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Old 19th August 2019, 12:16   #346
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

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Originally Posted by ajmat View Post
You have a Peugeot 604 to contend with, a very rare car nowadays. Also spotted a Citroen SM. - Loved those cars.
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Originally Posted by Motard_Blr View Post
Who noticed the 3rd entry? I'm amazed that someone loved it so much that they took one all the way to Europe and restored it.
Well spotted.

The Peugeot 604 was a rare car when it was still being produced. Not that many about. My father in law owned one, he had a sport version. Which was pretty ridiculous, if not very uncomfortable, as he lived on Barbados WI. When it comes to poor roads and potholes, Barbados can give India a run for its money.

The Citroen SM is another one that was rare to begin with. It sports a a very nice Maserati engine of course.

I doubt many people in the Netherlands are familiar with the Ambassador.

To be honest, the contenders in this class are a bit of miss/mash. The idea was to have classic cars that, originally, were built in large quantities and were considered to be affordable in their time. Neither the Peugeot or the Citroen classifies.

We will see!

Jeroen
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Old 19th August 2019, 12:32   #347
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

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Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
Well spotted.

The Peugeot 604 was a rare car when it was still being produced. Not that many about. My father in law owned one, he had a sport version. Which was pretty ridiculous, if not very uncomfortable, as he lived on Barbados WI. When it comes to poor roads and potholes, Barbados can give India a run for its money.

The Citroen SM is another one that was rare to begin with. It sports a a very nice Maserati engine of course.
The interesting part about the 604 is that is actually uses a 504 shell + squared front ends to accommodate a 6 cyl engine. Even the doors are the same, I would have never known until it was pointed out to me. Guess your father in law had those metric Michelin TRX tyres fitted on his car hence the lumpy ride.
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Old 19th August 2019, 13:49   #348
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Quote:
Originally Posted by ajmat View Post
The interesting part about the 604 is that is actually uses a 504 shell + squared front ends to accommodate a 6 cyl engine. Even the doors are the same, I would have never known until it was pointed out to me. Guess your father in law had those metric Michelin TRX tyres fitted on his car hence the lumpy ride.
Did not know that. I must admit I prefer the 504 over the 604. I always felt the 604 was a bit to boxy/rectangular looking. The 504, I felt, was a much prettier car.

Can not remember what tyres he had. This was somewhere early/mid 80’s. Why anybody would want to have sport suspension on a normal car in a country with poor roads, pot holes etc has always been a mystery to me.

Jeroen
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Old 22nd August 2019, 14:22   #349
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Final stages of preparations for the Concour d’Elegance this weekend.

I must admit, my Mercedes W123 has never looked better. But then again I am probably highly biassed. Lots of cleaning, scrubbing, polishing, soaking, pampering on many different parts of the car the last couple of weeks. these iPhone piccies inside my garage do not do it justice!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5349.jpg

The cover for the first aid box in the parcel shelve looked not well. I thought it was due to sun and some water leakage. But at closer inspection it was just plain old dirt and muck. So I took it out, worked my magic with some grease and grime remover, scrubbed it down with a soft copper brush, washed it with soapy water, rinsed, dried and it looks like new!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5351.jpg

One small problem. The outside rear view mirrors can be adjusted from inside, simple mechanics. But the cover plate on the inside, driver side, keeps falling off. A small part has broken off. I have tried various repairs. till recently double sided tape did the job. But for some reason it keeps falling off. I have cleaned and degreased everything. Put new double sided tape on, but within a few hours it drops off again.

Can not have bits falling of in front of the judges. So I decided to put some dollups of silicon kit on it.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5353.jpg

A clamp to keep it in position until it sets (hopefully)

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5348.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5350.jpg

Attached my entry sticker to the front window as instructed. It will show the Concours staff my car is one of the entries and where to direct me for my display spot.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5352.jpg

Cleaning, checking all my camera kit, charging all batteries. I intend to take a lot of photographs.

