1999 

This page is intended as a historical record of the the breakages and necessary other bits that have happened to Cartman since we first adopted him. This record is in the order of most recent happenings at the top.

November 1999

• Fitted a K&N to the Weber carb. More noise, but no more noticable go. Also installed a set of 4 electrode spark plugs. The originals were cheap but recently fitted, but these new ones seem to aid starting and improve throttle response - but that could be phsycological due to the £20 cost.
• Whoops. Being used to nice 'powerful' halogens on the front of a vehicle was almost my downfall. I managed to run over a roundabout due to the limited light output from the original filament bulbs. So no choice there. Off with the originals and on with a pair of 55Watt H4's (with plastic bowls).

August 1999

• Old springs and shocks were very worn so replaced fronts with a pair of parabolics and std rears fitted. ProComp 3000 gas dampers fitted all round. Vast improvement. When money stretches to it I will fit a set of parabolics at the rear but at £350 a pair it is a bit steep (5.5.2000 prices have now dropped dramatically - reconsider soon?).  

July 1999

• In attempt to increase the full consumption above 14-15 MPG I fitted a Kenlowe cooling fan. Much improved acceleration, less noise and a 2MPG improvement. A must do mod for anyone with a fixed axis fan. The only time that this may turn-out to be less than adequate is during a lot of high revs off-road. In this case a fixed fan might be better (After the ARC in 2000 the Kenlowe performed admirably - though it was a cold wet weekend, as many will remember).
• Offside rear edge capping has been bent for some time. Fitted a replacement.
• Fit new rear door bottom seal.
• I knew when I picked up Cartman that I would need to change the fuel tank. So had one ready, painted with 2 coats of smoothrite and a new chassis support. Good job to.

  Early one morning my father-in-law reports a smell of fuel around Cartman. Wet patch noticed to the side rear of tank. Out it came and boy was it shot. Filled with water and a light tap with a hammer causes the rust plugging the holes to drop off. A 20yd blast with No.7 shot wouldn't have done much more damage. See the image below.

  So a new tank support and tank was fitted over one weekend. That problem solved.

  

June 1999

• Full BJ Acoustics soundproofing kit fitted. Well worth the money. This is my every day vehicle if I am not on the Triumph so it has to be slightly civilised.
• I had the vehicle checked over by an experience LR mechanic (F&R Commercials in Wickham, Hants.) which resulted in:- Exhaust manifold down pipe studs brazed in, new manifold gasket, rear hub leaking (replaced), drivers side footwell replaced.

  

 May 1999

• First full service since god knows when. Valve clearances, carb strip & clean, change all fluids. New 750x16 AT remoulds fitted on grey mods.
• Door tops are past caring. Fitted new set.
• Bought Cartman on the 22 May 1999

Any comments regarding manufacturers or suppliers parts or services are only from my personal experience. Those items I find to be less than satisfactory I will state that they are not up to scratch, and if they're good then I will say so. I am not associated my marriage, employ, or money (unfortunately) with any of those companies mentioned.

Paul Maidment - 11 June 2000

Updated 13 January 2003

me at pjboomer@freeuk.com