South-East meet up - Essex Hertfordshire Area

[EppingMk1SC]

In honour of the fact I've just bought the Blue Supercharger that was being listed on the for sale section on the Forum and it now lives in the Southeast, close to the Essex/Herts border, and a few people on here have expressed an interest in seeing it in the metal so to speak, at the suggestion on Kateg28 I've started a meet up thread to try to sort a date. I have suggested the Kings Head in North Weald as they have a nice big gravel car park and do a good lunch, but open to suggestions.

A few piccys taken this morning are here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/sets/72157627659925518/

How does next Sunday 27th November work for anyone?

[Kateg28]

Yes, am in!

[andyj]

Yes, I might be able to come up. Not that I'll have my car - it's tucked away in garage SORN for the winter.

[5705]

Yup - I'll be there. :)

[Kateg28]

Aaaaarrrrgggghhh. Can't make it. I am on the organising committee for son's school Christmas fayre which is that day. Have already ducked out of helping at another event this Thursday (going to Top Gear live) so cannot duck out of this one too.

Aaaaaaarrrrggghhh.
If date changes (saturday? Or following weekend?) then am in but otherwise will have to be next time.

[charged]

I'd like to come as well but a/ dont have the mr2 back yet and b/I'm off the the Ritz for afternoon tea that day.

[gonae86]

I wont be able to make it , mr2 having a brake/suspension upgrade at the moment.....
But I would show up if the car was running :)

[EppingMk1SC]

Why don't we all suggest days (soon) that we could do, and then go from there. I can't do the 3rd December as I'm working but otherwise easy. It would be good to get as many as we can.

[gadget225]

there is a joint meet with the drivers club at hawkhurst in kent for a christmas lunch on the 4th december let me know if anyone want anymore info ill email it to you my email address is mark@gadget225.co.uk

[andyj]

Why don't we all suggest days (soon) that we could do, and then go from there. I can't do the 3rd December as I'm working but otherwise easy. It would be good to get as many as we can.

Well I can do most days. Might go down to joint Drivers Club thing as know a few there but not really sure yet.

[EppingMk1SC]

Ok, as there were few people about for this Sunday I have decided to get the car checked over by Westfield motors, there is something amiss with the front suspension so will be dropping it off this Saturday, so this Sunday is definitely a no go. I'll post after it's back and see who's about.

[5705]

OK - keep us posted. :)

[Kateg28]

Am I allowed to be pleased it has been postponed?

Hopefully the next date won't clash with one of my commitments!

[superwhite90]

Westfield motors are toyota specialists, but not mr2 specialists mate.

However my best mate/professional valeter/vehicle technician had a supercharger conversion if you ever need any work done he'd be the best person to call.

I'd love to come, but its my Dad's birthday on sunday so i am unavailable

[Kateg28]

The other people to check are Dickersons in Ashwell near Baldock. They did a lot of work on my SC when I imported it. Not the quickest people by any means but a good job for a fair price. They certainly know the MR2....

[EppingMk1SC]

There is one chap in particular at Westfield Motors who knows Mk1's well, having maintained his own light blue mk1 t-bar for many years and it was he who looked after my last two. Dickersons are great for bodywork but not that keen on mechanical work, I know because I phoned them first (they did the respray on my White SC). It's in to get the suspension put back to the Toyota OEM spec, as it currently rides like a tea tray on bricks. When I get round to the few little bits of bodywork that need attention I will be calling Dickersons, but you are right, they are not the quickest!

[andyj]

There is one chap in particular at Westfield Motors who knows Mk1's well, having maintained his own light blue mk1 t-bar for many years and it was he who looked after my last two. Dickersons are great for bodywork but not that keen on mechanical work, I know because I phoned them first (they did the respray on my White SC). It's in to get the suspension put back to the Toyota OEM spec, as it currently rides like a tea tray on bricks. When I get round to the few little bits of bodywork that need attention I will be calling Dickersons, but you are right, they are not the quickest!

Paul, found on my SC the coil springs had been cut to lower it - it's back to OEM now. What...what ...some bits of bodywork that need attention? Thought this car was like new. Know your standards are high though - remember pics of the white/silver car restored by Dickersons, which was fantastic. We must make the meet soon ...before the weather gets bad.

