blimmin heck - great news!

[Steve H]

I have a S1 which has been off the road since the tax run out in Sept 2010. Just before it was SORN I did a service (Plugs, Oil, Filter etc) and I have started it occassionaly and moved it to stop flat spots on tyres. Basically I dusted it down yesterday and put some petrol in it and the garage came to collect it for a MOT..... I then waited by the phone like a nervous parent expecting a call with a long list of jobs and a LARGE BILL. Just had a call and................it needed:

Drivers side indicator bulb and emissions adjusted!!!! and thats all!!!!!!! to say I am happy is an understatement.

[mikel003003]

Great news !

[Steve H]

Thanks Mike, I know this doesnt mean there are no issues that need addressing. I think I will change the hoses (silicon) and possibly the tyres, the engine bay needs a bloody good clean and the interior needs to be finished and the passenger door has dropped and I need a Near side indicator and it doesnt idle well.... and....and.... sod it, think I will just enjoy driving it for a while!

[gifdy]

Nice one

[Steve H]

So she is back and has a full MOT, There are the following advisories:
Rear (both) shock absorber has a sligghtly reduced damping effect
NS and OS Rear Shock Absorbers have a light misting of oil

Are these easy(ish) to replace for a novice home mechanic? I have no problem in keeping these standard replacements but if it is not a lot more, is there a decent upgrade?

Also need to get the insurance done, any recommendations?

Steve

[Sandgrounder]

Hi Steve, can't help with the shock absorbers, I am more of a novice than most on this forum, however I got my classic car insurance throught these:

http://www.classic-car-directory.com/parts/company...

Only paid £115, though obviously this is dependant on value of car.

Graham

[Griffinr]

Changing the shocks is an easy job except for the slightly restricted access to the top mount bolt on the rear. Also after fitting new shocks the weight of the car should be on the suspension before the top and bottom mounts are tightened so that the rubber bushes are not permanently stressed.
Most if not all of the shocks available now are adjustable so you also need to set the ride height, also not difficult. Take a look at the suspension wiki to see what people are using and decide what the best spring rates are. I have Gaz nickels on my car which have been very good and they are also serviceable at reasonable cost. New your looking at about £500 to £600 for a set complete with springs.

Insurance is really down to your personal situation and needs, ie. Post code, garaged or not, commuting etc. Some of the classic policies are very restrictive and most don’t cover driving cars not owned by you. I went with Admiral classic last year as I use the car most days, sometimes commute and it also covers driving of other cars (not owned). The only restriction is mileage which I set at 5000, not the cheapest but fits my needs.

Rob

[Steve H]

WOW £500/£600, If I am not keen to go down the Gaz etc route any idea what standard (Ford) replacement are and which car they are from?

Steve

[Steve H]

Graham, great shout on the insurance - £112 Comprehensive, £150xs, Roadside and Recovery Breakdown, Legal Cover, EU Cover, Windscreen Cover and salvage buyback!!!!! OK I am 43 with a clean record and its 3000 miles PA but suits me just fine.....Just got to sort out the tax and its Brrrrrrrm Brrrrrrrm

Thanks again

[Sandgrounder]

Steve, as you probably already know, tax is £220, unfortunately! Still, pleasure always comes at a price.