The misadventures of a fatbloke and 13/60 Herald named Poppy

[TerryG]

I don't think the Marina was a bad car but as they aged and got in to the hands of people on a modest budget (my father being one of them) maintenance got skipped in favour of feeding the family so they became less reliable and their reputation got tarnished. My dad's one was a terrible piece of junk but when it was working it would do 120+ and was a drift machine.

[kstrutt1]

It's funny 'cos it's true..

But are you saying that you have to switch the cruise control on by yourself in the Honda? How old fashioned is that! My Mexican/Chinese/German modern switches its cruise on automatically unless I stab the brake control with my left thumb (oh the effort of it all) or knock the radar off to allow my fingers to do the driving. Worse still, the ba5t4rd can read speed limit signs and does so with frankly disturbing effectiveness.
At least the old Rebel gave me some exercise as I had to take my hands off the wheel to brake, declutch, adjust the throttle or change gear. It seems that modern motors can do all of these things and park themselves, though I ticked the "You must be f'n joking" box on the order form for that option! These days, reverse parking is the only fun I get in most of my time behind the wheel so I often go out and do it purely for the sh*ts and giggles, as the young folk would say.

I only ever owned one Marina and it was at least 37% better than the haters said it would be, in fact I liked it.

We have a C max with the self parking system, can't get used to the car doing the steering for me. If modern cars had decent size rear windows you would not need it because you coud actually see to park!

[rich.]

we had lots of end of life marinas.. 3 yrs old the vans were great old bangers that wouldnt take any abuse.. we then got a mk3 escort van, it was like driving a german built car in comparison.. everything worked for a start.. id have a marina again though

[Fatbloke]

Last weekend, Poppy and I ventured out for our 1st trip this year when it was beautifully sunny. We had a blast. she was pressed into service as my daughters taxi for the weekend as well as running all my errands and taking me for a grin laden pleasure cruise around the green lanes of North Wilts. She performed faultlessly.

However, as is always the case, it would appear, my incompetence reared its head again! I lost my 1 and only key to my council lock up . It must have fallen out of my pocket at some stage during my taxi and errand running duties. I searched the inside of the car and then I fully retraced my steps to carry out a thourough search of all the areas I'd left the car which included being on my hands and knees peering under various cars in 4 different car parks. This led to a number of strange, slightly hostile conversations with several members of the public and narrowly talking myself out of being arrested by the local plastic plod. However, all to no avail!

Poppy was now having to brave the fast deteriating weather on my exposed and windswept drive.

A call to the council landlord on Monday revealed that my 1 and only key was indeed THE 1 and only key but not to worry they could send out a locksmith to change the locks as long as I handed over a large wad of money with a debit or credit card. Oh but he wont be able to come out untill the end of the week.

On the plus side, I was now "forced" to use Poppy for my daily commute all last week. If she was going to be out in the rain, she might as well provide some enjoyment! I can't remember the last time I drove with the roof up!

Anyway I now have a shiny new lock on my lockup and was provided with 2 new keys which are now attached to both sets of carkeys rather than on their own. I have also had another spare cut!. Poppy is now snuggled up back in the lock up.

Another plus is that I now have the motivation as well as all the foam and straps and spare frame to FINALLY repair the drivers seat so watch this space.

I will keep you informed of what else I break when I try this at home!!

[kevin]

Where have u been Mike?
Been ages since we have heard from you..lol

Kev

[Fatbloke]

Sorry Kev. not had too much to report as I have found UK winter weather somewhat dampens my enthusiasm to be working outside!

Glad someone missed me though!

[JPB]

Yay! Mike's back.
Mike, have you considered sending your Herald-related tales of lost keys and other amusing (for us they are ) mishaps to a TV production company with a view to their making the next big sitcom out of these stories? Unlike most current "comedy" it would have a warm realism to it and as long as there's no canned laughter, this could give "Detectorists" (in which one of the lead characters runs an Inca Yellow TR7) some very stiff competition.

[kevin]

Sorry Kev. not had too much to report as I have found UK winter weather somewhat dampens my enthusiasm to be working outside!

Glad someone missed me though!

I've struggled to find motivation this winter, lucky the singer is ready to roll!

Bring on the springtime

Kev

[Fatbloke]

Thanks for your kind comments JPB but I think "Frank Spencer" or Laurel and Hardy" may have already covered that sitcom!

[Fatbloke]

I've struggled to find motivation this winter, lucky the singer is ready to roll!

Bring on the springtime

Kev

Here, Here Kev. Warm rain instead of freezing cold!

Edit. Bloody hell! I can't even get the forum to work right!
Edit by admin, fixing your post