinating to hear how people make money and the niches of business that we all find ourselves in – sometimes by chance. One of these fine fellows was a very talented artist who I hadn’t met on the circuit before. He draws pictures of people in ‘funko pop’ style, so I paid for some drawings of me, my wife and daughter. I expect to get the pictures in the next week or two and I can’t wait to see the results!
Driving
The Camaro is used just for fun, it is not my daily and therefore it is a very happy car and used as a fun thing to drive about in. That said, it’s not really suited for daily duties or a Sunday morning hoon on the twisties. For that I had a Boxster:
I sold this last year to my friend’s dad and, being without a daily driver for a few weeks, I used the Camaro. The school run was particularly memorable as I definitely felt very aware of the fact that so many people were looking, pointing or shouting ‘bumblebee’ everywhere I went. It is always fun to experience it as you drive by and see people smiling - but its also a quite a self-conscious thing when you are stuck in traffic, crawling past swathes of kids and commuters.
Add to that the narrow roads around the school, along with the tricky parking and navigation that comes with probably all schools in the UK and so after a few weeks I purchased a cheap VW Beetle as a run around and used that instead. The Boxster has now been replaced with the new summer daily in the shape of an Aston Martin Vantage (running report also in this section somewhere) so the Camaro has a new garage mate:
The Vantage tends to be used for weekend drives out by myself – usually if going to one of the local motoring cafes, and the Camaro is moving more into the display car use or family fun days. That said, I’m not averse to using the Camaro when the mood takes my fancy (or if Daughter wants to go out in it), be that for school runs, trips to family and friends houses or out for motoring events. I don’t consider it to be exclusively a ‘show car’, even though I do use it quite a lot for shows. It just adds another dimension to the ownership experience – and that ownership experience is absolutely a fun one. I always come back from the comic events thinking that I should buy more movie related cars. I quite fancy making a Barricade replica Mustang car, although prices of base Mustangs have really shot up and I don’t know if I’d ever get time to drive it so still on the fence with that one at the minute.
More events are booked in for this year, so I’ll be sure to share some more photos as we go!
Here's a short vid of an event I attended, called Star Walk in the centre of Wakefield. It featured cars and characters from the movies. It was good fun and a great way to share the ownership of the Camaro with others.
I was chatting to the owner of the 'real' A Team van in the picture above as I know him fairly well now, and he loved the little replica. He said he got talking to the owner of it and he thinks it has got a legit GMC body kit which was then modified to suit, as the spoilers etc all have the correct shapes. The owner of the mini version loves it, but doesn't take it seriously
The event was a weekend event, with Sunday also being an American car show across the whole city centre. It was packed with classics and cars from the US, loads of people and a great atmosphere!
I was chatting to the owner of the 'real' A Team van in the picture above as I know him fairly well now, and he loved the little replica. He said he got talking to the owner of it and he thinks it has got a legit GMC body kit which was then modified to suit, as the spoilers etc all have the correct shapes. The owner of the mini version loves it, but doesn't take it seriously
The event was a weekend event, with Sunday also being an American car show across the whole city centre. It was packed with classics and cars from the US, loads of people and a great atmosphere!
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 25th June 00:14
A couple of event updates since the last one, if anyone is interested. There isn't much by way of car content, more show type stuff, but its all good fun and a great way to share the ownership experience with others...
Last month it was off to a Comic event in Rochdale. Here's a short video of this weekends activities!
I also got to meet Lightning from the old Gladiators TV show, and she kindly took a picture with me in front of the Camaro. I loved that show as a youngster!
It was a pretty quiet day so had the opportunity to have a good chat to her and her husband Frank. Their attitudes to business, health and fitness were really inspiring.
I had a great time, and was good to catchup with my other movie-car buddies and talk about cars and business opportunities!
Then June came along and, aaaaaahhhhh cr*p!
Going a bit too fast there m'lud.
This was most unfortunate as I'm very mindful of my speed and typically it will always be in the range that begins with a '7' and never any higher on a national motorway. I must have strayed without realising at the very moment I passed a camera. The camera isn't even a surprise either, its on a stretch of road that I use regularly!
Just a bit careless with the speed there and so I'm booked in for a speed awareness course which I attended last week and found it very interesting.
Then onto another week, another event. This time a Comic Con in Leeds, it was a lovely day and a lot of people came. This event is a more traditional type with lots of stalls and unique things to buy if you are into comics, games or movies. In addition there were a few guests, props and of course a couple of cars, with the Camaro being one of them.
Through complete coincidence and sheer luck, as I approached the traffic lights to join the motorway, I pulled up behind none other than the Optimus Prime truck. What are the odds that we would both be on the motorway at exactly the same time, going to the same city, but for different events?! . We convoyed into town together, quite a sight on the motorway I'm sure, and then pulled in for a quick chat. I've not seen Andy (the custodian of the truck on behalf of Hasbro) for a few years so was great to catchup albeit fleetingly as we both had jobs to get to.
