Practically Classics Forum

EDIT: I got the road tax thing wrong, I thought that the direct debit and tax disc abolition came in simultaneously. Of course DVLA wouldn't be doing this, that's the sensible way to do things. :END EDIT

Got some options for the alarm problem that I shall try another day. For now, here's an update on the old bus.

Did a bit more work on that rear wing. It's still not right, I need to ideally flat the entire wing back and repaint it but I seriously CBA with that. Also did a bit more filling on the arch this side to eliminate the last of the old scrape damage. Again, it needs a bit more work to make perfect but it looks about a gajillion times better than it did.


Other side had a bit more filling work today, again still not perfect but better than it was. I almost had enough paint to finish things off... almost.




Made a template for the new rear oversized number plate I'm going to order if I can find someone to make it for me. The existing plate might get highlighted as an issue at MoT in November so I want to deal with this before then.


But the best bit was getting the newly repainted grille on. Turned out to be a fairly simple job to fit in the end and looks superb, I'm really happy with this.




Once it turns midnight I can get tax on and then drive the Xantia home so I can unload washing machine #4 and all the Princess spares currently living in the back.

Motorcool of Thornaby on Tees I think does the custom shaped plates ,as well as powder coating and radiators

I found out earlier today that Motorcool actually do the plates for the cars at the unit! Tiny world. I'll be giving them a try tomorrow probably to find out how much it might cost, their stuff is nice quality.

Yep Motorcool has old fashioned good quality for the money also they have a pressure steam
cleaner for really oily greacey engine bays and under carrage cleaning at cheap price and good
work too

Yes I've had cars down to them to get cleaned to see were the oil leaks were, and my neon
custom radiator was made by them. And before that Alloys refurbed by them at a good price
for a mondeo.

Might have to get them to work their magic on the Xantia engine bay as I've an oil leak to chase that I think is the rocker cover gasket - a known issue on these - but may be something else.

Some new niggles to report, the first being a blown bulb in the dash and the second being a fuel gauge that can't decide whether I have quarter of a tank or reserve only. I'll deal with it later. In the meantime I've decided to sort out the front number plate so I stay legal, I had this idea of using Velcro screwed to the front bumper like so.



Then apply to the number plate, couldn't remove the sticky tape as it was too well stuck.


et voila! Best of all it stays on and I can remove it to clean behind it. Yes, I am that sad.


Hunt for a custom oversized rear plate was fruitless as the plate needs to be very large. It's not the height but the width that's the issue, it's bigger than a Range Rover Sport rear plate! It did give me a superb accidental photo opportunity when looking for a parking space near Motorcool though.


Got back to the unit and gave her a much needed wash after applying my new Fido Dido stickers. The roof was grey with dirt.




The big annoyance is that I have tree pollen stuck to the paint again so I'm going to have to spend a while with the polishing compounds again to get this sorted. Most of it came off, but where the paint had only been polished a little bit the pollen has stuck like the proverbial to a bed covering.


Happy times otherwise though. Really pleased with how the car is looking and driving, you wouldn't know it had been laid up any more than overnight.

Interesting idea of using velcro to secure a number plate. Apart from my lack of success with the stuff (it only seems to stick where I don't want it to stick), it will be very handy for those who want to pinch the number plate - they can do it without damaging the plate or the car!

Sorry to sound a bit negative, but I would suggest that proper fixings should be used - they worked well for me!

I have to agree with tractorman, if the insurance or police ask why there is velcro there
when the plate is stolen or car is involved in an accident they will think you are up to no
good and you will be on their watch list and in an area like the Tees Valley(what was
Cleveland) that is just asking for it!

Either put some anti tamper screws through it, or use some smooth headed(similar to
coach bolts) through the plate and through the bumper with lock nuts behind.
If they can see the plates aren't going to come off in one peice they will leave it alone!

I doubt very much that the fixing method would stop a would-be plate thief. I have zero concerns about insurance/police on the velcro front too, it's a secure fixing method and therefore perfectly legal, certainly better than the previous unfortunate solution of having to have the number plate on the dashboard (which also drew no police attention) when it repeatedly fell off. I can be on a police watch list all they like, but there's literally nothing to see, it would be terminally dull for them.