Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 04 January 2014, 00:00:18
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Given the extremely generous price, and the fact it was clearly an honest, no nonsense deal, I have purchased Chris H's Elite
I didn't need, wasn't even sure if I wanted it, but at that price (£200!) and being fairly local I'd have been daft not to take it. I'd been after a set of 17 inch wheels for my 2.2 and originally I was intending to buy it purely to have those, and then break/scrap/sell on
I will post up some pics tomorrow, but having seen, and since now driven the car, there is just no way I'm breaking it. It would be criminal, because it really is a beautiful example, of which some TLC from an enthusiast will see it back to full glory as an almost pristine facelift Elite
So firstly - thanks to Chris for the sale, a very genuine chap and a deal I'm chuffed with.
The work that needs doing, is:
First and foremost - MOT, so It's mobile if needsbe.
- Rear OS wheelarch has rust bubbling through at the very lower part. This is the worst of the two, and the lip inside the wheelarch you can easily peel away if you want to due to rust. The rear NS one is not that bad, but still needs attention.
- The gearbox needs looking at. If you accellerate from just rolling, to around 35mph, let go of the gas, it seems to hold it in gear far too long, before the revs then drop with a good old clunk. To be honest under normal driving conditions the average driver wouldn't notice it very often, but I've driven loads of V6 Omegas, and I know it's not right. I'm yet undecided on cause, but I'll investigate at the start, eg check fluid, check for any remains of thrust washer, then move on to soleniod operation etc. No biggie at all.
- Possible - but not yet looked at / confirmed coolant issue. The only real reason I say this is because there is absolutely no pressure in the system after any sort of driving, even an enthusiastic run. I'm wondering if maybe the cap isn't sealing, or if there is a small leak somewhere, as it should be holding pressure. So this'll need looking at. The temp is OK, it creeps up below the 100 but the fans soon bring it back to the 95 as they should. But the top hose etc can be squeezed right up, as if there's no pressure.
-Tyres on the front wearing on inside edge. The usual. Probably 'Bones and WIM. The Bones are Gen GM and only a year or two old, having covered 60k. I might look at Poly bushes.
- Bumper on rear has a nice split! Replacement purchased, just needs painting and fitting, can do that at leisure.
- Couple of v small isues, .Eg an eleccy window switch.
It might sound like a lot, but, you have to consider firstly the very sensible price of the car, and secondly, the fact that as an enthusiast, it's nearly all work I can competently do, so will cost me no more than my time and a few parts.
There is no rush to get this all done - it's not my daily driver so I can tinker at my leisure.
I will give it a proper going over when it's dry and daylight and report further.
My plan is to do a few bits here and there, and not rush it, so I keep motivated, until it's back to it's former glory. I'll decide it's fate then, although it may turn out to be a 2.2 replacement in the summer.
On the plus side. The engine, (3.0) is absolutely sound, it pulls like an absolute train. The interior (creamy leather) is almost immaculate, it's not been smoked in or abused, and it's just a lovely, lovely car.
Really pleased, thanks again to Chris, I'm looking forward to playing, it's my first real project in three years :)
Thread will be updated with progress.
:y
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Does anyone have any experience with wheelarch repairs, I'm after a permanent repair, which may have to involved someone cutting/welding in new metal
Any advice more than welcome :y
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Sounds like an excellent investment, Mr James. :y
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carz2.co.uk is where I've managed to get my wheel arch replacement panels, they have them in stock and with delivery they come in at around £32.00 each. Two of my cars are going in for them to be replaced,cost for one car which includes respraying front and rear bumpers and replacing the n/s rear wheelarch is £750.00,so not a cheap exercise,second car is having both arches and a full respray cost £1800.00 but could nudge up to the 2 grand mark.I should be seeing you quite soon James and can put you in touch with the guy,but I would think you would still be looking at £250-£300 a pop.You might also speak to Josh as he has a body man who is quite reasonable :y
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Does anyone have any experience with wheelarch repairs, I'm after a permanent repair, which may have to involved someone cutting/welding in new metal
Any advice more than welcome :y
I've recently had both rear arches done, along with the LPG filler, for rust, plus a couple of supermarket dings sorted .. cost £800 !!!! However, the guy I use has very high standards ... no cheap jobs there !!...
