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Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:32 pm
by ian65
munk wrote:
Thanks for the info regarding the wheels, will looking getting them diamond cut when I replace the tyres I think. Would rather keep everything as period correct as possible for the time being. Assuming that the current 205/60/R14's are the right size - do you have any suggestions for tyre brands or popular conversion sizes?
s3 tyre info here....
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=384
Pristine Wheels in Milton Keynes will recut the wheels... they have the series 3 wheel already programmed into their computer that controls the cut and do a superb job. A couple of the guys on here have had their wheels done there and the finish is fantastic.
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:43 pm
by ian65
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:23 am
by codge
Yep Pristine Milton Keynes did 2 wheels for me.....a great job. You go to a local agent for the service. (I had spare wheels to fit while I waited).
On the headlight front I got new identical light units because my silvering had gone. (They even had the same Cibie/Valeo glass press plant markings on them as the originals). Then I put +30% H4 halogens in and all's fine. If you want I'll look out the supplier if he's still around, or you can put bigger and better lights in if you like.
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:47 pm
by Lucky
I'd be interested in where you got direct-fit replacement headlights from, Dave? That was my only advisory on the MOT, that the reflector bowl is starting to go all milky on mine

Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 9:49 pm
by KiwiDave
ian65 wrote:All the series 3 cars like yours came with diamond cut wheels...... many people respray them or have them powder coated to refurb them but the 'correct' factory finish is a diamond cut face....... they can be recut but it ain't cheap!
If you want the coachwork cleaned and polished, speak to MarcS on here....
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=417
fellow FB owner, owns a car detailing business in Sussex and is highly regarded..... plus he's got a passion for these cars. Top bloke.
Marc is the man to see (and does a particularly fine job on a red FB since that is the best color

) He worked wicked magic on mine
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=426#p3443
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:00 pm
by KiwiDave
That is one particularly fine FB you have found there. Looking very original too. I couldn't help noticing the pristine air cleaner (aka The Blue Box of God). Did it come like that or was it one you had prepared earlier? Thanks for scoring more points for red FB's. YAY!!
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:08 pm
by codge
Lucky wrote:I'd be interested in where you got direct-fit replacement headlights from, Dave? That was my only advisory on the MOT, that the reflector bowl is starting to go all milky on mine

I got mine from cars-gb.com in Clay Cross but their website doesn't work anymore.
No matter, my lights were their reference H180 which just seems to be short for the
full Cibie/Valeo description of H180 7" H4 lens headlights, (for RHD with no sidelight).
Other suppliers seem to be europaspares.com,
ref main/dip - uk, Larkspeed Ref
8482441 and Motorscope in Northallerton Ref
82441.
Whichever you choose, I think I would get through by phone to them before ordering, to make sure they're for RHD UK use, without sidelight. If you get that, in H180 7" pattern, then they'll fit perfectly in a trice for the old dimmed out units.
I then fitted 2 new Osram 'All Season Super' plus 30% Bilux H4's......same wattage but brighter than the old lamps....Wizard Job and simples.
Get some Chrome spray paint + primer before starting so you can repaint the stainless fixing bezels for the new lights. (You have to transfer them).
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:43 pm
by Marc S
Looks like you've picked up a little gem there - really clean and original
thanks to those that have mentioned me, much appreciated

if you do need any help or advice, give me a shout - the old soft Mazda paint needs some TLC, something I specialise in

Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:57 pm
by munk
Marc S wrote:Looks like you've picked up a little gem there - really clean and original
thanks to those that have mentioned me, much appreciated

if you do need any help or advice, give me a shout - the old soft Mazda paint needs some TLC, something I specialise in

Thanks Marc. Sounds like a plan for me to come to you soonish, and you're (quite literally) down the road from me- danehill / bluebell railway direction if I'm right? Do you work weekends / evenings (or do home visits with this weather)?
Re: New FB (12a) photos
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:00 pm
by munk
KiwiDave wrote:That is one particularly fine FB you have found there. Looking very original too. I couldn't help noticing the pristine air cleaner (aka The Blue Box of God). Did it come like that or was it one you had prepared earlier? Thanks for scoring more points for red FB's. YAY!!
The air cleaner is as the original owner left it, I hope it's an indicator of the type of owners she's had! Your TWR looks very nice BTW, good to see a few local owners!