But still, always time for a quick piccy!
Andy gave me some posters and stickers to hand out as well promoting the new Transformers movie and they proved very popular too.
Here is a short video of a few costumers with the car, I didn't get many pics as was pretty busy, but there were some really impressive outfits on the day!
I also got the chance to meet Chris Barrie once again and he was kind enough to sign the photo I got with him a few months ago. I had it printed out specifically. He remembered me and the car when he saw the picture, we had a quick chat and then back to business. Leaving the event I saw him exiting the car park as well and he gave me a wave. What a legend, I love his work.
I love this car, and I love the doors it opens and the avenues of life it takes us down, which would have otherwise passed me by completely!
My wife and daughter came along as well in the afternoon and we spent a fair chunk of cash buying all kinds of trinkets and memorabilia that my daughter enjoys, so all in all it was a really fun day!
Last month it was off to a Comic event in Rochdale. Here's a short video of this weekends activities!
I also got to meet Lightning from the old Gladiators TV show, and she kindly took a picture with me in front of the Camaro. I loved that show as a youngster!
It was a pretty quiet day so had the opportunity to have a good chat to her and her husband Frank. Their attitudes to business, health and fitness were really inspiring.
I had a great time, and was good to catchup with my other movie-car buddies and talk about cars and business opportunities!
Then June came along and, aaaaaahhhhh cr*p!
Going a bit too fast there m'lud.
This was most unfortunate as I'm very mindful of my speed and typically it will always be in the range that begins with a '7' and never any higher on a national motorway. I must have strayed without realising at the very moment I passed a camera. The camera isn't even a surprise either, its on a stretch of road that I use regularly! Just a bit careless with the speed there and so I'm booked in for a speed awareness course which I attended last week and found it very interesting.
Then onto another week, another event. This time a Comic Con in Leeds, it was a lovely day and a lot of people came. This event is a more traditional type with lots of stalls and unique things to buy if you are into comics, games or movies. In addition there were a few guests, props and of course a couple of cars, with the Camaro being one of them.
Through complete coincidence and sheer luck, as I approached the traffic lights to join the motorway, I pulled up behind none other than the Optimus Prime truck. What are the odds that we would both be on the motorway at exactly the same time, going to the same city, but for different events?!
. We convoyed into town together, quite a sight on the motorway I'm sure, and then pulled in for a quick chat. I've not seen Andy (the custodian of the truck on behalf of Hasbro) for a few years so was great to catchup albeit fleetingly as we both had jobs to get to.But still, always time for a quick piccy!
Andy gave me some posters and stickers to hand out as well promoting the new Transformers movie and they proved very popular too.
Here is a short video of a few costumers with the car, I didn't get many pics as was pretty busy, but there were some really impressive outfits on the day!
I also got the chance to meet Chris Barrie once again and he was kind enough to sign the photo I got with him a few months ago. I had it printed out specifically. He remembered me and the car when he saw the picture, we had a quick chat and then back to business. Leaving the event I saw him exiting the car park as well and he gave me a wave. What a legend, I love his work.
I love this car, and I love the doors it opens and the avenues of life it takes us down, which would have otherwise passed me by completely!
My wife and daughter came along as well in the afternoon and we spent a fair chunk of cash buying all kinds of trinkets and memorabilia that my daughter enjoys, so all in all it was a really fun day! Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 25th June 00:14
fttm said:
Not trying to piss on your chips honestly , but if you're enjoying it so much just buy a real one then you'll stop apologizing for it only being a V6 , which you must do a lot .
That is the very essence of pissing on someone’s chips, fttm. Quite happy with what I’ve got thanks.
Edited by Cloudy147 on Sunday 25th June 08:31
DodgyGeezer said:
TBH if you're not one of those (like me!) who adores the sound of a V8 or wants it for 'performance driving' then there's no reason to beat yourself up about 'only' a 6 - the 6 is more than quick enough, still sounds decent and is covered in the same sheet metal as the larger engine and most people won't even realise the difference ("what size engine is that?" 3.6 "WOW!! 3.6??? That's massive, must cost you a fortune to fill up!" 
)
OP - it's a cracking car, hope to hear more tales/experiences
Thanks Geezer, appreciate the kind words. )OP - it's a cracking car, hope to hear more tales/experiences
Your post made me smile as your quote is what I've been asked so many times, almost word for word!
fred bloggs said:
Awesome car, and I bet it’s fun at all the events.
