Project Cheapskate has left the building

[enuff_zed]

It's moved on now, but I hope this thread will still be of some inspiration to others.

As promised, here are the initial photos of my latest project, complete with liberal doses of Sahara sand!
Apart from the EPS failure and a dink in the front bumper the car is actually not too bad.
No rusty panels, wheels need some attention, interior needs a damn good clean up, seems to have a ZHP? gear knob, missing the bit of trim around the bonnet catch.
Sure I'll find loads more.
Already fixed the drivers cup-holder that fell into the dash when I tried to open it.
Replaced the boot rams after I nearly lost a finger!
Fitted a modified Disa as the old one was rattling and about to fall apart.
Autophix tells me there is no movement at all from the vanos so that'll need sorting.
Until that's fixed I won't know if it was causing the occasional misfire, but I've a good set of coils en route from bigwinn and a new set of plugs on my list.
And although I've yet to take a wheel off, the suspension looks pretty old and worn.
So all the usual stuff really, only slightly slower as I'm hanging on for maximum Autodoc discounts and any cheap deals I can find.

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[sars]

I think this project might keep you occupied for a while, showing it's age this one

[Chris_D]

Nice little project.
seeing as how this will be a financially optimised venture you could give those shabby wheels a shot of the metallic plastidip like i did. Cheap as chips fix and look like new, from a distance

[enuff_zed]

Nice little project.
seeing as how this will be a financially optimised venture you could give those shabby wheels a shot of the metallic plastidip like i did. Cheap as chips fix and look like new, from a distance

Yes I'd seen that and already considered it as an option.
Interesting that the underlying colour is black, with just a thin layer of silver on top.
May investigate that further.

[enuff_zed]

I think this project might keep you occupied for a while, showing it's age this one

It'll be a slow burner that's for sure. Something to do through the winter I expect.
But things like the seats etc just need time, patience and a bit of restorer. Just making them look good will lift the whole thing.
Thought it would be interesting/encouraging for others to see what can be achieved, rather than the usual 'after' shots.
May see if a hot air gun and a push from behind will pop the bumper dent.
(A similar process worked well on the wife - yes a needless comment but it saved Pondrew or Scubaregs the hassle of having to type it!)

[Scubaregs]

Appreciated mate.

[buzyg]

Still in fit's of laughter over your last Post. A little TLC and some well judged skill should have that turned around to a lucky new owner by spring.

[Mr Tidy]

It has a few redeeming features anyway with Bi-Xenons, heated seats, pdc and a ZHP!

Looking forward to seeing how you get on.

[enuff_zed]

It has a few redeeming features anyway with Bi-Xenons, heated seats, pdc and a ZHP!

Looking forward to seeing how you get on.

No pdc actually.
It does mean that the only M54 family member I haven't worked on now is the 2.2 auto (if you include Ed's 2.5 manual across the road)
Certainly going to be a different prospect to most of the cars on here but as I said to the missus tonight, even if I run it for a year then break it I won't lose money and I'll have a lot of fun in the meantime.

[paddy wright]

Glad to see this being saved

[enuff_zed]

Bit more sleuthing has tracked down another problem.
I found an interior light laying in the footwell. Eventually discovered it was from the centre storage. I have heard a lot of people say they have had current drain due to it staying on. Therefore I assumed it had been removed for that. I have a spare microswitch so thought I'd swap that over. But before I got that far I discovered the problem. The plastic tag at the bottom of the door has snapped off so there's nothing to switch the light off.
So now I either find a cheap replacement door or see if I can fashion something with a self-tapping screw or a rivet?
Seems a common issue as Stuart had a spare door then discovered it to be broken in the same place.

[Umfaan]

I might have a good door ..will look tonight

[enuff_zed]

I might have a good door ..will look tonight

Be great if you have Barry. Its a black one.
Cheeky ask, but have you also got the plastic trim that fits around the bonnet catch too? (Twist Protection - 51237002012)

[Umfaan]

Most probably..will get back to you tonight

[Neens76]

Looking forward to seeing this progress, however slowly you progress it.