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I wish you all the best with your new project, please post some before and after pictures and maybe a how-to on rear wheel arch replacement. :y
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James, when you say the lower arch, do you mean inside the door shut? That's not a difficult repair; mine had a huge rust bubble which took about an hour to cut out, make and weld in a patch, and grind the weld down. It still needs finishing, but I've other priorities.
I reckon I could make repair panels for the upper arch, between the door and the bumper, in about 45mins for both sides. It's a simple shape, perfectly suited to a hammerform, which is two pieces of MDF cut to the required curve, between which the metal is clamped and hammered to shape. I've recently done this for a repair to a Transit front inner arch, which took about half an hour. I still have the other side to do, but the hammerform will do that easily. A fiver's worth of metal is probably enough
Unless the arch is really badly rusted, I'd expect to weld the repair to the upper curve where it flares into the quarter panel. If carefully welded, this would need very little finishing before paint.
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Thanks for all the info and opinions
MOT booked for first thing tomorrow!! :y
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Thanks for all the info and opinions
MOT booked for first thing tomorrow!! :y
James, your Inbox is full so I have emailed you via your Website address ::)
Kind Regards, Phil. :y
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Just given her the once over in prep for tomorrow's MOT
The wishbones, idler, brake pipes, pretty much everything appears in good fettle
Fingers crossed :y
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Never know you might come down Ipswich in it :y :y
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Does anyone have any experience with wheelarch repairs, I'm after a permanent repair, which may have to involved someone cutting/welding in new metal
Any advice more than welcome :y
I've recently had both rear arches done, along with the LPG filler, for rust, plus a couple of supermarket dings sorted .. cost £800 !!!! However, the guy I use has very high standards ... no cheap jobs there !!...
If that was Ady Nige, I agree, he's not cheap, but does a first class job. I had the classic rust patch around the rear wiper on the estate. I had it done by another guy, after 2 years it was back. Ady did it again 5 years ago, still sound. You get what you pay for in most cases. :y
PS Isn't it 12th night yet?
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Its always Christmas on OOF :y
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Ime, re wheel arches/rust, once the metal is exposed to the air and the galvanised finish is broken, any repair will rust back through. Its just a question of how long it lasts.
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Just given her the once over in prep for tomorrow's MOT
The wishbones, idler, brake pipes, pretty much everything appears in good fettle
Fingers crossed :y
Good luck with the MOT James :y
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Good luck with the MOT , sounds like a very good purchase..
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Well the results are in :)
Failed. Corrosion in FRONT wheel arch weakening structure. And the rear fogs aren't working. No advisories
The auto box was very iffy on the run to test centre. After a while it kept losing drive and being very random
Asked garage to check fluid while on ramp. They showed me a small sample, it was dark and nasty
They said it smelt of "clutch" but to me it just stank of used ATF
"Did you check the level with the engine running?"
"No sir, you can't do that, as the torque converter will chuck all the oil out"
Twit, if you want a job done properly....!!
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Well the results are in :)
Failed. Corrosion in FRONT wheel arch weakening structure. And the rear fogs aren't working. No advisories
The auto box was very iffy on the run to test centre. After a while it kept losing drive and being very random
Asked garage to check fluid while on ramp. They showed me a small sample, it was dark and nasty
They said it smelt of "clutch" but to me it just stank of used ATF
"Did you check the level with the engine running?"
"No sir, you can't do that, as the torque converter will chuck all the oil out"
Twit, if you want a job done properly....!!
Bugger James, is that something that can be rectified or not? ???
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Well the results are in :)
Failed. Corrosion in FRONT wheel arch weakening structure. And the rear fogs aren't working. No advisories
The auto box was very iffy on the run to test centre. After a while it kept losing drive and being very random
Asked garage to check fluid while on ramp. They showed me a small sample, it was dark and nasty
They said it smelt of "clutch" but to me it just stank of used ATF
"Did you check the level with the engine running?"
"No sir, you can't do that, as the torque converter will chuck all the oil out"
Twit, if you want a job done properly....!!
Bugger James, is that something that can be rectified or not? ???
