Practically Classics Forum

Well after reading this particular thread which mentions the legalities on modification etc.

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.c ... 071&page=1

I am glad that I have already informed my insurance company and the DVLA!
And my insurance is up for renewal at the end of the month, so it's headache time trying to
get and compare what they offer me for cover!
The insurance company hasn't asked for an engineers report on the old girl, but I might just
get one to be on the safe side when she is up and running.

Mitsuru wrote: an engineers report on the old girl, but I might just
get one to be on the safe side when she is up and running.

I know a LOT of people on the forum will agree with me when I say that I strongly recommend that you do that, yes.

Just to say I have been following this topic on and off for a while...

..it's fascinating!

First off an apology!
Due to the seriously bad weather, my bad health(don't ask) and the house
clearance of a Aunt Polly's, I have been unable to do anything on Christine
to get her running. So sorry for the delay, but it might be a little longer.

Here is some information from Jimbo on the weight differences he has just
posted on his V6 build on neons.org which is relevant to mine and hope
you will find interesting.

jimbo in MI wrote:Got a chance to weigh my extra 3.3L today. It is a complete engine
including oil pan, ATX flexplate, water pump, engine mount brackets,
alternator brackets, A/C & P/S brackets, exhaust manifolds, and lower intake.
The only thing missing was the upper intake plenum, and the belt driven
accessories like alternator etc.

Total weight: 340 pounds.

That is better than I expected. A dressed 2L DOHC is supposed to be in the
neighborhood of 270, a 2.4 is about 280, and the SRT engine is listed at
about 340 (that seems a tad heavy).

Considering that in the UK we never got the 2.0L DOHC or were able to do
the 2.4L engine swaps because they were to few in the PT cruiser and we
never ever got the SRT Neon. So just some info to keep you going!

Right the rain was one thing but now we have had this penetrating fog
for a few days.



There is no way I could even think about working on the electrics in this!

As my younger brother has bought a 'V' reg Land Rover Discovery, his
Rover 45 has ended up on the inspection pit. Add uncle Eddy's small trailer,
Dad's work van, mothers volvo and a soon to be arriving Nissan Micra from
another relative. Added to which the Rover and the micra are/will be up for
sale.

This place is beginning to look like a car park/sales lot!



And Dad has already had ago at me because mine isn't on the road!
I could have had a go at him for saying he is was going to do the back box &
the ring on the exhaust for the lambda sensor. Which he still hasn't done, and
the sensor on the exhaust needs to be fitted or the ECU will not start the
engine!

He won't let me weld (when the weather is good) as he thinks I might damage
my sight(remember I have had lazer treatment to keep what sight I have), and
yet he has openly said there is a good quality welder in his garage for me!

I as he has to take holidays before the end of the year, he is effectively now
on a 3 day week!

Sorry I rambled on(maybe a little of topic)

I am now wondering what it would cost to get a pro in to get the electrics
sorted out quickly before the winter really sets in. Any ideas?

Any ideas of who to contact or the cost?

I have had to buy another set of horns after a little accident in the
shed this afternoon! So they will not take too long to fit, all of 2 min.

A few calls were made to local auto electricians, and in some of the
adverts/listings they stated that they were mobile, NO they were not!
They said it would be better to take the car to them. I will try a few
more tomorrow.

The weather is just not suitable for me to be outside working on the
car at the moment.

more garages and so called auto electricians called!

A couple I had called before, and the ones I hadn't recommended each other.
Added to which the one they all agreed who was a full auto electrician,
wasn't mobile, and when I said that it was for an engine swap, he just
didn't ant to know!

New horns came in the post and were fitted today.

Hate to think what the labour bill will be once you find someone who can be coaxed into wiring it.

Electrics are like white mans magic.

Your going to be talking £800-1000 I would say as I dropped £400 odd on simply geting a auto electrictian to find out why my 75 would not start.