Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => Omega Gallery => Topic started by: mattg on 11 March 2010, 12:18:58
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Right then folks, thanks for the welcome in my other thread. As promised here's the full thread of our entry into this years Ramshackle rally.
The rough idea is that you buy a car for less than £150 and drive it the 1500 miles to Valencia via France, Italy and Spain. We always drive back too so a 3000 mile trip. Usually we sell the car on our return (infact the first car was used for more charity rallies by it's next owner) This year however we have storage so intend to use this car every year now just with a new theme.
First i'll give you some history on the last two years cars.
2008 Car - Dave the Cavalier - Team name : The penguins of the Apocalypse
Before
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP0719.jpg)
After
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1192.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1031.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/start11.jpg)
2009 car - Dave 2 the Mondeo - Team name : The Jamaican Bacon Inn
Before
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1496.jpg)
After
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1557.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/6490_240960450390_501535390_8375196.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/Photo0063.jpg)
yes that is a pool table on the roof and a bar on the back!
Video made by another team featuring us a couple of time (see credits at 8.40 on)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1TTyrzNVDA
right, give me a minute and i'll introduce Frank!
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So onto Frank...
We saw this advertised on Ebay with no MOT or Tax and a starting problem with bids up to £50 and a B.I.N of £250. We offered £150 which was accepted and off we went to collect. The owner was 100% honest as to the state of it so we weren't expecting much. What we found was the ideal car
Observations..
1. It's blatantly done way more than the 100K on the clock going by the war and tear - infact we suspect it to be an ex-taxi as there is loads of wear in the back. - Doesn't matter
2. Body is rough, lots of low quality paint repairs with overspray all over the shop. The bonnet is a particular work of art. - Doesn't matter
3. Clutch is edgy - no worries, easy enough job
4. No record or last cambelt change - again, easy job
5. EML light on - meh, it's an Ecotec... I've sourced a good cam sensor so will whack that on and hope it cures it (along with the minor starting issue)
6. Needs a good service! - No worries there.
So a few pics...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1737.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1735.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/RamshackleOmega.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1738.jpg)
The car was destined to be called Dave 3 but the previous owners had named him Frank so we kept the name.
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Totally mad .. but I love it ... wish I was 40 years younger !!!
Good luck, Enjoy :y :y :y :y
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So, first things first. MOT
It failed but not badly!
1. Foglight switch sticking on - Mutantcav on here is sorting me one of those.
2. One tyre perished - The local tyre company will do this at cost £30
3. Emmisions - Only just failed on CO. Will change the cam sensor, give it some fuel system cleaner and give it a run and it should be ok
4. Washere inefficient - have cleaned the filter and they're fine now.
So, should be in for a retest next week and hopefully a pass. Then the fun can start!
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Looks like a great deal of fun, cant wait to see Frank when its finished. I also wish I was a bit younger then I would do something like it.
Great stuff mate :y
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Sounds like a laugh, I hope all goes well in the fixing and the journey, if you posted where you are you might have a few locals on the forum who can stick it on a reader to see what the problems are :y
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Sounds like a laugh, I hope all goes well in the fixing and the journey, if you posted where you are you might have a few locals on the forum who can stick it on a reader to see what the problems are :y
Good point! I'm in Northants, have updated my profile accordingly..
Thanks for the comments so far chaps!
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maybe should send you up a flashing headlight kit and some stickers to put on!!
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spray the car white and put a big orange stripe down the side!!!
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maybe should send you up a flashing headlight kit and some stickers to put on!!
you're more than welcome to advertise your company on the car in return for a small donation to the kids hospice we are raising money for.
As for a theme. This year we are Team Tommy tank... yep, we're going to make frank look like Thomas the tank engine and dress as train drivers :D ;D
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Hi there im new to on here
And i was just reading your post and it sounds like loads of fun. Id like to do a bit of that. Iv got alot of free time on my hand now,As iv lost my right arm in a bike crash about 5 years ago. So iv give the bikes up now. And i think i need to have sum fun now. So id like to no more about the Ramshackle rally. All the best to u and good luck Jason
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to be fair - you don't stand a chance of any support from this forum - you're previous car only shows "TheBoy's" beloved juice twice, once in can and once in bottle and no preference for air-freshener !
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Well, thanks to Mutantcav I now have a foglight switch on the way for just the cost of postage. Thanks mate :y
My local tyre company are also doing me a tyre at cost so that's another off the list.
that MOT's getting closer!
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Good stuff mate, looks great fun, love the after shots of the Mondeo ;D ;D
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So, my donated foglight switch arrived this morning (thanks Chris - Mutantcav) so I got a few jobs done...
First I switched the front fog light blank over from the faulty switch to the good one as the new one had provision for front fogs too which ours didn't then slotted it in..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1836.jpg)
Fogs on
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1835.jpg)
Fogs off
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1837.jpg)
Then onto the washer problem
Off with the grill
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1838.jpg)
out with the pump
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1839.jpg)
out with the filter - look at the state of it!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1840.jpg)
cleaned up and back together
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1841.jpg)
We now have nice powerful washers! Just need a good run to sort the emissions and a tyre and we should have that MOT!
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It's looking good :y
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Thaks mate. It's gone back in for it's retest today so i'm keeping my fingers crossed!
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MOT passed 8-)
Incase anyone wants to follow Frank on Facebook, here's a link...
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Frank-the-Ramshackle-Omega/212135322162?ref=ts
Obviously will keep the updates on here too!
and I thought I would celebrate with some mildy immature badgework...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1842.jpg)
And a wash..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1843.jpg)
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Looks too smart to be called "Ramshackle" .... ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Looks too smart to be called "Ramshackle" .... ;) ;) ;) ;)
It does in the pics mate. When I bought it I said if it looks as good in the metal as it does in the pics there's no way we can use it for the rally.
It is however really rough when you see it.. poor filler work and overspray EVERYWHERE. It's solid where it counts though. ;)
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Good to see the parts come to good use, other bits on there way to you tomorrow mate :y
My current car almost falls into the ramshackle category at £200...but I reckon they would tell me to break off when I turned up in a V reg 3.0 elite
Good luck to you all and anything you need just let me know...happy to help the good cause :y
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Thanks mate. The parts have done the trick niceley so far.