I hired one back in 2017 for a euro road trip
The SLP 575 bhp supercharged with manual gearbox. Was great driving the LHD in Europe
I would love a v8 one but I have a 4door v8 manual
They both look mega, Fred!! I bet the 575bhp was insane! I hired one back in 2017 for a euro road trip
The SLP 575 bhp supercharged with manual gearbox. Was great driving the LHD in Europe
I would love a v8 one but I have a 4door v8 manual
Prom Time!
I've had a few requests over the years asking if I could do prom rides, but I've always declined these, as insurance requires you to be registered for hire and reward (taxi), which brings too much expense and complication for my liking.
However, this year I happened across a site offering to match people to free prom cars. The site is specifically for those who otherwise couldn't afford to get something a bit fancy for their special day, or had been let down last minute. It is on a strict no-payment basis, which I was happy with as this would comply with insurance (you are essentially just giving someone a lift someone where, as you would for any occasion).
Time for a new adventure. I signed up to see what it’s like, to give something back to others and to help out with smiles
Most proms have occurred during the past couple of weeks as we are at the end of school term. I registered on the site and got quite a few requests, some of which I couldn't do but I was able to do some.
I was contacted first by a dad who asked if there was any chance could I take his daughter to her prom in the Camaro. It was near where I used to live, about 45 minutes away from me and nearby is a large shopping centre, so took my family with me, dropped them off to do some shopping and headed over to do the prom run. The dad hadn't told his daughter about the car but he did tell me she was a big fan of American cars as well as the Transformers film. Her reaction when I pulled up was absolutely priceless and not one that I'll forget in a hurry! The family were so grateful that I was able to attend. I was happy to do it, feel good vibes all round and a great reason to take the car out for a spin. We bundled dad into the back and off we went.
Arriving at the Prom event and there were so many sports cars, supercars, high end luxury as well as some weird and wonderful cars (and horses!) bringing all of these young ladies and gents to their fancy do.
After drop off, I went to pick up my family from their shopping and we all went out for a meal before heading home and I received a lovely thankyou card from the parents.
I did a couple more prom rides afterwards as well, one in my Aston for a young gent whose girlfriend was also going in an Aston so we had a matching pair, and then another young lady at the end of last week in the Camaro.
That'll be my Prom rides for this year drawing to a close. They have been extremely fun events, that nervous excitement of the prom goers heading to their end of school ball, the parents who just want everything to be a special as it can be for their loved ones, the positive energy from all the students as you arrive, coupled with the gratitude all round and the whole experience has feel-good-vibes in spades. Add to that the opportunity to be welcomed by families who you'd otherwise never meet and get to know them for a short time is quite a remarkable and humbling experience.
All thanks to a car. Wonderful!
I've had a few requests over the years asking if I could do prom rides, but I've always declined these, as insurance requires you to be registered for hire and reward (taxi), which brings too much expense and complication for my liking.
However, this year I happened across a site offering to match people to free prom cars. The site is specifically for those who otherwise couldn't afford to get something a bit fancy for their special day, or had been let down last minute. It is on a strict no-payment basis, which I was happy with as this would comply with insurance (you are essentially just giving someone a lift someone where, as you would for any occasion).
Time for a new adventure. I signed up to see what it’s like, to give something back to others and to help out with smiles
Most proms have occurred during the past couple of weeks as we are at the end of school term. I registered on the site and got quite a few requests, some of which I couldn't do but I was able to do some.
I was contacted first by a dad who asked if there was any chance could I take his daughter to her prom in the Camaro. It was near where I used to live, about 45 minutes away from me and nearby is a large shopping centre, so took my family with me, dropped them off to do some shopping and headed over to do the prom run. The dad hadn't told his daughter about the car but he did tell me she was a big fan of American cars as well as the Transformers film. Her reaction when I pulled up was absolutely priceless and not one that I'll forget in a hurry! The family were so grateful that I was able to attend. I was happy to do it, feel good vibes all round and a great reason to take the car out for a spin. We bundled dad into the back and off we went.
Arriving at the Prom event and there were so many sports cars, supercars, high end luxury as well as some weird and wonderful cars (and horses!) bringing all of these young ladies and gents to their fancy do.
After drop off, I went to pick up my family from their shopping and we all went out for a meal before heading home and I received a lovely thankyou card from the parents.
I did a couple more prom rides afterwards as well, one in my Aston for a young gent whose girlfriend was also going in an Aston so we had a matching pair, and then another young lady at the end of last week in the Camaro.
That'll be my Prom rides for this year drawing to a close. They have been extremely fun events, that nervous excitement of the prom goers heading to their end of school ball, the parents who just want everything to be a special as it can be for their loved ones, the positive energy from all the students as you arrive, coupled with the gratitude all round and the whole experience has feel-good-vibes in spades. Add to that the opportunity to be welcomed by families who you'd otherwise never meet and get to know them for a short time is quite a remarkable and humbling experience.
All thanks to a car. Wonderful!
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