[Horror of the week 01-12-09]

Works for me...were you on a mobile?

No I wasn't, but it did work now

 

Still that didn't answer the question unfortunately, just brought up the insignia

 

Don't think Sigma exists - maybe it was cross between a Signum, Sintra and Insignia?

If it was, then no wonder its falling to pieces!

[Horror of the week 01-12-09]

Of course snapped springs on MX5s / Eunos are common - found I had one myself.

But have just bought a '98 Legacy and that has both front springs snapped at the bottom coil too.

 

Could it just be the potholes and bumps / ramps or do cars with open wound springs suffer this more?

Presume a spring that only has 4 or 5 coils will actually be working harder than a closer wound one and maybe that leads to earlier fatigue?

Or is it just poorer quality steel?

[Hands up...]

Not so much look for wear, but I'm fascinated by the number of muppets driving on the motorway with tyres that are obviously grossly under-inflated.

 

I used to try and let the odd one know about it, but have generally given up as, almost without exception, if they are stupid enough to not feel it on the move or not notice it stationary, then they just don't understand.

 

Same goes for knackered dampers - quite recent Vauxhalls seem to be prone to this.

 

Andy

[Mazda MX5 suspension tech day 06/09/09]

Thanks to Tony et al for a very friendly and interesting "do".

 

Sorry I was late for Derek's talk, but that was entirely thanks to four muppets who decided to play dodgems near J10 of the M25.

The ensuing 30 minute snooze in the sun (top was already down, of course) was only spoilt by a couple of prats in a transit who decided to share their "music" with the rest of us poor trapped victims.

Fortunately (for their safety and my sanity) we got moving very soon after....

 

Anyway, my satnav girlie found WIM without any bother so it was straight in and parked up in what appeared to be a slot reserved for yet another black MK1!

 

A very nice line up of Mazdas there was too - some very detailed and modified, some boggo standard like mine, but it didn't matter - everyone was very friendly and relaxed in the sunshine.

 

Inside WIM it was great to see the lads doing what they do best with their magical machine - but pleased also in a perverse way to see that the acetylene torch is still the best nut loosener!

 

Picked up some ideas for my car, although sorting a strange shimmy / vibration from the rear will take first place. Anyone got a spare pair of dampers in the Kent area that I could borrow for a couple of days to try and eliminate them?

 

Not too fussed for not winning the set of suspension - but I reckon the recipient is happy. I saw the state of his front dampers when removed and if anything the lower bushes were worse than mine when in full creaky mode.

His car looked very purposeful once finally set up and I hope he appreciates how lucky he is.

 

Mustn't forget the smiling "laydees" on the refreshments either - thanks and well done all of you. I believe a decent sum raised for Macmillan and I'm very happy to have contributed to that, particularly in view of having lost a friend to cancer recently myself.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[Mazda MX5 suspension tech day 06/09/09]

New to here but would like to come along on the 6th Sept with my tatty Mk1 Eunos - just pitch up or do we need to let anyone know?

 

Hopefully by then I will have replaced the lower bushes on the Bilsteins - the originals have collapsed and it squeaks and creaks like an old squeaky / creaky thing!

 

Andy