My newly purchased Z 3

[bertiejaffa]

Interesting to hear about the 3rd brake light and the MOT - from what I have read previously, if the 3rd light doesn't work at all then it should be a failure (if only some of the bulbs are out then it passes). Yours sounds like a new kit would probably be the easiest option - glad to see Andy helping out with it

 

[Tracy Dee]

Mine never worked when I bought it and came with a new fresh MOT before I picked it up.
So guess it depends on MOT station .
It did have a new exhaust and advisory on brake pads which were done for MOT.
Yes bought the whole unit except the red lens.
New gasket fitted also pray it stays leak free.

 

[t-tony]

The third brake light is not a fail if more than 50% of the light sources (LED's etc.) are working. However, if the tester cannot confirm that the third brake light is connected (without removing any covers etc.) then it should be a pass and advise. This likely why Tracy's car passed. So it doesn't just depend on the test station. Just another M.O.T. annomoly.

Tony.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Update
Drivers seat bushes done all fixed thanks to Martin & Stacy and Aceman for a prompt fast delivery.
All niggles done.

 

[t-tony]

Good to hear another member helping out Tracy.

Tony.

 

[BMBabe]

It's was a progress day
@Tracy Dee litte Zed is coming along nicely
Here are some pics
Those bushes were shot to bits!!

 

[Tracy Dee]

After most of the Easter Holiday stuck inside down to our lovely British weather apart from an excursion to our local. I thought about what needs doing or might improve my Zed .
Although not broken or leaking I feel the rear shocks feel a little soft and a bit of a lean on faster driving on corners after all they are original and done 75 k so not bad .
After browsing the net I ordered 2 new rear shocks which will turn up a week on Tuesday
Even though the old ones are serviceable I hope new ones will refresh the rear end.
Just need to sort out someone to fit them now.

 

[DirtyDog]

@BMBabe - Looks like we now have an "Aylesbury Z shed" the amount of zeds that end up at yours

 

[Wookee]

Although not broken or leaking I feel the rear shocks feel a little soft and a bit of a lean on faster driving on corners after all they are original and done 75 k so not bad .
After browsing the net I ordered 2 new rear shocks which will turn up a week on Tuesday
Even though the old ones are serviceable I hope new ones will refresh the rear end.
Just need to sort out someone to fit them now.

When I replaced mine (along with the top mounts) didn't notice too much of a difference.The main purpose of the shocks is to stop you getting a bouncy ride that just having springs would cause I can't imagine they would sort out your 'lean'. On the other hand, replacing the ARB bushes and drop links mad a great deal of difference to body roll.

Have you driven a similar car to see how they compare?

 

[Tracy Dee]

Bit late now shocks on order coming next week but they are the originals and done 75 k so hope it's not a complete waste of money. Also still have to pay to get someone to fit them.
Now @Wookee you got me thinking I have wasted my money don't think I will bother in future until something breaks.

 

[Wookee]

I don't think you're wrong to replace 75k old shocks, I just don't think you'll get the improvement you're after. The good news is that the bits that will improve your body roll are quite a bit cheaper than the shocks....they're just a bit of a bugger to fit.

My shocks were 85k old and my rear end was skipping over rough surfaces and not gripping out of bends properly, but I could also see that my ARB drop links were in a poor condition (see below) which is why I replaced them and the ARB bushes too. I did the shocks and top mounts first and found not much of an improvement in the grip out of bends and only a slight improvement in the skipping. The ARB refresh sorted this all out and now it's very hard to get the back end to step out....and I trust me I've tried!

IMG_20160123_131857105

 

[Tracy Dee]

Thats the trouble you say fitting is problem don't mind buying drop links I looked under £20 for a pair
Costs a fortune to keep getting things fitted the shocks might end up getting chucked in the boot until it's oil service in next couple of months.
Oh well might have bought wrong parts .

 

[Tracy Dee]

Tracy drove me mad about the purchase of new rear shocks and trying to get them fitted without huge expense.
Even though I don't do car fixing and I have a hand full of antiquated tools I thought I would try to do them for myself to save on pennies.
Anyway spent the morning removing refitting won't go into detail but a few bolts were tight to say the least. Anyway all now fitted from a person who does not ever fix cars needs must I guess.
Making do with a meagre few spanners as well.
The bloody carpet in the back was more of a pain fitting back down.
Thought I would test drive it hey presto battery flat as a kipper again a trip to euro car parts new battery .car's really trying my patience money saved fitting my own shocks gone on a battery.
Anyway took it out car feels firmer corners better.
The old shocks when pushed in failed to retract at all .
So the end.
Nice beer later on Tracy.
Regards.
Cliff.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Nice one Cliff, now go and have a few well deserved

 

[GazHyde]

Well done Cliff. The carpet is the worst bit, hopefully you didn't fully remove it to get to the top mounts. You can get away with peeling it back at the corners. I think you also have an advantage of not having the roll hoops in the way.

Still, doesn't matter how you've done it - you've done it!!

 

[oldcarman]

Nice one Cliff!! Soon you'll be looking at tool catalogs! JIM

 

[Tracy Dee]

Almost owned 1 year next month.

Jobs done in 1 year.
Seat bushes done drivers seat.
Both front Lollipop bushes done.
Near side out lower bottom ball joint.
New Battery.
2 new front tyres.
Third brake light and seal renewed now working.
New rear shocks.
Air breather valve
Service
Spark plugs 4 tip
New Cat
New bonnet badge
Seat belt clip fixer
Rear shock mounts

Jobs left this year.
Rear diff poly bush to be fitted if a kind person can do it for me.
MOT done and a pass

Updated work
Rear discs & Pads
Diff poly bush
Front drop links
Gearbox oil
Fuel filter
Aux drive belt.

Now a clean bill of health mechanically. Perfect at last.

 

[Tracy Dee]

After yesterday's break down now needs new Cat possible exhaust
While it's been there today it's been serviced and needed a new air valve breather .
They have a long list of stuff needing doing and MOT next week it not going well.
Another big bill and lots more to come if I continue doing stuff.

 

[oldcarman]

You've come a long way in a year with your car and this is not good news for sure. I know neither you nor Cliff are mechanically inclined and truly wish we were closer so I could help you out. Hopefully someone will come to your rescue and save you some £££, JIM

 

[oldcarman]

You've come a long way in a year with your car and this is not good news for sure. I know neither you nor Cliff are mechanically inclined and truly wish we were closer so I could help you out. Hopefully someone will come to your rescue and save you some £££, JIM