MG ZS 180 Mk2 - XPG Saloon.

[Skillen]

So I have had a Mk1 180 hatch for a while now and recently decided I wanted a Mk2 180 saloon.
Yesterday I went to have a look at one and although it has a few niggles I picked it up for £1200.

So here begins the progress thread :D (And the pics).

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps4a3929d3.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps9dce94ed.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps955cec63.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsdb563ee3.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps72bf5d70.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps42132af3.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps37727d3c.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps0f76f7fa.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps37f9fbb7.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsae9a0bbb.jpg
Drivers bolster hardly any wear!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps901458cc.jpg
It has a spare key which has never been used!

Has had a new windscreen fitted as the old one had a stone chip/crack in it.
all new rubbers and trim around it and it even has a tinted sunstrip.



The bad bits:
74k miles but no belts done. (Will be done when I've saved a little.)
Only has lip spoiler but atm can't decide on which I like more, that or the Extreme.

Silly badges on it:slap: :
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps77284b46.jpg
Only got it on the one side!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps5642d6a3.jpg
Why with the clio v6 badges?

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps58fee439.jpg
Crappy brakelight sticker makes me not want to use my brakes!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps2448e511.jpg
Bodged attempt at a replacement badge.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsbdabda75.jpg
Apparently in the MGOC.


Both headlights are misted up:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps0a54917c.jpg

Boot lid isn't flush on the passenger side:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps06f3b998.jpg

Saggy Bum:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps8020b9b2.jpg

It has a hatchback exhaust on a saloon so it is about two inches short of the bumper.

Got a few stone chips on the leading edges of the kit.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps9d0ec03d.jpg
What I thought was a silly induction kit but it is enclosed and has a cold air feed. It has just been bodged onto the TB though. (Will swap the ITG from the old ZS to this one.

The mirror adjuster switch is really loose.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps19b433c0.jpg

The roof has peeling laquer. :(

To do list:
Belts, water pump, thermostat. DONE!
Full Service. DONE!
Decat. DONE!
Stainless cat-back. DONE!
ITG Maxogen. DONE!
Fit the electric rear windows I have. DONE!
Mk1 door cards + extra sound proofing. All Doors Done!
Swap the headunit for my Alpine and upgrade speakers. Rears, fronts + tweeters & Parcel shelf soundproofing DONE.
Alcantara seats with headrests. DONE!
Heated seats. DONE!
Auto closing boot.
Re-furbish the spare set of Mk2 11 spokes I have to either a darker colour or original sparkle silver. DONE!
Get rid of the crap stickers. DONE
Order and replace the faded standard stickers.Union side badges DONE.
Replace sticking rear caliper. DONE!
Full professional valet. DONE!
Bumper alignment. DONE!
Boot lid alignment. DONE!


So all in all a lot to do.
But worth it for the price I paid and I'll be keeping this one for a while


(I apologise for the enormous pictures!)

[petet16]

Doesn't look too bad, the induction is a Piperx viper, I'd be concerned about that bootlid, it doesn't have any adverse history does it ?.

If the misting is on the inside of the plastic cover, removing the covers off the back of the units will clear it

[Skillen]

Doesn't look too bad, the induction is a Piperx viper, I'd be concerned about that bootlid, it doesn't have any adverse history does it ?.

If the misting is on the inside of the plastic cover, removing the covers off the back of the units will clear it

nope none the guy showed it as clear on HPI and when I noticed I had a good poke around and it all seems alright.
I even got under the car and had a feel around the crash cans and all seemed well there too.
No other alignment issues apart from saggy bum, and the boot doesnt have any water in it even though it rained last night here and I washed it down today aswell.

And the misting is cloudyness rather than misting, the lens is all pitted and rough.

[Steven11]

Nice clean car. I would start by removing the V6 badge, and can i just say it looks great with the lip spoiler. Dont give in by putting the Evo, opps i mean extreme spoiler on it. Looks much more classy and grown up without it.

Really nice car though

[petet16]

nope none the guy showed it as clear on HPI and when I noticed I had a good poke around and it all seems alright.
I even got under the car and had a feel around the crash cans and all seemed well there too.
No other alignment issues apart from saggy bum, and the boot doesnt have any water in it even though it rained last night here and I washed it down today aswell.

That's good, the saggy bum seems to affect all the mk2 saloons.

[petet16]

Less extreme boot spoiler

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/picture.php?albumid=239&pictureid=1481

[Skillen]

Less extreme boot spoiler

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/picture.php?albumid=239&pictureid=1481

Not sure what I'll go for tbh, I do like it without a spoiler.
wonder what a hatch spoiler would look like!:unsure:

[Craig-ZS180]

Even with the "little niggles" as you say, it is a lovely looking car that with some minor changes could look very special indeed. Well done buddy :thumbsup:

[Craig-ZS180]

Less extreme boot spoiler

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/picture.php?albumid=239&pictureid=1481


Is this on the T or the V pete? Looks very nice with the spoiler, wasnt sure what would make of it to be honest but its a subtly change to the usual.

[Smokey]

Definitely sounds like a good purchase mate.

[petet16]

Is this on the T or the V pete? Looks very nice with the spoiler, wasnt sure what would make of it to be honest but its a subtly change to the usual.

That's on the T, the V just has a lip spoiler.

[Craig-ZS180]

wonder what a hatch spoiler would look like!:unsure:

Hatch spoiler could be interesting as I dont recall Ive ever seen one done before.
May be worth a try.

That's on the T, the V just has a lip spoiler.

Ah fair play Pete, I dont think Ive ever seen pics of either of the cars in full before so thought would ask :)

[Skillen]

Well the to-do list has begun,
I've taken all the tacky stickers off.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps8ab1070e.jpg
Much better! (Needs a new MG badge though IMO)

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsf6edaac5.jpg
MG6 anyone?

And the next mod has begun:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps5fa4ab6c.jpg

That's all for today!

If I see an XPG hatch spoiler I'll offer it up to see what its like :)

[peterzs]

Looks a good buy.

There is a plastic polish that the detailers use to shine up the headlights. They have a plastic lacquer that gets pitted and goes cloudy.

So should come back up, with a bit of TLC.

[Skillen]

Looks a good buy.

There is a plastic polish that the detailers use to shine up the headlights. They have a plastic lacquer that gets pitted and goes cloudy.

So should come back up, with a bit of TLC.

I'll give it a look into.
I was gonna try some maguiares compound on them.
If that fails ill buy some and attempt a projector conversion and take my time with it!

[Dan1971]

Good little purchase. Lip spoiler is best mate on a mk 2 saloon.

[Skillen]

Update number 2:

Converted the rear windows to electric ones today.
I originally gor them for my Mk1 but it didn't have the loom as it was an early model.

All front switches in and working.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps5fa4ab6c.jpg

Mk1 door cards to go in tomorrow after they have been cleaned.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps8a9cb76e.jpg

I also took the opportunity to sound deaden the door while i had the door cards off.

Interior pics tomorrow once the cards are on :D
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps84164170.jpg

[talkingcars]

Good buy.

I can't see why the lip spoiler suites the mk2 better than the extreme spoiler, how can it be more grown up when the mk2 has the body kit.

While you are swapping bits don't forget the seat backs, glove box and under bonnet sound insulation.

[petet16]

mk2's already have the under bonnet sound deadening, and unless it's an early mk1 the seat backs and glove box will be the same as mk2 ones

[Skillen]

Good buy.
While you are swapping bits don't forget the seat backs, glove box and under bonnet sound insulation.

