E55 LBR the parallel project

[lancianut666]

Reading the blurb from back in the day it seems the dim dip would come on when the sidelights are switched on and the engine is running so you could leave the normal sidelights on if you were parked. This suggests my system is not working correctly  (might need to check with the engine running) I doubt the MOT man is going to notice as it behaves just like a non dim dip car at the moment.
Clarkey

[lancianut666]

An update on the dim dip/DRL is that daylight running lights are not part of the MOT and should not be tested
see  https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/common-mistakes-made-by-mot-testers/
That is the good news so I think I will leave as is for now...not so good news the side indicators on the front wing are tested and one of mine is not working...will it be a 5 minute or 5 hour job? we will see
Clarkey

[frankxhv773t]

You may need to remove the arch liner to get the side repeater out. That should be two self tapping screws low down, one ahead of the strut and one to the rear, after which you can wrestle the arch liner out. If you are lucky though you may be able to prise the side repeater out from the exterior. From the back of the light the cables go up through the top rear of the inner wing into the space where you did the welding by the battery. There is a connector block in there on my car so potentially another thing to check.

[frankxhv773t]

As mine is in pieces at present I took some pictures so you can see what makes up the side repeater.

[lancianut666]

Thanks for the info Frank...Looks like a try from the outside first after checking there is 12v at the cable connectors near the inner wing.
Clarkey

[lancianut666]

Hi all
Fixed the rear washer by taking the tiny ball bearing out (it dropped on the floor and will never be seen again) of the non return valve as it all comes apart with careful manhandling the plastic is quite strong and flexible. Result!
Clarkey

[frankxhv773t]

I have some spares so I'll have to organise a red cross parcel for next time I'm coming up your way.

[lancianut666]

As the Appia block was now removed I set to work to get the Y10 repeat indicator light on the drivers front wing working. Amazingly the 2 self tappers in the wheel arch holding the liner in place unscrewed and we were able to get to the back of the bulb fitting. Behind the liner was in fairly good nick so that was a nice find. After a bit of faffing about it seems the bulb contacts were corroded so a good scrape and a similar treatment of the wire connection on the new bulb and we were in business. So next we had a go at the hub nut as the CV boot is shot...a suitable length of socketry (30mm) and the trolley jack handle had it loosened ready for the next phase. As I was under the car I had a quick scope of the other joints and bushes and they are all shot so a major overhaul is needed to pass the MOT.
Clarkey

[lancianut666]

just to prove it is working...the last picture is with everything back together...not a bad job but if those selftappers had not come out...

[lancianut666]

One other thing I had a look into over the weekend was refurbishing the set of alloy wheels Frank kindly sold me. It always worries me when the sons of toil start rubbing their chins and start making Hmm noises but even I was shocked when a local wheel company wanted £320 to do the wheels... I had to point out to him I only paid £250 for the car to hear him say 'Aye that can happen' he suggested I just get them powder coated in one colour but £190 for this was still a bit rich so we decided not to give them the work. There is an outfit on my estate that does this so I will see what they can come up with.

[lancianut666]

Finally bit the bullet and got the wheels tidied up and a set of tyres that are not cracked and dangerous...I think we got the colour wrong but for £220 with new tyres who cares!
Clarkey

[frankxhv773t]

Interestingly that's the colour of the standard wheels on my 1995 Dedra. Here are pictures of Y10 and Dedra wheels for comparison.

[lancianut666]

When I went to see Pete the Wheel we agreed to do the wheels in an anthracite colour but they have ended up grey...look a lot smarter though especially with the new wheel centres 

[fay66]

While it is nice to see Y10, Dedra and Thema Wheels refurbished, and I appreciate the cost, but I feel its such a shame when the wheel are painted rather than diamond cut and lacquered.
Note the highlights of the Y10 diamond cut wheels and the anthracite paint in the recesses, as well as in the wheel bolt recesses, that in my opinion are what make these wheels so special, rather than being finished in one colour.
Frequently the recessed paintwork is in good condition and do not require repainting.
Brian
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