Weather forecast looks great. Dry, bit of a breeze, 26-28oC. I have already put my sun hat in the car!

Jeroen
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Old 25th August 2019, 17:59   #350
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I arrived at the concour yesterday around 07.30 hours

My car is parked right in front of the former queen's palace!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-imageuploadedbyteambhp1566736089.834638.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-imageuploadedbyteambhp1566736106.717229.jpg

I did not win any prices, but I'm having lots of fun. Gorgeous weather.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-imageuploadedbyteambhp1566736151.020896.jpg

Lots of people to talk to, lots of people wanting to know more about my car

Jeroen
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Old 1st September 2019, 18:42   #351
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

This weekend various classic cars events to. Reading this thread, you might think that is all I do, bum from one classic show to the next. Truth is, both my wife and I have lots of hobbies and interests and we tend to combine a lot of them into a single day or a weekend.

I like to get up fairly early, especially on my days off. More time to do stuff. So yesterday morning, Saturday, I was up and behind my laptop searching the internet at06.00am on what to do, where to go. In the afternoon my wife and I had some social engagements and in the evening a birthday party to attend too. But till 13.00 I could do what ever I pleased. Weather forecast was excellent, with temperatures up to 30oC and a clear blue sky. So that usually means I will go cycling or touring in my spider.

I came across a nice little classic car event in a village about 55 km to the east of us. So I quickly put together an interesting, windy, route with help of MydriveTomTom. (https://mydrive.tomtom.com/nl_nl/#mo...,13,0,-0+ver=3). Very handy, you can set the route planner to quickest route, obviously. Or use the various windy and interesting settings. That usually gets you across little B-roads and you can still make adjustment if you want to pass certain specific points along the route. Once you’re done, click and it will be stored in the iCloud and automatically appear on my TomTom!

So by 08.00 me and my Spider turned on to the Lingedijk and started heading east. This part of the Netherlands is known as the Betuwe. Very pretty, rural and lots of fruits gets grown here. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavia_(region) )

Some images along the road. It’s all about little road along dikes, through meadows and along many types of different fruit plantations/farms. Very little traffic other than local people on these roads. And of course cyclist. Especially on the weekends they tend to be out in force.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310023.jpg


Lots of oranges!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310024.jpg

Also, many people, who own classic cars, will do the same as I do. Enjoy the weather, go for a little tour or attend some event. And during this time of the year, there are literally dozens and dozens of classic car events all over Western Europe.

So you tend to meet fellow classic car enthusiasts.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310022.jpg

I passed this farm, with a Peugeot 504 and an original Mini parked on the road.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310032.jpg

This is a Dutch phenomena, a Cycle Street. Cars are seen as guests and must be on best behaviour!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310046.jpg



Some more gorgeous little roads

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310027.jpg

Took me almost an hour and a half. You never go particularly fast in terms of absolute speed. But I do like to give my Spider the beans. It handles particularly well on these sort of windy rural roads. So you rarely top 80 km/hour, but due to the fact these are narrow and windy roads, it still feels as if you are going fast!

I was amongst the first car to arrive:

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310002.jpg

This was a very informal gathering. It is not even a club. Just some local car enthousiast who organise this event once a year. They are allowed to make use of the car park of the local church. Use their fascilities (e.g. toilets and plug into the electrical grid, use water etc)

They will set up a little market stall. You can get coffee, tea, make soups for lunch, offer soft drinks and some sandwiches.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310001.jpg

At around 13.00 they would leave for a 2-3 hour tour. I only stayed about an hour. But as usual, it was fun. Talked to a lot of people. Lot of people talk to me, wanting to know about my Spider.