Cheers!
I've not noticed that the seat backs are different!
Also didnt know the glove box was!
The sound insulation will be going over as will more sound deadening stuff from behind the Mk1 dash before me and my cousin and my friend strip it for a couple of fun track days.
Dunno if the carpet is any higher quality on the Mk1.

Good buy.

I can't see why the lip spoiler suites the mk2 better than the extreme spoiler, how can it be more grown up when the mk2 has the body kit.
Subtle yet lairy?
I'm gonna look into the hatch spoiler.

[Skillen]

mk2's already have the under bonnet sound deadening, and unless it's an early mk1 the seat backs and glove box will be the same as mk2 ones

It an early one (52 plate)

[talkingcars]

The early glove box is flocked inside.

I thought the sound deadening was deleted from later cars.

The early 180 seat backs have map pockets.

[talkingcars]

It an early one (52 plate)

That's almost new, mine is a 51.

[Skillen]

The early glove box is flocked inside.

I thought the sound deadening was deleted from later cars.

The early 180 seat backs have map pockets.

Hmm, I dont think mine do, maybe mine is too late then.
I'm gonna have to check, ha!

[petet16]

The mk2 won't have the flocked glove box, it was an early victim of project drive along with the map pockets in the seat backs, the early glove boxes are easy to find, the seat backs not so easy, I'm still looking for a second pair with map pockets

[Skillen]

The mk2 won't have the flocked glove box, it was an early victim of project drive along with the map pockets in the seat backs, the early glove boxes are easy to find, the seat backs not so easy, I'm still looking for a second pair with map pockets

The scrappy Hatch I got my rear head rests and electric windows from may have them then!

I have the flocked glovebox in the Mk1 but not the seat pockets.

[petet16]

The scrappy Hatch I got my rear head rests and electric windows from may have them then!

I have the flocked glovebox in the Mk1 but not the seat pockets.

It might well do, zt's use the same seat back as the zs so that is another source.

[Skillen]

It might well do, zt's use the same seat back as the zs so that is another source.

45/75's too?
theres a couple round me in scrappies
do the 75's carry the same cost saving problems?

[petet16]

Yes 45/75 are the same, and project drive deleted from the 75/zt, so early cars are the best bet.

Annoyingly I've found one brand new seat back with pocket for £12, but can't find another to match it, grrrrrrr

[petet16]

Something else worth having off a facelift 25 or 45 is the Black with chrome ring dash vents, they work much better than the Silver ones in the mk2 zs and zr.

[Skillen]

Something else worth having off a facelift 25 or 45 is the Black with chrome ring dash vents, they work much better than the Silver ones in the mk2 zs and zr.

I actually saw some of those in the scapyard today, they were in a car that had its roof cut off by the fire service and unfortunately they had damaged the two outer ones! the centre two may have been fine though!

[stamford]

By the looks of it you have got a decent car, you still get niggles with a new one!

[Skillen]

Took the door cards off again today to put some more sound deadening material onto them.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsab292d54.jpg

Much nicer in there now, can barely hear the electric window motor!
And the door closes with a satisfying thud now (nothing like a golf BTW).


Door cards back in with the old style grey insert Classy.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps2686b13a.jpg

Next on the agenda.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpseec30fa1.jpg

These are to go in next.
The speakers are for the rear shelf and once they are in the shelf will also be getting some sound deadening material as will the boot lid as that is just bare metal!

Gonna be a luxury cruiser yet!

[Skillen]

Just heard the car is ready to pick up after needing both rear calipers and pads replaced.
I did think it was a tad slow and they were both gummed up and were binding!
Going to pick it up soon and see what it's like and no more ridiculous head turning squeal!

[Skillen]

Fitted my alpine rear co-axial speakers today:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsc270c345.jpg

After this I put some soundproofing on the underside of the parcel shelf.
Was gonna put some on the boot lid but decided not to as it would have looked horrible - Did the mk1 saloons come with a sound proofing mat on the boot lid?

Got to get some double sided velcro to put the original speaker covers back on to cover the new speakers up.

Got the replacement wing badges to go on today as well:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsff680d7e.jpg

Should tidy it up a little on the outside.

[Skillen]

Fitted the alpine CDA-117ri head unit (the dash on these cars is a bloody nightmare with so little room behind the headunit!
Routed the iPhone connection/control behind and through the centre console to come out through the ash tray.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsd6b7174e.jpg
But figured it wouldn't have much reach like that
So did a bit of bodging on the ashtray as there is a hole in the side where a clear orange cap is in place so that the iPod connector would go though.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps076709e9.jpg

Plus side is that it can all be pushed into the ash tray to keep it clutter free.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsf383d35f.jpg

Also fitted the mk1 arm rest to it as it is a bit more plush.
Problem was that the retaining clips are different on the lids so needed to be swapped to keep the lid shut properly.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps59e2b1d4.jpg

And swapped the mk1 glovebox over as it is flocked inside and noticed the distinct lack of sound insulation behind the mk2 dash compared to the mk1!

[Skillen]

Put these on order today:
http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/alpine-spg17cs-17cm-component-2way-car-speaker-p-23923.html#.UVljvoe9LCQ

Means that the sound system will be sorted enough for the time being until I save up for 2x 8inch subs and 2x amps to amp all the speakers.

When these are here the front doors will be getting both inner and outer skins sound deadened, the backs of the door cards will have underlay on the insides as well.

The window runners will be sprayed with silicon lube at this point also.

Ordered heated seat squabs and backs too.
Just need to wait for a seat upgrade to some alcantaras and fit them before the seats go in which should be easier.

With the seats out the carpet will be properly cleaned and I'll have a look at the floor pan sound deadening at this point.

Hoping to have all of the interior stuff done by summer and then I can get saving for the bodywork sorting by the end of the year at which point it will be engine mods all in time for completion by PoL 2014 which will hopefully see a mint car with the works!

[MG 53 ZED]

Cracking job you done there, I can deffo recommend sound proofing the floor pan. I did this to mine along with the door cards and pillar trims (got the roof and boot to do yet), you will certainly notice a difference :D

[Skillen]

I hope so! It's a lot less refined with regards to road noise than the mk1 it seems.
Not sure if its a result of the lack of sound proofing behind the dash :/

[Skillen]

These arrived today! :D
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zps02a4f407.jpg
They look a pain to wire up though!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zpsd2dff91f.jpg
Mmmm technology-y-y-y-y.

Along with my replacement headlamps.

Hopefully they'll be in along with the speakers in time for PoL

And the heated seat bases. Just waiting on the backs and have to get some switches.

[Skillen]

Just sent payment for a set of smokestone alcantara seats.
Good condition with little drivers wear.
Big thanks to Dave (with the yellow ZSTD) for pointing me in the right direction!

Can't wait to get them and get the heaters whacked in them and in the car hopefully in time for PoL!

It's all coming together quickly!

[Skillen]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zps2a3d6952.jpg?t=1366222966

They have arrived! :)

[Skillen]

Productive afternoon today
Spoiler is on
A bit further forward than normal but i have the lip spoiler too but i think it works well.
Stuck it on a polo too!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/IMG_2409_zps5f905020.jpg


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zpsf038673e.jpg


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps11f6974c.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps18f12a24.jpg

Looks a bit off but I think it's just the angle :/
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps24c65ab4.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpse1b1ac65.jpg

Also got the rears of the alcantara seats in too.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsb2ac9269.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps43dfe323.jpg

The fronts will go in when I have the heaters sorted :/ Hopefully soon.

