There once was a (not so) ugly duckling ....

[Dan1971]

....that was actually quite sad and craved looking after .... It was listed on the bay of E for anyone just to dip in and abuse her further and run her into the ground ....

But a sharp eyed young man - ;) - saw her and knew that lurking underneath was beauty just waiting to be seen. He asked his knowledgeable friend to check her out and he concurred that there was a decent heart beating under a quite tired exterior.

A train ride and £500 later she met her new owner and the relationship began .....

On the trip home it was clear that there were some issues - it was a little rough running and wouldn't start from hot. Seemed a bit breathless too.

On arrival after a wash chez moi .....

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/DansnewZS003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/DansnewZS005.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/DansnewZS006.jpg



Now I'd be lieing through my teeth if I didn't mention that I've spent a few quid ....

Alcantara interior - alloys - renault splitter - front bumper - fogs - vis motors - headlights - cam sensor - rear strut brace - 45 steering wheel - badges - focal rear speaker upgrade - and a full service which cured the rough running mainly due to replacing the fuel and air filters - comes to mind ...... And some nice new plates.... ;)

But - Not quite the most stunning ZS out there - but I must admit - I've fallen for her .... :love:

Behold - The RedShed is dead - Long live "Red"

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Windows015.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Windows016.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Windows017.jpg


:clap::clap::clap:

[Craig-ZS180]

Looking very good indeed Dan, I do love the solar red hatchs. Certainly worthy of dropping the "shed" title now ;)

[Dan1971]

Cheers Craig ....

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Looking really good Dan, you seem to have a good eye for putting nice little touches to make it stand out.
Liking the red rims, black mirrors & Opie decals.

[Craig-ZS180]

Ive only just noticed the black mirrors after looking again. Really liking that, nice touch. Its amazing how much the fronts changed now with the bumper & lights, much fresher look.

[Dan1971]

Looking really good Dan, you seem to have a good eye for putting nice little touches to make it stand out.
Liking the red rims, black mirrors & Opie decals.

Cheers ... There are site ones by the back wheels, but they are a bit small, and another one over the exhaust at the back ...

[peterzs]

Welcome Red.

Certainly a vast improvement on The Shed.

Great work and just shows there are still great bargains out there.

:yes::yes::yes:

[sneekyparrot]

nice looking car m8, what was up with the motor?

P.

[thered180]

She looks brilliant. Inspiring, as i too have a solar red ZS. Great job :mml:

[Dan1971]

Cheers for the comments guys ....

When you say what was up with the motor - I'm guessing you're on about me mentioning it running rough on the return trip and not starting when hot.

The rough running - I think - was down to a very clogged up and manky air filter and a 10 yr old fuel filter. Sure the new bits from the service - full oil and spark plug change helped too .... Also changed both vis motors.

The starting when hot issue was resolved with a new crank sensor.

Now running really well and looking forward to the RR in February.

[daytona365]

Looking very smart (for a RED one), the mirrors do look good, that was a good idea, and I do like the splitter, looks like it was put on by pro's, and some smart looking plates too.....

[Dan1971]

....... and I do like the splitter, looks like it was put on my pro's, and some smart looking plates too.....

;)

[stamford]

Looks fab Dan, a credit to you. Money well spent and looks to be worth alot more.

[Supercharged_Z]

nice car, I do love a 180 hatch in red

[butch1205]

Which Renault splitter did you use could do with 1 for mine car looks mint mate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Maxfly]

That is a great turnaround there dan, credit to yourself. She is looking red hot noo:D

[Dan1971]

Which Renault splitter did you use could do with 1 for mine car looks mint mate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mine came off an Espace (£30 from a breaker) but a laguna one's the same. 2 on ebay going for £15/£16 just now.

Thanks again for the comments guys.

Up close she still has a fair few marks and scars, so far from perfect but I'm really happy with the changes and - some with a little help from friends on here - but most of it I've actually done myself !

