Alan, the 1989 Ford Probe GT Turbo
Discussion
So I've got the correct belt, but it looks like a pig of a job since there is no space to access anything (and I still have no Haynes manual to lie about how easy it is) so I tackled the more important issue: Cupholders.
After some ebay digging, I found this, which seems perfect aside from the walnut effect (there was also a silver finish that I didn't like)
For some unknown reason the top section extends further than the base, but some hacksaw, dremel and filing action saw it skilfully re-profiled (don't measure cut once was the method selected). Add some matt black paint and we have this:
No more awkward coffee stains to the crotch for me! Success.
After some ebay digging, I found this, which seems perfect aside from the walnut effect (there was also a silver finish that I didn't like)
For some unknown reason the top section extends further than the base, but some hacksaw, dremel and filing action saw it skilfully re-profiled (don't measure cut once was the method selected). Add some matt black paint and we have this:
No more awkward coffee stains to the crotch for me! Success.
t. Truly wonderful the burgundy plastic of the handbrake/transmission cover in particular has me recalling every Robocop/Total Recall interior. A masterpiece.
W00DY said:
No more awkward coffee stains to the crotch for me! Success.
Just check it's secure when fully laden. I will never fit a cupholder again after approaching an Autoroute toll gate a little too fast and have to fish Euro coins from an upturned McSlurry.Spinakerr said:
Just check it's secure when fully laden. I will never fit a cupholder again after approaching an Autoroute toll gate a little too fast and have to fish Euro coins from an upturned McSlurry.
It's pretty secure, I've had a full cup of coffee empty itself over a centre console in the same circumstance!The engine. Not much to look at:
Changing the alternator belt was a bit of a pain, since it's a separate belt to the PAS/AC one but runs behind it on the crank pulley so it had to be removed and the tension adjustment for both belts was bot h rusty and very difficult to access, but it's sorted now. £5.68 from ECP for a Conti belt so can't complain.
Decided to test the fit of the BBS, front looks good, but rear will definitely need spacing,
Spinakerr said:
Handsome alloys, I honestly didn't think they would match but the colour helps immensely.
As an ardent fan on 90s Alfas there's only one thing required for the engine - painting the '12 valve' in red engine enamel!
I think that's a little way off yet, there's a few bits under the hood (i is American after all) that could use some paint, but a smidge of red might be nice.As an ardent fan on 90s Alfas there's only one thing required for the engine - painting the '12 valve' in red engine enamel!
Podie said:
Jeez, even the boot is red!
I know someone who had one back in 99 / 2000. It had the air con button on the dash, but no compressor or gubbins under the bonnet...
I know someone who had one back in 99 / 2000. It had the air con button on the dash, but no compressor or gubbins under the bonnet...
Mine has the gubbins, but the blower motor doesn't work, waiting on a service manual, before I regret taking the dash apart with no plan of action. I suspect the likelihood of functional A/C is practically zero, but I'm not fussed really.MX6 said:
Some good work there, I like how the interior is shaping up, those wheels are going to look the part. Nice to see an engine pic', it looks pretty clean. I'd be tempted to splash some Kurust around in there over those rust coloured areas...
Definitely going to tidy up the engine bay at some point. I've also ordered a Probinator chip from across the pond which removes the boost cut off and combined with a boost controller should find a few extra horses.Lets just hope it doesn't come with the name on the package or I'll get some funny looks from the courier!I'm having some issues though, it's started to cut out occasionally after bit of stumbling when going round sharp bends which needs investigating and the cooling fan seemingly never runs even when it's quite hot so I'm going through bit by bit and hoping I'll find the culprit, but so far no luck.
New wheels fitted with new tyres, I'll get some better shots and perhaps even give it a wash, but for now it's looking good.
Fast Bug said:
Those wheels really suit it!
Yeh, I'm pleased. There are spacers on the rear to even up the look a bit and I think it definitely needs to be a touch lower, but we're getting there.toastyhamster said:
But the bottom of that door! Rust?!
It's a plastic cladding that's not attached too well, on the list to sort!
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