My Brother also had a bit of fun with some tape.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zpsd49a6754.jpg

[POMPSKI]

Well, that Alacantra truly is stunning.

[Skillen]

What! No comments on the new stripes?

It feels so nice! And looks good!

[R8NMG]

Those alcantara looks plush. I have the black alcantara in mine and it makes the cabin looks very dark.

[Skillen]

Those alcantara looks plush. I have the black alcantara in mine and it makes the cabin looks very dark.

Black? Did not know you could get it in black!

Was trying to keep to a grey theme really.
Might look at getting the doors re-trimmed at some point.

[Dan1971]

Not 100% on the spoiler to be honest but the seats look great. Every ZS should have alcantara .... Good work.

[POMPSKI]

Doors are on my to-do list too. Take it you've also got a seat mismatch due to the heater issues :D

[Dan1971]

Those alcantara looks plush. I have the black alcantara in mine and it makes the cabin looks very dark.

Had dark alcantara in my ZT-T - awesome.

[Skillen]

Doors are on my to-do list too. Take it you've also got a seat mismatch due to the heater issues :D

Yep haha!
That and I want to shave the seats before fitting to get rid of the bobbling!

Tbh I'm not 100% on the spoiler yet and will be on the lookout for another mk2 bootlid with lip spoiler to have another, better go at it!

[petet16]

Lip spoiler and less extreme spoiler

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/picture.php?albumid=239&pictureid=1481

Stripes look great btw:hmm:

[POMPSKI]

I've said it before, but I must have that spoiler Pete.

[petet16]

Thanks, some people aren't keen on it, not extreme enough for them.

[petet16]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-400-45-BOOT-SPOILER-/200316393957?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ea3c999e5:whistle:

[stamford]

Those seats look lush.

[Skillen]

Those seats look lush.

They are, I sat in them for a while last night!
I also sound deadened the floor beneath them and it's so much quieter now!
Getting luxury!

[R8NMG]

Black? Did not know you could get it in black!

It's not actually black but more dark grey but I believe it is refer to as black.

4582

[Skillen]

It's not actually black but more dark grey but I believe it is refer to as black.

4582

It is dark! Looks nice though!
Did you get the decals done yourself?

[R8NMG]

It is dark! Looks nice though!
Did you get the decals done yourself?

I have black oak dash on mine too so the black alcantara and the dash makes the whole cabin dark.

Yea it's like a gel sticker.

[Skillen]

I've got dazzer on the case to try and match the mk1 inserts for colour so I can have my centre console match the colours.

Are the door cards recovered?

[Skillen]

Put both of the seat base heaters in over the last two days
Bit of a short joining wire makes it difficult but they all fit well!
Just need the backrest heaters to arrive!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zpsc04a155f.jpg

Also me and my sis shaved the bobbles from the alcantara
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps531f8ca4.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsc86f7e6a.jpg
Still a little bobbly bit looking alright.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsc93bf0b6.jpg

Little bit of bolster wear but for now they are good until the money is saved for a refurb and reupholster.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zps378f753b.jpg

[Skillen]

Back parts of the seat heaters are in.
Front seats will be in by Saturday.

Fitted the wind-deflectors too.

[Skillen]

Got the front seats in today.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsdaf33f49.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps968873a1.jpg

Really comfy but I do want to refurb them still.
Just need the heater switches and the relays sorted and they'll be working in time for summer!

[petet16]

They look good.

[POMPSKI]

Yummy, I wish I had them.

[peterzs]

Great work, love the attention to detail.

:wave::wave::wave:

[Skillen]

Today after a lot of swearing and some effort I changed the drab plastic mk2 kickplates for the better stainless mk1 kickplates.
It's the little details that give the car more class I feel.

Before:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps76ccad25.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps5432cb2c.jpg

After:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsfe062296.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsb3b34772.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsb6a6c087.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsf76ba985.jpg



I also changed the rear quarter badges as they were faded.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps994dc747.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps8b18bfe1.jpg


I tried to debadge the rear today as well.
To take the aftermarket badge off as I wasn't a fan.

But after I had taken it off it appears that someone had had an over-zelous attempt at taking the original off and scraped the paint off the boot lid.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps23e15991.jpg

So it seems I am destined to have a boot with badges on.
Ill order some replacements and hopefully (as the paint is scraped off outside of the badge borders) Dazzer will be able to make me a slightly oversized badges to cover it up while I attempt to source a grey mk2 boot lid with a lip spoiler.

*sigh* there's always something.

[petet16]

I did the stainless tread plates on both our mk2's, it looks way better than the plain plastic, the badges come off much easier by a bit of heating with a hair dryer, and a length of nylon fishing line to cut through the adhesive pad.

[Skillen]

I did the stainless tread plates on both our mk2's, it looks way better than the plain plastic, the badges come off much easier by a bit of heating with a hair dryer, and a length of nylon fishing line to cut through the adhesive pad.

thats what I did minus the fishing line, but the aftermarket replacement was poor at best and they had stuck it over the top of the old adhesive as it only contacted the body at the edges as it was a strange one.
I tried softening with some tar remover as well but it was old and crappy.
Im gonna get at it more over the next few days to clean it up for the replacment.

[daytona365]

Mines a mk1 and i still got the plastic kick plates.............:sick:

[petet16]

wd40 and a plastic scraper gets rid of the old foam pad pretty well, then a wipe over with panel wipe or meths before you fit the new one.

[petet16]

Mines a mk1 and i still got the plastic kick plates.............:sick:

I thought all the mk1's had the stainless plates

[Skillen]

Mines a mk1 and i still got the plastic kick plates.............:sick:

Does yours have the upper door inserts?

[Djules]

I have bought the stainless kick plates too, already have the rear but waiting the front from Rimmerbros.
How did you achieve that ? Did you remove the plastic plate first or just drill ?

[Skillen]

I have bought the stainless kick plates too, already have the rear but waiting the front from Rimmerbros.
How did you achieve that ? Did you remove the plastic plate first or just drill ?

I have a Mk1 and a Mk2 so i just swapped them over.
The Mk1 black plastic had drilled holes in it already so was quite easy to sort.

[talkingcars]

I was wondering about the early door cards with the mk2 dash, definatly a bit classer.

[Skillen]

I was wondering about the early door cards with the mk2 dash, definatly a bit classer.

They do look better.
I'm also sending a bit of mk1 dash trim to dazzer to see if he can get some vinyl of the same colour so I can wrap the mk2 dash the same as the mk1's colour to match it in a bit better.

I think it's similar to XPG so i could spray the dasy pieces. but I'd like it to be a good match amd finish so it all looks like it was there from factory.

[talkingcars]

There is a paint code somewhere.

[Skillen]

There is!
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=20383&highlight=Interior+trim+paint+code
And it came from your thread.

Was it the correct colour code when you had bought it?

[Skillen]

Found this:

drdial
06-06-2009, 11:03
Nexa (ICI) have formulations for Rhodium interior.

Dark Rhodium 2003 - 2004 Code: MVP

Light Rhodium 2002 - 2004 Code: MVQ

This will only be info where they have matched the colour and used the last 3 letters of the part number (which indicate colour usually) as a code.Not a standard MGR available in all paints colour.


Not sure if we're light or dark
But apparently XPG is lighter than the trim.

