After nervously waiting to see if it was all just a hoax or not we finally got confirmation that we've got Eurotunnel tickets bought using Tesco clubcard vouchers. Genius.
Trying to get the new locks fitted to the doors is proving a bit more tricky than I thought. Taking half the door apart needs Torx screwdriver bits. Oddly they want to make most of the fittings on the car tamper proof...
Sadly the exhaust whistler wasn't doing great things to the fuel economy and although it did attract a fair amount of attention it was beginning to drive me mad so It's gone.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Blog update
Continuing the theme of leaving all the real work to Matt, I spent a bit of time playing with the blog layout today to make it a bit more "RedDog".
Less than two weeks to go...
Gaz
Less than two weeks to go...
Gaz
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Thank yous and more bits
Cheers to everyone who turned up to the car squash on Saturday. Not sure I ever want to do it again, or that the AX appreiciated 16(!) people in it but it was good at the time. A good afternoon's fundraising by all accounts at ASDA in Clapham, followed by a laid back evening in the Ostentatious Old Explorer pub. Thanks to everyone who went home with a lot from the "money can't buy" Auction, and anyone who donated at the evening or bought some Merch.
While in a name dropping mood big thanks to Creating Space for sponsoring the bonnet. Photos soon to be up on the blog or watch out for them on the Snowdodgers website.
Combining Tesco's car products section and a visit to Noons Breakers yard we've got yet more critical and not so essential items for the car. These range from Footpumps to warning triangles, shampoo to "TURBO" badges.
Next little project is finding a way to secure the 2nd spare wheel in the car, avoiding the chance of it flying about should we have an accident. Strapping the wheel to the roof isn't great as it'll kill our fuel efficiency and there really isn't anything to attach it to. There's not even anything in the boot to use to strap it down. The cunning plan now involves using the spare wheel cage from a fiesta to mirror the existing spare wheel cage slung under the chassis. If anyone's got any bright ideas then feel free to chip in, at the moment it's still very much work in progress.
Last thing to try out is if Redex actually makes a difference to the car....having bought a bottle I guess it's just a matter of wait and see...
While in a name dropping mood big thanks to Creating Space for sponsoring the bonnet. Photos soon to be up on the blog or watch out for them on the Snowdodgers website.
Combining Tesco's car products section and a visit to Noons Breakers yard we've got yet more critical and not so essential items for the car. These range from Footpumps to warning triangles, shampoo to "TURBO" badges.
Next little project is finding a way to secure the 2nd spare wheel in the car, avoiding the chance of it flying about should we have an accident. Strapping the wheel to the roof isn't great as it'll kill our fuel efficiency and there really isn't anything to attach it to. There's not even anything in the boot to use to strap it down. The cunning plan now involves using the spare wheel cage from a fiesta to mirror the existing spare wheel cage slung under the chassis. If anyone's got any bright ideas then feel free to chip in, at the moment it's still very much work in progress.
Last thing to try out is if Redex actually makes a difference to the car....having bought a bottle I guess it's just a matter of wait and see...
Friday, 20 March 2009
Engine Oil, tailpipes and terrible styling
Turns out there wasn't even enough oil in the sump to get more than 1/4" up the dipstick. That along with not being able to get the plug out the sump meant I just filled up with fresh. Hopefully there isn't some horrible leak and everything will be fine...
I've been itching to pimp the car up with the dump valve whistler so set to it the other night. 1st took the tailpipe and silencer off with a bit of persuasion. Then as the tailpipe wasn't a nice straight shape, loped a bit off with a hacksaw. Slid the whistler in, fixed it in place and hey presto it sound just like you've got dump valves for that authentic race sound...well that's the theory. In practice all I've now got is an exhaust that constantly whistles, liable to attract all dogs in the area. It's probably also doing horrible things to the efficiency of the engine by restricting the flow of exhaust gasses. I guess it's the price you have to pay for sounding great?
Finally, decided to get hold of some red paint, pop some of the detail out of the dash and add a bit of stylish flair by picking it out in red...hopefully pictures to follow tomorrow of the interior in it's glory.
On a slightly more boring practical note I've fixed the cigarette lighter and fitted the clutch pedal back on after it fell off on the way to work the other day.