Easily... The damage is v limited, the garage use an independent welding man who is brilliant, he has quoted £80 for a permanent rustproof repair, so a very minor setback :y
Ps, still trying to work out if I can see you Saturday, you can meet my lovely mrs :y
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Easily... The damage is v limited, the garage use an independent welding man who is brilliant, he has quoted £80 for a permanent rustproof repair, so a very minor setback :y
Ha ha, whats he using, plastic? :y
Strong money for 5 minutes welding with 50p worth of steel and plus 20 mins grinding and 10 minutes finish.
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Easily... The damage is v limited, the garage use an independent welding man who is brilliant, he has quoted £80 for a permanent rustproof repair, so a very minor setback :y
Ha ha, whats he using, plastic? :y
Strong money for 5 minutes welding with 50p worth of steel and plus 20 mins grinding and 10 minutes finish.
I don't disagree.. But if I attempted welding I'd probably blow even more holes in it (and don't have the kit) so, given the cost of most car related jobs, I'm not moaning at an £80 total fix to get an MOT on a £200 facelift omega :y
Learning to weld is on my to do list. I would happily pay any of you decent welders a good rate for some tuition :y
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Well the results are in :)
Failed. Corrosion in FRONT wheel arch weakening structure. And the rear fogs aren't working. No advisories
The auto box was very iffy on the run to test centre. After a while it kept losing drive and being very random
Asked garage to check fluid while on ramp. They showed me a small sample, it was dark and nasty
They said it smelt of "clutch" but to me it just stank of used ATF
"Did you check the level with the engine running?"
"No sir, you can't do that, as the torque converter will chuck all the oil out"
Twit, if you want a job done properly....!!
Bugger James, is that something that can be rectified or not? ???
Easily... The damage is v limited, the garage use an independent welding man who is brilliant, he has quoted £80 for a permanent rustproof repair, so a very minor setback :y
Ps, still trying to work out if I can see you Saturday, you can meet my lovely mrs :y
Bloody hope so mate!! I've just cancelled my training weekend away with my squadron 8) :)
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Well the results are in :)
Failed. Corrosion in FRONT wheel arch weakening structure. And the rear fogs aren't working. No advisories
The auto box was very iffy on the run to test centre. After a while it kept losing drive and being very random
Asked garage to check fluid while on ramp. They showed me a small sample, it was dark and nasty
They said it smelt of "clutch" but to me it just stank of used ATF
"Did you check the level with the engine running?"
"No sir, you can't do that, as the torque converter will chuck all the oil out"
Twit, if you want a job done properly....!!
Bugger James, is that something that can be rectified or not? ???
Easily... The damage is v limited, the garage use an independent welding man who is brilliant, he has quoted £80 for a permanent rustproof repair, so a very minor setback :y
Ps, still trying to work out if I can see you Saturday, you can meet my lovely mrs :y
Bloody hope so mate!! I've just cancelled my training weekend away with my squadron 8) :)
Can you pm or text me? I know the comms have been third hand.. But at no point have I said anymore than "I will see what I can do but need to leave it open" so I'm concerned you're changing firm plans? :/
Pm/ text me :y
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Update
Foglights fixed. Dodgey connection under plastic panel in boot. All repaired and working fine.
Coolant pressure issue, sorted. Thanks entwood for suggestion re header tank, it was the culprit, tiny crack at base of filler neck. Nice new one fitted, holding pressure, temp gauge happy and no obvious leaks :y
Not yet looked at the gearbox issue however its rattling (like bolts in a tin) in park and neutral, so it's not well
Re-test on weds :y
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Good luck :y
Glad the coolant issue was (relatively) easily sorted once diagnosed. Was driving me mad :D
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All the best with the project James sounds like you are getting there step by step...look forward to seeing pics :y
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Mot passed, 12 month ticket :y :y
Need to source an AR35 now, but won't be for a couple of weeks, may even wait for it to warm up in march :y
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Nice one :y
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Excellent result James :y
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Gearbox changed with nice new ATF :y
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsac411339.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0d65a08e.jpg)
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Drained engine oil and filter whilst at it, rude not to.
Also had good poke about behind engine with the auto box out, all nice and leak free :y
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Gearbox changed with nice new ATF :y
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsac411339.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0d65a08e.jpg)
Drained engine oil and filter whilst at it, rude not to.
Also had good poke about behind engine with the auto box out, all nice and leak free :y