[EppingMk1SC]

Paul, found on my SC the coil springs had been cut to lower it - it's back to OEM now. What...what ...some bits of bodywork that need attention? Thought this car was like new. Know your standards are high though - remember pics of the white/silver car restored by Dickersons, which was fantastic. We must make the meet soon ...before the weather gets bad.

Andy, you show from your comment 'standards are high' that you know where I am coming from. Interestingly my last SC the springs had been cut and it made almost undriveable. As you did, I put OEM springs back on and it made a world of difference.

Bodywork wise, there are no rust horrors, and the car from over a couple of feet away looks perfect but there are a few paintwork niggles, the odd suface mark and the usual small dings including a particularly irritating one where the bonnet has obviously been shut with something too large at some point and produced a line in the central panel.

I am planning on getting this car to as good a condition as funds will allow; but then I do intend to use it, and let other people enjoy seeing it about. Planning on mainly dry use , and it will be garaged and covered.

I'll PM you when I get it back from the work on the shocks.

[andyj]

Andy, you show from your comment 'standards are high' that you know where I am coming from. Interestingly my last SC the springs had been cut and it made almost undriveable. As you did, I put OEM springs back on and it made a world of difference.

Bodywork wise, there are no rust horrors, and the car from over a couple of feet away looks perfect but there are a few paintwork niggles, the odd suface mark and the usual small dings including a particularly irritating one where the bonnet has obviously been shut with something too large at some point and produced a line in the central panel.

I am planning on getting this car to as good a condition as funds will allow; but then I do intend to use it, and let other people enjoy seeing it about. Planning on mainly dry use , and it will be garaged and covered.

I'll PM you when I get it back from the work on the shocks.

Yes, look forward to hearing from you. Know what you mean about perfection - became quite obsessed with my SC restoration and even now, though looks good to others, there's still things I'd correct. Getting these cars good isn't cheap and it's a real journey mixing excitement, sadness and self-doubt. Hopefully some other owners can get along. Some have done the journey getting things perfect. Keep meaning to see Kate's car for example.

[Kateg28]

My car is not perfect.....Yet! Am more than happy to spend the effort/money on getting it perfect though.

Will be excellent if we can all get together soon!

[daddy dog]

am hoping to get along to a meet but car is off the road at the moment with alarm probs,if it is sorted by the time one is sorted count me in, we need a meet in this area as there are a few cars floating about, if people can be bothered.

[superwhite90]

It was my bad a few months ago Barry as I did forget and then promised my GF something I couldn't then get out of and last Sunday was my dad's birthday so that was a no-no. But am free after this weekend.

My car is in a sorry state at the rear arches, but I'm not going to bother to get them fixed until dry weather.

[EppingMk1SC]

My car is not perfect.....Yet! Am more than happy to spend the effort/money on getting it perfect though.

Will be excellent if we can all get together soon!

Right, I've just heard back from the garage, all being well the shocks should be done early next week, so should have the car back before next weekend (10th December). I'll update when i get confirmation, but the car (and me) should be available from next weekend onwards for a meet.

[andyj]

Right, I've just heard back from the garage, all being well the shocks should be done early next week, so should have the car back before next weekend (10th December). I'll update when i get confirmation, but the car (and me) should be available from next weekend onwards for a meet.

Great news Paul. Sorry to hear of some others problems. Hopefully mild weather will continue - still no sign of any salt on the roads!!

[daddy dog]

the alarm company have found the problem and i have to give them a ring next week .they said they should be able to fix it so all going well i should be back on the road with the 2 soon.,defo up for this meet.

[superwhite90]

My head gasket blew on saturday night majorally. My block has also fucked as well. Going to JB weld the block, but will noway be using my car on meets or anything other than work now im afraid. Radiator and front bumper bar to be replaced as well. I did not have a good weekend.

Apologies to everyone. If anyone has a spare block which isn't crap please let me know

[Kateg28]

Oh dear! Not a good weekend at all. Hopefully you will still come along to a meet?

[superwhite90]

I don't know what's going to happen to be honest Kate. I can't stand the site of mk1s or any mr2's at the moment - its pissed me off so much and left me in such a sad mood i'm thinking about converting my car back to standard, selling it and selling the £900 quids worth of parts I have left over and buy a FWD diesel.