A Willy Jeep, hood open gets a lot of attention

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310003.jpg

Some interesing little classic cars

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310007.jpg

Two rag top sports car, roughly the same era as my Spider. A Fiat 124 and a Triumph TR6. The Fiat Spider shares some components with the Alfa Spider. E.g. the doorhandles!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310010.jpg

Two Volvo’s

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310009.jpg

Any Dutch classic car event and there will be several Citroen 2CV's, or eend (Duck) as we call them. Two nice ones, although I do not think the double head lights were an original feature.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310011.jpg

This is what these meetings are about. Getting together with your classics, opening the hood, bunch of guys, have a coffee, and talk about cars, engines endlessly

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310012.jpg

Soon it was time to head home again. Slightly different route home, but just as pretty.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310054.jpg


As I have shown before, lots of rivers and canals in this part of the Netherlands. Which often means crossing with a little ferry, or finding yourself waiting for a bridge that has opened to let boats pass. About 6 kilometers from where we live the river Linge goes through a little sluice/lock. There was a big boat just about to enter. So I stopped and had a look:

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310067.jpg

It is a huge boat, what we call “rondvaartboot". These are boat that take tourist around the canals and rivers. You will find them in all sorts of shapes and formats. Very comfortable. They usually have a little bar and restaurant, good washrooms. Very enjoyable way to see a bit of the Netherlands. This one, was almost as big as the sluice it had to pass! Dutch skippers are the best!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310064.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310069.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310070.jpg

From the little sluice, it is one long windy road along the river Linge, called the Zuiderlingedijk (Southern dike of the river Linge). Very pretty. This is what we experience every time we drive home

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310071.jpg

I mentioned the fact that my Spider is leaking gearbox oil. Here is the evidence.
Quite the puddle. I would love to do this job myself, but without a lift and just by myself it is just not feasible. So it will go to my friendly local Alfa Specialist in a few weeks

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p8310072.jpg

Tomorrow another small, but enjoyable classic car event!

Jeroen

Last edited by Jeroen : 1st September 2019 at 18:50.
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Old 1st September 2019, 19:38   #352
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

This Sunday, another little classic car event. Nothing like the Concours, but still enjoyable. I am a member of various internetforum, including some W123 forums. A couple of guys have been organising a Mercedes part car boot sale over the years. I attended once or twice a very long time ago.

It’s nearby, about half an hour drive. The formula is very simple. These guys know the owner of McDonalds. On a Sunday morning business is slow and he allows us to park our Mercedes’s for a couple of hours, use his facilities (washrooms). And I am sure he gets some trade out of us being there too. I had two coffees and a hamburger.

Anybody can join, but it is mostly the older simple Mercedes that show up. The W123 being the most recent!

So you just rock up in your Mercedes, or any other car, bring some parts, or not. Have a look around, chat, meet forum members in person, have a coffee, admire each other cars and search for that part.

Of course, if there are old Mercedes meeting, there will be a taxi version too

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010004.jpg

This was probably the oldest MB of the lot, and a nice one at that too!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010006.jpg

This gentlemen had just finished a very lengthy restoration. Nice little diesel engine, looking pristine!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010012.jpg

Lots of parts. Just about everything is second hand here, not much new

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010002.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010003.jpg

Now I know that many people like to think all Dutch still wear clogs. We do not. In fact, very few Dutch wear clogs at all these days. However, this guy still does. Although do not call him Dutch. He is a Frisian and they see themselves as very different from the rest of the Netherlands. I have known him for about 20 years, he deals in second hand Mercedes parts. I have yet to see him dressed differently, always the same, always the clogs.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010013.jpg

A true car boot sale. Many people just park and open their boot. Look at the huge LPG tank in this one. Not to many about anymore. They were popular on classic cars, but due to a change in legislation it has become very expensive to have these installed, unless your car is over 40 years old.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010014.jpg

Some Mercedes books for sale:

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010015.jpg

This was something new to me. The Dutch govenment has been promoting checking your tyre pressure regularly. Partly safety, partly environmental (too low pressure, means poor fuel consumption). I have seen posters, and even some adds on the TV. This is the next initiative. Mobile tyre inflators. Completely free of charge. These guys are send to parking lots, venue etc. And they just roam around and check your tyre pressure for you. Little onboard computer with a data base of cars, tyre and pressures. Pretty neat!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010017.jpg

