Project ARJ...Part 2

If you want a quick win then you can simply fit halogen units in place of the sealed beam units. That will give you an idea of the improvement in light output. I used halogens for some months on my V8 before fitting relays into the main beam circuit only. However, you'd be well advised to fit relays in circuit asap to protect the vulnerable fuse box.

Dave
 
I would consider replacing the plugs and connectors when you do it. They get a bit grotty and worthwile.

Also you woud be able to cable out to where ever you fancy saving ugly relays being on show.

Colin
 
Hi Paul I converted a year or so ago and no problems! I will have some spare sealed units if you want a replacement in the short term though cheers Tam.
 
It's done! Halogens all fitted through relays.

I have a question though - when the headlights are on dipped the main beam flash doesn't work. It does work when the dipped beam is off. Main beam also works correctly when switched on permanently. Does that sound correct?

Thanks,
Paul
 
brannigan said:
It's done! Halogens all fitted through relays.

I have a question though - when the headlights are on dipped the main beam flash doesn't work. It does work when the dipped beam is off. Main beam also works correctly when switched on permanently. Does that sound correct?

Headlamp flash should work with the lights off, with sidelights only, and with dipped beam on.
 
It wasn't till I took it for a test drive that I realised that I had the main beam stalk in the wrong position which means I had the relay feeds the wrong way round. Once I swapped them over everything worked as it should.

I swapped out the radio for a mw/lw 5 button radiomobile which looks much better that the 90's cd that was fitted. All I need to do now as far as the electrics are concerned is sort out that long standing hand brake warning light.
 
Brake warning lamp :roll:

Try and get hold of a spare wiring loom or by pass/remove the brake pad wear part.

Colin
 
Now that was a different day. As I was in North Birmingham on business I paid a visit to jr wadhams and picked up some repair panels and replacement outer sills. Loved the warehouse stock. I could have spent a small fortune in there.
 
Passed the MOT first time today. Pretty happy about that.

It's a good thing to keep another Almond one on the road :)
 
Started the bodywork today. First thing is the outer sills. I have two brand new ones to fit as the old units are a bit rotten. Looks like it will take some work as the current sills don't sit correctly. Not too easy to tell from the picture but they don't run parallel with the doors and drop down at the front and they also don't line up with the front wings.


Once I took them off and started to test fit the new ones I realised that I may have to modify the fixings to get them to fit so I took the drivers door cover plate off and looks what I found.

So the plan is to cut out the rusty section and weld in something new. The means I have to drill new holes for the outer sill and fingers crossed that should help.
 

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Managed to get some time to make a start on the foot plate. I cut out the rot but didn't take out the entire section partly because the fixing points are not virgin territory and would take a lot to clean up and secondly because I'm new to this and you can always cut out more but reversing mistakes is a bit more difficult. So I ended up with this.

I made up a patch and welded it in. Not the neatest job but from underneath I can see good weld penetration and it is solid and strong unlike the rusty mess I cut out. I need practise but at least this is in a hidden area. I'll probably cut it out and do it again further down the road but for the time being it will do.

Finally tonight I gave it a coat of 2K epoxy which should hopefully be dry by tomorrow night so I can get back to my original task of lining up the new sill cover.
 

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I'm starting to make some progress. New sill is test fitted to the car. Took a fair bit if adjusting and altering to get a good fit but I think it is looking much better.

I've welded up the jacking holes as the rear jacking points as missing on ARJ so I don't see the point of keeping them. I always use a trolley jack anyway. Picture shows the holes filled and then skimmed over with filler.

Since the picture I've etch primed the top surface and I've just finished painting the back with 2 coats of 2k epoxy. I've also test fitted and stripped back to the metal a new drivers side rear wing. Its in reasonable shape and had at least 10 coats of paint but the chemical stripper and my DA sander took care of that. It has also just had its second coat of epoxy on the back tonight. Once I've given it a final sand and some etch primer I'll make a start on the passenger side.

Paul
 

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Doesn't bodywork take forever. I've manage to get two replacement rear wings and two brand new sills prepared in etch primer ready for the painter. Won't do any more bodywork to the car till after the SARR.

Paul
 

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Been ages since I updated this thread so here goes.

P5 Rostyles purchased. The chrome was finished and they were rusty so I blasted them to get rid of the crap and give them a key. Etch primed and then sprayed metallic silver with SD1 centre caps.
 

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Started on the back door. Cut the old skin off and replaced the rusty bottom of the door. Have already welded on new half skin but don't have pictures yet. A little filler to smooth things off and then on to the next. Hope to find the time to do all four over the winter.
 

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Looking great, I was wondering where you have been. Clearly busy doesnt look like the same car.
 
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