Just got a wedge ! Beginners questions...
Discussion
So I bought a wedge, site unseen. A nice 350i.
I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
I think I lucked out though. Its great. Big pile of bills in a ring file. Strong engine. Doesn't overheat. Sounds great. Must have driven 200 miles the last 2 days without missing a beat.
Outriggers are fine. No rust. Paint is a bit chipped here and there.
So, having surprised myself by getting the car on an impulse, I have some questions.
1. It bangs, shakes and crashes quite a bit. Scuttle shake. Feels a bit vintage over the bumps. Now I know they "all do that" to some extent, but to what extent does replacing the shocks and bushes on the suspension help? I am interested in a touring spec, fixing some of the bump steer, not doing track days.
2. The bonnet catch is a bit dodgy and I live in fear that it will stop working altogether and I won't be able to open the damn bonnet. Is this common?
3. Recommend someone in the Wilts/Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxford area who is a decent spanner man? It is a cheap car and while I am happy to have the shocks replaced and some TLC to the suspension, I think that should be enough. Some of the cosmetic stuff I can do myself.
I was thinking to go to Neil Garner - he's about an hour away for me. But I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage - I would rather start gently...
Finally, are parts on these things hard to come by? Front spoiler needs some TLC and I am wondering if it may be easier to just get a new one.
A friend of mine said that regarding the paint chips, it may be more practical to get it wrapped. Is this a daft idea?
Anyway, I can see why you all love them so much. After just a few days I am already rather fond of the old chap.
Cheers
TS
Edited by toppstuff on Friday 12th October 21:26
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