We "adopted" a 2006 Cooper S Cabrio in January and it has spent most of the year in the garage. The car is fairly solid--runs great, but has 89k on the clock and it shows its age in a few areas. About a month ago I started working on it. Got it cleaned-up inside and out, replaced the rubber/chrome trim around the top. I also replaced the wheels/tires. Two of the s-lites were bent and the run-flats had side-wall blisters. About the only thing left to fix is some suspension work. The towers have some mushrooming and I think the dampers are worn-out. (Any recommendations for a shop to do the work in central Ohio?). Anyway, I took a couple pics last Saturday, here is "Stewie."
Welcome and thanks for registering on the site. Funny you should ask about suspension work, I'm headed out today to interview a shop to see if they would fit my needs.
You don't need a shop for the mushrooming - just get yourself a nice set of tower braces (I like the M7 ones with the additional engine strut bar and have it in my cabrio). Then use a 2X4 and a large mallet to hammer the top of the tower surfaces flat. High-tech, I know... After they're flat try to fit the braces - if you see ANY gappage between the braces and the painted metal remove them and continue to flatten - they should mate up all around perfectly. Tighten bolts to supplied specs and you should be good to go.
Welcome. Photos look like they were taken up at Crosswoods in Worthington. North End Wrench is a popular repair facility for a lot of our. Mid Ohio. Motoring members. Come on out to breakfast this Saturday and someone will help you out. Time and place is listed on our website.
Welcome and as Mark said you are welcome to join us for breakfast on Saturday...I will bring the 2x4 and Sledge!!
Two opposable thumbs up for the North End Wrench. Can't wait to see Jason swinging his sledge... See you Saturday! Welcome Scott...
Thanks everyone! Its interesting that you all mention Northend Wrench. I have known Dave and Pat for years and they serviced a few of my prior cars.
Northend just saved me some $ this afternoon... My daughter's car (a 2000 Olds Alero) was making a horrendous knocking noise. I told her to take it there, as I trust the guys. I went with her though, just because I was curious. They opened the hood, listened for about 10 seconds, and shook their head: dropped valve and/or busted rod. "More to repair than the car's worth, I'm afraid... So sorry." Most places would have kept the car overnight and charged an inspection fee, I'm sure. So... anyone selling a cheap, non-US car for a college student? (sigh)...
Craigslist for something that runs. Not sure non-US is any better at the price point a college kid can hit. Sorry for your loss, been there. :frown2:
Bummer my Volvo would have been perfect, but alas it has been sold. +1 for going to craigslist you will find a sea of low cost cars in need of a very good inspection to deterimine their actual value. And welcome Scott that is a nice looking vert you have there.