[petet16]

I sprayed a gear lever surround xpg, it's a pretty good match to the Technical Gray

[talkingcars]

It's close if a bit more sparkly but that could have been the mixer.

And it's much nicer than the mk2 finish once lacquered.

[Skillen]

Done myself a quick detail today pressure wash and a quick detailing spray.
Then had a little photo shoot haha.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps090ebc0f.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps656a2783.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsed2413d5.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps7b44b7b8.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps1d4e599d.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsf9f94ee5.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps197ea473.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsc57323bf.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps03d22a02.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsec118a4b.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsbd96c777.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps3ce80a28.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps2a3bf962.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps3474606c.jpg

Ok, so I lied, it was a big photoshoot!
But she looked good in the moody light.

[M17TT180]

Looking good mate, now get that grill on!

[Skillen]

So, since I had the prang resulting in a category c total loss being placed on the car for a broken bumper and light, I have been sourcing parts and goodies.

Sourced:
New steering wheel
Headlights
Headlamp washer bottle and jets
Replacement bumper in XPG (courtesy of Bren, big thanks to him)
Headlamp dimmer switch with headlamp washer switch in it from a civic.
Accord executive interior light with map lights.
Auto dimming rear view mirror from a ZT and got a smaller cowl for it from BMW for a fiver.
Rear parking sensor which the wiring is now worked out for but need spraying.
Heated windscreen is on order
Bonnet lifters are on their way
Sprayed the lower grill black and will do the upper grill and see what the mk1 grill is like on it.

And so the repair begins:

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps3316cb4b.jpg
Stripped down the front (the washer bottle is also out now) found no underlying damage which is always nice.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps624675b0.jpg
Off with the old. Headlights will be forming a new project later in the year hopefully.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps09b9ebc3.jpg
Sprayed the grill black and now looks much neater than chipped grey!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps4ea9bd7b.jpg
Transferred the gubbings over (need a right hand light washer elbow to fit that bit to the washer)

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps1d0d402b.jpg
Just about ready to go on.

It isn't perfect but it is a good base seeing as I'm thinking of getting it resprayed.

A few little things to sort out before refitting like polish the headlights up and spruce up the engine bay but I'm pleased it is back on track.

[petet16]

Good work, but how annoying is it that so little damage results in it becoming cat C.

[peterzs]

Crazy, hope the insurance has paid for all the upgrades.

:pirate2::pirate2::pirate2:

[Skillen]

Good work, but how annoying is it that so little damage results in it becoming cat C.

It's ridiculous. I argued for two weeks that it was ludicrous! But to no avail.

Crazy, hope the insurance has paid for all the upgrades.

:pirate2::pirate2::pirate2:

Well it covered the cost of the car ;)
So free car really! Lol!
Plenty more upgrades to come now.

[Skillen]

So, I got the car back together today.

Cleaned the engine bay first off with all the front gubbins out of the way:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps127142b2.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps830451d8.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps263166ec.jpg

Got the new, less foggy headlights in, the new, very clean washer bottle with headlight washer pump on it and the crashbar back in.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsfc05d6e5.jpg
Also only got one bonnet lifter on there as the drivers side one snapped the bolt clean off! Still works well though.

Bumper is on and so the damage is repaired!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps9b53ae33.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsdb7e397c.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsbd848c4d.jpg


While i hda the lights out I changed the dipped beam for some 5000k HID's some nice white LED sidelights, changed the main beams for some Halfords Extreme Brilliance bulbs and swapped the indicator bulbs for some silvery ones so no fried egg look.

Next plan is to spray the upper grill mesh black and maybe try the mk1 grill on it to see how that looks.

[andys1981]

that is looking great mate,well done with getting it all sorted

[stamford]

Nicely done :yes:

[Craig-ZS180]

That has come on a long way now and is really benefitting from the time and effort your putting into it to get it back to how you want. Really looking great and its good to see another being made better again with a little oem+ loving.

Good job and look forward to seeing this more as you go :)

[Skillen]

Okay, so these weren't a lot of peoples cups of tea but they have really grown on me over the last 24hrs.

Fitted my Superforma hubcentric spacers yesterday (coutesy of Thumpjunkie).
30mm to the rears and 20mm to the fronts.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zpse10f6bbf.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsf1f9383c.jpg

Really good quality and lightweight aluminum so hopefully wont add too much unsprung weight.


Some before and after pics now.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsa6005c1e.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps8b86dafa.jpg


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsb046e4fe.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps340ffb28.jpg


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpscd72fc88.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps04f93f12.jpg


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zpsd6da851c.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps12389748.jpg



http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps6cbb55fc.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zpsf3976341.jpg

They dont actually poke that much tbh:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo5_zps2c679d3b.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsacfb26b6.jpg

The mcguard locking nut also snapped off :/
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsa978e7c3.jpg

[andys1981]

mcguard wheel nuts are a nightmare mate,best thing to do,if you can get the other part off,is get a candle melt it and push it into your wheel nut,thats how i had to get replacement ones,sent me the wrong one,they come from germany,looks good from side view though callum

[Skillen]

I've ordered a full new set of wheel nuts as I'm sick of mine stripping and also fed up of the paint chipping around them so hopefully sorted something out with that regard.

Passed its mot today, one advisory (after changing the tyres) OSR brake pipe slightly corroded.

I'll clean it up and grease it and that'll be that.

Two decent front tyres which are no longer death trap ditch finders.
Continental Contisport Contact 5's apparently better than the contact 3's on the mk1 and they grip so well so can only have better experience which is good!
They better be for £119 a corner!

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Continental-ContiSportContact-5-Launched.htm


So much better than the cheapo (@£57 a corner) autogrip ones the last owner put on it!
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Autogrip/F107.htm

[MG ZS STE]

The mcguard locking nut also snapped off :/

They replaced mine under warranty, its lifetime.

[Skillen]

They replaced mine under warranty, its lifetime.

Oh right, I don't have the receipts though nor the bits that broke off, nor the threaded body anymore haha!
I'll not be using them again anyway

[MG ZS STE]

Ah, I didn't have the paperwork either as they were on the car when I got it but I did send the bits back. I reckon they may even accept your picture as proof.

[redzed]

Looks good, you got to trim much off the inner arch? Rubbing issues? Get some more pics!

[Skillen]

Looks good, you got to trim much off the inner arch? Rubbing issues? Get some more pics!

I've only had one rubbing issue on the OSR and that was coming to the bottom of a hill and accellerating away so not needed to trim anything yet.
In all honesty it's making me want more width on my tyres now too!

More pics will come I promise it's crying out for a good polish up and clay bar first though!

I tried a couple pics tonight but my phone is terrible at the light so you can't see the wheels properly underneath the car!

[Skillen]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsd0162fdc.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps023cfff2.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsa711c39d.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps6a496d20.jpg


Any good for ya Red?

[B8sy]

Looks stunning skillen, only wish I had the knowledge to do things like this myself. Great job!

[talkingcars]

Looks stunning skillen, only wish I had the knowledge to do things like this myself. Great job!

Most jobs like this aren't that difficult with a bit of knowledge and that is what we are here for.

[Skillen]

Nope, not that much mechanical knowledge before taking on this stuff, just a good read up and a question here and there and then the realisation that you didn't need to ask the question because its obvious haha!
I'm just building up my knowledge and can sometimes offer advice now I've done stuff!
Just give it a go.