The rally we do is £150 max (although you can spend out on the car, we are aiming for £250 all in) and must be older than a '95... Planning a major update for the bank holiday weekend, cambelt, waterpump, tensioners, aux belt, oil and filter, new cam sensor and new AICV. All of which cost us about £20... Result! Looking forward to getting stuck in!
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Nice result today. Opie oils have offered to donate the oil and a filter for Frank :y
www.opieoils.co.uk I'll certainly be using them from now on for my other cars.
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So, got quite a bit sorted out today.
The team arrive...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1851.jpg)
Marked up the aux belt, note the cambelt cover is loose as it's broken in the middle
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1844-1.jpg)
Off with the old and on with the new...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1845.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1853.jpg)
We replaced the rollers, tensioner, waterpump and of course cambelt.
We didn't want to have anything getting into the cambelt cover and not wanting to spend out on bits we improvised..
Take one scrap 205 door from my pug project and cut a plate...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1854.jpg)
Drill and bolt up
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1856.jpg)
Sorted!
We also flushed the cooling system and filled it with nice clean antifreeze mix. It was when running it up to temperature we moved the loom a little bit to get it all back where it should be and it died. I bit of investigation later we found a real bodge to the cam sensor wiring...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1857.jpg)
We sorted that and it's running well again!
Next job was to whip the doorcards off so we can sort the central locking next time. We also found there are no rear speakers, one standard front speaker and one sony speaker just resting in the door with the wires just wrapped around it so we'll sort that too...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1848.jpg)
Mollie approves
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1852-1.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1846.jpg)
And that was about it for the day! Off goes Frank back to where he is stored...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1859.jpg)
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What a fantastic thread Matt, really interesting, for a good cause and full of fun
Best of luck with the rally, shes looking good, and I have joined the fans of Frank on Facebook....!!
:y
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Looking good mate, I had a 3 series M Sport too, in Grey :y
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What a fantastic thread Matt, really interesting, for a good cause and full of fun
Best of luck with the rally, shes looking good, and I have joined the fans of Frank on Facebook....!!
:y
Thanks mate! It is all good fun, we're really pleased with the Omega so far. We're finding loads of bodges but it's satisfying to gradually get them all sorted. Looking forward to getting started on the decoration soon! :y
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Looking good mate, I had a 3 series M Sport too, in Grey :y
Thanks mate, yeah I really like mine... Like the look of your 5 too :y
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Looking good mate, I had a 3 series M Sport too, in Grey :y
Thanks mate, yeah I really like mine... Like the look of your 5 too :y
Ta :y
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i want more pictures of the audi estate man ;) lol looks pretty tasty lineup of cars there :)
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So, Due to a change of jobs i've handed back my company car and will be having my BMW back (which my other half has been using for the last few months) but first we need to get her a new car (clit 182 we think) so.... while we look for a new car "Frank" will be doing daily duties for a week or so!
So, did an oil change today....
Box of goodies from the kind folk at Opie oils...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1870.jpg)
Makes a change having enough ground clearance to get the bowl underneath ;D
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1868.jpg)
Out with the trusty filter tool..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1869.jpg)
New filter on and oil in and then the job of trying to get it level on my slopey drive..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1872.jpg)
All done. Not a very big update but it sounds much smoother now with no tappet noise etc which is good and is ready to do some mileage this week!
I have a meeting with Vauxhall HQ on Friday to discuss support so will let you know how I get on!
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So, Myself and Neil from the team are off to Griffin house with "Frank" tomorrow to meet the Vauxhall PR team to talk charity sponsorship and getting some pics for their corporate magazine. Will let you know how we get on! (i'll make sure the forum gets a mention)
:y
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hope all went well at griffin house :y
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It went well. They are doing a write up in "Torque" magazine and are taking the car into the workshop for a going over. They have also offered us the new clutch we need and a selection of other bits (sensors etc) to help us get frank ready to go!
Hats off to them :y
More importantly, we will also be getting a donation for our charity which is Keech cottage childrens hospice. We're onto the fundraising big time now so hopefully we can raise a good amount of money for them.
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What a fantastic thread :) :) :) :y :y :y :y
I will be watching closely on here and Facebook :D :D
Good luck to all who ride in "Frank" ;D ;D
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What a fantastic thread :) :) :) :y :y :y :y
I will be watching closely on here and Facebook :D :D
Good luck to all who ride in "Frank" ;D ;D
Thanks mate! Decoration starts in two weeks so the updates should starrt to get quite amusing! So far we have collected some fibre glass and resin, a large oil drum and some guttering downpipe. Just need some paint and a few more odds and ends and we should be ready to go!
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Good news on the VX meet :y i`m also following you on facebook
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not only is this genius, you actualy got vx to do a free clutch and sensors, amazing! they couldnt even send me the correct sealant to fit a oil cooler this week, ended up with some locking nut glue or something!
done well. hope it goes well, and hope to see more updates :)
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have to do something with the BNP plate and the up coming election??? lol
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have to do something with the BNP plate and the up coming election??? lol
Funny you should say that... The PR lady mentioned that we might have to stick a VXL suffixed number plate on it for the publicity shots ;D
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Great job, have great time!
<<<< You have the best colour for a Mig too!
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Great job, have great time!
<<<< You have the best colour for a Mig too!
Thanks mate, yes it's a loveley colour. This one has been blown over very badly though so is flaking off in a number of places and is very dull around the wheelarches where it's been bodged before.... No probs though, it'll be a fetching shade of blue soon ;)
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Great thread, do you have a paypal account for donations to the hospice?
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Great thread, do you have a paypal account for donations to the hospice?
Thanks mate. Yes we have just set up the donation site here...
www.justgiving.com/tankengine
Hopefully will be getting plenty of sponsorship on there soon.
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will be donating tomorrow mate good luck with the trip
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Thanks chaps, really appreciate it.
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Right, things have been a bit quiet on the Frank front but that's set to change next weekend. He's been sitting at the Vauxhall Technical centre in Luton for the last few weeks waiting for them to have time to give him a once over...
here's a couple of pics of the work in progress..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/omegaramp.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/omegainspection.jpg)
So, they identified a couple of things...
The EML light was due to the crank sensor and wiring being goosed.. They have done this free of charge.
Brake pads low all round - replaced free of charge.
Clutch is nearing end of life - New one fitted free of charge.
We get him back friday then it's decoration time!!
