Well, things took a turn for the worse after my last post. My back got much worse and I got to the stage where I couldn't really do anything. So, I put the Metro up for sale thinking I could raise some cash and buy a mint MX-5 ready to race (and hence no need to get under the car to do work!). However, the car fell through and my back has been slowly getting better ever since.
So, I managed to get down to Kames on the 29th and got a few runs in. I tried out the Trackmaster software on my new Android Phone which worked reasonably well. But I still don't gel with FWD - too much wheelspin out of the corners - costs me lots of time. I can feel the time literally slipping away.
Anyway, I decided to get the Metro in for a pre-MOT checkup and as expected, there are a few issues:
1. Welding needed to the inner rear valance/arches.
2. Rear brakes need looked at (slight leak).
3. Brake pipe needs replaced
4. Nearside radius arm has excessive play
5. Nearside wheel bearing has excessive play
6. Exhaust system needs a cat to pass emissions.
I'm going to have a go at the welding myself. It's just two wee patches. I've got the steel, I've got the MIG and all the gear and I've ordered an auto darkening helmet. I've had the gear for about 2 years but never used it so I'll do lots of practicing on scrap steel to start. I'll post up my progress for a laugh. Lets hope I don't set the place (or myself) on fire!
The radius arm job looks a bit of a pig - the hydragas needs to be depressurised and then getting the old bearings out of the arm could be tricky. I'm trying to get hold of a whole replacement arm so I can get someone else to refurb it and then I can fit it. Knowing my track record on breaking suspension components, it all has the potential to go badly, badly wrong so watch this space......
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