That has made it even more special for me as I'm normally a pay to get it done kind of guy ..... :strongbench:

[MG 53 ZED]

She's coming along nicely you have done a good job there Dan. I do like the ZS in red, wing mirrors in black is a nice touch:yes:

[Dan1971]

She's coming along nicely you have done a good job there Dan. I do like the ZS in red, wing mirrors in black is a nice touch:yes:

Back at you - great job with yours too. Black mirrors would be a nice touch on yours aswell ...;)

[talkingcars]

Black and red or black and yellow always go well togeather.

[peterzs]

Thinking it needed a bit more Yellow!!!

[daytona365]

Thinking it needed a bit more Yellow!!!



:yes::mml::yes:

[MG 53 ZED]

Back at you - great job with yours too. Black mirrors would be a nice touch on yours aswell ...;)

Funny you should say that, when i get the rest of the bodywork sprayed i might just do that:yes:

[Dan1971]

Funny you should say that, when i get the rest of the bodywork sprayed i might just do that:yes:

or ....... pop them off and do it with a rattle can. If you don't like it then you can get them done yellow again when you get the rest done ....

[grimmy]

It's becoming a very nice looking car Dan.just shows what a bit of tlc can do to a car.its a credit to you mate.well done

[Dan1971]

Cheers Grimmy....

[Dan1971]

MG Red and black centres ....

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/005-2.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/011-1.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/010.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/006-1.jpg

[Craig-ZS180]

Nice touch, been looking at that style for mine for a while now but in Black with Blue. Sets the wheels off even more now Dan, very nice.

[Dan1971]

Cheers .... Really chuffed - pics aren't the best, but you get the message.

I'm done with the outside now short of a respray although I'm putting the feelers out re viper stripes.

To do -

Decat
Lowered
Induction

No rush though ..... :whistle:

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers .... Really chuffed - pics aren't the best, but you get the message.

I'm done with the outside now short of a respray although I'm putting the feelers out re viper stripes.

To do -

Decat
Lowered
Induction

No rush though ..... :whistle:


Sounds good. I keep looking for a front splitter but not sure if to go with a cupra r one or laguna. Still undecided.
I love my decat, sounds great even with my rear box hanging, it still sounds great. Hopefully getting the system sorted over the next week or so and will also be going lower on springs from same source.
Induction and decat transform the V6 into an amazing sound, get it done when you can mate :)

[Dan1971]

Sounds good......Induction and decat transform the V6 into an amazing sound, get it done when you can mate :)

My last Mk1 had both so I know what you mean ....

[Craig-ZS180]

My last Mk1 had both so I know what you mean ....

Sorry, forgot you have had a couple of them now :slap: I wont go telling you how to suck eggs then lol.
I would personally still decat before lowering, more smiles for less agro.

[Sonic_160zr]

Looking great Dan.... just goes to show what can be acheived if you have the vision.





Cheers,
Matt

[Dan1971]

Popped to "ZS" today for a bit of a doo stuff ....

ITG fitted with cold air piped from the inner wing.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/4b54c989-465a-4494-8362-907b2b2955ca_zpsf4a27eda.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/4b54c989-465a-4494-8362-907b2b2955ca_zpsf4a27eda.jpg.html)

Also collected a decat - couldnt fit it due to the bolts so I'll leave it until I get it MOTd, and changed the wheel bearing/hub. Picked up a catch tank and another front grill while I was there to mess about with.

Really chuffed .... Thanks so much Sam - nice to see Pete and Chris who popped over too.

Great drive back - far quieter on the road after changing the bearing/hub and the induction made a very healthy roar going through the tunnel....

[daytona365]

Its all coming on nice Dan............All it needs now is a TY respray...............

[Dan1971]

Its all coming on nice Dan............All it needs now is a TY respray...............

No..... the plan is to improve it ..... ;)

[peterzs]

Glad it all went to plan, apart from the pesky exhaust nuts.

ZS does make it all look easy!!!

Bit quicker on the way back???

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[Dan1971]

Glad it all went to plan, apart from the pesky exhaust nuts.

ZS does make it all look easy!!!

Bit quicker on the way back???

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

Just a bit..... ;)

[talkingcars]

Popped to "ZS" today for a bit of a doo stuff ....

ITG fitted with cold air piped from the inner wing.....

I was tempted but need to keep my costs down.

