My LCR Since '05 with Static+ Front Air Lift - Project Gone to a New Home.

[GTi T]

What colour and finish did you have the wheels refurbed in James?

I was going to get some new wheels but i think im going to stick with my standards now i know they can look this good

cheers

Tom

 

[James23Parkin]

What colour and finish did you have the wheels refurbed in James?

I was going to get some new wheels but i think im going to stick with my standards now i know they can look this good

cheers

Tom

Hi Tom,

Sorry for missing your earlier question on the last page... The wheels were finished in BMW Silver, which is a nice change from Cupra Grey. If I had any other coloured car, I would have gone for High Powered Silver (HPS). It was finished with two coats of lacquer. I'm pretty pleased with them.

In other news, had some time on my false floor over the weekend. Just waiting on some cloth and then I'll put up some pictures

 

[GTi T]

Hi Tom,

Sorry for missing your earlier question on the last page... The wheels were finished in BMW Silver, which is a nice change from Cupra Grey. If I had any other coloured car, I would have gone for High Powered Silver (HPS). It was finished with two coats of lacquer. I'm pretty pleased with them.

In other news, had some time on my false floor over the weekend. Just waiting on some cloth and then I'll put up some pictures

Hi James, no problem cheers for getting back to me

very nice indeed, is there much difference between your BMW silver and High Power Silver?

 

[James23Parkin]

Hi James, no problem cheers for getting back to me

very nice indeed, is there much difference between your BMW silver and High Power Silver?

Quite a bit in the sunlight. It might be best to talk with your painter, have a look at some samples and go from there. Look at RDS' wheels for HPS reference. As already said, any other colour than Ovni Yellow, then I would choose HPS all day long. Good luck with the choice buddy

 

[Cmac7008]

Thats a bonnie Car

 

[GTi T]

Quite a bit in the sunlight. It might be best to talk with your painter, have a look at some samples and go from there. Look at RDS' wheels for HPS reference. As already said, any other colour than Ovni Yellow, then I would choose HPS all day long. Good luck with the choice buddy

Yeah, ill be going back to the wheel specialist over here in Manchester, they have plenty of wheels on display so i'll have a good look first....Cheers for your advice,really is appreciated again mate

keep up the good work with yours

 

[James23Parkin]

Boot Build...

I’ve spent a little bit of time over the last couple of evenings tidying up my boot space. This was largely spurred on by my compressor set-up, and because the Boot Carpet was looking a little shabby.

My original idea was to create a 2-piece false floor, with the first piece cut to fit around the spare wheel (to show it off) and the second piece being a complete piece to cover everything. The problem was when measuring up the rigidity of the board would not fit in because the Rear Strut Brace was in the way. I very much wanted it to be subtle and functional. I think I‘ve managed to achieve this?

I started out but buying some 12mm MDF and used the Boot’s original carpet as my template. Cut to size:

I purchased some black acoustic carpet off eBay, which I had used for my home made sub box a few years back. Tidying up the rest of the space, I re-sprayed my Rear Strut Brace and made some end caps for it to finish things off. I also fed a wire from the Boot Light and wired in a red 50cm LED light to sit under the Compressor’s base. Knowing that the interior is immaculate, I really wanted the Boot to compliment it, thinking ahead that this might get a run out at some shows next year once it has been re-sprayed. Either way, knowing the effort that I’ve put into the compressor set-up, I just wanted to finish things off.

As it looks all together…

With its cover fitted…

This is what the cover looks like when removed…

This is how the Boot space looks when it doesn’t have the cover on (a bit showy I know)…

I’m really happy with how this has worked out. I think it ties it all together nicely? What are your thoughts?

 

[RDS]

What a great idea mate, it looks spot on

 

[t0m]

I can only echo what Rich has said, that looks superb mate. Really good idea and a very good job you've made of it!

Looks great

 

[EL]

You have some proper tricks up your sleeve fella. Looks fantastic

 

[richybigman]

Looks awesome mate, done well!

 

[James23Parkin]

Thanks for the positive comments everyone.