[Enright]

That looks great - I'm particularly interested in the headlamp washer system.
The washer bottle, plumbing and jets look pretty straightforward, but what did you have to do to wire it up? Was a special loom required, or is there somewhere that it simply plugs in?

[Skillen]

That looks great - I'm particularly interested in the headlamp washer system.
The washer bottle, plumbing and jets look pretty straightforward, but what did you have to do to wire it up? Was a special loom required, or is there somewhere that it simply plugs in?

I haven't wired it up yet but when I got the bottle and pumps I chopped off about 1m of wiring from the headlamp pump and ill get my brother and his electrical engineer-iness to help wire it up.
Some cars might have the wiring and the terminal for the relay.
Mine doesn't but doesn't matter to me as I'm running mine off a combined washer jet/dashlight dimmer switch.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zpsac2a10c7.jpg

[Enright]

Ah yes - I've got one of those dashlight dimmers from a Civic/Accord (can't remember which), but at the moment all it does is fills the RHS blanking plate! Looks OEM though.
I'm astonished at the number of wires coming out of the back of the thing, and if there is an option with the headlight wash too - as per your pic, then that will have even more!
I really enjoy adding these options (for peanuts) out of scrapyards. the ultimate one for me to do would be an electric tilt/slide sunroof. On a hatch it wouldn't be too difficult - especially as I need a new windscreen anyway. But enough of my thread hijacking. Thanks for the response, and as I say - looking good.

[Skillen]

It's fine haha don't worry it's all discussion!

I had a dash dimmer only switch. And that had only 3 wires from the back making a dim function easy to wire.
When I picked up the washer button it had all these:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps0114e394.jpg

Shouldn't be too bad with a wiring diagram and some patience!

I'd like a sunroof for completeness. And the fact my light has one blank in it still and I have the button for it spare.
But they fail a lot on the ZR's so don't think it would be wort risking.
Probably need a full roof panel.

[petet16]

The roof panel is a different pressing for sunroof cars, there was/is a guy selling a brand new oe sunroof assembly for reasonable money on ebay, the problem is modifying or replacing the existing roof panel.

[Skillen]

The roof panel is a different pressing for sunroof cars, there was/is a guy selling a brand new oe sunroof assembly for reasonable money on ebay, the problem is modifying or replacing the existing roof panel.

There we go! Denied! Haha!
Doubt ill find a sunroofed saloon in xpg. If I do then the challenge is getting it off. And sourcing a sunroof headlining and getting it all fitted.
Be nice to just dump heat out of really!

[petet16]

£171 for a roof panel + pop rivets and sealant :crazy:

oops, forgot the link http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID003343

[Enright]

It's fine haha don't worry it's all discussion!

I had a dash dimmer only switch. And that had only 3 wires from the back making a dim function easy to wire.
When I picked up the washer button it had all these:

Shouldn't be too bad with a wiring diagram and some patience!

I'd like a sunroof for completeness. And the fact my light has one blank in it still and I have the button for it spare.
But they fail a lot on the ZR's so don't think it would be wort risking.
Probably need a full roof panel.
Yep, that's what I remember - loads of wires and just about all of them red!!!
Looks like the Civics/Accords have the wiring all in place already, and you just plug in the swtiches and options to enable them.

Agreed, but then ZR's are a league apart in quality. I've had a look at a few older R400's, 45's & ZS's in scrappies - none of them seem to be rotting around the edges like the ZR's habitually do.

You definitely would need a full roof panel though - the structure is completely different. There’s less strengthening in it, while instead it has all the mountings for the sunroof mechanism.

The wiring goes up the driver's A-pillar, and there are drains in each corner. But once you had those out of the way, you could just unbolt the tailgate from the donor car, smash the windscreen out of the way, cut through the A, B and C pillars, then take it, headlining and all. I was quoted £40 for the roof panel and may even be able to get it cheaper than that. Nobody would normally (be daft enough to) touch them so it’s bonus income for any scrapyard.

After that the remains of the pillars and side panels just need to be ground off, so that you just have 2 straight, flat weld faces from front to rear. These are the ones normally found under the trim strips on the roof.

You could even get the replacement panel sprayed at this point because the only unsightly bit could be touched-up later and hidden by the trim strips.

Then in theory it’s just a “simple” matter of cutting the original roof panel out, cleaning it back to the same 2 weld lines, and welding the new one in place, possibly using the windscreen as a flat surface to gauge the correct position.

The worry could come when the old roof panel was removed. As it’s part of the monocoque the entire car could sag in the middle!!! :excl:

So now you know why it was a £525 optional extra. But if you budget £100 for spraying and “mate’s rates” for a bit of welding, you could do the entire upgrade for £200. :whistle:

[Skillen]

£171 for a roof panel + pop rivets and sealant :crazy:

oops, forgot the link http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID003343

I was just looking at those on rimmers myself and just came to report back!

Is the crazy smiley crazy cheap or crazy expensive? Haha!

My roofs lacquer is peeling badly so needs a respray anyway! Plus the windscreen will be coming out for a heated screen too.
Wonder how much the sunroof mech is!

I need to slow down on my mods though I get carried away and fire through things quickly when the funds are there!

The brembodge is the most tempting lately and keeping an eye out for a LSD.

Sunroof can be a future mod when things start slowing and in looking for more ways to further the car

[petet16]

lol, the crazy was for fitting the roof with pop rivets.

The heated screen is a top mod, well worth doing imo, although a bit spendy £££, Brembos, another good mod, torsen is worth doing, I'd put the torsen well ahead of the Brembo's though.

[petet16]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Complete-MG-ZS-Rover-45-Complete-Sun-Roof-Frame-Glass-Motor-/350506039210?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item519bc9b7aa

[Skillen]

lol, the crazy was for fitting the roof with pop rivets.

The heated screen is a top mod, well worth doing imo, although a bit spendy £££, Brembos, another good mod, torsen is worth doing, I'd put the torsen well ahead of the Brembo's though.

Ahh right! Haha yeah it'd be welded.

Yeah just waiting on the delivery of it then ill take it to a body shop to get the roof done as there is a rust bubble on the leading edge so will need the top window trim off to repair that I expect so it can go in then.

I know the Torsen would be good but the group buy is going on now so don't wanna miss out.

And tbh I'd want to get a lightweight fly and a new clutch and a sheddist all going on at the same time so I think I'll take it slow and get those pieces together and maybe pay Goldie a visit with a nice trip up to Scotland.

[Skillen]

Ahh man that's a good sunroof price considering I bought brand new glass for my ZR's and it cost £150!

[petet16]

He's had it forever, so might be open to offers

[Skillen]

Looks good, you got to trim much off the inner arch? Rubbing issues? Get some more pics!

Now I've had it mot'd and got chance to use it properly on the road I've noticed some rubbing issues.

Firstly glad to say that speed bumps have been fine with no rubbing at a normal speed.

The main running problem is dips in the road.
Mostly at speeds over 40mph any dip that causes the suspension to compress scrubs the wheels.

Now thankfully it's only been a few times on the way to work but back roads in Cumbria, while fun, aren't the best kept!

What's the best way to remedy this rubbing?
Tbh I am wanting it lowered too but this will obviously exacerbate things.

What have the people with the 8 and 9j wheels done?


Also got a brand new primed front grill for spraying and I'll then get to modifying the original to take the bars out at a later date.

