1992 TZD Turbo Hatchback

[Philip Chidlow]

I think we have to consider paying more for BX-specific parts these days. Struts, hoses and wheel trims ( lol) not to mention doseur valves, pumps etc. mean these cars will get a fair deal more expensive to maintain as time marches on. I think Rob is charging a reasonable amount for remanufactured items. I recently bought a set of fuel pipes from him and they cost the same I paid three yreas ago from eBay. Mind you, if you do find new filler ring for a tenner, let me know!

With diesel prices lower than they have been for a time, the money you will save could help pay for some of these bits

[MULLEY]

If it came attached with the pipe at that price fair enough, but it doesn't. I see your point about certain parts being expensive, but anyone should be able to knock up one of those, whereas someone trying to reproduce a front strut, thats a lot more engineering & that does cost. 2nd hand will do for me, i'm not precious for a part that is hidden away most of the time.

[Philip Chidlow]

I don't know how many he's making/made, but it can't be cheap to make a small number. I know it's a small piece but even getting a single one made by someone local with the equipment and material at hand won't cost much different I'm sure. Phil B's got the tools and the skill but would he bother for a tenner? I don't think so.

If Shaun does have a source - even of rescuable second hand ones, then great. I'd but one at that price.

[mat_fenwick]

To make one of those rings you need a press, and the tool which forms the parts. This has to be designed, machined from tool steel and then heat treated...you're talking several hundred pounds at UK prices. So considerable investment and obviously a bit of a gamble. If you're producing thousands, the price will be pence each but I personally wouldn't risk making more than 50-100.

[Tinkley]

If you're producing thousands, the price will be pence each but I personally wouldn't risk making more than 50-100.

Unless of course it fits about 20 different models ie Xsara, Pug 306, C4, etc etc where you could undercut the 'official' spare....

[MULLEY]

Hmmm, interesting, there may be more availability than i 1st thought, but can you buy new one's which come with the correct pipe for those models which are the same as the bx one?

[Defender110]

With diesel prices lower than they have been for a time, the money you will save could help pay for some of these bits

The money saved should be put in a pot ready to subsidise the next big price hike that always follows a drop

[Philip Chidlow]

Maybe get one of these to take advantage of the new, lower price lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAF-TRUCKS-FA ... 1709238262

[mds141]

Shame it's a DAF.

[Defender110]

DAF's are very much misjudged and are actually very robust and reliable trucks.

[MULLEY]

Tried to jump start the car today, but noticed after i'd connected up the jump leads (& yes i checked they were connected properly) i noticed a shit load of smoke coming out from near to the alternator, so quickly disconnected everything. What the hell could it have been? Last time i tried starting the car when the battery was ok, the alternator light was on, not sure if thats connected to this drama or not? Another fucking issue holding this car back, the bastard doesn't want to live.

[mds141]

DAF's are very much misjudged and are actually very robust and reliable trucks.

Not in my experience, unfortunately. Trucks, like cars, are built down to a price these days.

[Defender110]

Tried to jump start the car today, but noticed after i'd connected up the jump leads (& yes i checked they were connected properly) i noticed a shit load of smoke coming out from near to the alternator, so quickly disconnected everything. What the hell could it have been?

If you are 100% sure the jump leads were connected +to+ & -to- then I can only assume the alternator windings have broken down and gone to earth in which case a new alternator is required I'm afraid.

[MULLEY]

I may have a new alternator ferreted away, so perhaps not too bad anyway's

[Tinkley]

Or possibly, the brushes in the alternator have worn out/disintegrated so the spring behind is contacting the windings directly?