[Kateg28]

FWD diesel.
That is bad.... (although I have a humble mondeo diesel estate and it is such an honest car and never lets me down even though it knows my favourite car sits smugly in the car port).

I am not sure I could do anything to help but don't want you to give up. Maybe coming along to a meet will get your enthusiasm up again?

[superwhite90]

If the bodge on my current engine holds out throughout winter that'll be okay.

Ollie has kindly offered me an entire engine for £100, he's got a few kicking about, but I will strip it down and rebuild it with all new bearings etc and put it in during the spring/summer.

I might go, but don't get your hopes up because it'll just make me feel sad I can't drive mine properly.

[Kateg28]

I am not too proud to beg.......

[superwhite90]

Actually when is the meet? I'm putting the engine back together this weekend coming.

[EppingMk1SC]

Actually when is the meet? I'm putting the engine back together this weekend coming.

I'm waiting on a fourth shock before the suspension can be reassembled... Is it a race to see whose MR2 is roadworthy first?

[superwhite90]

Mine is roadworthy just got no drive. It's not a race, I will not be driving my car above 70 for the rest of the life it has left in the current engine.

[EppingMk1SC]

Should be picking up the blue '2 tomorrow, now hopefully with working suspension... Will post an update once I've had a chance to see how it drives with new shock inserts, replacement coil springs and the tracking sorted out. Can't wait :)

[Kateg28]

Excellent!!!!

Hopefully get a chance to see it soon!

[charged]

I'm back on the road as well!

Ollie

[EppingMk1SC]

Car safely home, after a spirited run home along a deserted A414. It now goes round bends and over bumps without a nasty metal on metal banging. Which is nice. The new clutch has massively improved in gear acceleration as it was slipping more than I had realised, all in all a decent improvement.

So does anyone fancy an impromptu meet over the festive period? I'm off from this Friday until the 3rd of Jan.

[Kateg28]

A414? Which bit? You may have passed a few hundred yards from me!

I am also off over that period. Some of it is booked but I do have some gaps! When (and where ) are you thinking of?

[EppingMk1SC]

Last night I did Rayleigh to Chelmsford, then Chelmsford to the Harlow /M11 rbout on the A414, not sure how close that is to you?

Other than the obvious Christmas Day food fest, I really don't have any other plans so pretty flexible. How's about we look at the weather forecast and suggest a mid-day meet one day next week? I'll work round others plans.

[andyj]

Yes, I'm up for this. A mid week day would be fine. As you say Paul, a good weather day would be great.

BTW I have PM'd you about that part we were both interested in with same seller. It's yours! I don't really need it!

[EppingMk1SC]

Right, then Kate, over to you, what days are you available next week?
Then at least the three of us can meet...

[Kateg28]

Ok, I cannot make the 27th at all, I might be able to do a little bit of 28th, not the 29th at all, and any time on the 30th. Any good?

[EppingMk1SC]

Ok, I cannot make the 27th at all, I might be able to do a little bit of 28th, not the 29th at all, and any time on the 30th. Any good?

The 30th December works for me. Hopefully we won't get a pile of snow the day before ;)

[superwhite90]

Id love to go but I am making no trips outside of what I have to do i.e. to go to work and stop off on the way home to see my GF.

I have no idea how long my engine block is going to last - I have sourced another engine and paying for it in new year off a very reputable source but for now unfortunately I am not risking anything - I need this to get to work.

This may make you all chuckle though - i was using a 6 speed 1.3 cdti astra van which is surprisingly fast and good round corners! unfortunately when i was back in the '2 on wednesday for the first time in 2 and a 1/2 weeks, i pulled onto the a130 at about 50 and tried selecting 6th! what a noise that made!

Merry xmas!

[Kateg28]

Ah that elusive 6th gear. My OH has a 2005 vectra with 6 gears and it broke down last Sunday so we had to go and get my humble 10 year old mondeo (had the children). He was driving and commented that it had no 6th Gear. I pointed out it had a working engine which was a step up from his car.

Ok, 30th it is. Now we need a location. I am in Hertford, Andy is Surrey and Epping SC is in, um, no idea. Might be Epping?

