TIMS BX BLOG

[deltic]

A couple of milestones then Tim! The Dyane looks lovely, but I'm not sure I'd cope with the lack of power these days.

It'll be great to see the TZI out and about, I think I've only ever seen it once. Fingers crossed the GT is getting what it needs too.

And dare I say it a nice VW Up GTi behind, I do rather like them!

[deltic]

The Dyane has gone to a new home, just not my thing.

I ran a Dyane for about 10 years before some scrotes torched it and I moved on to GSAs to scratch that itch. Great car, fun to drive, very practical and for the most part I could get it to cruise at 70-75 on motorways. Fantastic around France too on rural roads. Rust and poor starting always an issue and I get what you mean about being basic if you are used to more modern cars. I've never ever been in a Beetle so can't compare, but with a lottery win I'd have another Dyane.

[Tim Leech]

The Dyane has gone to a new home, just not my thing.

I ran a Dyane for about 10 years before some scrotes torched it and I moved on to GSAs to scratch that itch. Great car, fun to drive, very practical and for the most part I could get it to cruise at 70-75 on motorways. Fantastic around France too on rural roads. Rust and poor starting always an issue and I get what you mean about being basic if you are used to more modern cars. I've never ever been in a Beetle so can't compare, but with a lottery win I'd have another Dyane.

I guess i like my comforts, the beetle feels much more solid, and refined, it would cruise at 60 and be ticking over at 3000 rpm, where the Dyane would be twice that.

The one I just sold was a bit frilly but solid, but starting was never an issue, it would start every time first crank.

Dyanes are still cheap, I sold mine for £2995

[deltic]

Ah, gone are the days of buying an A-series for £50!

[Tim Leech]

Ah, gone are the days of buying an A-series for £50!

You cant buy any car these days for less than £1000 it seems!

[Tim Leech]

Well another update, its been a rough year, i've started to suddenly feel older, (ill be 50 next-year), and working on cars is taxing, Works ok, but finding I have to try harder than before to get the job done, I am still doing the numbers but a 9-5 job needs to be sourced soon.

Michael and I celebrated 7 years of marriage, and over 10 years together, our elderly dog is 18 and still going, hes frail and has his health problems but enjoys life...and I am now an adult orphan....we lost my beloved Mum end of April after a long battle with vascular dementia, I knew it was coming but my goodness it doesn't half sting.

Car wise, the TF (yes its back with me after its owner passed) fights me, replacing worn shocks is a real PITA with stuck bolts and alike....the sd1 is booked in for some paint come August as its getting a little tatty in places. BX wise the GT still rests, Ive started getting the TZi ready for its MOT, sorting the wayward steering rack gaiters and the slight exhaust leak... thankfully at work we have a sympathetic MOT man who likes his old cars so fingers crossed!

[panky]

Just wait until you're pushing 70
So sorry to hear about your Mum, it's never easy loosing a loved one. My Mum passed when I was a similar age to you, she went to sleep one day and neve woke up. A very fit and able 83 year old so totally unexpected but hard to take none the less.

[deltic]

That’s very sad to hear Tim, I’m sorry. Having lost both my parents in the last couple of years it is very hard and puts into perspective what really is important, sometimes cars have to take a back seat. Time, Michael and your dog will all help. Last year’s Challenge and everyone’s great company was a huge help/distraction to me barely 4 weeks after my Mum passed away. It might seem an odd thing to say but that camaraderie of a lifetime of being involved with Citroens has been a constant like family. Long May it remain so!

[Jaba]

Sorry to hear your sad news Tim. My mum died 15 years ago and we still miss her and talk about her most days. The way I think about it is that she is still with us just not in person any more.
Best wishes John.

[Tim Leech]

That’s very sad to hear Tim, I’m sorry. Having lost both my parents in the last couple of years it is very hard and puts into perspective what really is important, sometimes cars have to take a back seat. Time, Michael and your dog will all help. Last year’s Challenge and everyone’s great company was a huge help/distraction to me barely 4 weeks after my Mum passed away. It might seem an odd thing to say but that camaraderie of a lifetime of being involved with Citroens has been a constant like family. Long May it remain so!

I quite agree Jonathan, the CCC meets make me very happy, and I always come away feeling positive, having seen some friends ive known a long while

[Tim Leech]

On a more positive note...the TZI passed its first MOT in 5 years today with only a small advisory for the long range fuel tank strap being corroded (anyone got one). so will be taxed come July ready for the BX 40th. I will replace an exhaust section as its looking rough and a she needs a good clean and polish, but it still purrs and is so smooth, the autobox being in rude health!

[deltic]

Few cars look that good in white!

[saintjamesy89]

Agreed, it's a bloody good looking BX! Well done Tim on the pass

[Meter rat]

Sorry to hear about your mum. My mum died 23 years ago, and most days I think about here. My father also died of vascular dementia in 2019. Very painful to watch. Congratulations on seven years of marriage. BX looks stunning..

[Tim Leech]

Two weeks until the BX 40th, I will be there Saturday and Sunday, hope to catch up with a few old friends.