A little update...
It’s been a good couple of months since I last logged on to SeatCupra.Net. I got married on 11th June and this took a lot of time either side and work has been busy since. TBH, my love for the car had faded over that period, which is something I never thought would happen, but it did. Cutting myself loose from the site I think was my way of building up to sell the car…… HAS NOT WORKED AT ALL!!!!
I took it out of storage last Saturday, gave it a wash, as the weather was nice for a change, and really enjoyed it. Forgot how nice looking the car is! (slightly biased opinion...) I hope to buy a new car soon but this will stay, as I like it too much. Will hopefully be buying an Audi A4 estate S-Line TDI in due course.
I repainted the front brake callipers a couple of months ago; sanding back to metal. I tried Hammerite smooth but it’s so thin, it ran and I just couldn’t get it right. It also crinkled when lacquered, even with 48 hours drying time. The ambient temp wasn’t too high either. After a couple of attempts, I gave up and went for an Audi Red, which matched the rears perfect. Just as bright as the Hammerite shade and it went on without a hitch. It must have been me as others have used Hammerite without any trouble...shame... Using new 80mm white decals, that had been ordered off eBay (as used by JamJay), it was lacquered using U-Pol lacquer. The disc bells and hubs were also re-painted in silver, as the same as the rears, which has freshened it up really well. They came out great and have withstood temperatures without any dramas. I also got some gloss black wheelnut covers. Wasn't sure at first but I think they tie in well.
Not being that mechanically confident, I tried to remove the front shocks but the bolts were proper seized, even with a good soak of penetrating fluid and lots of jiggling, I lost my nerve and decided against it. When funds permit, I’ll pay my mechanic to fit them and replace all the bushes/track rod ends etc; they're sitting in the shed waiting to go on (as pictured on pg 7). With living in the sticks, the front won’t be able to be wound down too low, but definitely needs to go a little lower than present… cough…
With the car washed, clayed, waxed and interior hovered, I took some photos of the car as sits at the moment.
The Brembos really stand out now...
The FMIC has disappeared; it's still there but I think the elements might have faded the not-so-stainless steel... Not a bad thing though...
I think the stance at the rear is pretty much spot on?? See what I mean about the front...
Love it from this angle...
The shade of the Hammerite silver has settled well and doesn't look out of place IMO...
Moody shot of the Cambridgeshire Fens' skies just before it chucked it down... before I made it home...
As I said above, I'm really happy with the car. I've worked hard over the years to keep it looking its' best. Passed another MOT in May without any hitches; also had another oil change. The engine bay is looking very fresh with the painted plastics standing up well to the elements. The interior is like-new, and generally, it's exactly where I wanted it. I had booked it in to have the wheels re-finished in powdercoat semi-gloss black, but wimped out. I think I like the OEM silver so they'll be done soon as they desperately need some attention.
I know we all go there from time to time but I'm glad I've got the bug back for the car! Sorry the update isn't too exciting... Thanks for reading!
James.