Banstead appears to be almost diametrically opposite to Hertford/Epping around the M25. Maybe Andy should select a location dependent on which way round the M25 is better. (I vote for towards Maidenhead as my dad lives there and there is no toll bridge).

Please note I will probably have my 13 year old with me. He has just had braces fitted so he is not just a surly monosyllabic teenager, he is a grumpy surly monosyllabalic teenager. He will probably sit in the car and we can ignore him.

[andyj]

30th is fine with me, obviously if weather is OK. I'm not too worried about where it is. Maidenhead is quite a long way for Paul to go. Looking at map sort of Watford/Hemel may be better. As I say I don't mind going up to Epping though both ways through the bridge/tunnel isn't ideal.

As I mentioned before I won't have my MR2 I'm afraid. It's currently SORN and in winter garage. I plan using it again from about February/March.

[Kateg28]

Hemel is good. Paul?

I will google some locations unless anyone has any recommendations.

[andyj]

Hemel is good. Paul?

I will google some locations unless anyone has any recommendations.

Thanks Kate. I don't know any pubs up there so great idea to Google.

[Deadly_smell]

Feathers Hotel
Cambridge Rd, Wadesmill, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0TN

I could be up for this how about somewhere like the pub above. Never been there but looks ok from the web site http://www.george-iv.co.uk/
I would probably be bringing one of my daughters ( 8 or 12) which ever chooses to come along.
Hemel, though looks a bit further than I would want to go, it would turn it into an all day trip.
But it would be nice to meet fellow enthusiasts whether this time or another time.

Car just passed the MOT today with no advisories. On the road for another year. yippee

[Kateg28]

I go to the Feathers a lot and there is enough parking space (and another pub directly opposite if we change our minds). Issue is that makes it a long journey for Andy from Surrey. I am happy to travel but we need to find somewhere we can all compromise on.

[andyj]

I go to the Feathers a lot and there is enough parking space (and another pub directly opposite if we change our minds). Issue is that makes it a long journey for Andy from Surrey. I am happy to travel but we need to find somewhere we can all compromise on.

Thanks for consideration Kate. Yes, Ware is really getting a bit far for me to travel to ...even further than Epping!

[Deadly_smell]

How about somewhere like this, a bit closer to surrey

http://www.woodmanchippingongar.co.uk/

or here

http://www.towerarms.co.uk/

or somewhere further south like Chatham or around Sevenoaks ?

[EppingMk1SC]

How about somewhere like this, a bit closer to surrey

http://www.woodmanchippingongar.co.uk/

or here
http://www.towerarms.co.uk/



or somewhere further south like Chatham or around Sevenoaks ?


well...

Chipping Ongar is nice, but I'm pretty easy. So, Andy name your M25 junction...

[andyj]

Thanks for being so flexible. Clearly much more convenient for you lot if it's Essex/Herts. M25 area. Makes sense for me to go over bridge/tunnel rather than you all to come south. So is there anywhere sort of junction 28 to 29 ...or just north of junction 28 (not as far north as Chipping Ongar)? Kate ...Google search ...or I can do it.

[Deadly_smell]

This place is just a couple of miles from junction 28/A12 Brentwood

http://www.towerarms.co.uk/

Take junction 28/A1023 brook st towards Brentwood first left pub at the end of the road about mile and a half from the M25

[EppingMk1SC]

This place is just a couple of miles from junction 28/A12 Brentwood

http://www.towerarms.co.uk/

Take junction 28/A1023 brook st towards Brentwood first left pub at the end of the road about mile and a half from the M25

Ooh! I know this place! I had a run in with a deer when in my MX5, it hit a glancing blow in my offside rear wing, causing me to nearly have a heart attack, and I remember checking for damage in the car park of this pub. Looks nice, and is a reasonable compromise distance wise hopefully. Gets my vote.

[Kateg28]

Yep, am happy with that.

[Deadly_smell]

Anybody else up for this. if the car park for the pub gets full the south weald country park is 100yrds down the road with plenty of room (left at the end of the road instead of right to the pub) although the walk from the park to the pub can be difficult due to the hill and lack of pavement.
Weald road is also a great twisty hilly road to drive as well but only a couple of miles long.