[andys1981]

youve done really well with this zed dan,it just goes to show with a wee bit,care attention and an eye for detail,you can turn a car around,looks great,changed my views on red zeds for sure

[m1cha3l2013]

Really nice looking mate, the Red really shines

[Dan1971]

Cheers fellas....

[Dan1971]

So Red is now my daily driver and as I spend about an hour and a half a day commuting, wanted a decent head unit. DAB in the Mondy meant listening to crystal clear radio - Absolute 80s ;) - so was on the lookout.

Father's day present, but came today and we're bad that way in our house. If a present is bought we're - well - no point in it being in a cupboard doing nothing - might as well start enjoying !

So when I got in, it was on the table. A quick look made it clear that it wasn't just a, remove my old one and plug in the new. The reason - a mic to be routed under the trim for the bluetooth and up by the mirror, and fitting the DAB antenna to the screen which had to be earthed to the chassis. So - quick phone call to a local specialist and an hour later I'm home with it installed and sounding awesome - especially with those rear focals too ..... :punk:

So - Kenwood single disc CD with DAB tuner, bluetooth phone, front and rear aux inputs and i-pod compatible. Delivered for £180 - fitted for £35. All good. Sounds great and very simple to use.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Newstereo004_zpscdb2d523.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/Newstereo004_zpscdb2d523.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Newstereo003_zpsa777148d.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/Newstereo003_zpsa777148d.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Newstereo002_zps7abe5098.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/Newstereo002_zps7abe5098.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/Newstereo001_zpscac7c913.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/Newstereo001_zpscac7c913.jpg.html)

[talkingcars]

I do like that unit.

Mine came with that stick on aerial but I opted for a splitter for a stealthier look.

[peterzs]

very nice, will we all have to go to the DAB radios soon????

:beer::beer:

[Craig-ZS180]

Looks very nice Dan, nice update for Red too. ive not had a DAB radio yet so will have to see when it comes to renewal time for me which as my current h/u was a present to myself about 6 yrs ago now so may need to look into an update in the near future.

[talkingcars]

very nice, will we all have to go to the DAB radios soon????

:beer::beer:

They have delayed the switch off of FM indefinatly.

[Dan1971]

Yep - coming along nicely. Went to see Fast and furious 6 last night - load of tosh - but when I came out at about 11.30 - the roads were so quiet I just had to give it some beans and crank up the stereo - God I felt like I was 18 again !

Anyway - next - I've got a front badge coming and I'll get the replacement grill on the front to tidy that up a bit, got some seatbelt clips ordered for the back seats, then some touching up of the paint.

[talkingcars]

Yep - coming along nicely. Went to see Fast and furious 6 last night - load of tosh - but when I came out at about 11.30 - the roads were so quiet I just had to give it some beans and crank up the stereo - God I felt like I was 18 again !

Did that on Saturday, the D-Max seats were fun but not worth the money, on the way home we had an encounter with a same age same colour civic with blue HID's, I sneaked past him which upset him, on the first stretch of national speed limit dual carriageway I let him pass when I'd proved my point.

[tcb 180]

Oh No not a ctr thing again? Ha Ha

[Dan1971]

Badge came today - all fitted. Huge difference. :mml:

[peterzs]

Love to see the LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[Dan1971]

Badge and clips came so here they are -

Replacement grill and new badge fitted with the old one being held. Old one is well scabby. Replacement not perfect, but much better I think you'll agree.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/13613004_zps22b61d82.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/13613004_zps22b61d82.jpg.html)


And the clips although a small thing, make the back look so much better than the old broken clips with their sharp edges showing and the seat belts flapping around.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/13613005_zps82bc0399.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/13613005_zps82bc0399.jpg.html)

[peterzs]

Looks good, Dan.

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[Craig-ZS180]

Looking very smart Dan. I still want your interior, looks great and did feel nice when I sat in Red at the meet :)

[Dan1971]

Cheers fellas....:-D

[Dan1971]

Wash and the private plates on ....

