www.imoc.co.uk

I have finally decided to get the engine checked out properly and HG replaced (if that is the problem). Can someone please recommend a specialist garage that can do this? Thanks

Ultimately it boils down (pun intended) as to whether a stuck thermostat can cause a blown HG.
I am now back in the UK. RAC were great in the end. Once they knew the car couldn't be repaired they couldn't do enough to help us. So well done RAC.

I'd be upset & angry too in your position Booster So there will be no repairs (even temporary) done in France ? Will the RAC transport the car back to UK :?: You can't really assess the extent of the shoddy workmanship till the head is off of course No repairs are being done. The garage basical...

I know, I know. But my pride, a ruined holiday, lots of wasted money and a very bitter taste is getting in the way of me seeing common sense at this time. The Supply of Goods and services act 1982 covers shoddy workmanship for a period of 6 years and that is my starting point. It isn't reasonable to...

Yes. They say pretty much what you have in that as the car is out of warranty that we are on our own.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought to be honest. Not worth the hassle. However........ The car has been kept in a climate controlled, dehumidified environment almost entirely since the work was carried out (alongside classic Ferrari's and Lamborghini's) so there is absolutely no question over w...

The garage mechanic basically told the RAC that he has no interest in attempting to repair it. (good on him , I say). The RAC are trying to find a Toyota garage somewhere nearby that would be prepared to do the job. If not then we should be on our way home and the car will be repatriated. I am inter...

We are still stuck in france - awaiting the verdict from the local garage as to a)whether it can be repaired in good time (i.e. before the 10th August - our return date) b) What exactly is wrong with it and therefore how much it will cost. I will PM JHiss that's a useful contact - thanks. My biggest...

It's quite a long story. I had the engine rebuilt 4 years ago as part of a restoration project. It was driven for 1000 miles and then put in a specialist car storage unit, where they run it up and move it around every month. The RAC man at the 1s breakdown removed the stat as there was a marked temp...

Hey thanks to all for taking the time to help us out. We are in Reims - the car is somewhere near Troyes.

Hi
The local french garage reckons the head gasket has gone. Just so that I don't get completely fleeced can someone please let me know how much it would normally cost (roughly) to fix this as the RAC are insisting that it should be repaired rather than repatriated.
Cheers
Brian

A fantastic resto. Well done!

Hey Thanks for all the kind comments! To be honest it's a bit of a pain to own now as I daren't drive it in the wet and am paranoid when I am out in it about stone chips, fly splats, dings and scrapes - not really enjoying it like I thought I would. What's worse is I am emigrating to Bahrain in Augu...

Hi everyone. Just caught up with this thread after sorting my life out. Thanks for all the nice comments - I still have the car and have put a compilation of photos of the restoration up on YouTube. If you have a spare 5 minutes please check it out. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nIrKXpipd5U Here's a co...

Thanks for all the great advice. I've pm'd the guy with the seats so hopefully they are still available. They do look in very good condition and may could be reconnolised (sp?)

I think a retrim may be the best way to go for the seats. I have the orginals of course but the drivers side is split and cracked. What do you think I should do with the radio and speakers?

Jon, Mr T have been very good so far with parts no probs at all yet.

Thought I'd post an update for you. So much preparation work has happened on the car and the attention to detail is stunning - I can't believe the difference. Suspension and brakes are all brand new, inlcuding disks and pipes all round. Engine is away being refurbed. Paintwise she's had base coat an...

To original poster - it's nice to see a car being fully restored like that but if you are getting it done by someone else it must surely be v. expensive (or someone owes you lots of favours!) - would you not have been better off buying one of those really mint cars that were for sale recently? I co...

Chunky Monkey wrote:isn't that cheatin?

Still good stuff, keep us upto date anyhow.

I suppose it is but I just don't have the time nor knowledge for a project of this size

Will keep posting pics as work progresses though.

Chunky Monkey wrote:I take my hat off to your sir, that is one fab project. Keep us posted with regular progress reports.

Thanks for all the kind comments but I must confess that it is not me that is doing the work. It's being done by a classic car restoration company near Southampton.