DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse!!

[CitroJim]

Excellent! I was going to ask what oil you used and now I have my answer

[mickthemaverick]

Nice warmer day so I thought I'd polish the headlights and modify the spring compressor .

Starting with the head lights I masked them off and they looked like this after cleaning but before polishing:

MTMO

Then I went to my storage shelf and realised I had some options:

MTMO

However I also have my favourite product for this job so that is what I used:

MTMO

After the polishing process but before protection:

MTMO

A 10 minute wait after applying the protective coating first coat and it was buffed off and then 30 minutes later I repeated that process with a second coat and after buffing it looked like this:

MTMO

The finished job fit for rabbit catching!!:

Bright Eyes!!

So with that job finished I was able to start on the revamp of the spring compressor which I'll post later, possibly on the tools thread!!

[CitroJim]

That's done a good job If I still had Pix I'd be keen to do similar...

[mickthemaverick]

As I said above I have now posted the story of the work on the spring compressors over on the tools thread here.

[mickthemaverick]

I can now declare the car is ready for the MOT tomorrow!! Last job with the hoover this morning completed!!

Ready to go!

Nice reflection yoo!!

[CitroJim]

All best with the MoT Mick, it'll be just a formality

[toolfan]

Certainly not much finesse! On my C5 the LDS reservoir had a leak around the bottom, cracks. I ordered a new one, but it was missing a return connection on the top. Seem to be an upgrade on later models, including a different hydraulic unit, I was told here. I didn't want to go that way with new pump etc. So I "repaired" the old reservoir with plenty of a 2 k plastic glue (Plast Bond Petec). Looks ugly but absolutely dry since 2 months and many kms.
https://ibb.co/DPF9M6KR

[mickthemaverick]

The Mot did advise some play in rear offside anti roll bar mounting bush. That was one of the cheap bushes I fitted last May when doing all the bushes on the car. The rest of the car was fitted with Febi bilstein bushes but I couldn't get them for the rear anti roll bar so I fitted cheapos from Ebay to get the job done before the European road trips I had planned.

This morning I have corrected my misdemeanour by replacing those cheapos with Febis and I have to say they are definitely stiffer and fatter!! Anyway simple job, jack up, remove wheel, install axle stand, remove old bush, fit new bush and reverse the preparation procedure. Repeat for the other side although not mentioned on the MOT and come indoors for some refreshment!!

No pics I'm afraid cos I left the phone indoors!!

[mickthemaverick]

Only one pic this morning because I took it and then forgot to take any more, already posted on POTD here.

The reason for today's elevation was to give me clear access to the rear subframe for cleaning, anti rust treating and finally undersealing. All done and nothing really exciting enough to warrant getting out from under the car to grab the phone, it's getting harder every time I do it!

[CitroJim]

Excellent, you can't beat doing a bit of rust prevention on a car you love Mick It will ensure that love will last a bit longer All three of mine will get the same treatment in due course...

You'll be able to tell when I do as shares in Bilt Hamber are bound to rise

I'll not be using Lanogard this year... I'm singularly unimpressed with it...

[mickthemaverick]

I use neither of those Jim, I have had the same technique for longer than I care to admit. Firstly I prepare with one of these:

MTMO

Although not that one, that is stock waiting to replace the current fairly worn one on the drill in question

I then apply these with a 2 hour interval which should be self explainatory:

My favourite treatments

They have done me well and I have not seen any corrosion on any of the cars I have treated in the past so I'll stick to them!!

[CitroJim]

Oh yes, if it works don't change it

[mickthemaverick]

Due to the current disarray in the garage, as described here, I couldn't get to the actual drill and brush for the pic, hence the new one!!

[mickthemaverick]

There may be some equipment in ths sale which is useful if you have more space than me! I would have loved the Sealey Spring Compressor Stand a couple of months ago!!

https://www.i-bidder.com/en-gb/auction- ... 276-image1

[mickthemaverick]

This may be of interest to someone?

https://www.i-bidder.com/en-gb/auction- ... 9d00f5c7db