Retractable Spoiler issue

Problem: There's an unpleasant vibration / shudder when the retractable spoiler closes.

After a quick examination it was clear to see that there was a bit of 'play' at the pivot points on the left and right supporting arms, suggesting that some of the bushes had perished over the years.

I ordered some new ones plus a bunch of clips as I knew that I had to remove the protective grill to get access, and those original clips tend to break as you have to 'work' them off.

A blanket or cover is always a good idea to ensure you don't lose anything into the engine bay. Simply remove the 8 clips that run around the perimeter, undo the 2 screws of the plastic guard that covers the mechanical parts, and unclip the spoiler blind to free the protective grill.

Then you'll have access to loosen off the bolts using an allen key. You won't need to hold the nuts on the other side with a spanner as they're welded. Simply replace bushes on the bolts that need doing. There were 3 in my case. I found that replacing the bushes helped but unfortunately didn't fully eradicate the play. Dad suggested I added an additional washer to each of them (he had a few lying around in his never ending box of tricks) in order to pull the whole assembly tightly together horizontally. It did the trick. Good old Dad! I tested the spoiler and no more shudder! Job done, like they say.

All that was left to do was to put the protective grill back in position. With a socket simply press fit the new clips onto the plastic clamps.

One retractable spoiler restored back to it's former Zuffenhausen glory!  

New bulbs and Porsche heaven

So, this morning I popped down to see Greg at Heritage as he ordered me in some platinum white bulbs (PIAA COMPETITION H.I.D 4100K, H1 12V 55W > 110W) to replace the original standard ones in my headlights (for both the low and high beam). These PIAA bulbs do not need any HID or Xenon components and utilize the original lighting electronics so can simply swap in, which makes life very easy. Not cheap at 30 pounds each, but the difference is remarkable - replacing the dull yellow colour with a clean, crisp, intense white light for a modern look. 

And, I ought to mention the collection of cars he had in. Unbelievable. I thought I had died and gone to Porsche heaven. A Singer (one of only two in the country), a Porsche GT (you don't see those much), a 993 RS (yummy) and the piece de resistance was an immaculate Guard’s Red 959, and not any old 959 but a Sport - as rare as rocking horse shit - only 29 ever made and this might just be the best example in existence, given it's sublime condition and super low mileage. Greg hazarded a guess that those four cars alone have a collective value of over 2 million great british pounds. And when casually asked by him which one of would have, given the chance, I really didn’t know how to answer - I guess that’s because I secretly wanted to have them all! 

Thanks Greg for sorting the bulbs and for the private view. 

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Day and what better way than to start off the year with an early morning drive and a classic car gathering at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey - The Birthplace of British Motorsport.

It was nice to park up along the Members' Banking of the old race track, which back in 1907 formed part of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit. I love a bit of racing history...

My handbrake was put to the test - gulp.

And here's Jamie's new toy - his lovely 944 S2. Welcome to the classics!