Improvement list for T350C - invitation for designers

[Snakes]

I will have had my T350C 6 years this May and I thought it would be good for all of us owners to build a list of design issues that we feel could be improved upon and then to invite ideas and solutions from any budding designers or engineers out there in the PistonHeads world to see if we can resolve any of them. This may be a mad idea but I still love this car and want to make it even better by removing some of the quirky aspects of it.

My initial list of 3 which it would be good for others to add to is:-

1 Fuel filler
2 Driver's seat squeaking
3 Quick Release Bonnet removal


1 Fuel filler
I still have trouble when filling up without the fuel blowing back and drenching the rear wing and have tried all the recommended "workarounds", like twisting the gun through 180 degrees, etc. The only solution, which is no solution at all, is to dribble fuel in at a very measured pace. This must be a venting problem that someone should be able to solve surely?

2 Driver's seat squeaking
I need to drive with the seat fully back and the seat rubs on various areas of the roll-cage. I have tried smearing on silicone gel (which works for a while), wrapping tubing with high gloss tape, but this eventually moves away. Anyone got a neater and/or more permanent solution?

3 Quick Release Bonnet removal
Bit of an odd one this but it ain't easy checking and filling water and oil levels and I also like to have my engine compartment looking clean. Being able to remove the bonnet would really help. Can anyone come up with a redesign of the hinges and bonnet retaining strut and replace it with a quick release version. Owners of old Minis used to split the hinge mechanism and have a metal tube welded to the bodyside of the hinge and a metal rod on the bonnet side. You could then open the bonnet and then pull it towards you and slide it off the tubes and hey-presto!

Just a few ideas from me. Now over to you guys.

Snakes

[stimshady]

yep, i find the fuel is best put in slowly, only about 50% pressure on the handle. Takes a minute or two longer to fill, but saves your clothes (and your paint!).

Funny, was talking about a quick-release bonnet the other day, haven't really looked into much, but there must be somesort of quick-release hinge which can replace the current two on the front end.

Don't know if anyone's got a fix for the glove box, mine's not too bad but some are a pretty bad fit.

[Zippee]

For me the fuelling would be the main one. It really is a PITA especially if your in a hurry or getting very evil looks from the queues when in a busy filling station.

Also in no particular order;

- The seats leaning inwards to clear the roll cage - very uncomfortable especially for the passenger.

- As already mentioned the bonnet, it'd be very handy with a q/r mechanism especially making it easier to access water/oil resevoirs.

- Very easy mod though I'm yet to do it - wrapping the oil temp sensor with pipe lagging to keep it out the cold air flow and gain a truer reading.

- The glove box which has already been mentioned, someone on here cut an ally bar and glued it on to the underside, then used a vice to bend it into shape. Very good idea but can't remember who it was or find the thread.

[Snakes]

OK - so we have:

1 Fuel fill neck fix
2 Seats rubbing roll cage fix
3 Seats alignment fix
4 Glove box lid fix
5 Oil sensor screening fix
6 Quick release bonnet fix

Come on lets build the list first and then decide on priorities and finding solutions. We have the knowledge and brain power out there somewhere!

[Targarama]

Seats leaning inwards - look underneath and you'll see why. Remove seat and take out washers. Still leans a bit after this, but you no longer feel like you're propping yourself up on the centre tunnel any longer.

Fuel filler - I've never had a problem once I got used to it. It doesn't take that much longer to fuel and only takes up to 50 litres - so no longer than my Audi with a 70 litre tank used to take. Chill and enjoy the craftsmanship on the fuel filler handle/boot hinges.

[Dr John]

I've had mine 3 years and done 30,000 miles. I use it most days so these are comments which relate to making it more drivable day and night 365 days a year:

1 Fuel fill neck fix - I've just realised the answer after my local filling station changed their pumps. I never had problems there, could fill at 100% as long as I rotated filler handle 90degrees anticlockwise, now it blows back all the time. Whats changed? They have shortened the spout on the filler (the length that goes into the car) from about 8" to about 5". It appears size does matter.

2 Seats rubbing roll cage fix - being a shortarse not a problem for me.

3 Seats alignment fix - agree but not a big issue.

4 Glove box lid fix - mine is a later car and this is OK.

5 Oil sensor screening fix - agree it's a pain.

6 Quick release bonnet fix - good idea. Would also like a bigger and better fixed windscreen washer bottle and while we're on the subject proper washer jets including headlamp washers.

7 Fix the headlights - they are RUBBISH as standard.

8 Put in some foglamps - the switch is there it's silly not to use it.

9 Get the radio to give a good signal

10 Sort the electrics so that ALL the dashboard lamps, including the radio, dim when the headlamps are turned on, not just the pod. As it is (on mine at least) I get dazzled by the heater control lights when driving on unlit roads at night.

11 Get a usable front interior courtesy light - The boot one is OK but doesn't come on when the boot is open!

I might think of some more, if so I'll post again.
Despite those niggles it still brings a smile to my face.

John

[j3gme]

This is the link to my repair for the glove box lid hope it helps
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

[Oat$y]

I can look into designing a quick release bonnet, I'm back in the UK April 1st and I will take measurements and see what I can come up with. Should be very simply to do.

Edited by Oat$y on Friday 13th March 12:34

[Snakes]

That sounds positive and is probably the most desirable of all the requested fixes on the list so far, with the possible exception of the fuel breather.

Let us know what your ideas are and how you get on when you get a chance.