Zel's Fleet Blog - BX, Jag XJ-S, Sinclair C5, Mercedes 208D & 230TE, AC Model 70.

[CitroJim]

Zel, excellent I have a feeling the deal is all but done Just the job...

That'll give me two good working cars and one gentle project. Perfect Just what I need...

As said, as soon as mutually good, we must have a chat over a coffee and a bite to eat I reckon...

[Zelandeth]

Sounds like a plan is well forming. I'll be back in the UK on the 25th all being well. Hopefully we should be able to fit something in before I then leg it up to Livingston on the 2nd of November - though that's only for a few days, then it's back to business as usual.

To be honest, having something interesting to look forward to when I get back from that weekend will probably do my mental health the world of good.

It's a funny old world how things work out sometimes isn't it!

[CitroJim]

Excellent

It's a funny old world how things work out sometimes isn't it!

It is and almost invariably for the best too Sometimes you wonder why things happen but then a little while later it all makes perfect sense...

[daviemck2006]

I can see this being a good thing. Both these cars are at the moment unwanted and unloved which should change if this swap takes place. A change is as good as a rest and hopefully Jim and Zel will be able to give each other’s cars some much needed love and attention and keep the two old girls roedworthy

[Hell Razor5543]

Plus, as they BOTH know the history of the vehicles they will easily be able to help each other out, should the need arise (not that they don't already help each other).

[CitroJim]

I can see this being a good thing. Both these cars are at the moment unwanted and unloved which should change if this swap takes place. A change is as good as a rest and hopefully Jim and Zel will be able to give each other’s cars some much needed love and attention and keep the two old girls roedworthy

Spot-on

Plus, as they BOTH know the history of the vehicles they will easily be able to help each other out, should the need arise (not that they don't already help each other).

Spot-on again

It has all the makings of a win-win...

Look out for some Activa news in my blog shortly

[Michel]

Zel, excellent I have a feeling the deal is all but done Just the job...

That'll give me two good working cars and one gentle project. Perfect Just what I need...

I think you'll love having a Skoda Jim. It'll give you a chance to get your lathe out and start making parts for it too I'd imagine some are not easy to find, given they weren't even easy to find back when I owned a 120L back in 1990. They have lovely light steering too. You'll not get a bike in the boot though...

[Zelandeth]

The steering is indeed a true joy to use, especially with the right tyres on. You can virtually feel every pebble on the road surface through the wheel.

I think most of the parts are out there, just takes patience to find them sometimes. Having a lathe and press will make sorting the rear suspension bushes a heck of a lot easier if/when that task is addressed. There are more than some with it having the semi trailing arm suspension - but the handling is rather less sketchy on the limit than the trailing arm setup apparently was (never actually driven a car with the older setup so not sure how big a real world difference there is).

Can't wait to see Jim's reaction to how good the engine access is once the rear panel is off with the handful of 10mm bolts. It's about as different to a Xantia engine bay as it's possible to get.

[CitroJim]

Can't wait to see Jim's reaction to how good the engine access is once the rear panel is off with the handful of 10mm bolts. It's about as different to a Xantia engine bay as it's possible to get.

I'm looking forward to this It'll make a lovely change!

I think you'll love having a Skoda Jim. It'll give you a chance to get your lathe out and start making parts for it too

Absolutely spot-on Mike I may now dislike driving cars but I still love spannering them as witnessed by the (almost!) happiness I'm experiencing working on the Activa to sort it out for the MOT...

My love of getting stuck into a new and challenging project is in no way diminished... In fact I relish it - bring it on

Sounds like the Skoda is an easy car to drive - just what I need of a car

[Michel]

Can't wait to see Jim's reaction to how good the engine access is once the rear panel is off with the handful of 10mm bolts. It's about as different to a Xantia engine bay as it's possible to get.

Or how, by undoing a few electrics and the fuel line, the easy to get at bellhousing bolts, and the 4 bolts that hold the crossmember on behind said rear panel the engine can be wheeled out on a trolley jack or modified stolen tesco trolley

[Michel]

There are more than some with it having the semi trailing arm suspension - but the handling is rather less sketchy on the limit than the trailing arm setup apparently was (never actually driven a car with the older setup so not sure how big a real world difference there is).

I don't expect the handling to be an issue for Jim. I never crashed mine! I managed to crash an MX5 and a Xantia though, so the Skoda can't be so bad..

[CitroJim]

Handling is not at issue Mike! I only every drive a between 45 and 50mph these days and on twisty bits I go even slower...

I potter!

[Michel]

My love of getting stuck into a new and challenging project is in no way diminished... In fact I relish it - bring it on

I've got plenty if you want some!

[CitroJim]

My love of getting stuck into a new and challenging project is in no way diminished... In fact I relish it - bring it on

I've got plenty if you want some!

I'm very good with setting up bike gears and general bike fettling/tuning these days

[Michel]

Handling is not at issue Mike! I only every drive a between 45 and 50mph these days and on twisty bits I go even slower...

I potter!

I also potter most of the time, that's why I'll keep the German car, and have the Focus ST as a toy! I shall be pottering up past you later on to look at a cat just North of you.