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Frank is back and running well... Had a run to Kent and back today with one of the team including a couple of hours in the Dartford tunnel traffic. Didn't miss a beat.... Bring on the paint!
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Right then! Decor begins.... This is going to take a few sessions to achieve the desired look. First step, blue basecoat.
first things first, we removed the lights, grill etc to make life easier....
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1921.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1912.jpg)
Then off to Homebase to get the materials...
2.5L exterior gloss in white.
750ml "nightfire blue" Gloss to mix with the white
750ml Red exterior gloss (for tomorrow)
750ml Black exterior gloss (for tomorrow)
Masking tape
Mini rollers
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1915.jpg)
Next myself and Neil donned our best chav/decorating attire and got sanding...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1918.jpg)
Then got masking...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1923.jpg)
Then we got all blue peter and made the colour...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1924.jpg)
A couple of testers as we went...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1925.jpg)
Then on with the paint, first with brushes around the edges and then with rollers...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1926.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1929.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1932.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1931.jpg)
Then off with the masking...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1933.jpg)
Tomorrow will see the side strips and bumpers Red, the roof and top of the tailgate black then we need to start building the boiler and chimney on the bonnet before that gets a coat of blue..
More tomorrow!
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I cant wait to see it finished :y
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As promised... More done today!
First thing was to mask the blue up ready for some red paint on the bumpers and side trims and black for the roof and boot...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1936.jpg)
On with the black...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1937.jpg)
On with the Red...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1938.jpg)
One coat...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1939.jpg)
I popped one of the wheels off ready to paint...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1940.jpg)
Pete got busy with the "styling tape" after more coats of Red
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1942.jpg)
Ignoring the fact that the Red needs loads more paint (we wanted to give it a few days to dry off completeley before re-coating) this gives a rough idea of the look we are going for...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1943.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1944.jpg)
So, next we need to re-coat the red, paint the rest of the wheels, apply the styling tape to the other panels, build up the "coal holder" on the tailgate complete with paper mache coal and of course build up the bonnet with an oil drum etc to form the centre peice of the boiler and face complete with smoke machine etc. We also will be adding yellow detail around the windows as per Thomas and the numbers...
Loads to do still!
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Well, a rather large oil drum has been donated ready for the boiler and face arrangement on the front. I have a spare bonnet so we'll be getting to work on that on Saturday along with more pinstriping, wheel painting and a few more coats of red on the bumpers and side strips. :)
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Did a bit more yesterday....
More coats of red on the bumpers, looking pretty good now...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1950.jpg)
Carried on with the wheels...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1946.jpg)
Did the spare as well, just incase...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1968.jpg)
Yellow around the windows and blue mirrors...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1969.jpg)
And now for the coal scuttle...
On with the supports....
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1961.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1966.jpg)
On with the sides....
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1973.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1971.jpg)
Still opens....
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1972.jpg)
And the car as it stands...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP1977.jpg)
Next is to finish the fabrication of the coal scuttle, paint it up and fill with paper mache coal. Then we'll move onto the bonnet!
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The paint job doesn't look to bad either, looking good guy's. Will be nice to see the end result.
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i have just gone through your thread from start to finish and recon you have done a brill job on the miggy !it looks fantastic .it will be great to see the finished product .good luck to you and your team .pete :y :y :y :y
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The paint job doesn't look to bad either, looking good guy's. Will be nice to see the end result.
Thanks mate, yeah we've refined the process since last year. It's not a bad finish at all and we were careful with the masking so actually looks alright!
i have just gone through your thread from start to finish and recon you have done a brill job on the miggy !it looks fantastic .it will be great to see the finished product .good luck to you and your team .pete :y :y :y :y
Thanks matey! We're feeling pretty confident that Frank is up to the job. We'll be sorting the bonnet out in a couple of weeks ready for the VBOA show at billing.
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all you need is a couple of estates behind.... annie and clarabel! lol
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all you need is a couple of estates behind.... annie and clarabel! lol
That would be quality! We did jokingly talk about a Ramshackle caravan done as one of the carriages but it would slow us down a bit too much ;D
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So, preperation continues. Frank will be at the VBOA show at Billing aquadrome on Saturday evening and Sunday in the day. We've just got this little beauty which will form the Bolier, hopefully before billing...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0024.jpg)
208 litres!!
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Strong work guys! ;)
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Well, we didn't get time to get the bonnet finished but did do some more painting and striping before heading off to Billing...
On the stand with Marvin...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0038.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0031.jpg)
And Frank lending Marvin a bit of electricity at the end...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0041.jpg)
Had a great time at the show (and so did Frank!) few more miles on the clock as well...
Next weekend = Bonnet and coal!
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Right, here goes!!
First of all, let's see how it measures up...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0046.jpg)
Out with the grinder...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0047.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0050.jpg)
This gave us a rough base to work from, re-marked and measured and out with the grinder again...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0053.jpg)
Much better! Next the fixings went on...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0057.jpg)
Then the grill was modified to fit as was the bonnet catch...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0058.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0062.jpg)
The mouth was cut out for cooling...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0063.jpg)
And on with the chimney...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0064.jpg)
Just needs a coat of paint and the smoke machine fitting and the bonnet will be done!
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looks good but i cant help wondering if the old bill will not be happy with that sticking up like that in these protect the pedestrian from harm days????
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looks good but i cant help wondering if the old bill will not be happy with that sticking up like that in these protect the pedestrian from harm days????
It is possible they may not like it.... it's always a bit touch and go. Last year we had beer cans coming out from the wheel centres and drove past several traffic cops with no issues. If the worst comes to the worst we are making sure it's painted underneath and it's relativeley easy to remove. My theory is that due to the rake of the bonnet the visibility is still good and it's less dangerous to a pedestrian than a lorry ;)
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I think that looks great!! :y :y
As a steam enthusiast, I suggest you have some coal glued in the rear bunker, and fit a smoke generator under the bonnet to feed the chimney :D :D :D :D :D ;) ;)
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I think that looks great!! :y :y
As a steam enthusiast, I suggest you have some coal glued in the rear bunker, and fit a smoke generator under the bonnet to feed the chimney :D :D :D :D :D ;) ;)
That is EXACTLY what we are doing. I'm not joking either.... can't wait to get him finished!