[stamford]

I'll need to report back later as not driven the zed with the 8js, only to and from MOT test station. Expect some more work to make me happy, did some arch rolling but the rears are no good as little give available. Really needs some fettling as mine is lower than standard but not as low as it once was! Front arch liners removed and rolled okay. Full lock I get rubbing but who doesn't?

[Skillen]

I'll need to report back later as not driven the zed with the 8js, only to and from MOT test station. Expect some more work to make me happy, did some arch rolling but the rears are no good as little give available. Really needs some fettling as mine is lower than standard but not as low as it once was! Front arch liners removed and rolled okay. Full lock I get rubbing but who doesn't?

I don't get rubbing on lock ;) but widening it out 20mm each side would mean it wouldn't rub on lock!

Are you running without the arch liners now then?

[stamford]

Yea I took them out as they were worn from when I had 18s fitted, plus rolling the fronts meant I flattened the arch tabs. I'll look at them later to see if it is worth reverting back at some point. Not a daily driver so won't be subject to the usual road dirt but will get jetwashed in and around there frequently.

[Skillen]

Yea I took them out as they were worn from when I had 18s fitted, plus rolling the fronts meant I flattened the arch tabs. I'll look at them later to see if it is worth reverting back at some point. Not a daily driver so won't be subject to the usual road dirt but will get jetwashed in and around there frequently.

Well mine has a big hole currently where it came loose and wore through where it covers the washer bottle.

What does rolling actually do then?
Flatten the bit that sticks out only? Or widen as well?
Would this actually work with the mk2 kit?

Would sticking some camber arms front and back negate the need to roll?

[stamford]

Rolling closes the inner lip down flat and some flaring can be achieved but requires a lot of effort. Doesn't work too well with adjacent plastic panels as it'll only reform the steel. MK2 won't work at a guess due to the arch add on sections, not sure but assuming that.

Camber kit will do the trick if you can get it set-up with optimum geometry but prepare for requiring a little more than usual and worn tyres. It'll look like most VW euro look, running on the inner edge!

[petet16]

As Mick say's above if you want to roll the arches on a mk2 you'd need to remove the plastic arch extensions and refit them afterwards

[Skillen]

As Mick say's above if you want to roll the arches on a mk2 you'd need to remove the plastic arch extensions and refit them afterwards

Which, I understand, isn't the easiest thing to do without breaking them :/

If it comes to it would a quick trim of the under areas of the plastic arches with a dremel give enough leeway to roll the arches?

It's not bad enough for it at the minute but if I lower it definitely will be.

I think it'll look cool with a bit of camber but hopefully won't need too much. Just enough for a more aggressive stance.
I could take the spacers off if lowering but it just fills them arches so much better than standard!

[talkingcars]

When I had my scirroco way back before kids (eldest is now 24) I fitted slightly wider tyres (205's over 185's IIRC), these rubbed the arches on hard bumps so I ground a bit off the lip with an angle grinder, did the trick.

[Skillen]

When I had my scirroco way back before kids (eldest is now 24) I fitted slightly wider tyres (205's over 185's IIRC), these rubbed the arches on hard bumps so I ground a bit off the lip with an angle grinder, did the trick.

Would that not open it up to rusting though?
Rather not have that!

Dunno what in gonna do yet.

[Skillen]

Whoops!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zps5bd6639d.jpg

Big dip in the road and two in the car making 30st haha!
Scrape and pop!

Luckily the little push clips hadn't broken so it went back into place easily but looks like I can get them off alright to roll arches when needed!

[redzed]

i trimmed off the excess plastic on mine as quite a bit goes into the arch at a bad angle and cutting it off doesnt affect looks but will stop that happening!

[Skillen]

i trimmed off the excess plastic on mine as quite a bit goes into the arch at a bad angle and cutting it off doesnt affect looks but will stop that happening!

Think I might be doing that!
Gonna need a dremel!

[talkingcars]

Would that not open it up to rusting though?
Rather not have that!

Dunno what in gonna do yet.

I did seal it, I was trying to type at right angles on a lap top without being able to see the screen properly so kept the message short.

[Skillen]

Got some of those tuner nuts as the originals were stripping and also damaging the alloys on removal.

Some pics.

Damage to the alloy from normal taking on and off of nuts with the OEM bar.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zpsc2fb8c76.jpg

New internal drive nuts nowhere near the alloy and the drive will never get near it!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps8d2435af.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zps74847df0.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo3_zps5583683e.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsd99c53ae.jpg

Just need those spare mk2 alloys refurbished and powder coated!


Also fixed the broken rear arch spat with new clips and some double sided number plate foam!

[MG ZS STE]

What did you use on on your engine bay? Looks so foamy!


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps830451d8.jpg

[Skillen]

It was Gunk foam, got it from halfords.
Done a good job but I got a bit carried away and used a full can :/
I did do it 2-3 times on some its to make sure I got worked into the corners etc

[Skillen]

Not updated this in a while.
Not much to put on other than passed its mot with no advisories.

I fitted some 45 chrome heater rings as they're far nicer:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo4_zps0ebf5472.jpg

It got a nice shiny valet:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo_zps0874f6ff.jpg

Got my spare 11 spokes refurbished and powder coated satin black:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo2_zps4c165af2.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/photo1_zpsb880c941.jpg

Bought myself a Brembo front brake conversion kit too :)
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsf648f6cc.jpg

I have also purchased a new heated windscreen a set of ZT power fold mirrors to try and make work and a set of map pocket seat rears as well as fitted my 45 thick leather steering wheel.

Following all these nice things I then was silly and put it into a flood puddle which went over the sills.
So from 8pm tonight (when it was dry(est)) I set about getting the interior stripped and now she stands at this:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps4677144d.jpg


Still a lot more to take out like the centre console and the a, b & c pillar trim and the headlining before getting it properly dried as it is absolutely sodden in there :(

The overall plan is to get some sound deadening installed in there floor roof and pillars and cover any hole that isn't useful and stuff pillars with insulating material and hopefully have a bit of refinement.

Lot of work to get on with and hopefully have it all sorted and back together in time for PoL if not the end of March.

[Dan1971]

Get stuck in mate .... all the best with it. Love those wheels.

[Skillen]

Got the carpet out tonight: lots of water in the bottom
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zps37fd684e.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo2_zpsa9ec3328.jpg

And that stupid bulkhead sound deadening sheet was soaked too so had to squeeze out what I could.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo3_zps198c515c.jpg

Tomorrow I'll clean it up some more and await my sound damping material:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=161136203588&globalID=EBAY-GB

Not I bad price I thought :)

May stick the drivers seat back in and take her for a cheeky spin ;)

[peterzs]

Looking good, as Dan, love the new wheels.

:yes::yes::yes:

[Skillen]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps070613b0.jpg

Everything stripped now apart from the B-pillar uppers that cover the seatbelt height adjustment.

How do they come off over the belt?


Ordered some faux alcantara samples as well as I'm gonna re trim the headlining while it's out.

Might do the a,b & c pillars too in the same and some black over the parcel shelf cover.

[Skillen]

Had a productive couple days this weekend. Got the roof covered with some bitumen based sound deadening and some closed cell foam.

Stuffed the A, B & C pillars with some polyester fiber and then sealed up any useless holes with the sound deadening hopefully stopping any noise being transmitted throughout the pillars.

Did the same with the roof crossing box sections.
Sealed up the parcel shelf with the Antivibration material also.

The two rear seat supports with big holes in got covered too.

