Another Maldives Blue thread!

[Zedebee]

A good day spent cleaning the hood (again), wire brushing all the surface rust underneath, cleaning inside and giving her a mechanical check over. Removed a whole lot of crud fasteners and replaced with the correct ones. I had some trouble getting the wheel nuts off


Borrowed a set of wheels from big sis and ready for a test drive.


Surprised how well she runs, I haven’t driven a convertible in many years although I forgot how bad the Potenzas are on the 203s.

Problems so far: no aircon, outside temperature measures a steady -40 degrees and the temperature gauge barely got above 1/4 in 10 miles of spirited driving. Anyone know what might be causing that?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Love the box of random clips and bits - always handy for a bodge!

Judging by the state of your extension bar at a guess I think the wheels may have been fitted with an air-gun set to Max torque.

But it really does look strange with no sill covers. :lol:

Lack of A/C probably needs codes reading, although the condensers seem prone to getting damaged by road debris (well my last one was)! Could the outside temperature gauge be a faulty sensor - I think it's behind the front bumper on the N/S? Maybe the lack of water temperature is due to the thermostat being stuck open?

Still the fact it runs well has to be a plus-point.

 

[Zedebee]

Love the box of random clips and bits - always handy for a bodge!

Just to be clear, Iain, those came off the car. It had been bodged already!
I’ve never snapped a half inch bar before, The wheels nuts seemed to have loc-tite on.
I didn’t check codes on the air con, I’ll do that tomorrow. Good call on the thermostat, is there any way I can test it?

 

[bigwinn]

Check the temp sensor first- think it’s near side front splash guard area near fog light: if that’s not working it will send the aircon into a non working state

 

[Usel]

As Bigwinn says you have a faulty outside temp sensor.

Its reading -40c so the aircon will not work as its lowest operating temp is 8c to stop damage to the aircon system.

 

[Zedebee]

As Bigwinn says you have a faulty outside temp sensor.

Its reading -40c so the aircon will not work as its lowest operating temp is 8c to stop damage to the aircon system.

Let’s hope so, that’s an easy fix. I dread to think what replacing the compressor (or whatever else may be knackered) might cost.

 

[Zedebee]

There is no belt driving the compressor, no wonder the aircon is not working

 

[bigwinn]

that will definitely make a difference

 

[enuff_zed]

that will definitely make a difference

I'd be asking why?
Has it simply snapped and disappeared?
Or is the compressor seized or some other issue and the simplest fix was to take the belt off.

 

[MKZ4000]

Zedebee, I’m looking at buying a car unseen, and just wondered did you pay on delivery or prior ?

 

[MKZ4000]

I’m a bit wary about paying all upfront (happy to risk a deposit) but not sure if that would fly with the seller

 

[Zedebee]

that will definitely make a difference

I'd be asking why?
Has it simply snapped and disappeared?
Or is the compressor seized or some other issue and the simplest fix was to take the belt off.

Indeed, but I would be very surprised if the previous owner had any useful information here. My guess would be the belt was removed as a bodge. I will test this by spending £10 on a new belt from eBay.

 

[bigwinn]

that will definitely make a difference

I'd be asking why?
Has it simply snapped and disappeared?
Or is the compressor seized or some other issue and the simplest fix was to take the belt off.

Indeed, but I would be very surprised if the previous owner had any useful information here. My guess would be the belt was removed as a bodge. I will test this by spending £10 on a new belt from eBay.

Hold off I’ve got spares I’ll put one in the box

 

[Zedebee]

Zedebee, I’m looking at buying a car unseen, and just wondered did you pay on delivery or prior ?

Well that is very much a question of your appetite for risk, how much you trust the seller and what he/she is prepared to accept. I assume you are buying privately, as if you are buying from a dealer you are probably covered by the distance selling regulations. Are you paying someone to collect the vehicle (as I did) or is he/she delivering it to you?

Generally speaking, I would expect you to have to pay for the vehicle up front before the seller gives it over to someone else’s custody. You can’t protect yourself against the risk of seller ripping you off and taking your money, but if you are worried about condition you could withhold a portion of the price to be paid if you are satisfied that it is “as described”, like a reverse deposit.

Personally, I still have a modicum of faith in people and paid for this vehicle up front. The seller has some forum history and I could afford to lose the cash without hitting the skids. Probably less than the increase in my energy bill this year .

Good luck.

 

[Zedebee]

I'd be asking why?
Has it simply snapped and disappeared?
Or is the compressor seized or some other issue and the simplest fix was to take the belt off.

Indeed, but I would be very surprised if the previous owner had any useful information here. My guess would be the belt was removed as a bodge. I will test this by spending £10 on a new belt from eBay.

Hold off I’ve got spares I’ll put one in the box

 

[bigwinn]

I’m a bit wary about paying all upfront (happy to risk a deposit) but not sure if that would fly with the seller

I bought blind from Ben (zedebee) and couldn’t be more positive about him and the transaction

I did the same blind buy that week with another car and it was as described

I get it’s a gamble so the risk is firmly on the buyer but if you do your homework you can cover most bases

 

[MKZ4000]

Good advice. I guess my main concern is the car not arriving rather than it not being as described

 

[Zedebee]

Good couple of days stripping down this week:

Boot full of spares

Panels ready to go on

Bit of kurust and hammerite for the back end

Front end mostly back together

Engine bay now looking respectable


Hoping for a run out later

 

[Barty]

Wow, that’s a lot of work done! Really looking forward to the end result. Must be very rewarding to revive a car like this

 

[bigwinn]

Coming on well Ben!