Vee DIY disasters...

[Banjo232232]

So with many people pretty technically savvy on this forum for those of us who aren't would anyone want to share their disasters.

I've had one today...

I recently bought a new back box and have spent all day today attempting to fit it in the pouring rain... After several nightmare bolts I eventually had to give up with a bumper which will not come off and now a poorly aligned standard exhaust which isn't properly connected to the downpipes so it sounds like a straight through exhaust.

This unfortunately wasn't the only consequence of this botched DIY job... My rear left light isn't working properly and I'm praying it's blown bulbs and not me having broken something.

I should have known this morning that it was going to be a bad day when coil 4 had gone this morning.

So anyone else want to share there disasters?

 

[Copland]

I did say I would help you fit it mate lol.

I would say you have forgotten to put the multiplug back in or something silly.

Are you going to attempt it again tomorrow cause I will easy come and help if you want pal.

 

[Copland]

BTW I wouldn't assume it's leaking just because it sounds like a straight through! :rofl:

 

[Banjo232232]

Haha mate that would be amazing if you could. I thought it would have been quite easy, obviously I over estimated my skills as a mechanic. Out of interest how long did it take you to swap yours over?

It does sound pretty amazing with my botched exhaust haha.

 

[Copland]

Took me about four hours to remove bumper, exhaust, cats and refit but I did it in a well light cosy workshop.

What time you making a start at it?

I still have the tail end of the flu and am going out for a few jars soon to help (medicine), so I would be ok at around dinner time.

 

[Banjo232232]

I'm not sure, was going to start bright and early to give me as much chance as possible haha. It's weather dependant however.

I've got a jack and axle stands so I think first thing I'm going to try and get my standard exhaust back on properly. If I can't do that then I'll go whole hog and get the bumper off, there is one bolt which is refusing to come off haha.

I'll give you a text tomorrow to let you know how I get on in the morning and if I need you to come and save me haha

 

[Copland]

I would start by taking the bumper off! No point in doubling the work by fitting the standard only to fit the OMG again later. I will see if I can get the keys to my work and give you a text.

The backbox should take around half the time it took me cause it ain't collectors or anything ure doing. Did you get new clamps mate?

 

[Banjo232232]

I never managed to get new ones but I bought new bolts, I managed to get the clamps off and on ok today. Where did you get your clamps from?

Yeah mate just let me know, anything that makes this easier would be brilliant.

 

[ColinG]

Which bumper bolt are you struggling with mate?

The 2 nearest the wings below the lights are nightmares lol

 

[Banjo232232]

It's the arch liner bolt. The nut came loose from the liner and the whole thing just spins. Also had a nightmare with the exhaust clamp bolts. All in all a disaster of a day!

 

[ColinG]

Ahhh I pre planned with the clamps and soaked them
In wd-40, clamps should be re useable..

 

[Banjo232232]

Yeah did that, I had the clamps off and disconnected but couldn't get access to the bolt which holds the rubber hangers on which i needed the bumper off for. Need to get some proper needle nosed pliers to get into the arch liner nut/bolt.

These cars are so so frustrating to work on!

 

[ColinG]

The golden rule is always take your time, if you get annoyed walk away and come back later

I'm sure we have all gotten annoyed with a a car in the past and ended up breaking something lol

 

[mick.harris]

Hi James,
It took me 2 hours to remove my bumper last week, I got to the 8 ,10mm nuts and bolts ( 4 each side) through the hole where the light came out, I did not have to take the arch liner out though,
The fitter who put it back together took the arch liners out with the 3 star key screws and got much better access,
I know it doesn't help you , but when you've done it once, it will only take 20 minutes the next time,
p.s. don't forget to disconnect your number plate lamp , and leave the 4 main star screws on top of the bumper until last,

good luck !
mick

 

[Ali]

Lol...You can tell i spray my car too much. Takes be 30mins to take front bumper off and 20 for the rear! Special tools and wee hands help!

 

[Banjo232232]

Nearly every bolt was seized. Nightmare of a job. Steve saved the day for me, if it wasn't for him I'd still be sitting messing about.

Exhaust is on.... Loud is the only word to describe it haha.

 

[ColinG]

Lol boom boom boom, let me hear you say whey ohhhh!

Hope you enjoy it mate! Steve is a very helpful guy! :bow:

 

[ColinG]

Lol boom boom boom, let me hear you say whey ohhhh!

Hope you enjoy it mate! Steve is a very helpful guy! :bow:

 

[Banjo232232]

Hope you enjoy it mate! Steve is a very helpful guy! :bow:

Yeah he's a top guy like!

 

[Ali]

We need to get a wee mini meet organised.

In aberdeen alone we've got:

Ray - Mk2 Black
Me - Mk2 Blue
James - Mk2 Blue
Steve - Mk2 Red
Craig - Mk1 Silver

I'll put a wee meet out, see when people can manage!