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I think that looks great!! :y :y
As a steam enthusiast, I suggest you have some coal glued in the rear bunker, and fit a smoke generator under the bonnet to feed the chimney :D :D :D :D :D ;) ;)
That is EXACTLY what we are doing. I'm not joking either.... can't wait to get him finished!
GREAT!!! :D :D :D :y :y :y :y
I also cannot wait to see the end result! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
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what an amazing job your doing. cant wait for the end product :y
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Great photographs 8-) Will look forward to the next lot - well done. :y :y
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Big day today!!
my mate Gemma turned up to start face painting..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0092.jpg)
The finished face...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0102.jpg)
Buffers were then added...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0107.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0109.jpg)
Then the coal scuttle was finished off with a base...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0094.jpg)
This was then painted black and on with the coal..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0104.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0111.jpg)
Fair bit to do but it's really coming together now!!
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She is starting to look a very real treat!! :D :D :y :y :y :y
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ringo would be proud of you :y
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ringo would be proud of you :y
...............and the Fat Controller! :y :y :y
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Looking good.
Hate to put a damper on things, but how do you stand with plod on the buffers as they tend not to like protruding items
Loving the car though. :y :y
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thats brilliant imagine that coming up behind you on the motorway :)
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Thanks for the comments folks. It's cerainly turning some heads now which is good. Re the police and the buffers, that's a decent point. They are pretty easy to remove if we have to but hopefully the police won't mind them. Only one way to find out... ;)
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If the buffers are made of steel I think you would have a problem.
If you could do the same out of, say, cardboard/carpet centre tube type material? Or expanding foam, cut to size/shape?
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If the buffers are made of steel I think you would have a problem.
If you could do the same out of, say, cardboard/carpet centre tube type material? Or expanding foam, cut to size/shape?
They are just plastic gutter tube with plywood circles painted black so will just snap off if they hit anything. Hopefully will be ok.... we shall see.
Next step is to hook up the pa system and smoke machine!
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crazy / insane project! - in a good way! good details on the car
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;D ;D ;D Laughed all the way through this. What a rockin' idea. Even my 5 yr old was laughing at making an Omega into Thomas the Tank.
Will be following this one for sure!!
Best of luck with everything!!
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Thanks guys. If we can make some people smile that's what it's all about! We've got a spare bonnet ready for when we get back so Frank will be redecorated as something different for next year...
I might put it to the vote when the time comes ;)
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Right, Sunday is the day we aim to get Frank finished off ready for the off on Thursday! Did a few minor odds and ends...
Ridiculousy large CB aerial
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0128.jpg)
sponsors stickers (Thanks to City signs)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0132.jpg)
A few more stickers..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0129.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0130.jpg)
More exciting things to come on Sunday like the smoke machine :-)
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Fantastic work - whereabouts in northants are you??
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Fantastic work - whereabouts in northants are you??
Thanks mate. I'm on the south side of Rushden (The new bit near the A6)
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PM Sent! :y
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PM Sent! :y
And replied! Small world!
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Bit more done this weekend!
First of all we got him out, applied the rest of the stickers and finished the coal...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0161.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0162.jpg)
Then we moved onto the smoke machine!
Boiler off
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0151.jpg)
Smoke machine mounted up with wooden blocks etc, wires routed as required (the controller is remote which works from the cabin)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0158.jpg)
Boiler back on and time for a test... (We have now got an inverter under the bonnet but to test it we ran the wires to an extension lead)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0154.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0156.jpg)
Sorted!
Then we got the external speaker painted up and mounted..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0163.jpg)
We're off on Thursday but one of the team is off all week so will be fitting the speakers, stereo etc over the next couple of days. He's off to Stopsley fire station tonight with one of the team for some fundraising!
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Fantastic!! :y :y :y :y :y
You have made that miggy into my favourite mode of transport; a steam engine! :D :D :D :D :D 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
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Thanks for the kind words and support up to now folks :y "Frank" is now almost complete so there will be one last update tomorrow night before the off on Thursday morning. Obviously there will be a full write up on our return but if you would like to get daily updates then feel free to follow our progress here..
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Frank-the-Ramshackle-Omega/212135322162?ref=ts
I've set it up so I can update it by text so there should be a couple of updates a day. Also, if you would like to sponsor us (we are raising money for Keech cottage childrens hospice) then please visit..
www.justgiving.com/tankengine
If all goes well, Frank will be being updated with a new theme for next year!
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Hope the trip goes well ... you deserve a good time after all the effort so far.
Take care and enjoy .... :y :y :y :y
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How the hell can you see where your going!? Or is that what the buffers are for ;D
I'd love to do this just haven't got the time or the spare cash, think I'd want to go in comfort and use a Jag XJ6 and paint it up like a cow.
I don't know why :-? :D ;D
Safe trip mate.
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Thanks for all the comments guys. I'm pleased to report that Frank covered the 2970 miles there and back with no major issues and scooped the coveted "Best car" award. I'll get the full write up done in the next couple of days and will then get Frank ready for his winter hibernation!
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Thanks for all the comments guys. I'm pleased to report that Frank covered the 2970 miles there and back with no major issues and scooped the coveted "Best car" award. I'll get the full write up done in the next couple of days and will then get Frank ready for his winter hibernation!
That is wonderful news Mattg!! :) :) :) Congratulations!! :y :y :y :y :y :y :y
You and the team obviously put a lot of work in and that award reflects that 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Looking forward to the pictures :D :D :D
Once again, a big well done!! :y :y :y :y :y
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Well done matey.
Excellent news regards the "Best car" award, all the teams efforts have been rewarded well :y
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So, as promised, see below my account of the Rally!
Thursday
Todays task was to get down to the registration point in Calais and get registered so that we would be ready for the off on Friday morning.
We set off from my house at around 8am stopping off at AsteelFlash (my work) before picking Pete up from Silsoe and then heading in to Luton to visit Anachem (Neils work) and Vauxhall for some publicity shots for “Torque” magazine. A quick pit stop to collect some more fluid for the smoke machine and we hit the M25. Lots of quality attention on the roads was had and we soon arrived at the Egham headquarters of Future Electronics (my previous place of work) who had raised some good donations for our charity of choice.
With all our visits done we had a spot of lunch, Pete got to work on his fat controller look by having a whopper meal with an extra cheeseburger on the side.
We cruised on down to the ferry with no issues at all. We passed the rock and roll team and the MJ tribute team on the way. Once at Dover, the other teams started to roll in and the party spirit began.
