Authority on Five

Back on the Road

After many months of hardship and deprivation, Daisy finally made it for the breakfast drive today. Some of the problems that had to be resolved included the rubbing of the tires against the tire well, a clunking sound when going over bumps and a broken lower Colgan bra. The rubbing is still there but it would take quite a big bump to make the tires rub against the tire wall. The problem was solved by raising the height of the coilovers. The clunking sound is still outstanding. I think the hinges of the left door is loose; so I had them tightened. See if this works. The Colgan bra was repaired free of charge except that I had to pay for freight charges to USA.

I was a bit nervous considering that I have not driven up for a couple of months. But, once behind the wheel, everything comes back quite naturally. Daisy is still a beast to drive; she ain't no slouch and when it comes to handling, she's up there with the best. I've been thinking about putting back the magnesium rims to save some weight but I would lose some grip behind since the tires are all standard 245's.

It was a great drive today among friends. The roads were pretty good and we covered about 300km. Breakfast was fantastic, as usual. When it comes to food, these JSG guys really know their stuff. I look forward to doing more of such drives. The only complain I have is that I wake up damn early on a Sunday morning. Oh well, no pain, no gain.

posted by gabey @ Monday, October 08, 2007

Mid-Life Maintenance

Amazing. Daisy is more than 6 years old and I am still loving every minute I am behind the wheel especially on the Sunday drives. Sure, she gives me problems now and then but heck, I've seen Ferraris and Lambos giving even more problems. Recently, creaking sounds have been creeping in here and there. Today, I decided that these sounds have to go. Found a bottle of BMW Door Grease in the workshop and I got to work on all the door hinges. Guess what? All those creaking sounds are gone...that's how powerful a can of crease can be if you used it in the right areas. The plastics in then engine compartment are starting to crack and piece of it have been dropping off. Things like the windshield garnish, micro-filter covers, ducts, etc... I am slowly replacing each part as they break. There are those who would scoff at the idea of replacing parts and opt to sell the car instead since it is 'old'. Not me. What's old can be made new. New does not mean good. Old does not mean bad. Daisy will be around for a long, long time.

posted by gabey @ Tuesday, October 02, 2007