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/TheRedZed001_zps16f15671.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/TheRedZed001_zps16f15671.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/TheRedZed002-2_zpse9419511.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/TheRedZed002-2_zpse9419511.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/TheRedZed004-2_zps2ccf3dc0.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/TheRedZed004-2_zps2ccf3dc0.jpg.html)

[Craig-ZS180]

Looks good with the plate on Dan, very nice mate :clap2:

[stamford]

Looks ace Dan :thumbsup:

[grimmy]

Looking good Dan.someone is going to get a good one when you sell it lol.

[petet16]

Looks great:cool2:

[Dan1971]

Looking good Dan.someone is going to get a good one when you sell it lol.

Fair point .... ;)

The Mrs did say that putting the private plate on is normally the kiss of death .... Not this time though.

Actually had her over a year now !

I've had a guy look at some of the paint issues too - same fella that did a couple of jobs on my BMW coupe - gonna get some correction done in the next couple of weeks - 3 big scratches - including getting the calipers and wheel hubs rubbed down and painted at the same time and finish off with a machine polish. Won't be good as new, but will certainly improve things close up.

Getting there.

[POMPSKI]

Looking great Dan!

[Dan1971]

Cheers fellas ....

[peterzs]

looked a different car than when you picked it up Dan, not into ringing????

[Dan1971]

Well I'd really hoped to get this done for the show, but I dropped the car off today with the guy that did some paintwork on my BMW coupe.

There were some nasty scrapes on the doors - in particular the rear passenger side, but also on the driver's door. He's worked some magic I tell you, and at the same time he got a dent guy out who pulled some of the bigger dings and ripples out. I also got him to paint the wheel hubs and calipers. Then he returned the car to later having been waxed and machine polished so even my crappy rattle can spray effort on the mirror covers has come up like glass.

Still has her issues and the lacquer is peeling in a number of small areas that only a full respray will address - but - I reckon she looks pretty good now.

Some before and afters ....

Before doors -

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040076_zpsab56a5ee.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040076_zpsab56a5ee.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040077_zpse41a9ee9.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040077_zpse41a9ee9.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040078_zps85d2a5dd.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040078_zps85d2a5dd.jpg.html)

After doors -

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040085_zps6e7351e1.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040085_zps6e7351e1.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040086_zpsc98d388e.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040086_zpsc98d388e.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040087_zps28f7971e.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040087_zps28f7971e.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040088_zps16995a42.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040088_zps16995a42.jpg.html)

Before wheels - all four in this state -

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040075_zpscd456a68.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040075_zpscd456a68.jpg.html)

After wheels - all four now this good !

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040091_zps43848cb9.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040091_zps43848cb9.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040093_zpsa70d0e30.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040093_zpsa70d0e30.jpg.html)

As she stands now outside the house -

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/P1040082_zps8a07742c.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/danlaualex/media/P1040082_zps8a07742c.jpg.html)

[M17TT180]

Dan I may not be able to do your stripes for a bit, what with my hand and all.

[Dan1971]

Dan I may not be able to do your stripes for a bit, what with my hand and all.

Hey pal - no worries at all ..... whenever you're up to it.

[peterzs]

Looks good Dan, not too far short of being a Miracle Worker.

Car looked good yesterday, now, even better.

Must get my wheels looked at, trouble is I know first time out....................

:beer2::beer2::beer2:

[stamford]

That's never the same car! :thumbsup:

[Cally180]

looking good, nice job on the scratches

[Dan1971]

Cheers fellas.....

Amount of money I've spent I should've bought a decent one to start with .... Never mind eh - has been a work in progress and I've enjoyed every minute to be honest.

[peterzs]

engine might have dropped out Dan, better the Devil.....

:pirate2::pirate2::pirate2:

[Dan1971]

engine might have dropped out Dan, better the Devil.....

:pirate2::pirate2::pirate2:

Can't believe you said that Pete ..... :wall: :shoot2:

If it falls out tomorrow you can help me put the replacement in !

[andys1981]

very nice dan,you are doing very well with this car mate,looking ace!

[Steven11]

So when are you getting the stripes on Dan, can wait to see some pictures.

[M17TT180]

So when are you getting the stripes on Dan, can wait to see some pictures.

When I no longer have a hole in my finger!

[peterzs]

Can't believe you said that Pete ..... :wall: :shoot2:

If it falls out tomorrow you can help me put the replacement in !

