Now that we had the car, it was time to make it roadworthy and add some modifications.
The first step was a general health check. I noticed several things that needed to be done as well as the extras we planned to put on the car.
First, I couldn’t see any recent service history and as changing the engine oil and oil filter are easy enough to do, we went ahead and ordered the parts required.
Secondly, the power steering fluid was below the minimum level so that needed topping up. Steering is, of course, quite an important aspect when driving a car.
Thirdly, the exhaust. I drove the car onto some ramps to get a better look underneath at what we had to tackle. We soon came up with a plan which included chopping the exhaust off at the back box and putting a Screamer Cherry Bomb in its place (with a chrome tailpipe to add extra style points).
We ordered a 2-inch pipe to attach to the original exhaust and two clamps to hold them together. We also ordered a 3-inch clamp with a hangar to attach the tailpipe to the original exhaust hangar.
It came to the weekend and with all the parts in hand, I began to tackle the easy stuff. I soon topped up the power steering fluid to the maximum line, but it took some time to find the oil filter. Spoiler alert – it is underneath the car which is why I couldn’t find it straightaway.
It clearly hadn’t had a service for a while as the oil was pitch black. And with the strength it took to take the filter off, it must have been welded on!
Unfortunately, the exhaust wasn’t as straightforward. Although, this is to be expected when you try to fit universal parts.
I took the car to a local garage to have the back box cut off, and after being told the exhaust would need fabricating, they quoted £200 for the job. I asked what in the world needed fabricating and with the vague answer they gave me, I decided to take the car back.
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Thankfully, my brother-in-law was on annual leave, so I asked him to do me a favour and have a look. Within four hours, the exhaust was on and no fabrication was needed – unless you count the small oval hole we had to cut out of the bumper for the tailpipe to come out of.
Now, the last things to do are replace the car’s very bald tyres and then handover to the boys for the visual effects.
Stage 2 – Making our banger roadworthy (I hold no liability if it goes wrong) – Completed
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