I ordered 10m of sound deadening material and 5m of closed cell foam. And I've ran out with still the boot floor and rear arches to cover plus the actual car floor!
More is on its way.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps433e8300.jpg
Stripped the rear bumper off at the end of the night and took the rear wiring loom out so I could do this:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps9196b89b.jpg

Re-wire it into a rear Parking sensor loom which works and now requires fitting when the brand new XPG sensors and bezels arrive.
http://youtu.be/GKx4zdmu8fk

While the bumper was off I did the saggy bumper fix and reattached the clips with copious sealant and a felt washer under a large washer to stop leaks and vibrations as water was getting in through them.

I also sealed the rear vent up inside and out to help a little more and the little black plastic hole plugs were removed and then reinserted with sealant as they leaked also.

After I did this I put cavity wax into the two rear box sections after brushing out as much crap as I could with a toilet brush :)
I also added some cavity wax to the sills and I'll do any front box sections when I take the front off again.

And the last thing before dark was to clean up the rear and both rear arches and then liberally seal up with some bitumen based under seal.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zpsfa660660.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo2_zpsc1b096aa.jpg
As it's bitumen based it should also hopefully have some anti-drumming properties.

Not a bad weekend really.
Still a long way to go before getting it all sorted, luckily I have two days off Monday and Tuesday to keep the momentum!

[Dan1971]

Sounds like great work pal - it'll weigh a ton now !

Don't fart in there though ... :joker:

[Skillen]

Hopefully won't weigh too much ha! And the rear vent still vents air just doesn't leak around the edges!

Spent the evening covering trim pieces:

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps0006f34a.jpg

Original on the left and the new light grey alcantara material covered on the right.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsd8e540e7.jpg

Altogether A, C and then B pillar trim covers.

Feels a lot nicer than standard cheap plastic.

Just need to sort out the front leak as it's getting a lot of water through it again!
And need to somehow seal around the fuel filler area as somehow it's getting in through the seams :(

[petet16]

Have you sealed around the heater intake.

[Skillen]

Have you sealed around the heater intake.

Nope not yet. Lol
That's for tomorrow day that one.
I've been putting it off ha!

[petet16]

Hopefully that will cure it, some people are finding seams and grommets in the inner wing which leak.

[petet16]

Post #3 for some pics of sealing.

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=27062

[Skillen]

Hope so I'll be getting as much as I can round there. Also gonna see if I can see any in the arches.

The front is next to come off when if add the waxoyl to the front arches so I may pull the wing off for good measure while I'm there. Sick of them now especially the rear leak seeing as though every grommet and bumper hanger is sealed and now it's the hard to reach petrol filler area.

I wonder if I force some putty in and around that area will work :/

[redzed]

What size spacers you got on your hubs? What wheels you putting on?

[Jason04r]

Tut tut , wheres your axle stands :P

[Skillen]

What size spacers you got on your hubs? What wheels you putting on?

They're 30mm :D
Nice and small.
Standard 11 spokes painted satin black as pic a few posts back of mine.


Tut tut , wheres your axle stands :P
In the shed lol.
I thought as I wasn't under it I'd get away with it haha.

[Maxfly]

If waters coming in at the fuel filler area check the seam in the arch is correctly sealed. Have a wee read through the leak fix how to I did:)
Good work btw, coming along nicely and like the retrim for the interior plastics!

[Skillen]

Thanks ill give it a check.
I sealed it inside with it on my fingers ill have a look under the arch. I have the plastic arch trim on the passenger side now so might help.

Busy day again.
Put some closed cell foam on the roof panels.

Fitted my rear parking sensors:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsc406a2cc.jpg

Refitted the bumper with the saggy bits fixed:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsa861a13d.jpg

And my finest work :D
Relined the headlining in black suede:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsefe35ea7.jpg

[petet16]

The headlining looks to have come out well.

[Skillen]

It really is my favourite thing on the car now lol.
Can't wait to do the door cards :)

There was a couple tiny ripples but they're un-noticeable but I'm a bit miffed they're there but others won't notice unless I point it out.

Need to get the sun visors black now somehow.

[petet16]

You can get vinyl paint for the sun visors, I've never used it so can't vouch for it being any good.

[andys1981]

some great progress there callum,looking good,can i be nosy and ask where you got the rear sensors from,as i hunted high and low and couldent find any.

[Dan1971]

It really is my favourite thing on the car now lol.
Can't wait to do the door cards :)

There was a couple tiny ripples but they're un-noticeable but I'm a bit miffed they're there but others won't notice unless I point it out.

Need to get the sun visors black now somehow.

Top gaitors on the bay of e, where I got my gear and armrest covers from do leather covers for them. Make sure you get stitching to match your seats though ... ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RED-STITCH-ROVER-45-400-MG-ZS-98-05-2X-SUN-VISORS-LEATHER-COVERS-ONLY-/390733973477?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5af98f47e5

[Skillen]

some great progress there callum,looking good,can i be nosy and ask where you got the rear sensors from,as i hunted high and low and couldent find any.

I got them from a guy off eBay selling for £12 each but I emailed him to get 4 for £32plus £6 for next day delivery.
http://bit.ly/1iGyId8

Got a good selection of colours too.

Top gaitors on the bay of e, where I got my gear and armrest covers from do leather covers for them. Make sure you get stitching to match your seats though ... ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RED-STITCH-ROVER-45-400-MG-ZS-98-05-2X-SUN-VISORS-LEATHER-COVERS-ONLY-/390733973477?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5af98f47e5

Thanks.
Looking at them I don't know if the grey stitching will go with the grey in my car :/

Was thinking of getting the leather gear gaiter but didn't fancy the smooth leather so gonna look into some options.

[Skillen]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps537f5a88.jpg


Love pretending to have a test bench haha!
Closer to getting the wiring for the auto dimmer sorted though.

[petet16]

You going to hide the charger in the glove box :laugh:

[Skillen]

Might have to you know!
Then touch the wires together for it to dim!

General question now.
What colour is the reverse feed for the reverse lights?
Need to take a feed off that so it doesn't dip when reversing at night

[Skillen]

The wiring for the auto-dimming mirror was done today along with getting the headlining, pillar trims, parcel shelf and back seats in.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsdb3c47a1.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zpsf20d6864.jpg

I'm glad I didn't do the pillar trims black, I really like the contrast it gives along with the light and volumetric sensor.


May try the grey sun visors and grab handles a while and see if they are any good like that or need changed.

Still haven't sealed up the scuttle though :/

[petet16]

It looks good.

[grimmy]

Looks good that.

[Dan1971]

I like that - but I'd do the pillar trim too personally.

[Skillen]

Thanks guys! Looks a little whiter in the pics than in person.
Gonna have to do a bit of smoothing and then not touch the roof again ever!

Might see about the same alcantara grey as the seats on the pillars at a later date keep it fresh.

[Skillen]

Not updated this thread in a while so thought I'd update this rather than post a new thread of nonsense after this weekends fiddling.

Done a few bits and pieces since the last update so ill summarise a little bit.

fitted brembodge pug brembos last year:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps82e47e27.jpg

Now I've decided to upgrade these for the reanult clio kit which i got a bracket made up for (no pics of these though as they're not painted)

Fitted Gaz GHA coilovers last year:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4300_zpsd9de9ee6.jpg

It's a little higher than this now but you get the drift.

She then got the belts done and at the same time i had Piper 270 cams fitted
unfortunately they didn't fit the vernier pulleys but that will happen later on now when i save up for a remap.