Dan :smile2::smile2::smile2: That was the expensive one, you could have bought!!!

Not the shiny red one!!!!!

:beer::beer::beer:

[Dan1971]

So the A/C has never worked and I've been cooking on the commute for the last few days and even more at the weekend at Duxford. Anyway - the garage hand at work - does minor repairs and cleans the cars etc , nice old guy - knows a guy that does A/C refills and servicing etc. Gave him the keys this morning and crossed my fingers ...
.
.
.
.
.
Froze my ass off on the way home, A/C all good with a refill and he fixed a brake light that I didn't even know was out ..... :mml:

[peterzs]

Result!!

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[stamford]

Nice one, I find I am using the Vectra's auto setting alot now. When my zed is back on the road I'll need a re-gas as it has gone off.

[Dan1971]

Well - despite the external efforts to the body, the mechanical bits, and the interior - it appears that the car's time down South has rotted too much of the car.

Failed the MOT today with a subframe excessively corroded and further advisories on more corrosion on the floor pan. This is on top of some welding that I had done 2 days ago. I'm not throwing any more into it in order to sell, so feel that I'm left with only 1 option. Further fail on the performance of the handbrake despite the tension being addressed too - so calliper issues I think.

Still - owning her had been a great experience.

I'm genuinely gutted.

Stand by for a breaking thread.

[petet16]

That's a shame, it's a good looking car.

There must be a few rogue cars about, I broke a 98 Rover 200 a few years back which would have made it about 6 years old, I've never seen such a rotten example.

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Damn shame to end the story with it breaking but hope you do well with getting rid of most parts to keep others on the road.

[peterzs]

Shame, but its served you well.

Lucky you have the new one on the way.

:):):)

[Smokey]

Bad news mate, shame it can't be fixed up since you put in so much hard work.

Still there will be plenty of money made back in stripping it. Will you be selling the grey alcantara that's in it? (not for me, I already have a set!)

[Craig-ZS180]

That is a proper shame Dan, the time and effort that had gone into Red made it into a very nice example of the zs.!!
I will say in advance though that if you are putting up a braking thread you will be getting some pennies from me as bits of yours I've always taken a shining too (leather alcantara interior and wheel possibly if splitting) as it looked so good.
At least it'll be money to a good cause and help another live on in style.

Awaits vulture comments now as per the rules lol

[M17TT180]

Photoshoot and a scavenge now.

Sorry to hear but at least you got a new toy.

[andys1981]

that is bad news dan,you had done really well with red aswell,as stated put a wee list up,and see if anybodys looking for stuff,you may break even,hope you have a better day in york tomorrow mate,good luck

[Dan1971]

Cheers fellas - yep - shame - but it happens I guess.

To be honest - glad it's now while I've got it and not if I'd sold her on here to someone who then found the issues at the first MOT.

So - if anyone wants anything - apart from the wheels that is (unless you give me some to put on so I can roll it about) - I'll get a separate thread up soon enough. Right now I'm just planning my trip to York tomorrow to get the Silver one.

And I don't mind any vulture comments at all....

[peterzs]

First dibs on the Silver one!!!

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Dan1971]

First dibs on the Silver one!!!

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

:laugh:

[MG.DAN]

Is the strut brace going on the new one? :)
Dan

[Dan1971]

Is the strut brace going on the new one? :)
Dan

Sold that a while ago mate....

[stamford]

Right, now I know why! Read the pm before the threads ;)

Great shame as it was turning into a darned good car. I may have some questions for you when you get a thread up ;)

[MG.DAN]

Oh my bad :) serves me right for being too lazy to read the other 10 pages lol

Was it worth having on? Much difference? :)

[Dan1971]

Oh my bad :) serves me right for being too lazy to read the other 10 pages lol

Was it worth having on? Much difference? :)

Never noticed a scrap of difference pal ....

[talkingcars]

Oh my bad :) serves me right for being too lazy to read the other 10 pages lol

Was it worth having on? Much difference? :)

It's perfect for holding my sub in place.

[MG.DAN]

Never noticed a scrap of difference pal ....

Ahh right cheers mate :) saved me money.
Although my sub does move around lol