Rubber

Thanks for all the comments guys! So far I think we have established: - you don't get points for having your front windows overly tinted, maybe a fine or a request to pull off the film on the spot - MOT does not have a check for tinted windows - You must have at least 70% light transmission through the front windows - For some unknown reason some window tinting companies refuse to do the front windows A couple of posts refer to the fact the factory glass may only leave 70% through on the fronts. I had seen some reference to this as well in an older thread. However, I am unclear as to whether people are referring to the Zed or older cars that they had? As far as I can see my front windows are clear although I do believe that even this might amount to something like 90% light transmission.

I have been thinking about getting the windows tinted. For me, it's not anything to do with privacy or to hide an ICE install - it's purely aesthetic. Especially on silver cars (mine is a blade) I think the tint looks good. I don't want a dark limo tint, just a light tint on all the windows (except the windscreen of course ) I had this type of tint on my previous Celica and had no issues with MOT or the police. I found night driving fine. Yes, I admit there was some reduced visibility but it didn't cause an issue. However, on going to a local window tinting firm in Aberdeen for a quote, they told me they would not tint the front windows. The cops are clamping down on this and can apparently give you points for it. While out and about in Aberdeen I see lots of cars with the front windows tinted - not specifically modified cars but Range Rovers, BMWs, Minis (with all their crap chrome trim etc). How do these people get away with it or is it a matter of time before they get 'caught'? I have searched all the information in the forum but have yet to come up with a definitive answer. The most useful link I could find from the other posts was http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/newsandevents/pressreleases/2004pressreleases/21-09-04vosanowhavethepowertostopmotorists.htm but even this appears to be open to interpretation from different members!!! So in summary: 1) Are front window tints with 70% light transmission legal? 2) Will it pass the MOT? 3) Can the police give you points for window tints that are too dark on the front windows? (I thought the normal method of dealing with this was to get the driver to peel it off the tinting film on the spot. This would be rather upsetting but I could live with the chances of that happening but not further points!) I realise some people have strong views on tinted windows and that they are chav and dangerous etc. However, I'd prefer to try and keep this post centered on the legal side... Cheers, Chris

I went to a local carpet store to try and get an off cut of carpet underlay. Unfortunately they didn't have any underlay but I got some carpet instead. I used the original boot mat as a template and cut out a new thicker boot mat from the carpet. The result - well, I now have the carpet boot mat covered by the thin 350z boot mat. Didn't find any discernable difference in noise but my RSR exhaust is loud and I don't have a tonneau cover Maybe the a thick section of underlay will work better... Chris

Sounds like someone got their yearly bonus!!! Awesome mods!

That bright pot of paint scares me Similar to all the other posts - I'll have to wait and reserve judgement until the final pictures. However, if it all comes together as well as you plan we'll have to commend your vision for such a project Chris

http://www.zeckhausen.com/Testing_Brakes.htm Hope this isn't a repost, don't recall seeing it before...

Nice and shiny! Brake disc in the last picture looks strange??? Looks like a carbon ceramic texture! Is it groved?

Ok poll is on! Looks like most people just keep filling it to the brim. I can see why you would do this if you are doing a lot of miles - othersie you would be into the garage every day. However, in the sake of saving some weight, I don;t see why everone else wouldn't keep it below half for that extra saving.

So are you one of the people who; keep the tank full, keep it empty or fill up completely each time and run it down? Personally I don't do a lot of milage so I keep it on the last 1/4 normally unless I'm doing some motorway driving and I'll fill it to the brim.

And twice the cost!!!

Just got my car back from the MOT (passed no problems ). They said they had adjusted the headlights because they were right on the the lower limit of their throw. I had noticed recently that when I was driving on the motorwway I had very poor visibility - this change seemed to have happened over the last 6 - 8 months if I think about it. I asked the garage what the cause is and they said that over time the car suspension settles - is this true? Yet to try it out at night but looking forward to seeing the difference Chris

Tinted windows look good. I'm surprised you haven't got abuse about the sunstrip but I quite like it

If you think you are "playing it safe" by buying a used 350Z from this Nissan garage then don't bother. My car was in there about 8 weeks to get the "clicky axle" fix - what a debaucle. What really ticked me off was that everytime I went in there was just a one girl on the reception desk struggling to deal with a queue of customers while there were 2 - 3 car sales men just hanging around in the showroom. Any time I had a walk around looking at the other cars they would pester me for a sale but no one ever lent a hand with the reception desk. MESSERS.

I used Evan Halshaw in Aberdeen a couple of times and found the service extremely disappointing. Mechanically I think the work they did on car was fine but they are a nighmare to deal with. Chris

I'll start the list then: 1) Rubber: £40 (Cosworth Air Filter)

Show us the bad side!!!

But is that a standrad part of the test? i.e. putting it on the rollers. Is there an alternative or do they just not perform that particular test?

OLD THREAD RESSURECTION!!! I've been searching for some info on the issue of putting the car on the rollers for an MOT but could only find this post which has two different opinions. Car is going into the local garage tomorrow for the MOT so would appreciate any advice... Cheers, Chris

But will the desirable models be the 07+ onwards? Since the overall shape has stayed the same through the years surely a classic hunter would want the best engine and interior? Chris

Prices for early models are below £9,000 now. Will the chavs get hold of them and make a mess of early models? Will it be difficult to find an unmolested car in the future? (Similar to a Cossie?) Present company excluded of course with only tasteful mods being performed by members on this forum

Thanks guys! Car is "soaking again today". I'll get there eventually!!!! Chris

Today I dipped kitchen rolls in vinegar and then placed on the car to try and dissolve the limescale... Left it for an hour but didn't get much of a result. I had to go to the mother-in-laws for dinner so took it off (tried giving it a bit of a rub but it's solid!). I put more on over dinner and it seems to be doing the trick. You can see the pattern of the kitchen roll in some of the pictures. It will come off but it will just take some time!!! I'll keep at it tomorrow. At least the big rusty spot is coming off. I think it is more that the limescale becam discoloured with rust rather than the paintwork being discoloured. The good news is that the paint underneath appears to be undamaged from dissolving the limescale As always, thanks for all your help lads, will post up pictures of the finished prodcut (when I get there!) Chris

Cheers - Looks good. I think the rust may more difficult to remove than the limescale. However, I'm going back to Ireland tomorrow for a week so I don;t think I will be able to get hold of it before I go back Will see how I get on today and report back... Chris

Top man Tim - cheers!!! Will give the vinegar a couple of minutes to soak and then try rubbing off - more pictures to follow tomorrow. If I do end up damaging the paintwork I'll just get a pro to sort it out - might as well get the whole car done while I'm at it I'll keep you updated, thanks for all your help guys. Chris

A guy on Pistonheads reccommends simply white vinegar that he used on his Elise. Think I'll try some diluted vinegar tomorrow... Rubbing lemons!!! http://www.scirocconet.co.uk/forum/limescale-damage-paintwork-learn-from-mistakes-t4318.html Things could be worse!!! http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?165656-Limescale-removal-from-car-paintwork... I also ended up naviagting to this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGooQ8yYC0c