[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by WhiteKnight

Typically service centers would shy away from opening dash, as it is time consuming and fetch only labor charges. If you plan to do it, do so under your strict supervision. There is a good chance to bring more rattles if the fitting is not done properly.

DIY planned for door damping. For dash, will take to reputed mechanic. Someone please suggest a garage / mechanic.

Thanks

[xtremeshock]

I know this might be far for you, but the garage Ignite next to my place on ECR is very good for such work. Check him out if you come this side of the city. I can give you his contact details if you interested.

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by xtremeshock

I know this might be far for you, but the garage Ignite next to my place on ECR is very good for such work. Check him out if you come this side of the city. I can give you his contact details if you interested.

I hope the one you pointed during City test drive? I'll come down there in a couple of weeks (this weekend I'll be travelling to my home town) please do introduce me there.

OT: Let me have a look at your new baby (Rapid) and get some sweets from Aunty & Uncle

[xtremeshock]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

I hope the one you pointed during City test drive? I'll come down there in a couple of weeks (this weekend I'll be travelling to my home town) please do introduce me there.

OT: Let me have a look at your new baby (Rapid) and get some sweets from Aunty & Uncle

lol dude, drop in anytime.

I'll introduce the guys over there to you, no problem. But, even I have gone there only twice, but I do know that if you have a specific problem to be fixed they will get it done for you.

[Mr.Boss]

Sad Decision, car is up for sale

Sky rocketing petrol price & increased monthly running is itching me to switch to diesel.

Please advice if this decision is right or live with LPG conversion?

[Mr.Boss]

Decided to go with LPG. (of course, if I could get a potential buyer, i'll switch to diesel)
Given the car for 50k service, with all denting & body works, painting, 3M coating and rattle fixing. Expecting a brand new feel during delivery.

[pavan_6818]

What price are you expecting?

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by pavan_6818

What price are you expecting?

Dude, I could not PM you. please write to sat1789 at gmail dot com

[Mr.Boss]

Update!! Update!! Update!!

Vehicle crossed 50k km and wanted to replace / repair the parts which affects vehicle dynamics.

List of parts in consideration and observation:
1) Suspension dampers (Front struts and rear shock absorbers)
Both front and rear dampers are free from noise and did their job well. Found no damage / leakage / noise during operation. Compared the damping force roughly and found to be equal. So left them as it is.
2) Springs
Springs are in good condition without major difference in their free height (also w.r.t new springs) Heart said, 'go ahead with existing springs, that could last for another 30k km atleast'
3) Anti-roll bars
A/Roll bar and bushes seem to be in perfect condition
4) A/Roll bar connecting rods
Ball joint in LH connecting rod (or link rod) seem to have a little play than the RH one. Replacing any of the suspension component in pair is always recommended, changed both the link rods (forgot the brand, but for sure not from India)
5) Suspension mountings (Bushes)
Top mounts are in perfect condition, but the bottom LH arm had one of the bush in Weak condition (found rubber debonding in one side) This is one of the culprit that gave lot of noise when I run over bad roads / patches.
6) Lower arm
Though both the lower arms are in "OK" condition, something was itching my heart. checked again and again and found some rust in weld area in RM lower arm and LH found with a little bend. SE adviced on hammering the bent one and painting the rusted one. I don't want to take chance with alignment issues after hammering. Also since one of the bush is worn out, replaced both the lower arms with bushes and knuckle ball joint.
7) Steering Tie rods
Ball joints were little free than the new ones. So replaced the tie rods too.
8) Steering rack play
No abnormal play.
9) Bearings
Both the bearings are in good condition, no noise / play.
10) Brakes
Brake disc as well as the pads were in perfect condition. Cleaned them and fitted again

I knew the engine and drive train is in more than perfect condition. Reconfirmed the same with comments from the mechanic.

50k km service
Engine oil changed, brake & clutch fluids needed a little top up (read very little) to reach "max" level, battery charging done, coolant flushed and refilled. AC gasing not required as it cools the cabin the no matter of time.

Electricals:
- Front LH fog lamp bulb replaced
- 1 month old Roots windtone horn went kaput (that was working well when I gave for service, but during water wash I hope water entered inside)

LPG
Raising fuel price is leaving my pockets empty always. Added LPG kit (Italian make, forgot the name. Will share more details tomorrow)

Denting and painting
Car had few dents and scratches in the following ares
1) Noticeable dent in LH running board
2) Dent in Front LH door (near door handle)
3) Dent in LH ORVM
These 3 are "carry over" from previous owner
4) Small dent in Rear LH door just above the running board (thanks to Tambaram autowala)
5) Deep scratch in front RH door above the running board (vehicle was parked and a kid in cycle scraped her pedal over the door)
6) Few scratches in both the bumpers and LH fender (continuity from bumper)

It is painful to see our beloved vehicle with scratches. So asked to remove all dents and even the minor scratches. Few scratches in bonnet was covered with rubbing and others required denting and painting.
Areas painted:
- Front bumper
- Front LH fender
- Front LH door
- LH ORVM
- Rear LH door
- LH running board
- Front RH door
- Rear bumper (+parking sensors)
The areas left out were the roof, rear panel above the wheel arch, bonnet and the boot.

Complete rubbing and 3M coating done. I was fearing about the shade, but it is obsolutely matched with the original colour Vehicle looks brand new now.

Yet to take the snaps, will share the snaps and cost details tomorrow.

Cheers

PS: Mods, please rename the thread title for 50k km update

[Mr.Boss]

Some teasers
Detailed snaps and cost details to follow.

Cheers

[Mr.Boss]

Pending works
1) Damping
DIY planned for damping all 4 doors. Purchased the material and awaiting this long weekend.

2) Horn Replacement
Roots windtone stopped working after water wash (just 1 month old) Thought of switching to Bosch symphony.

3) Flip Keys
Ordered flip keys from UK. I'll be getting them by end of this month.

4) Tyres
Though the current shoes are left with enough life (atleast for another 15~20k km) I am not satisfied with them. Upgrade planned, may be not in near future

5) ICE
OE HU (double Alpine CDA-560E) does the job well, but I am missing the USB function in it. It is quite annoying to burn CDs everytime. Thought of downgrading to a single din basic HU (suggestions pls)

6) Alloy buffing
Alloys got few sctarches (one being deep enough) mechanic adviced for buffing. Any reliable garage in Chennai?

[MutantX]

For ICE - you can go in for Kenwood x7013/16 which is an excellent audiophile HU. You can order the OE dashkit which would be needed to install the single din HU. Apart from that you can goahead and upgrade your front components & rear speakers. With 25k as budget you will have a decent entry level setup.

As for alloy buffing, not sure where this service is available in Chennai. If you do find out please let me know

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by MutantX

With 25k as budget you will have a decent entry level setup.

My budget for ICE is 20% of what you have quoted
I am not looking for a upgrade, just need USB playback option. SO any basic HU with USB will be "OK" for me with OE speakers.

Originally Posted by MutantX

As for alloy buffing, not sure where this service is available in Chennai. If you do find out please let me know

I heard buffing can be done at Royapet area. Will check and let you know soon.

[arup.misra]

Mr. Boss. It was indeed a good decision not to sell off the pristine car you've barely had for few months. LPG does make sense. Wondering if post LPG the workshop guys service it?

[Mr.Boss]

Update:

Sold the vtec 2 weeks back and got home a PreLOVED Fiat Linea MJD Emotion

Will start the ownership review soon.