Talking B____X

[docchevron]

I run them all up regularly, and drive them around the farm to keep everything going. I've given up welding up knackered BX shells, I'm slowly starting to assemble decent shells from good panels and I'll most likely re-shell ELF at some point. Sick of welding patches and such, so I intend to make a batch of decent shells and have them E-coated so I shouldn't ever have to weld one again!

[Jaba]

I run them all up regularly, and drive them around the farm to keep everything going. I've given up welding up knackered BX shells, I'm slowly starting to assemble decent shells from good panels and I'll most likely re-shell ELF at some point. Sick of welding patches and such, so I intend to make a batch of decent shells and have them E-coated so I shouldn't ever have to weld one again!

E-coated !! What with Chris ??

[Philip Chidlow]

Sounds like quite a project!

[docchevron]

E-coated !! What with Chris ??

I'll be using this lot mate. Varied responses to how well it works, but if prepped right I think it'll be fine.

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/

[Philip Chidlow]

Dipping BX shells - that'll be something to see.

[docchevron]

it might be if I can get a couple into a condition worth dipping!

[Philip Chidlow]

It's been a while, so time for a short update.

First, the BX is still tucked up in its garage, getting the odd trip out, but not exactly being overstretched! It passed it's MOT yesterday - second one in a row to return with no advisories. So I'm happy and relieved. But checking the certificate it transpires I've done less than 2,800 miles in it since the last one! In fact, mileage is still below 100k, at 98k and I've only done 7,400 miles in it since acquiring it in August 2014.

With next year's Challenge, not to mention the Conservatoire trip and various Rallys I should see the next MOT at around 104k miles... Still what I consider low miles for a TD BX.

Recent work includes fitting comfort spheres and new Champion glow plugs. Even after three weeks doing nothing it fires up a treat. The ride is very nice now, although I think I will experiment with slightly firmer (standard 19D) rears as, unloaded, it feels a little tooo soft on the back. The tyres are good, but in all honesty I find them quite noisy so will fit new tyres before next spring. Ones selected for being quiet and capable.

Work and projects afoot:
Fit new foglights (collecting at the National )
Getting the podded temp gauge to read right will involve a resister and magic.
Getting the boost valve diaphragm replaced - although my mechanic suggests leaving it alone. A trip to a recommended diesel pump specialist called for I think lol
Taking the plunge and replacing the coolant - which will mean I can replace hoses with the blue silicone set I have, as well as replacing the shielded ones at the back of the engine (I have a new pair).
Completing the rewiring of the lights.
Sort fuel sender issue out.
Do a bit of window surround painting.
There's a slight weep of oil from the rocker cover gasket - so do that - and the (easy-side ) camshaft oil seal.

And that's about it for now.

[Kitch]

The tyres are good, but in all honesty I find them quite noisy so will fit new tyres before next spring. Ones selected for being quiet and capable.

You want Dunlop StreetResponse there Phil. Got them on the AX GT, and drive a few cars with them fitted. Good wet weather grip, and very quiet.

[Philip Chidlow]

Thanks, I wasn't really sure where to start!

[Way2go]

Interesting, many years ago Dunlop was considered a good tyre but in PR terms has log been surpassed by the Michelin, Pirelli and even Bridgestones. Possibly the fall-out from F1 where even the Dunlop Bridges are a thing of the past?

Good to hear of an objective assessment from Kitch.

[Kitch]

I wouldn't rate Pirelli that highly, to be honest. Michelins are good for quiet rides and fuel economy, but in my opinion the grip wasn't amazing on the Pilot Premacy or Energy models. The Dunlops are a bit cheaper, and every bit as good on the cars I've driven them on as more expensive rubber. I'll be getting some for BAH when the current budget ones fall apart.

Dunlop SP9000 is to this day, the best road tyre I've ever driven on, but they don't make them anymore.

[Defender110]

Dunlop SP9000 is to this day, the best road tyre I've ever driven on, but they don't make them anymore.

Still showing readily available on the net or are you just referring to one particular size?

[Kitch]

Dunlop SP9000 is to this day, the best road tyre I've ever driven on, but they don't make them anymore.

Still showing readily available on the net or are you just referring to one particular size?

I think they're out of production, but it might be there are certain sizes left in stock. The sizes I was using were 205/55R15 and 225/50R16 (TVR Chimaera 400 front and back)

[Philip Chidlow]

OK, posted on the FB page, but I thought this belonged here too:

As many will know I am a fan of the C4 Cactus. OK, it's not to everyone's taste. It's not roomy in the back, it has limited performance and it looks, well 'odd' to many. It does have good load space, a pliant ride, it has reasonable handling and visibility is better than many new cars (except the rear). It is however surprisingly tough! It's got good economy too - around the 60mpg mark overall. There are some quirky design touches and it certainly looks different than other cars on the road (it couldn't be mistaken as anything other than a Cactus). It's also proving popular and I am seeing more and more of them on the roads. So in some ways it heralds a return to form for the marque.
But hang on. I took my 1991 BX TZD Turbo diesel hatchback for a 'country drive' last weekend... And to be honest, it does most of what the above does - and shares many of the traits of the Cactus - at a mere fraction of the cost (and let's face it - it's 25 years young) ie: Not to everyone's taste, cramped in the rear, good load space, ride and handling OK, good visibility etc... So although I am in no doubt as to the Cactus's merits as a vehicle (regardless of when it was made), it's not a quarter of a Century better. It is instead an fairly good reinterpretation of the BX. Less, of course it's much cursed but equally loved hydropneumatics.
Sorry. My BX might cost a bit to keep going, but to get a decent Cactus will cost £16k so I know what I'll be doing: Keep the BX alive regardless of cost and pocket the savings even though road tax, fuel duty and legislation might conspire push up costs.
Your BX is not just as good as a Cactus. It's better!

[Tim Leech]

Wait a few years phil and buy one when they are £5000! It won't take too long!