Once on the other side we dropped Frank off at the Formule 1 and met up with another load of teams including “Pit Lane” The A-Team, Team Stag and the Smurfs. We decided the best way to registration was for us all to pile into the back of the A-team Transit so we did. With “Slash” on navigation duties we drove round in circles for an hour before returning to the hotel for a Sat-Nav. We eventually got registered and got on the beers. When we returned we spent a couple of hours sticking the balls back on the pit stop car that had fallen off that day and it was off to bed at around 3am.
A couple of pics
Frank at Vauxhall HQ
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2082.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2081.jpg)
Friday Calais - Annecy
Up at 6.30 feeling a little groggy! A quick fluid check on Frank revealed all to be well so we headed on down to the Citie d’Europe shopping centre for the official start to the rally. We got the smoke machine warmed up and rocked in with the theme tune playing on repeat and the chimney smoking. We were feeling pretty smug about our entrance until the Rock and Roll team arrived with slash sitting on the roof playing the lead guitar through an amplifier mounted to the bonnet.. Quality! We caught up with the teams we had been drinking with the night before and gathered together our convoy which turned out to be
Team Stag
The A-Team
Pit Stop
WRC
Rock and Roll
And of course – Frank
Other teams joined the convoy from time to time including the Smurfs and the sailors but the above stayed together for pretty much the whole rally. We stopped for many faff breaks along the way but eventually headed out towards Annecy. Being a 600 mile drive we got moving fairly quickly. It soon turned out the Frank was blessed with quite a lot more poke than the other cars as apparently “I was driving too fast” a lot of the time. We slowed the pace and had a relaxed drive down to southern France stopping only to pick up some “adult material” for the now well known game of “pass the porn” and to check the the pit stop girls oil level as it was starting to leak fairly badly. Arriving at around 10pm we quickly got showered before heading into bar Munich for a few beers with the other teams.
Frank at the start point
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/FRANK16.jpg)
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Saturday – Annecy to San Remo
A quick fluid check once again showed no oil or coolant use the day before so looking good! We got together with the convoy once again pulled into the local Mcdonalds for our first faff break of the day. Some of the guys decided on a dip in the glacial lake to wake themselves up. Declaring myself a “water gay” I kept dry and played on the Mcdonalds childrens slide instead ;-)
We had made the decision the day before that we were going to go up and over the Alps rather than through the tunnel so we were soon winding our way through the countryside with Dean and Craig up front with the Camera out of the back of the A-Team van. (don’t tell the HSE) Having pulled up at the roadside to gather the convoy, Pete was the first to notice that we would appear to be sitting on gravel. Cue the mother of all peel offs from the little clit, this was followed by team stag in the 520 and then of course it would have been rude for Frank not to join in with a bit of tail wagging from the line (when trying this exercise on tarmac it was soon revealed that none of us had enough power to pull the skin off of a rice pudding let alone break traction on our amazing “Accelera” tyres.
Some water balloons were also aquired which made overtaking another ramshackle car an interesting proposition. Some quality hits were scored including one of the other teams driving a convertible!
The drive up the Alps was amazing, All of the cars made it up although the WRC Astra was by now running very very warm. Karl from Team stag bridged the temp sensor to make the fan run constantly and we cut a section from the front bumper which helped a little but it wasn’t looking great. Many cooling stops ensued but we all got there in the end.
Team Stags 520 popped a coolant hose going through the towns on the way down but fortunately it was at one end which was cut off and refitted. Job done!
The trip over the Alps had seriously lengthened our day so we headed out to the Motorways and drove the distance to San Remo as quickly as we could. Rolling in at 11.30 we went for the French shower option and got ourselves to the bar for some well deserved beers.
Pics
Convoy
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/FRANK5.jpg)
Convoy on one of many cooling breaks
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2110.jpg)
Ladies love Frank
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/FRANK11.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/FRANK10.jpg)
Chasing down team stag
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/FRANK2.jpg)
Nice road!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2118.jpg)
Done it
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2119.jpg)
Sunday – San Remo – Perpignan
The usual checks once again revealed Frank to be holding up well. We hit the road deciding that we would now only communicate to toll road staff via the cars PA system which went down surprisingly well. Dean and Craig were interviewed for BBC radio Essex on one of our many faff breaks with a little “help” from our PA. We headed into Monaco for a dip in the sea and a look around/some lunch. We grabbed a pic of Frank outside the Casino before completing as much of a lap as we could and hitting the Autostrada. We convoyed all the way to Perpignan without any issues (although the WRC Astra was still running hot!) We actually had time to get ready properly tonight before heading down to the meeting place for a few beers.
Pics
Monaco
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2133.jpg)
Outside the Casino with team stag
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2124.jpg)
Oops…
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2148.jpg)
Monday – Perpignan to Valencia
The last day of the rally. We hit the road early with the convoy having decided we wanted to hit Valencia at a reasonable time. We gave the girls a bit of a side swipe which removed most of the balls from their car at one point and almost ended up with a Polish guy who decided he wanted to come to Valencia with us. A few more games of pass the porn were played along with “pass the random Thomas the tank engine merchandise” and of course some water bomb action. Rocking in at 6 we got sorted out and headed out to the final meeting point for awards night where we where over the moon to win the award for the best banger by quite some margin! Every car in our convoy had made it which was fantastic. A great night was had by all and we finally got in at 5am for a well deserved kip.
Pics
He’s still got it..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2147.jpg)
Dirty Frank
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2144.jpg)
MMMM…
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2142.jpg)
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Tuedsay/Wednedsday – The drive home
Some of us from the convoy had decided earlier in the week that we would stick together in convoy on the way home. These were…
Us
Team stag
Pit stop
WRC
The Astra was still going despite being down on power and running at 100 deg constantly even with no thermostat and the fan on constantly! A good fun couple of days with only one worry on our part which was when we found a bit of oil starting to mix with the coolant at La Rochelle – yes, Franks head gasket was beginning to fail. Despite this, we made it the rest of the way home with no problems at all returning to the UK in convoy. We had one last checkover/fill up in the UK before parting company to head to our respective home towns. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t emotional for all involved. (except me obviously as I’m dead hard - sniffle) we will all be keeping in touch as we made some true friends on this epic adventure.