[andyj]

Yes, this looks quite a good location. Thanks for research. Checked and yes, it does real ales ...so I'm OK!!

BTW if you click through to "find us" on the pub website it shows wrong postcode. Postcode is CM14 5QJ as on the homepage not CM14 4QZ as shown on "find us" page. The latter is a residential road in Brentwood! So for satnavs it's CM14 5QJ as per the homepage.

[EppingMk1SC]

Right, that's the location sorted, now we just need to agree a date and time...

[Deadly_smell]

30th 11:30 ~12ish ???

[EppingMk1SC]

12 noon on the 30th works for me

[Kateg28]

And me! Andy?

Anyone else want to join us?

[unowho]

I should be able to make this.....I'll be in my '2' and if Andy J going, best go and get my car washed!!!!

[andyj]

I should be able to make this.....I'll be in my '2' and if Andy J going, best go and get my car washed!!!!

Brilliant. Yes, was going to get on to you as this meet not to far from you. Will be good to see the old Mark2 again though I don't miss it so much anymore. Time's a great healer Debs.

[5705]

Excellent - if the weather's as good as today, I'll be there. :)

[andyj]

And me! Andy?

Anyone else want to join us?

Sorry, missed that. Yes 12.00 noon is fine with me.

[EppingMk1SC]

Excellent looks like it could be a good turnout. I even managed to wax the car today without it raining on it before I finished!

P.s. If anyone who's coming needs a good nick pair of rear springs PM me and I'll stick them in the boot.

[charged]

Apologies, I'm in the office tomorrow..

[Kateg28]

Ollie.........!!!

Anyhow I will be there at 12 so hopefully not on my own!

[EppingMk1SC]

Shame it looks like rain, but yes, I'll be there tomorrow...

[andyj]

Yes, I too will be there ...turning up in blue Audi estate!

[unowho]

Sorry guys, just couldn't make it...parents had the lergy and then it passed onto me!!!!!! :thumbdown:

Debs

[Kateg28]

That's a shame. Was good to put some faces to the names. Another one should happen maybe next month too?

[EppingMk1SC]

It was good to meet up with you all today, the rain held off long enough to have a decent natter in the car park followed by a couple of beers in the warm. Hopefully next time we can get one or two more Mk1s, but it was still great to get to meet some fellow south-east members. I've linked to a few photos below...

http://flic.kr/p/b4kwVH

http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/6601334291/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/6601337041/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/6601340081/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/6601343511/

[andyj]

Yes, a great day. Lucky with the weather. Stopped off at Lakeside on way back ...then rain came down in buckets. As Kate says, it was very good to put names to faces and have a look at three great cars. Thanks for rear springs Paul. Just had a look at my Haynes manual and think I'll probably put them on myself when weather better. Yes, I'd like to meet again when will come in my MR2. Will have a look at my pics and post up some if any good.

Bad luck Debs re. sickness. Plenty more meets next year.

[andyj]

OK here's a couple of pics.

Paul and his car...
http://www.octanorm.co.uk/images/ajpics/dscn1846.jpg

Kate and her car...
http://www.octanorm.co.uk/images/ajpics/dscn1847.jpg

[Kateg28]

I look like no one will talk to me.....

And it doesn't clearly show the sulky teenager in the passenger seat.

Actually I think that is one of the best photos of me and with any of my MR2s.

[superwhite90]

Ill come in April if you do one then. My replacement engine should be in there by then. Will have fidanza in too.

[5705]

Was great to meet you all (my first one). Very friendly bunch. :)

Looking forward to the Spring meets - and I promise I'll get OVU out of the garage.

[EppingMk1SC]

Was great to meet you all (my first one). Very friendly bunch. :)

Looking forward to the Spring meets - and I promise I'll get OVU out of the garage.


It was good to meet you as well, looking forward to having a good 'train spotter' nosey round your Super Edition in the spring.

Cheers

Paul

[andyj]

Yes, great also to meet Barry and Malcom. Be interested to see OVU as it's got a history of other UK owners, I seem to remember.

Thanks for offer of help Paul. Should be quite easy to replace springs as have coil spring compressor and it's couple of bolts and a brake bleed. Going to get the whole camber/tracking done afterwards. Look forward to seeing you and Mrs EppingMkSC again.