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[Amego52]

Just picked up my new matrix, there is no way the rubber end on the passenger side is goint fit as it is a different layout, the new tubes are in line where the old ones are are off set. Everything else seems to match, any thoughts?

[Amego52]

Curiosity just got the better of me, I just rigged up the old matrix under the bonnet instead of in the car, done the pressure test up to 13psi which exposed a weep along the plastic moulding of the matrix. Not content, I increased the pressure to about 16/17psi and the weep suddenly burst in spectacular style. Certainly would have made a mess in the car.
In a fit of rage earlier I posted the car in the for sale section, it still stands unless in the meantime i can find the right matrix, these patten parts just dont seem to be the same, too small, pipes dont fit etc etc....

Edit; How much would a new matrix cost from VX with a trade discount, might be my only option being as i cant post a wanted add.

[Abiton]

You could always go to a Vx dealer for it.

But make damn sure you're sitting down before they tell you the price. 

[Amego52]

Hey abiton, its 147+vat for the matrix and 39+vat for modified pipes which you have no choice but to get.
I must have just been editing my last post as you were typing. I was enquiring as to the price with trade card.

[CaptainZok]

Put a wanted post in the test section and ask one of the mods to move it for you.

[Amego52]

  I'm right on it...

[GaryBC]

This is on my list of jobs to do which, looking at the 'cheat' method in the How To section, would appear pretty straightforward.

One thing that concerns me though is the thought of cutting a bit of trim away only to find it's not enough. Then cutting some more away and it STILL isn't enough. (Or, conversely, cutting a huge hole when a much smaller one would have been sufficient.)

Has anyone ever taken any measurements of where to cut? I'd like to be able to get it right first time (and not be trying to re-assemble a jig-saw of small strips of trim).

Cheers,
Gaz

[Welung666]

I've done a few now if anyone is my way and needs a hand

Amego, the last one I did I had turn turn the rubber cap from the passenger side up the other way and it fitted. Are you saying your new matrix doesn't have offset pipe loops on the passenger side end?

[GaryBC]

Sods Law states as follows:

"All the OOF members who are kind enough to offer their services to amateurs such as me live bloody miles away!!"

Why is this?

[Marks DTM Calib]

I've done a few now if anyone is my way and needs a hand

Amego, the last one I did I had turn turn the rubber cap from the passenger side up the other way and it fitted. Are you saying your new matrix doesn't have offset pipe loops on the passenger side end?

Worse

Vx changed the matrix and pipe design so if you buy a new matrix and have an earlier vehicle then you need to buy 30 quids worth of conversion parts (clips, pipes and screws) to get it to fit.

I will put more details, part numbers and a drawing up at some point

[GaryBC]

I've done a few now if anyone is my way and needs a hand

Amego, the last one I did I had turn turn the rubber cap from the passenger side up the other way and it fitted. Are you saying your new matrix doesn't have offset pipe loops on the passenger side end?

Worse

Vx changed the matrix and pipe design so if you buy a new matrix and have an earlier vehicle then you need to buy 30 quids worth of conversion parts (clips, pipes and screws) to get it to fit.

I will put more details, part numbers and a drawing up at some point

I've not yet started the job on mine - are these change obvious before you get too far in? (Like, before you get as far as breaking into the coolant pipework!)

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have not found out the break point but.....I strongly suspect its facelift/pre-facelift asthere were some major changes to the setup on facelifts.

So if you have a facelift you should be fine

[Amego52]

I've done a few now if anyone is my way and needs a hand

Amego, the last one I did I had turn turn the rubber cap from the passenger side up the other way and it fitted. Are you saying your new matrix doesn't have offset pipe loops on the passenger side end?

You got it in one welung, as well as the pipes not fitting. It would appear you just cant get a new one now for a pre facelift. If you went down the main dealer route without trade card it would cost you in excess of 200 nuggets for the updated version!
The rubber boot on hindsight is not really the problem, MDTM came up with a simple solution , but you dont know its no good until you put it in and the coolant p*sses out of the pipes!