Waiting for the ferry home
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2155-1.jpg)
So, that’s that for another year. Frank has been de-Thomased to a point and is heading off to be stored at a mates farm for a few months. There are a few jobs that will need doing for next year…
New head gasket.
Drivers seat where the bolster adjustment isn’t broken in the most uncomfy position possible.
Better speakers.
Fixing of the sunroof and central locking
One new/used tyre as one of ours is borderline.
Another oil change
New side repeater and trim where it fell off.
But we will get all of this sorted before working out a new theme for next year. In the meantime, if anyone has any good ideas, feel free to share. You never know, we may go with your idea!
Here he is now…
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0198.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0199.jpg)
Many more pics will follow at some point and Frank will be back bigger and better next year.
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great pics. sounds like it was a great time :)
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Well done Mattg, great pictures plus I should think wonderful memories 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) :y.
It will be great to see our next project coming together! :D :D :D ;)
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Well done to the lot of you & to Frank for behaving himself..well he would do would'nt he with two girls sat on his face, lucky old so & so!!! :y 8-) :P
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Well done mate, looks like you had a great time.
Oil in water is failing oil cooler, not head gasket...might have been over worked in the heat...cheaper and easier job to do though :y
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Well done mate, looks like you had a great time.
Oil in water is failing oil cooler, not head gasket...might have been over worked in the heat...cheaper and easier job to do though :y
didn't think 4 pots had this
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Thanks for all of the positive comments guys. I'd be interested in more gen on the oil cooler situation e.g. if the 4 pots are fitted with them. If not, i'll whip the head off and have a look in the next couple of months.
Did a bit more de-Thomasing as he's off to storage tomorrow (much to the delight of my neighbours) thought i'd de-sticker the body as they will be a nightmare to get off if I leave them.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0209.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0204.jpg)
We've got a whole shedload of the blue paint left so have been considering the GT40 gulf colours for next year...
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So, took Frank over to storage today where he will be laid up for a few months.
Waiting to go in with the other halfs 182..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0211.jpg)
Where he'll be for a bit...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0212.jpg)
Covered up...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0214.jpg)
And to top it off... The trophy...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0215.jpg)
This bit is going on my garage wall as a reminder...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0210.jpg)
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hahahahaha i love thomas the omega engine hahaha i want him
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Stunning, fella. well pleased for you. "thomas" aquitted himself admirably, and considering the miles covered, held up remarkably well, not many of us would have the confidence to take our old miggy's on that sort of distance!
Please put an OOF sticker on the next project (I couldn't see one, apologies if there was one) would really look forward to the next "incarnation" of Frank!!
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Thanks chaps, when he comes out of hibernation give me a reminder and ill whack an OOF sticker on. Anyone got any good theme ideas for franks next look?
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Thanks chaps, when he comes out of hibernation give me a reminder and ill whack an OOF sticker on. Anyone got any good theme ideas for franks next look?
Thomas will be a hard theme o beat.
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Fantastic work guys! :y
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Well, we've got a theme idea on the go for next year... It's going to take some work if we go for it but will be quality. In the meantime, I got forwarded this today and thought you might like!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/alps.jpg)
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One of the teams on our convoy has just submitted this vid to you tube... Quite alot of Frank in it. The lap of Monaco with the theme tune is quite funny..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXX1PGcf7H4&feature=player_embedded
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Great little video there, could see it was a right laugh.
Looking forward as to what you come with for next year!
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Well, we've got a theme idea on the go for next year... It's going to take some work if we go for it but will be quality. In the meantime, I got forwarded this today and thought you might like!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/alps.jpg)
Hey mattg, where is that photo taken? it looks like somewhere i'd want to go to! Thanks
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Thanks Shimmy, we're thinking "scoop" from Bob the builder for Franks next look.
Well, we've got a theme idea on the go for next year... It's going to take some work if we go for it but will be quality. In the meantime, I got forwarded this today and thought you might like!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/alps.jpg)
Hey mattg, where is that photo taken? it looks like somewhere i'd want to go to! Thanks
It's in the Alps on the trip from Annecy to San Remo. Superb road but the inclines are tough on the cars.
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what an amazing thread! seriously well done :y
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Well, we had our first team meeting for the 2011 Ramshackle last week and the ideas are starting to flow now. We are thinking of making Frank into an Elephant. First things first though, we need to get that pesky head gasket sorted out. We're hoping to do this before Christmas so watch this space for updates soon. We also need a fair few bits and bobs so hopefully will get a wanted thread up soon!
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Right then chaps. Frank is coming out of hibernation this weekend ready for some mechanical prep! Expect plenty of pics etc. In the meantime, it looks like Frank may be famous. This is the teaser for a potential TV program on the Ramshackle (that's me being interviewed at around 50 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bTMYzKSLmU
Enjoy
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Anyway. As planned, over we went to Frank today... Now bear in mind we hadn't so much as touched the car since August we weren't terribly hopeful. So...
Quick inflation of the tyres...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0515.jpg)
And it's time to unveil him, now excuse the terrible wind noise (we will do some editing to try to sort this out at some point and try to get a mic for some of the other stuff)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/th_M2U00267.jpg) (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/?action=view¤t=M2U00267.mp4)
But basically, he fired up first time. Turned over slow but caught straight away and ran like a dream. We then drove him over to MK where most of the work will take place (having purchased a days insurance to keep us legal)
Of course a days work wouldn't be complete without some childish behaviour
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/th_M2U00271.jpg) (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/?action=view¤t=M2U00271.mp4)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/th_M2U00276.jpg) (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/?action=view¤t=M2U00276.mp4)
Good on you Frank
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So, just won these on E-bay... (x4)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/Frankslights.jpg)
Along with 2.5L of Satin Nato Green paint for Franks temporary look. We plan to do some decoration over the next couple of weeks.
At the moment we are thinking of making the new theme an Elephant of all things... should be interesting!
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weeeeeeeeell you know it makes me wanna shout. Every body shout now. :y :y
Suggestions: postman pat, zebbedie, optimus Prime :y :y :) :)
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Secured our place on the 2011 rally today, the route is
Dover
Annecy
Bormio
Innsbruck
Ljubljana (stelvio pass!!)
Munich
Home
So another 3K odd miles for Frank. Let the prep commence!
