My Green '88 GTX

[Jimmytdi]

Right then, I've had this car about 5 months now and thought it was about time I recorded its progress!

I bought the car from a nice chap from Margate (a member on here) to use as my everyday car, not that I use it much anyway!
Its a 1988 GTX in Jade green, here is how it looked on the day I got it (notice side strips removed by a previous owner- but only on one side!)



It all ran and drove ok but initial things I picked up on was a grinding clutch cable, wobbly gearshift, mileometer didnt work and clock broken, noisy rear wheel bearing which made it sound like there was a low-flying plane overhead!

Since then I have done lots of small bits on the car:

Clutch cable (after 3 goes at getting the right one)
Plugs, leads, cap, rotor arm,
Rear wheel bearing (supplied by previous owner)
Various radiator hoses
Various vacuum hoses
AAV, Sunroof handle, rubber side strips, Replacement working instrument cluster, All from kind members on here ( Mainly Ianaudia4- cheers!)
Repaired broken wire to AAV
Repaired wobbling wing mirror
Repaired drivers door window mechanism
Fitted clutch cable bulkhead plate (after painful memories of a Scala I had years ago!)

I have also managed to repair the sunroof seal to a reasonable standard using sikaflex

Here is how it looks today, not much changed on the outside






Ont thing that I will be sorting out is a creased front wing




Also the sunroof headlining has gone all mouldy! Any ideas on how to sort that out??


Other bits I have got and will be doing soon:
Gearbox linkage repair kit
New injector seals
Timing belt and tensioner
V belt
Oil and filter
Ordered filler neck from Germany

So far Ive been really pleased with the car, it always make me smile when I drive it!

[ianaudia4]

Looking good mate. Would be good to see you at some shows this year.

[Jimmytdi]

Thanks Ian,

Yes I'm hoping to get to some shows this year. I havent taken the car on a long run yet because the timing belt is long overdue for a change but when that'll be sorted soon!

[ianaudia4]

It is always good to see a nice a GTX mate, see less and less these days!

[Nate]

to clean the mould off, try using a weak solution of soda crystals (quid a bag from your favourite super market, usually by the washing powder) and warm water.

[james butler]

try what nate said for the sunroof, but i found 1001 great for cleaning the vinyl roof parts.
especially manky sun visors!

[Jimmytdi]

Cheers for the tips, I'll give the soda crystals a go.
I'll try anything to avoid having to remove the sunroof panel!

[Jimmytdi]

This arrived today :)




Now I just need to coat it in an indestructable covering before fitting!

[ianaudia4]

This arrived today :)




Now I just need to coat it in an indestructable covering before fitting!

Nice

[Jimmytdi]

I still havent fitted the fuel filler yet due to not having an extra long hose to attach it to the tank but I now have a dilemma...

I have aquired a really good second hand filler neck which is complete with a nearly new correct length rubber hose. The neck also has some sort of padding round it to stop stone chips. Do i fit the used one and sell the new one ( to hopefully get some money back on it) or spend even more on a new rubber hose on the new one?
I just cant decide although the thought of making some of the 130 odd quid back is very tempting!

[ianaudia4]

Why not take the nearly new hose off the second hand one and fit to the new pipe and fit that to your car! You can then sell the second hand filler neck and get some money back, this is what I would do!

[Jimmytdi]

Ideally thats what i would do but the pipes and hoses are different lengths

[ianaudia4]

Do a search for fuel hose, I'm sure it is 40mm, I did see some silicon hose a while back.

[Jimmytdi]

I managed to get hold of a front wing in really great nick, I never realised how well the bodykit was held on! It put up a fight but did let go in the end!

Ready for prep work before getting it sprayed


I tried to do the injector seals but only got as far as getting one out then couldnt figure out how to get the new seal on

[Jimmytdi]

Injector seal replacement time!

Disaster!
No. 1 injector went easy and pushed back in feeling like it was a good tight seal.
No. 2 injector looked like the seal was the worst of the lot, very wobbly and could be moved up and down. I started levering it out (carefully using a screwdriver each side) and the bloody thing snapped off!
Luckily i managed to dig out the crusty seal which allowed me to pull the injector out but that means no car until i can get up the breakers and get a second hand one