I've been itching to pimp the car up with the dump valve whistler so set to it the other night. 1st took the tailpipe and silencer off with a bit of persuasion. Then as the tailpipe wasn't a nice straight shape, loped a bit off with a hacksaw. Slid the whistler in, fixed it in place and hey presto it sound just like you've got dump valves for that authentic race sound...well that's the theory. In practice all I've now got is an exhaust that constantly whistles, liable to attract all dogs in the area. It's probably also doing horrible things to the efficiency of the engine by restricting the flow of exhaust gasses. I guess it's the price you have to pay for sounding great?
Finally, decided to get hold of some red paint, pop some of the detail out of the dash and add a bit of stylish flair by picking it out in red...hopefully pictures to follow tomorrow of the interior in it's glory.
On a slightly more boring practical note I've fixed the cigarette lighter and fitted the clutch pedal back on after it fell off on the way to work the other day.
Monday, 16 March 2009
New windscreen and useful mirrors!
Shiny new windscreen fitted Saturday morning, helpful hint if you ever get it done; although they apparently aren't meant to they'll give you a pretty accurate appointment time if you phone them on the day. Much better than the 4 hour window they give you when you book the appointment. Even fitted a new tax disc holder.
Car does now make a rattle at 60, not sure if this is to do with the new windscreen, guess I'll phone up Autoglass and find out if it's normal.
Big breakthrough as I finally find how to properly adjust the wingmirrors on the car. Means I can see everywhere without having to lean all over the place.
Oil level isn't looking great and it's a horrible colour so draining and replacing that's on the cards for tomorrow.
The little beauty's still managing 50mpg, bodes well for the treck. Not sure how several stone of Gaz and kit will effect this...
Car does now make a rattle at 60, not sure if this is to do with the new windscreen, guess I'll phone up Autoglass and find out if it's normal.
Big breakthrough as I finally find how to properly adjust the wingmirrors on the car. Means I can see everywhere without having to lean all over the place.
Oil level isn't looking great and it's a horrible colour so draining and replacing that's on the cards for tomorrow.
The little beauty's still managing 50mpg, bodes well for the treck. Not sure how several stone of Gaz and kit will effect this...
Friday, 13 March 2009
Westwood be proud
Managed to pick up a nice big crack in the windscreen. Arse.However bling has arrive in the form of:
Flamed pedals,
Skull gear knob,
exhaust improvements (clearly all aesthetic)
and a very snazzy "sport" badge.
Tried to sort out the radio too but looks like I may have actually broken it trying to fix the tape deck...
Sponsorship tally is going up nicely, cheers to everyone who's donated so far.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
The Story so far...
Right as it's he first post I'll get up to speed.
11/02/09 - Buy the AX from Mick's garage in Corby
12/02/09 - Car copes fine on the snowy car park at work.
13/02/09 - Decided to change over to team reddog from team chimp
15/02/09 - Gaz gets a run up and down the A3 in the AX. Followed by Matt getting a blow out on the M3 heading south. Off side rear wheel changed and surprisingly the vibrations that used to happen at 60mph stop.
21/02/09 - Began collecting bits and pieces for spares.
23/02/09 - The dashboard light now magically stays on all the time. Used to be very hit and miss.
04/03/09 - Car now decked out with URLs, team number and a Leicester City badge.
06/03/09 - Ordered Tesco vouchers for the Eurotunnel
08/03/09 - Picked up spare wheel and parcel shelf from scrapyard. Bargain.
11/03/09 - Booked flights home...let's hope we get there
11/02/09 - Buy the AX from Mick's garage in Corby
12/02/09 - Car copes fine on the snowy car park at work.
13/02/09 - Decided to change over to team reddog from team chimp
15/02/09 - Gaz gets a run up and down the A3 in the AX. Followed by Matt getting a blow out on the M3 heading south. Off side rear wheel changed and surprisingly the vibrations that used to happen at 60mph stop.
21/02/09 - Began collecting bits and pieces for spares.
23/02/09 - The dashboard light now magically stays on all the time. Used to be very hit and miss.
04/03/09 - Car now decked out with URLs, team number and a Leicester City badge.
06/03/09 - Ordered Tesco vouchers for the Eurotunnel
08/03/09 - Picked up spare wheel and parcel shelf from scrapyard. Bargain.
11/03/09 - Booked flights home...let's hope we get there
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