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looking forward to the new instalment. if its as good as last time then its sure to be a winnner. :y
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Fantastic!!! What a great bunch you Guys & Gals are! What with all the Doom & Gloom & Nastiness going on everywhere, you're a breath of clean fresh air! :y :y :y :y :y
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Thanks chaps, means a lot. If it makes people smile as much as it does us then its mission accomplished.
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The Facebook page is also active again now if anyone missed it first time round..
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Frank-the-Ramshackle-Omega/212135322162
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Well, the pub sketches have begun... Excuse the poor drawing, we only had a napkin and a biro (and have no artistic talent)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/180463_10150110471197801_607422800_6245887_7372532_n.jpg)
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Excellent work guys, I will be sad to see thomas go if you do end up turning him into an elephant
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Thanks matey, he's de-thomased now but the elephant should be good and of course, we are hoping Frank will continue to perform well and be re-themed again for 2012 and beyond :y
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PM Sent with address for seats. :y
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Thanks mate, see you tomorrow.
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So, met up with Alan (Shallow Al) today and the result was..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0590.jpg)
A bootfull of Omega seats. Top fella, was good to meet you and your donation is much appreciated!
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The pleasure was mine Matt. :y I hope Frank likes the seats. ;D
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Well, the weather put pay to our plan to re-paint Frank this weekend but we got a bit of stripping down done in between showers and painted the wheels so we could see what the new base colour (satin green) was like.
Up he goes...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0610.jpg)
Up in the air and sporting the "abandoned car" look..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0619.jpg)
Lights out for paint...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0611.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0618.jpg)
Masked up the wheels
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0612.jpg)
On with the paint..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0614.jpg)
Dries satin..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0615.jpg)
On the car...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0616.jpg)
I have a tailgate and the missing trim arriving this week so weather permitting we should have Frank fully satin green soon!
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Some goodies arived today courtesy of Mutantcav...
Tailgate (with Spoiler!)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0751.jpg)
Missing bits of trim that are needed..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0753.jpg)
and a spare alternator (just in case)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0752.jpg)
Time for paint approaches!
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Bit more fame for Frank in the mail no less....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1386670/Ramshackle-Rally-2011-Driving-Calais-Valencia.html
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So, Billing is approaching so we thought we'd get the base colour of our "Elephant patrol" vehicle sorted.
Old bootlid ready to come off (loads of holes in it from the coal scuttle last year)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2156.jpg)
And off..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2157.jpg)
New one on..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2158.jpg)
Sidestrips Silkaflexed back on (along with the new side repeater) and sides keyed down...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2159.jpg)
Paint going on...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0941.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2162.jpg)
Few more coats..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0942.jpg)
Back on with the lights and other bits and bobs..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2163.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2164.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2165.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2166.jpg)
Spare wheel will be going here...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG0943.jpg)
And there we are for the day. Next up is headgasket change and then we can start on the Elephant
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Amazing it's disappeared, an invisible omega. :D
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looks like that NATO IR resistant/reflective whatever paint.
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Nice military green :y I like it :)
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Well, good old Vauxhall again! They have just donated us a head gasket set :y
Just need to fit it before Billing now! oh, and get Frank Re-MOT'd, no pressure then!
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good stuff matt. :y
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Great news that Vauxhall are helping out again Matt and a pleasure to meet you the other day too, wheels/tyres lovely mate cheers
:y :y
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Great news that Vauxhall are helping out again Matt and a pleasure to meet you the other day too, wheels/tyres lovely mate cheers
:y :y
You too mate, such a small world :y
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I'm sure you have a reason matt, but why have you left the side skirts black yet painted the bottom of the bumpers?
Hopefully see you at Billing! :y
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I'm sure you have a reason matt, but why have you left the side skirts black yet painted the bottom of the bumpers?
Hopefully see you at Billing! :y
there's a very good reason... not quite sure what it is though lol.
Right then, having missed Billing due to not getting the head gasket done, we're going to push for TV live...
So, the mighty Ecotec..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2189.jpg)
Plugs out and looking a little oily, might have to do the valve stem seals while the head is off although oddly it doesn't use oil?
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2190.jpg)
Off with the fuel rail and throttle body..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2192.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2195.jpg)
and off with the inlet manifold...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2193.jpg)
Then we removed the exhaust manifold.. (enough to get the head off anyway...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2194.jpg)
And off with the timing belt once the cams were in the recommended position to spread the load across the valves for cam removal..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2195.jpg)
And then we ran out of time as we only had a spare couple of hours this morning.
In the week, we'll get the head off and have it skimmed then will refit with the new head gasket!
Observations.... this isn't the first time this has been done on this engine.
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Soooooo, had the head skimmed today and it was properly wonky. According to the chap that skimmed it he reckons it's been done BADLY more than once. We have a slight piston/valve interface so two head gaskets it is lol
Lot's more progress in the next two weeks as that's when we're off!
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Your making good progress and thats what counts! Keep up the excellent work and keep the pictures coming - Good old Frank :y
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Thanks Mate, the charity page is now set up and ready to go. No pressure but if anyone wants to donate, the link is
www.justgiving.com/bigtrunk
Once again raising money for Keech cottage Hospice in Luton.
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MOT passed!! Just needed a windscreen wiper!
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Great thread :D
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come on matt, get the finger out, we want to see more pics of frank!! ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
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Right then folks, update time.
Firstly, Opie Oils have once again offered us oil and a filter which is a great show.
I have also fitted the head unit, CB/Tannoy system and rather cunningly gaffa taped an extension lead off of the inverter that ran the smoke machine last year to the dash to make something of a "mobile phone and Ipod charging station" ;D
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep2.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep3.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep1.jpg)
This is all very nice of course but I know what you want... DECOR :y
So, on with the wooden frame...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep4.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep8.jpg)
And on with the first row of chicken wire..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep6.jpg)
more..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep5.jpg)
more
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/elep7.jpg)
;D next up is to shape it up and start with the fibreglass, then on with the legs and making up the head...
9 days to go, we'll be there 8-)
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Bit more progress tonight!
Start off with some stickers i'm sure you'll like... A bit of a thankyou from us for the parts and advice this forum has offered to date,
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2268.jpg)
On with the leg construction...
Pete gets on with cutting some old hydraulic hose to provide some rigidity for some ducting...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2272.jpg)
Then we realised he didn't have safety goggles on. What to do?
