Issues so far:
Fuel needle seems a little erratic - investigating
Seat springs/pads need attention - evaluating options
Sound systems has to go - looking at head units and speakers
1st to second change is a bit harsh - investigating
Steering wheel is dodgy - evaluating interchangeability
Glove box door opens - investigating
Elderly phone kit - needs removing
Fuel needle seems a little erratic - investigating
Seat springs/pads need attention - evaluating options
Sound systems has to go - looking at head units and speakers
1st to second change is a bit harsh - investigating
Steering wheel is dodgy - evaluating interchangeability
Glove box door opens - investigating
Elderly phone kit - needs removing
Update:
Driver's seat removed and base rebuilt with foam installed instead of horsehair for padding. All calico (the padding in the strips of pads) was replaced and the small rips were repaired.
Becker head unit has been replaced with an Alpine CDA-9883E, with full iPod control. Created a custom harness to interface the OEM cabling into the Alpine cabling, to retain complete OEM plug and play compatibility:
Front speakers have been upgraded to aftermarket 4x6 inch drop in replacements. Whilst the new speakers do not have the same mounting design, I was able to fit them with absolutely no drilling, cutting or modifications and there is no sign of replacement. Merely a friction fit in the original space. All original connectors have been preserved.
These cars originally had a 2 channel output from the Becker head unit, fed into a fader wheel near the electric window switches, which then fed the 4 speakers. I removed the cabling, stealing the connectors for reuse, and have configured all 4 speakers to run from the 4 channel output on the Alpine deck. Have left the fader wheel in place, to avoid having a hole in its place.
Rear speakers are CRAP. They are a simple 4x6 speaker, however the cage is custom designed to fit into the parcel shelf using a lip around the edge. Makes replacing with aftermarket 4x6 speakers impossible.
Driver's seat removed and base rebuilt with foam installed instead of horsehair for padding. All calico (the padding in the strips of pads) was replaced and the small rips were repaired.
Becker head unit has been replaced with an Alpine CDA-9883E, with full iPod control. Created a custom harness to interface the OEM cabling into the Alpine cabling, to retain complete OEM plug and play compatibility:
Front speakers have been upgraded to aftermarket 4x6 inch drop in replacements. Whilst the new speakers do not have the same mounting design, I was able to fit them with absolutely no drilling, cutting or modifications and there is no sign of replacement. Merely a friction fit in the original space. All original connectors have been preserved.
These cars originally had a 2 channel output from the Becker head unit, fed into a fader wheel near the electric window switches, which then fed the 4 speakers. I removed the cabling, stealing the connectors for reuse, and have configured all 4 speakers to run from the 4 channel output on the Alpine deck. Have left the fader wheel in place, to avoid having a hole in its place.
Rear speakers are CRAP. They are a simple 4x6 speaker, however the cage is custom designed to fit into the parcel shelf using a lip around the edge. Makes replacing with aftermarket 4x6 speakers impossible.
Update:
Had the car serviced today @ 264000 kilometres. All it needed was oil, filter and a new set of rear brake pads. It got a wash too, which is something I don't bother with out here due to the water restrictions. Specialist was very happy with the car.
Investigation into the harsh 1st/2nd change - apparently a common fault, and there's a valve body kit available for around GBP200 including fitting which replaces one or more springs to rectify the issue.
Glove box still giving me with willies, as I can't work out how the spring works before I put it all back together.
Phone kit has been disassembled and hidden.
Had the car serviced today @ 264000 kilometres. All it needed was oil, filter and a new set of rear brake pads. It got a wash too, which is something I don't bother with out here due to the water restrictions. Specialist was very happy with the car.
Investigation into the harsh 1st/2nd change - apparently a common fault, and there's a valve body kit available for around GBP200 including fitting which replaces one or more springs to rectify the issue.
Glove box still giving me with willies, as I can't work out how the spring works before I put it all back together.
Phone kit has been disassembled and hidden.