Working on my car over a period of time, whilst seeing others either move forward with their cars or moving onto another model/make, I’ve kind of felt as if I’ve not really been moving forward as much as others. I think everyone goes through these waves, but I’ve been thinking about where I want to go with this…

Everything has been leading the car towards being ready for a full respray over the winter/spring; it definitely needs doing because it’s Ovni and is 9 years old on its original paint. I’ve always wanted it to be a tidy car, keeping an OEM+ look. I’ve enjoyed driving it over the years and it has always been reliable, and to be honest, when I look at the market today, the only car that I fancy is an Audi A4 estate ’59 plate S-Line 3.0L TDI, which as a family car is perfect.

I wouldn’t get much for it in part-ex or private sale, and to be honest, after 8 years of ownership I’m just not fed-up of it. So, finding someone who can do a top quality 'windows out' respray with some minor body modifications will be my next major step. It’s just all money dependent. I don’t want to scrimp in this area, so my funds will dictate the timeframe I guess. As with everything, I’ll be saving for it rather than putting it on tick, so this might be super-slow. I’m thinking about garaging it over the winter.

I went to WaxStock 2012 today at Peterborough Arena. It was its inaugural year so was a small one, but as a detailing specific show, it was a good one. The Show and Shine top 16 were brilliant; such amazing standards, but surely not daily drivers I purchased a few things, just as top ups really. I decided to try Megs' new microfibre DA pads, as apposed to the Soft Buff pads, which don't last long enough IMO...

So, I’m going tidy up a few loose ends and look to garage it for the winter months, re-group and see where I go from there. I can’t imagine that it would ever become a Show and Shine jobby, as that’s not what I’m about. But to be able stand up for itself would be nice. If I had the chance I would then look to the engine area and give it some extra horses. My wife is expecting our first baby in early March (touch wood), which I’m really excited about, and with work being busy, this is probably the reason why I’m thinking about whether to carry on or not… Time being the ultimate factor…

It’s not my intention to let the car go as I like it too much and this has always been an enjoyable hobby for me, but I’ll just have to see how the next few months shape my progress and decisions.

On with the tidy-up list prior to the winter then

 

[James23Parkin]

Hi All,

Following my last post, I’ve been ticking off a few little odd jobs. I bought a new Kicker 10” sub which was going very cheap on eBay to replace my Rockford Fosgate sub, which was old and becoming a little farty. Having fitted it, it compliments the Bose speakers very nicely (subtle and not an OTT presence).

I used my new Megs DA Microfiber Polishing pads and compound. Very durable and user friendly, giving great results. Did my wife’s car first. Was very impressed. Not a swirl in sight...

Then I did mine as I decided last minute that I was going to Edition 38 today. Sat in the showground’s car park…

The show itself was brilliant. Bigger than last year by far and the quality of work of most was absolutely out of this world. I only saw one Mk1 Leon (LCR), which was rather unkempt IMO, which was a real pitty… There was a lovely Ibiza Cupra R with a sexual interior…

Simply wow…

Still giving some thought of where to go/what to do with my car. I was hoping that seeing some examples today would give me a boot in the right direction. TBH, my car isn’t far off the standards of most there today. With an A-class respray and a few body enhancements, and some wheels it would have held its own I think, but I think most LCR owners on here are already there. I want to enjoy the car, and I still love its looks and the way it drives, but it’s just not doing it for me at the moment. Oh dear…

I’ll keep up with the maintenance whilst I give it some thought. I’m going to definitely garage it if I can rent one locally. I said only a post ago that the show scene isn’t what I’m about, but maybe if I can work towards getting it as best as it could be within my budget, I might have something to work for, in getting to some shows/meets next year with it, including AMD (would be great to meet people face to face) – body work/paint finish being my main focus.

I just don’t know…

 

[drka-drka]

Cars looking lovely sat there mate, with little touches you've done easily hold its own.

That little Ibiza is ace

 

[richybigman]

That 1.8T lump in a Golf i assume is stunning, still don't know how they get them to look so empty, lol

 

[ben450]

Wow thats the nuts oh and I want your seats

 

[James23Parkin]

Cars looking lovely sat there mate, with little touches you've done easily hold its own.

That little Ibiza is ace

Thanks Derek

That 1.8T lump in a Golf i assume is stunning, still don't know how they get them to look so empty, lol

Yes, it was a golf from Holland, so clearly its minimal detail has function and reliability. Just amazed with how it looks whilst maintaining its function. Makes ours look clunky and unattractive. Amazing work

Wow thats the nuts oh and I want your seats

There not my seats... As stated, it was a set of photos taken of a Ibiza Cupra R whilst at edition 38... Lovely interior though!

