The Carina Journey

[PaulinhoT]

But a couple of hours later, and it was cleaner, and waxed. But I had run out of day light, so called it a night.

[PaulinhoT]

So today, a new day, a little wet to start off, but I wanted to carry on and do as much as I could whilst I had a day off work.

I had washed 1/3rd of my micro fibre cloths, and was all set to go again.

 

[PaulinhoT]

Early this morning I set about trying to fix the rear bumper, which keeps popping out of it's holding clips, I guess as a result of being hit.

I managed to adjust out one of the holders, and although it's not perfect, it will do until I get another bumper and have it sprayed white.

 

 

[PaulinhoT]

Next up was a quick look around underneath, and it's not to bad, I love the suspension set up, and can't wait to work out which coil-overs to buy.

 

[PaulinhoT]

The next job was to take a look at the panel below the rear light, as that also had a dent in it. So off it came.... Whilst the rear light was out, I gave it a quick clean.

 

[PaulinhoT]

Once I had done that side, I thought it was silly not to do the other side, so off that came also.

[PaulinhoT]

At this point I checked all the rear lights, as I noticed in the reflection the other night, the car only had one reverse light working.

 

[PaulinhoT]

Little did I realise what a pig of a job this was. I just couldn't unscrew the bulb holder, so had to remove the light, and my 10mm socket is a short reach, so it made a quick job anything but.. lol

[PaulinhoT]

I then went to fit a new bulb, only to find my step daughter had pinched my other ones, so a quick trip to a local shop, and I had some (spares as well).

 

[PaulinhoT]

At this point I noticed how dirty he bade was, but I'd cleaned it a few times, and couldn't get the marks off between the letters. So I tried another few cleaners I had, It's not perfect, but a start.

 

[PaulinhoT]

I then thought as the sun had come out, I'd give it another coat of wax, with a different product to what I had used the other day (same company, but different).

 

[PaulinhoT]

Next up was the sills, as they weren't very clean, so again, laid down, with my cleaners, gave them a wash, and wipe, and they look alright for a car that's the best part of 24 years old. I didn't de tar them, yet lol

 

[PaulinhoT]

Finally whilst down on the floor, I couldn't help but notice how bad the rear arch was on the lip, so I gave it a go. A little better, and nice results for a first pass.

[PaulinhoT]

So that's how the car stands.. I think in total I've put in about 40-60 hours getting the worst of it done, but it's far from finished. I had planned on ordering some parts today, Pro Race wheels, but it was gone 6pm before I realized.

[tooSavvy]

Wheels & Tyres....... very subjective area!

'Marmite Zone' lol 

These cars have a sophisticated suspension that is surefooted whilst compliant - I read that Coilovers are planned - but going for the largest dia wheel/thinnest tyre wall might be a shock, in driving, with all the 'feel' being lost.... 

Your car - Your choice.

ATB

2sav

[PaulinhoT]

Thank you, I was thinking no more than 17" wheels with a 45 profile tyre, hopefully that won't be that bad, if it is, I will drop down to 16". But it's an on going project, that's going to live with me for a very long time lol. I've lots of other jobs to do as well, apart from bodywork, things like cam-belt, all fluids, brakes, etc. But at the moment, I'm enjoying just cleaning it lol.

[wedgehog]

Well done Paul, looks great mate, you have certainly put some time in, you'r as bad as me 

[PaulinhoT]

8 hours ago, wedgehog said:

Well done Paul, looks great mate, you have certainly put some time in, you'r as bad as me 

Thank you Bob, oddly I enjoy it :D

[PaulinhoT]

A little update today, I had a puncture repaired, and switched the wheel and tyre over, but little else.

 

[wedgehog]

Ahhh Little Else. know her well 

[PaulinhoT]

Well this morning I had another go at cleaning in and around the letters on my Badge, and it's a little better, so I know it will come clean soon.

 

[PaulinhoT]

One other than that has annoyed me is the little bit of water in the front indicator, and although I plan on replacing them all with new ones, I thought I'd give it a clean. This is the indicator unit with water in it.

 

[PaulinhoT]

So I removed the indicator unit, took it apart, and gave it a clean.

[PaulinhoT]

I did clean in and around the units placement, but didn't take a picture as I was enjoying myself too much. Some may notice that I touched in a chip on the front wing as well. But all back together now, and hopefully this will allow me to find some new ones.

 

[PaulinhoT]

Lastly today I made a start on the door shuts, although I did most of the N/S but started to feel a little cold, so have now come back inside, and will see how things go later.