I'm thinking about getting an old series Landrover, pre 1973. If I do, I'll be getting one in good-ish condition that has had a recent replacement chassis. I'd like a galvanised one but I have seen a few advertised with powder coated chassis. How is powder coating carried out and does it get into all the nooks and crannies like galvanising does? I thought it was some sort of spraying process, if so, I doubt it'll be as good. Does anyone know? Read more

Hi i am having problems with the clutch and gears on my car (its a 1998 60sx)
first when its out of gear theres a noise its not loud, its like a growling/grinding,
it started first when i depressed the clutch about half way and would go if i released it, now its making the noise when the clutch isnt depressed and gos when i depress it, it only starts when the engine is warm especaly if ive been sat in heavy traffic,

2nd problem its imposable to get it in to first gear when the car is still moving,
if its stopped theres no problem,but its like theres something blocking it,
it can be hard sometimes to get it in to second as well, but it will go in whilst moving
all the other gears are fine and theres no problems with them,

every other aspect of the car is fine, except these two problems,
if i do need a new clutch or gear box does anyone know how much i am looking at.

thanks

jane

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1991 Golf 1.8 Driver auto starts to die when slowed down on the brakes at a tight bend or setting-off at the top of a hill when cold. Can retrieve by flooring accelerator in neutral with black smoke in exhaust. Fine thereafter. Any clues folks? Read more

Hi all, becasue of the cold weather i thought id give the battery of our fiat punto 60 (1998) a bit of a charge up today, as the car lives outside and only does short runs. It has been labouring to start recently and we probably need to invest in a new battery. Anyway i thought a nice task would be to remove it to the kitchen, give the case and terminals a clean up and put it on charge for a couple of hours. On re-installing the battery to the car the engine cranked over nicely but absolutly nothing from the engine-not even a try to fire up. I've got a sinking feeling here that the ECU has lost everything, ive heard of this battery thing that fits into the cig lighter, but thought a 10 year old car would be tolerant of a battery disconection-my 11 year old Hyundai Sonata gave no problems at all when i fitted a new battery last year.

This battery removal and cleanup of the rusty tray etc is a little job ive enjoyed doing for years on different cars.

does anyone have any advice to offer?
Many thanks Read more

I'm currently doing around 1000 miles a week, about two-thirds of it on a motorway and although I shouldn't really be I am staggered at the poor driving I see, i.e. people pulling out without looking, not noticing the line of stationary traffic until they are almost on top of it then skidding to a halt etc etc.

My theory is that a good deal of the problem is that drivers today are not focused on their driving and have too many distractions.

My niggle is sat navs!

People drive along with these things suckered to their screen, often in such a way that must obscure their view (especially in small cars with small windscreens) plus the fact that often when I am sat in stationary traffic I see that the screens seem to change as if in a 'screen saver' mode. (I dont have one, I use maps!) Surely this cant be good for concentration?!!

Any other theories about the worst driver distractions?
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