 

[James23Parkin]

Really, what to do next??

GGrrr, I’m still unsure of what to do with the car. I don’t seem to be able to make my mind up at the moment. I’m definitely swaying towards a new car next year, but my wife is really quite keen on me keeping this as a garaged weekend car, to work on as a hobby, which it has been. For me personally, it’s fast becoming an impractical car, with an impending new addition to the family arriving and all Plus it’s bright yellow, so seems to draw attention/comment anywhere it goes. I’m hitting 30 and seem to be having the opposite of a mid-life crisis hahah…

I thought I would update the spec list, and it’s quite surprising to me of how much I’ve done with the car; most of it being my own work, which I can be proud of.

Interior:
225-edition steering wheel.
Replacement LCR gear knob in ’09.
Custom mounted Road Angel Sat Nav.
Custom mounted Static+ airlift gauge and switch in centre console.
10-inch Kicker Subwoofer, home made non-ported box and Rockford Fosgate amp. Fused amp cabling with on/off switch located in glove box.
Connects2 iPod interface for the OEM stereo along with a Dension ice>Link Plus
Custom built 2-piece false floor showing LCR wheel and air compressor set-up.

Exterior:
225-edition teardrop wing mirrors with black covers.
Cobra Bonnet Bra.
Mk4 Golf Bosch Aero wipers (front).
Skoda Fabia rear wiper arm and Bosch blade.
Honda S2000 aerial.
New genuine Seat front splitter fitted in May ’10 (still unmarked)
6000K HIDs, LED side lights and number plate lights.
Road legal pressed plates.

Chassis:
Brembo 40-grooved brake discs. Diameters: front - 323mm. Rear – 256mm.
Ferodo brake pads front and rear replaced in 2012 with new Brembo retaining pins.
Full Brembo refub in Aug 11
Avon 225/40 tyres on all four alloys. The spare 18’ LCR alloy has the original Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyre that has never been used.
New Seat centre alloy badges.
H&R 15 mm hubcentric spacers with extended wheel bolts on the rear.
H&R 5 mm hubcentric spacers with extended wheel bolts on the front.
ECS Rear Wheel Centering Plates.
KW V1 Coilovers mated with Stance.Solutions Static+ Airlift kit.
Powerflex complete wish bone bush kit.
New OE top mount bushes and bearings.
Mahle track rod arms.
Audi S3 front upper strut brace re-sprayed matt black
VW Golf Mk 4 rear upper strut brace again sprayed matt black.
Neuspeed 26mm RARB.
Full wheel refurbishment, finished in 2K BMW silver.

Engine Bay:
Forge TIP.
Forge cold-side dump valve relocation kit.
Forge hot-side silicone hose.
Forge silicone hosing for FMIC set-up.
Forge Split-R valve, currently set at 50/50.
Forge MAP Sensor pipe.
Forge chrome strut caps.
Forge short shift kit.
Audi R8 (VW converted) oil cap.
Audi R8 (VW converted) water coolant pipe.
BMC CDA outer casing with a Green Cotton dual cone filter, attached to a twin air-feed set up. Fog lights deleted.
Universal FMIC. I think the dimensions are 550x225x64MM core with 64mm inlet/outlets.
Matt black painted battery cover with carbon wrapped fuse box.
ECS carbon fibre engine cover.
CarbonMods carbon fibre inlet manifold cover.
Custom made carbon fibre washer bottle surround.
Ford RS billet washer bottle cap.
Polished charge pipe brackets.
Polished charge pipe.
Polished inlet manifold with NewSouth Power gasket.
Polished throttle body with WhanAB billet throttle body cover.
WhanAB dip stick SS handle
034 Motorsport oil catch can with 19mm hosing and 12an fittings
Seat rubber bonnet seal (I can’t remember the correct name).
Complete SS nut/bolt kit.

Items awaiting fitment:
Powerflex dog bone bush kit fitted to a donor dog bone mount.

It wouldn’t make sense for me to sell the car, as it would fetch little, but I think I’m at that stage where I either stop or go the whole way. This being a full A+ respray, consideration of new wheels and brake up-grade, and engine work; in that order probably. My goal would be to make it show worthy, which I would love.