Nice line up

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010018.jpg

New second hand clutch anyone? Never understood why anybody would install a second hand clutch. It is just not worth the bother. A new one is not that much more expensive, it is likely to outlive the second hand one by a very large margin. And changing out a clutch is always a big job!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010019.jpg

More parts

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010024.jpg

My W123

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010028.jpg

look at these two rears; Love the old little wings!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010029.jpg

This little girl was very exited being out with her daddy. Got lots of attention of all the other guys. Real little princess.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010030.jpg

Guys, coffee, old cars and engines. My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010033.jpg

I almost bought these. Quite interesting. This was a whole set of books used at automotive colleges in the 60-70s. In the end, I decided against buying them. It was a nice set and in very good condition. But it is all about the very basic of cars. Rather have books about specific models, e.g. workshop manuals etc.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9010034.jpg

In the end, I only spend 2 euros on this little thing. You might recall I have been having problems with the one on my W123. It keeps falling off, and it is becoming difficult to mount it properly as the little hook on the back has broken off. This one is still complete, although a bit eroded. I will have to see if I can brush it up a bit.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p90100822.jpg

All in all, an enjoyable couple of hours fiddling with cars!

Jeroen

Last edited by Jeroen : 1st September 2019 at 19:39.
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Old 1st September 2019, 19:49   #353
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Your terrain is a little flat for me, but that's a small price to pay for living in such a wonderful place.

I think I visited Netherlands just twice. Both times by yacht, to the SW of the country (from Ipswich, UK), and did our exploring by yacht. What fantastic holidays those were! I think our main port might have been what Brits call Flushing: something like Vliesingen in Dutch? I was so impressed by the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the people. And by the importance of life afloat!
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Old 1st September 2019, 21:32   #354
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

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Your terrain is a little flat for me, but that's a small price to pay for living in such a wonderful place.
Further south it gets a bit more hilly. And we have some parts with quite some woodlands, swamps, heath etc. A lot of variety but mostly flat.

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I think our main port might have been what Brits call Flushing: something like Vliesingen in Dutch?
It’s Dutch name is Vlissingen.

Jeroen
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Old 7th September 2019, 19:46   #355
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Just spend half an hour polishing the little part for the W123. Remarkable how well it brushed up. Good as new, very pleased with it

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9070006.jpg

I have just come back from a blitz trip to Delhi. I had asked a colleague of mine to order the Royal Enfield Bullet model for me. Took some four weeks after he ordered it online. But it had arrived so I brought it home with me..


It is quite a nice little model. The first 1;12 model I have! The Spider is 1;18 so they look a bit odd together!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9070001.jpg

But I think it is a very nice model. Well worth the INR 1200.

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9070002.jpg

I am not really a collector of models. But I have picked up some models over the years. There is no rationale or structure in what I buy. I do not adhere to a particular scale, brand or type. Just models I came across and I for some reasons liked them

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9070003.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9070005.jpg

I need to get the Jaguar ready for our trip to the UK (Harwich, Brighton, Goodwood, Bath, Southampton, Bath). Just discovered a funny spot on the right front tyre. No apparent damage at all, just a slight, small, but noticeable lump.

Bit of a problem, I fly out to Stockholm tomorrow night, back Wednesday late afternoon and I will need to leave for the overnight ferry by around 1800 Wednesday evening. So not much time to sort it. These are Michelin Sport tyres too. In a small provincial town such as where we live they are unlikely to stock these. I’ll probably just get them checked Wednesday afternoon. See what the specialist think. If the worst comes to the worse, I need to choose another car for this trip.

