Our cheap Coupe GT to do list

doodlebug

Member
Messages
913
That's a super job. Any tips how you fixed the chrome finish on the vents. Mine are driving me nuts and your post has given me the incentive to get them done!
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
I used meths to clean off the stickiness from the black vents. Wet and dry to remove the old chrome and key the surface a bit, then plastic primer followed by a few coats of chrome spray.
I was sceptical about the chrome spray as I’ve never used it before but the finish seems great and feels nice and durable. 72654It’s ever so slightly more ‘satin’ than real chrome but I’m pleased with the end result.
 

doodlebug

Member
Messages
913
I used meths to clean off the stickiness from the black vents. Wet and dry to remove the old chrome and key the surface a bit, then plastic primer followed by a few coats of chrome spray.
I was sceptical about the chrome spray as I’ve never used it before but the finish seems great and feels nice and durable. View attachment 72654It’s ever so slightly more ‘satin’ than real chrome but I’m pleased with the end result.
It looks really good. Thanks or the info.
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
Some progress today,

oil pressure sender changed, and it now works, thankfully it does have good pressure! I debated whether to take the inlet off but glad I did as there was a host of debris in there. Also had to make a little tool to remove and replace the sender.

Spark plugs changed, although the old ones looked to be fairly fresh. I’ll keep them as spares in the garage so that it 10 years time I’ll throw them out wandering what they were for.

aux belt changed.

Tomorrow’s agenda,
Air filter
Pollen filter
Drain engine oil and change filter
Drain gearbox oil and replace filter (I’ve given it a good coating of WD40 this afternoon!).
If I’ve got time refill oils

cheers
M


72767727687276972770727717277272773727747277572776
 

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
How high did you get the car to do the gearbox oil change? Debated if i should attempt it in my garage or not.
 

philgarner

Member
Messages
226
I just did gearbox oil - easy enough if you have good, big jackstands. Only troublesome bit - the 22mm fill plug took a massive breaker bar to move on mine, I had to put together all the 1/2" extensions I own to get it proud of the bodywork and then put a massive bar on it. went with a huge bang.

@Matt82 - beware that gearbox filter. They like to refuse to come out, or break apart when you try. Mine has taken me hours and hours to do, plus I had to buy a bunch of new tools.
 
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Mr S

Member
Messages
821
I just did gearbox oil - easy enough if you have good, big jackstands. Only troublesome bit - the 22mm fill plug took a massive breaker bar to move on mine, I had to put together all the 1/4" extensions I own to get it proud of the bodywork and then put a massive bar on it. went with a huge bang.

@Matt82 - beware that gearbox filter. They like to refuse to come out, or break apart when you try. Mine has taken me hours and hours to do, plus I had to buy a bunch of new tools.
Thanks for that. Assuming you used a pump of sorts to get the new oil in. Iv seen some people say you need to cycle the gears to get all the fluid in, and some have said just leave it a while for the oil to find its own way through the system.
 

philgarner

Member
Messages
226
Yeah I used a Lidl 'Ultimate Speed' 12v oil pump - worked a treat. I didn't top up after running through gears etc, the instructions I had didn't mention that.
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
How high did you get the car to do the gearbox oil change? Debated if i should attempt it in my garage or not.

not that high, just standard axle stand height, made sure it was same height front and back for getting the correct levels
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
I just did gearbox oil - easy enough if you have good, big jackstands. Only troublesome bit - the 22mm fill plug took a massive breaker bar to move on mine, I had to put together all the 1/2" extensions I own to get it proud of the bodywork and then put a massive bar on it. went with a huge bang.

@Matt82 - beware that gearbox filter. They like to refuse to come out, or break apart when you try. Mine has taken me hours and hours to do, plus I had to buy a bunch of new tools.

Mine weren’t particularly tight, perhaps a sign that fluids have been changed relatively recently.

gearbox filter did come out in two parts but thankfully the bit left inside was easily pulled out with a finger!

72819
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
Progress report from yesterday and today,

Oil filter changed and engine filled with oil.
Gearbox filter changed pic of old one and fitted new one below, Gearbox filled with oil.
7285272853
Air filter changed, the mounting lugs for the air box were all broken, so I’ll have to order some.
728547285572856
Check engine light cleared, it was PO431, something to do with catalyst threshold. It hasn’t come back on after a test drive, so maybe it was a spurious error?
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Pollen filter changed, it was rather dirty in the scuttle!
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Found the cow bell noise that’s been plaguing me if I have the windows open! It’s the little cowling that’s on the hub end of the handbrake cable, it’s loose and rattling drivers side but tight passenger side?! Not the best photo i
72862

Thanks for all the advice, progress is in no small part due to the wealth of knowledge on here!
Cheers
M
 
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Neil robinson

Junior Member
Messages
110
I’ve found that methalated spirits, the purple stuff takes that horrific gunge right off. If you are going to do the switches it brings them back to white plastic which I am actually quite happy with
 

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2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,220
Air box mounts are pennies online, if I recall correctly they are M6 x 20mm anti vibration mounts. Personally I’d rip it out and go K&N.