I know we have our ups and downs, but after nearly 8 years of ownership, this feels a bit different. Would it be worth the effort and financial spend?

 

[EL]

Firstly congrats on the new arrival coming soon, bet you can't wait mate

You say the car is impractical, in what sense do you mean? You don't have the getting over speed bumps etc issue due to the stance solutions kit, it's a 4 door with loads of space and a great all rounder. As you mentioned it really isn't worth getting rid as people want them for peanuts all because they have seen a bunch of shitters go cheap and think they all like that. Age is the one thing many get caught up on as people can think that a grown person should be driving something sensible and not a lairy tuned car. Take a step back and look at your car. It doesn't scream out as much as you think. I personally think it looks subtle, smart and proper clean.

My thoughts would be to continue as you are. The thought about going all out on it is debatable though. If you are not going to race or track it, then don't bother with the power side of things. You say big brakes, I use my car hard and recently went on track and still don't believe for a stage 2 car you need bigger brakes. Good discs and pads is perfectly fine so long as you don't do anything silly. If you want it to be show worthy as in for the likes of ED38, players blah blah then stick with the plan of a respray and wheels. It's what gets all the attention to be fair.

Decisions decisions but think carefully about it and take it from there. Will be a shame to see this car go especially if it gets in the hands of some loser who won't look after it the way you have. Obviously though you have to do what's best for you but before deciding to sell have a look around and see if there is anything which really takes your fancy. 9/10 people can't find anything in the given budget they have. If you have to spend a big amount on top of what you get for the LCR you have to think is it really worth the extra £££.

Sorry for the essay...................I will zip now

 

[James23Parkin]

Firstly congrats on the new arrival coming soon, bet you can't wait mate

You say the car is impractical, in what sense do you mean? You don't have the getting over speed bumps etc issue due to the stance solutions kit, it's a 4 door with loads of space and a great all rounder. As you mentioned it really isn't worth getting rid as people want them for peanuts all because they have seen a bunch of shitters go cheap and think they all like that. Age is the one thing many get caught up on as people can think that a grown person should be driving something sensible and not a lairy tuned car. Take a step back and look at your car. It doesn't scream out as much as you think. I personally think it looks subtle, smart and proper clean.

My thoughts would be to continue as you are. The thought about going all out on it is debatable though. If you are not going to race or track it, then don't bother with the power side of things. You say big brakes, I use my car hard and recently went on track and still don't believe for a stage 2 car you need bigger brakes. Good discs and pads is perfectly fine so long as you don't do anything silly. If you want it to be show worthy as in for the likes of ED38, players blah blah then stick with the plan of a respray and wheels. It's what gets all the attention to be fair.

Decisions decisions but think carefully about it and take it from there. Will be a shame to see this car go especially if it gets in the hands of some loser who won't look after it the way you have. Obviously though you have to do what's best for you but before deciding to sell have a look around and see if there is anything which really takes your fancy. 9/10 people can't find anything in the given budget they have. If you have to spend a big amount on top of what you get for the LCR you have to think is it really worth the extra £££.

Sorry for the essay...................I will zip now

Thanks for your opinion El. It's very much appreciated and very much in line with my way of thinking.

What I mean about it being impractical for me personally is that I like it staying clean and in tip top condition. Of course, it gets driven, as it should do, but putting excessive miles on this is not something I want to do. I would much rather have an S-Line A4 estate for this and the LCR could be enjoyed for what it is.

It's an '03 car and whilst it's on its standard map and has been serviced every handful of 1000 miles, I wouldn't feel comfortable with putting it on a Stg 2 map, without doing the rods/clutch, etc. It would be worth having a new tubby and alike too. I wouldn't track it but it would be nice for road use.

I love the LCR. To find a new performance car I would have my heights set on an RS4, and I'm not quite ready for that yet, so a nice family Audi would be perfect for me, which we are saving for presently. As I see it, to keep me interested in the LCR, I'd want to move it forward whilst retaining the OEM+ feel. I'm not into lairy styling, perhaps as you know, but I'm going to have to excite my sights to keep committed, especially as our baby will take an awful lot of time up, in addition to work being very busy too.

I just need to give it some proper thought...