Then i did nothing with her for a while as I moved away from home (finally) and got myself to Chester from Cumbria meaning that the car fell by the wayside as i had other things to do and having to pay rent has depleted my disposable income massively so I can't be buying things left right and center any more! luckily I did most of my spending when i had the chance so most of it is still sitting waiting for some money to be fitted!

when I was moving to my new gaff, the body kit on the left wing went awol somewhere on the motorway:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1643_zps36d1fb2f.jpg

So as the drivers side bumper was damaged too from being too low and hitting a pot hole I decided that the front needed doing:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1645_zps5jc1jlia.jpg
(not easy to see in the photo but the bumper is hanging off!)

I bought a new old stock in primer MK2 bumper off Stephen and sent that off for spraying and a used wing off eBay.

This weekend has consisted of sorting that out:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1648_zpsa271iwvp.jpg
Everything off.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1655_zpsguhxrna9.jpg
Everything back on.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1658_zps1g2u5itr.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1660_zpsynhnhktl.jpg
No bumper gap!

Then i gave her a long overdue wash, polish and clean inside (and then photo-whored)
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsmneejnil.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpst8mfvq9o.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsvlauje4u.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsyglxhwnu.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zps0nyjrebs.jpg
Didn't get any more pics of the interior as lighting is a bit bad today in the sun but rest assured it is spotless!!

Went to get food and then saw another so had to park next to it obviously:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh142/cskil/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1668_zpsxdqi5igi.jpg

So that's this weekends work, still a lot to do, gearbox things and bodywork mostly, those bloody headlights need a good sorting too!
Gonna have a post update with all of my mods etc. on it soon as there is a good list to put up now :)

I'm pleased with how shes turning out and happy she can still scrub up well!

[talkingcars]

She's looking loved again.

[BRMFUN]

I love the colour of those brakes :clap:

[ZS Phil]

Love this car, looks awesome. Good to see it getting some tlc again.
What are you planning with the gearbox?
Fitting the verniers will be a massive PITA, labour cost of belts all over again :(. How come they didn't fit them when they fitted the cams?

[Skillen]

She's looking loved again.

I know! It's about damn time she got some attention!
Found two bloody spots of bird droppings this morning on the bonnet though :(

I love the colour of those brakes :clap:
Thanks! So do I! The newer calipers will be going that colour too!
Not many around like it and XPG lends itself to a lot of bright colours!

Love this car, looks awesome. Good to see it getting some tlc again.
What are you planning with the gearbox?
Fitting the verniers will be a massive PITA, labour cost of belts all over again :(. How come they didn't fit them when they fitted the cams?

Thanks mate! She definitely needed the TLC!

Just a bit of an overhaul really. It's a little whiney, I have a torsen to go in and its still on its original clutch so that needs done so it'll get the lightweight flywheel put on too! :)
Probably after summer though.
She needs new tyres on the front and the tax paid this month.
Not sure how I'll manage that haha.

I did see some brand new 180 boxes on eBay so that might be a cheaper venture and it will have nice new synchros in there and then put the diff in with that.

Have to see how much the birthday brings this year!

I also think the front left shock is shot now, along with the aircon not being cold :/

Bloody things.

They didn't fit the verniers as they couldn't work out how to do it "?
Since been told by mark that it's simple lol.
They fit on the shirt belt sides so hopefully locking the engine means only the exhaust cams will move meaning it should be an easier job than the full lot!

[Dan1971]

Nice effort - looking much better.

Purple brakes though ..... :sick:

[Mart_in_MCR]

Good to see it's still going strong mate!

[ZS Phil]

I'd be well annoyed if I'd paid to have the belts done and then had to pull it to bits again to have the verniers on. I'd be interested to know how much difference they make, you should dyno it before and after, although I assume you will have it set up on the dyno anyway in the first place so that will be a given.
Did I tell you I've found a few maps in the ECU by the way? I read the standard map and compared it with a Reidy mapped ECU which I bought, the changes are quite subtle, a few extra degrees of advance and a bit more fuel.
I still need to decide on a diff for mine too, I've got ZR 160 ratios waiting to go in, I just need a 180 bellhousing then I'll build up a spare box and get it fitted along with the light weight flywheel too.

If your old box is scrap I'll deffo have the bellhousing off you unless I find one sooner.

[Skillen]

So, a bit of an update coming.

Last year it was all going swimmingly, I attended a few shows, had fun beating my mates S2000 (somehow) and then getting the G6 gearbox fully refurbished along with a type b diff and a lightweight flywheel.

It then blew up.
I hadn’t even got to test out the new additions.

It stayed on the drive then while we moved into our first house.

Wel now I’ve finally got my finger out.
I was very kindly offered PeteT16’s old 180 by Sam. Which has a good engine but otherwise battered body so I decided I would take it and put its heart into mine :trampoline:

So here follows the series of pics where I only managed to get one engine removed in the time I had the hoist 😂
https://i.imgur.com/1f6VsNq.jpg
One the drive waiting dismantling next to the sorry looking original.

https://i.imgur.com/21LqjMd.jpg
Taking off everything we thought we needed to.
But we found again and again and again that we had forgotten something :no:

https://i.imgur.com/kP0xKXc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EW9i52x.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fw2blE2.jpg
Finally we had it out after hours of bad access and never having done it before!

https://i.imgur.com/hmz1tB6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VJQUdOI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/neQDrhw.jpg
So we got the box off and then my mate had to go and I begun the couple of days of stripping it down.

https://i.imgur.com/tNhYiNA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Fbltnoh.jpg
Which has gone alright so far.

The cams are out as I’ll be putting the piper 270 cams (with a reground standard inlet cam as I broke the keying point) into it along with looking at fitting the piper verniers.
https://i.imgur.com/aALgk2q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Txv2tEa.jpg

Now as you can see, these don’t have the key points that the standard pulleys do so required a little snoop on the 825 KV6 which has keyway additions like those found on the inlet cam side.
I ordered them off rimmers today so hopefully that will assist with the fitting.

And that’s where it’s up to at the minute.
I’m still a way away from gettin the engine back in the other car, namely because the broken engine is still in there awaiting removal!

But I feel like I’m getting there again.
And I’ll have some spares from the other one going as well so hit me up if you need anything and I’ll see what I can do.

[peterzs]

Well done loads of work.

Remember when I gave a hand to get an engine out the roll pin was a pain and we ended cutting off the selector rod.

So many wires and sensors to plug back in.

Good luck with it.

[LukeZS96]

I suppose I'll be the first vulture then. What are the door handles on that old ZS like and what interior trim Does it have? Cheers

[Skillen]

Well done loads of work.

Remember when I gave a hand to get an engine out the roll pin was a pain and we ended cutting off the selector rod.

So many wires and sensors to plug back in.

Good luck with it.

Oh it was awful even with a correctly sized drift. Obviously when it was out the pin came out without a hitch 😩
I’ve labelled everything on one loom so it should be easy enough to put them back where I found them!
I had a lot of warnings to do so prior to starting and I’ve even labelled bolts into sealable packets 😂


I suppose I'll be the first vulture then. What are the door handles on that old ZS like and what interior trim Does it have? Cheers
It’s a bit mismatched in the handle department, it has two green on the drivers side and only one grey one on the front passengers side so isn’t a complete set either.

The interior is standard mk2 door cards with red Monaco seats.
It has rear electric windows and the door cards haven’t got the wonder holes so are a good set.
Incidentally I have Chrome heater rings from previous scrap yard hunts.