First, sorry I've not been on here much lately and not being very active. nothing personal I just haven't given the forum a lot of thought lately unless I got an email notification. I still love it here.

 

 

Anyway,

Although some of you who I talk to in none forum life already know, most don't so I thought it was time to tell people that I've crashed my black zed which I've had for years and years. It happened at the end of August.

 

I've not hit anyone else, just some railings at around 20-25mph. I'm completely fine etc etc, just gutted lol. As to what happened, if I'm completely honest, I'm not really sure, my attention was distracted for a quick second but my steering wheel kind of spun to the left. I believe it could have been the steering arm (which I knew was rotten and a little bent as I actually had the replacements for both side on my table to be done the over the next few days) broke. The wheel anded up completely sideways and pushed back towards the sill.

 

The damage was pretty much the bumper, front wing, PACE intercooler and expansion tank. Most suspension components too (MeisterR coilover, knuckle broke, lower arm bent etc). Anyway, I've already bought all the replacement suspension bits and put it all back together etc. The Antera 309 alloy wheel was shattered into a few pieces too. These bits weren't really too much of an issue and I've got all that back together. I'm very doubtful on finding any PACE intercoolers like.

 

The main issues with the car are now the sill was pushed in, the battery tray was too so the battery is now a little cockeyed. There's also a hole between through to the engine bay where there was obviously some rot anyway. I spoke to a body shop and to be honest, they don't really want the job as it's not in an easy place to get to etc and where the welding needs doing (the hole) has the wiring loom right behind it. The car seems structurally sound in general.

 

 

I'd like to publicly say thank you to a couple of our well respected traders; Lee Dent and Jimmer Thomas. I'd honestly recommend both of these gentlemen for any needs you might have.

 

-Lee has been great with parts, advice and his opinion, he let me pop down to his place, cut a few panels, out of a scrap car he had and gave me the parts I needed at a very fair price IMO. He even fed me and has been generally very helpful in giving his thoughts. Thanks very much Lee.

 

-Jimmer contacted me directly after hearing from a mutual friend about the bump I'd had. He came forward to offer help and support where needed and has given me his valued opinion on my car and the damage. Thank you very much Jimmer.

 

 

At present, I really don't know what to do, whether to try and have the car fixed, buy a new shell or just not bother at all. I think after speak to Lee and Jimmer, I've come round to the fact that re-shelling would probably be the most sensible solution. I'm just a little torn due to how much I love my black zed and sadly it'll be hard to find another in the same GL1 black. I guess it's more important to get the most solid car I can and then have it painted really. I've spent so many thousands on the zed over time, I don't really want to give up, just lost a bit of heart in it I think.

 

Anyway, I'll maybe put up some photos later on.

 

Many thanks,

Lee

An English single garage is not built for a car its for 2 mountain bikes,a lawn mower and a strimmer...These builders of new homes should be charged with offences related to the "not fit for the purpose act" :thumbdown:

I think it's the fact they advertise as affordable housing and the price is 250k to 350k for a 2 bed semi assembled by stoners is probably a better thing to call them out on.

Mine's pretty good for a single integral garage. It will be tiled with better lighting and a doorway fitted go the left plus a new electric garage door. If I park close enough to one side, I can open the drivers door fully. Park in the middle and I have enough room to work on it and dry-wash it.

 

Dry washing? Don't swear!

Dry washing? Don't swear!

 

LOL - but Si doesn't take his Zed out in weather to get it sufficiently dirty, to warrant a full on wash each time!

This is true! It only ever gets a light dusting, I give it a quick wipe down after use - it has about 5 coats of Zymöl on it too!

That garage is missing something...