Jeroen
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Old 7th September 2019, 21:53   #356
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Autosol... There was always a tube of that in my Dad's garage. I guess the brand dates back to the '50s... might even be older than me!
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Old 8th September 2019, 10:46   #357
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Autosol... There was always a tube of that in my Dad's garage. I guess the brand dates back to the '50s... might even be older than me!
I looked it up, 1929 to be precise! And it is an original German company. From their website: (https://www.autosol.com/aboutus.asp)

Quote:
Genuine German Quality - Since 1929

Autosol is a leading manufacturer of metal polishes and surface care products with 3 manufacturing sites around the world and a global distribution network in more than 70 countries. Founded by Otto Durst, we’ve been dedicated to professional quality since 1929. Autosol products cater to discerning consumers for use on new and classic automobiles, motorcycles, luxury yachts, heavy duty trucks, household items & industrial projects.

Autosol is known for "A Brilliant Shine Every Time". Autosol’s metal polish is the best-selling paste polish in the world. Autosol products make Do-It-Yourself projects easier for beginners and professionals alike. In addition to the full range of car care products manufactured under the AUTOSOL® brand name, we manufacture several “Original BMW” products, sold at BMW dealerships throughout the world. Autosol products are used by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen at factories in Germany, and at the Ford factory in Spain. We also manufacture car care products for Toyota, Nissan, Texaco and Shell.

To be chosen to supply car care products to the factories of both BMW and Mercedes-Benz is a unique and special privilege. This was possible only because of the superior and consistent quality of our products. We employ the leading chemists in Germany, and our manufacturing facilities are operated in accordance with the world’s most stringent quality control practices. Being true to our German heritage, we take special pride in ensuring the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Autosol is founded on innovation, quality and a genuine passion for the beauty of a brilliant shine.

Several of our products have been awarded the prestigious Monde Selection gold medal by the International Institute for Quality Selections in Belgium. This worldwide competition includes products from over 3000 companies around the world. AUTOSOL® metal polish has won the gold medal three times, the maximum number allowable, after which it is distinguished as the “world’s finest.”
It is very, very good. Over the years I have tried many different kinds of chrome/metal polish. But I have just stopped buying other stuff now. This is as good as it gets. Period.

Jeroen
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Old 8th September 2019, 13:12   #358
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

Amazing! The company was 23 already when I was born!

I have a tube somewhere here.
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Old 18th September 2019, 12:22   #359
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

I just returned from a short holiday trip to the UK. We crossed last week Wednesday evening with the Stenaline Ferry Hook of Holland to Harwich. On Thursday morning we drove to Brighton. Friday we did the Goodwood revival. (more piccies to come), Saturday/Sunday we were in Bath for the Jane Austin Festival. Monday I went to the Southampton international boat show. I drove back to Harwich on Monday evening.

Very busy at the ferry terminal. I parked in line, waiting to board the ferry. I got out of my car. Whilst my door was still open, the line next to us, started moving. The car next to me was pulling a huge trailer with a Willy Jeep on it. His trailer snagged the driver door of my Jaguar!. Bummer!!!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9170080.jpg

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-p9170081.jpg

The door would still close, sort of, so I drove it home. Yesterday I took it to our local car repair specialist. We had a good look at it. These doors can still be ordered new. But we decided against a new door, they have a very skilled panel beater and he was confident he could get this sorted. I prefer to have the old door sorted rather than a new door fitted for two reasons. This car has very fine stripping from front to rear. You can not get that stripping, so fixing that would be a real chore. You could paint the stripping, but it will never look like the original 17 year old stripes. Also, the driver door is full of electronic stuff and lots of wiring. The wiring on this Jaguar is not of the best quality. Replacing the door would also mean messing around with the wire. Best to leave it untouched!

The car will go in for repairs first week in October. I hope it works out well. Insurance will pay for everything, approx Euro 1500, but I have to cough up my own risk of Euro 150.

A not so happy end of an otherwise very enjoyable short holiday!. Did almost 1100 km in five days, used 150 liters of fuel. Not to bad for a 4.0L Supercharged V8.

Jeroen
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Old 18th September 2019, 14:29   #360
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Re: My Car Hobby: A lot of fiddling, and some driving too! Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123 & Alfa Romeo Sp

On the upside, I managed to find quite some nice signs at Goodwood!

My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One-img_5514.jpg

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