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2273.jpg)
Sorted ;D
So, with the hse within the ducting we started to attach the legs..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2269.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2275.jpg)
This is our secondary washer bottle from a Vectra which came into Petes firestation for cutting up..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2277.jpg)
This will be fitted inside the elephant and feed water to the trunk...
Time for some sustinance...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2274.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2276.jpg)
And that was it for the evening..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2280.jpg)
There will be ALOT of progress this weekend including making the head and covering the basic structure in resin.
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More today!
First things first, out with the completeley knackered front seats... 104K, I think not ;D
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2281.jpg)
Frank then got his annual hoovering and in went the kindly donated 50K mile seats, much much more comfortable :y
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2284.jpg)
We then fixed the spare wheel to the bonnet for that "safari" look
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2285.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2286.jpg)
With that done we started to cover the chicken wire in Gaffa tape to provide a good base for the glass fibre which will be going on tomorrow
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2282.jpg)
A tail and head were then formed with chicken wire..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2287.jpg)
We then covered the new parts with gaffa..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2293.jpg)
It was then time to fit up the spare washer bottle and pump for the trunk..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2291.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2290.jpg)
And that was about that for the day. Frank currently looks like this..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2295.jpg)
Fibreglass tomorrow!!
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Definately starting to take shape now! :y
Any Omega bits you are short of, or have you got it all covered now?
Oh and Matt... You still haven't painted the bloody side skirts!! ;D ::) :y
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Definately starting to take shape now! :y
Any Omega bits you are short of, or have you got it all covered now?
Oh and Matt... You still haven't painted the bloody side skirts!! ;D ::) :y
Thanks mate, I think we've got it covered now (luckily one of the team is a fireman and a 2.0 Ecotec Vectra came in for cutting up practice. Needless to say, there's not much left to cut up now ;D )
Next year, i'm painting the sideskirts just for you :y
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Looking good :y
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Definately starting to take shape now! :y
Any Omega bits you are short of, or have you got it all covered now?
Oh and Matt... You still haven't painted the bloody side skirts!! ;D ::) :y
Thanks mate, I think we've got it covered now (luckily one of the team is a fireman and a 2.0 Ecotec Vectra came in for cutting up practice. Needless to say, there's not much left to cut up now ;D )
Next year, i'm painting the sideskirts just for you :y
I'm gonna hold you to that, and I get to choose the colour!! :D ;D :P
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Thanks Chaps, lots of progress has been happening!
Firs up 'glassing the elephant! This made a right mess which we've finally got off the windows and now need to do some repainting on the body.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2302-1.jpg)
Then Rick got busy with the electrics! We've now got the inverter properly wired in, both sets of spots and the rear amber lights wired up neatly to switches near the handbrake along with the trunk spray!...
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2301.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2307.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2309.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2305.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2301.jpg)
Resulting in much..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMAG1122.jpg)
Then tonight we started to paint the elephant..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2312.jpg)
That's all for tonight! Push for the finish tomorrow before leaving on Thurs
So we need to repaint some of the green, hoover it out, attach the elehant ears, paint the elephant face, apply the graphics and off we go!
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Good luck guys, looking great!
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Great to see the progress with the mig. :y
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Well guys, Frank is complete. It's all come together very well at the end and we are chuffed to bits with the new look.
Last pics before the off tomorrow morning :y
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Right then chaps, we're off!
Here is Frank as he stands..
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2321.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2320.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2319.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/IMGP2322.jpg)
Back in a week or so with the full report!
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Tremendous!
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Brilliant!! :y......a lot of work but I bet it's all worth it. :y :y
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Love it ! ;D
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Well, We are home! Frank completed the 2700 miles again and excelled himself. Full write up to follow.
Unfortunateley we got hit up the back on the motorway which has caused a bit of damage but nothing we can't fix. Full pics and write up soon.
We are having a break from rallies for a while now but can't bear to part with Frank so will be turning him into a trackday car for next year. Expect lots of tech questions to follow. We are hoping to go Saab power with lot's of strippage :y
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Welcome home and well done :y :y :y
Damage to cars can be repaired... slightly harder to mend humans .. so I hope everyone is OK.
How much did you raise in the end ???
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2700 from the mig! sterling performance and of course yourselves. Cant wait for the pictures.
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Welcome back guys! Sorry to hear about the damage to Frank, and hope that you are all ok! Look forward to your report!! :y
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Will get the report sorted soon. In the meantime, a few bits of Frank in here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4YtJTvJQrM
We are the guys dressed as Zulus!
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:D Crazy...
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Really enjoyed the video ;)
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very goodguys looks fun ,lol mad but cool
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Update?????????
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Update?????????
Only just checked in on this, sorry for the late reply! No updates i'm afraid . Looks like our storage is soon to dissapear so Frank may be off to a new home with someone else at some point soon :(
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Update?????????
Only just checked in on this, sorry for the late reply! No updates i'm afraid . Looks like our storage is soon to dissapear so Frank may be off to a new home with someone else at some point soon :(
Thats a shame :( maybe someone off here maybe interested in taking over from you. :y
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Update?????????
Only just checked in on this, sorry for the late reply! No updates i'm afraid . Looks like our storage is soon to dissapear so Frank may be off to a new home with someone else at some point soon :(
Thats a shame :( maybe someone off here maybe interested in taking over from you. :y
That would be great!
He's looking a bit more plain now
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e142/mgoodman1/franknow.jpg)
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Frank is now sold to a Vaux enthusiast who I know well intends for him to live on in daily driver/track toy guise. (i've just taxed him for the new owner at his expense)
Frank will be at Billing and Coombe again this year :y
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Frank is now sold to a Vaux enthusiast who I know well intends for him to live on in daily driver/track toy guise. (i've just taxed him for the new owner at his expense)
Frank will be at Billing and Coombe again this year :y
Good to hear that Frank is now in the hands of another enthusiast who will use him well. Hope the Omegaowners.com sticker is still on the rear but if not, I'm sure you will have already pointed them to the site! :y
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Frank is now sold to a Vaux enthusiast who I know well intends for him to live on in daily driver/track toy guise. (i've just taxed him for the new owner at his expense)
Frank will be at Billing and Coombe again this year :y
Good to hear that Frank is now in the hands of another enthusiast who will use him well. Hope the Omegaowners.com sticker is still on the rear but if not, I'm sure you will have already pointed them to the site! :y
Oh yes, still on both side windows and will do!