Random Thoughts... [Automotive Edition]

Why not use a strap/filter wrench? Or, since you own the vehicle, just buy the correct size socket from Harbor Frieght, it's a plastic cover - even a cheap socket will work.
I did buy the right socket but because that plastic canister is overtightened, all the socket is doing is stripping the plastic nut.
 
Try a strap wrench, it will grip the plastic better and be less likely to damage it while also giving you more leverage. The nut on top is smaller than the threads, putting the material at a disadvantage; gripping around the outside at least doesn't disadvantage your leverage and the material.

You remembered that Lefty is Loosy, right? ?
 
Could be worse. Could be a FIAT where the filter is under the car and you have to reach behind the exhaust manifold. My mechanic loves changing that filter. :ROFLMAO:
 
? For months I've been trying to find a genuine replacement heat shield for my Ducati. The problem is that it has a very nice Termignoni exhaust, but I can't even find a part number for the heat shield - only the entire kit. The pipe itself is fine, but the heat shield is hammered. The only options I've found are eBay "carbon" parts that will look silly next to the carbon pipe (two different weaves of carbon on top of each other).

I finally broke down and sent an email to Termignoni asking if I can order just the heat shield. Maybe sometime in 2021 I might hear back.

If they send you one it probably won't fit.

The pipe on the guzzi is made in the same town as the bike, did not fit without serious effort.
 
@Blind_Io I'd just post a want ad for the whole shorty exhaust. Someone might be willing to offload one cheap.
 
My dad has been going through old paperwork and found a bank supplement from 1982 that talks about the costs of owning a car. It mentions an Austin Ambassador, a car that I've never come across before. I looked it up, I wish I hadn't.

austin_ambassador_1_82.jpg

austin_ambassador_2_82.jpg


It's gopping. It's like an experiment to combine the genes of a Mk3 Ford Escort, a Rover SD1 and an Autin Princess all into one hideous package. Everything about it is awful and look at those panel gaps! You could lose an arm in those, they're terrible even by 1982 standards. Look at its sad face, it knows how ugly it is and wants to be put out of its misery already.

Ambassador, you're very much not spoiling us.

They also had this graphic and I've been trying to wrack my brain to work out what car this is based on. I initially thought it was a Gremlin but it isn't, I'm pretty sure it's something American and pre-1980s.

IMG_5059_S1024_2.jpg


Any ideas?
 
I'm not familiar with the Renault 17, what a cute little car. Certainly better looking than the Ambassador.
 
My dad has been going through old paperwork and found a bank supplement from 1982 that talks about the costs of owning a car. It mentions an Austin Ambassador, a car that I've never come across before. I looked it up, I wish I hadn't.

View attachment 3557292
View attachment 3557293

It's gopping. It's like an experiment to combine the genes of a Mk3 Ford Escort, a Rover SD1 and an Autin Princess all into one hideous package. Everything about it is awful and look at those panel gaps! You could lose an arm in those, they're terrible even by 1982 standards. Look at its sad face, it knows how ugly it is and wants to be put out of its misery already.

Ambassador, you're very much not spoiling us.

They also had this graphic and I've been trying to wrack my brain to work out what car this is based on. I initially thought it was a Gremlin but it isn't, I'm pretty sure it's something American and pre-1980s.

IMG_5059_S1024_2.jpg


Any ideas?
Wow that's... not pretty. That is rly like a rover SD1 molested an escort. :D
 
Somehow it looks Soviet, but worse.

Now if that isn't a damning statement I don't know what is. I think it's the sculpted shape that makes it look Soviet, in this colour especially it gives the impression that the doors are stamped from 5mm thick steel. Spindly exhaust that sticks out much too far doesn't help...
 
Much better. Still looks like it was designed by someone who had been given the description of a Citroen AX by a drunk, but better. The bank supplement had some kitchen cupboards in it that had similar recesses to those doors...
 
Oh, the ZAZ Tavria. Like a Lada Samara, only smaller and (presumably) worse. Actually, for a second, I thought the car in the picture was a Samara.
Correctomundo, different factory though. Lada is VAZ and is Russian, this crap is Ukranian.
 
It has British plates, I suspect it's more likely to be bought by a Finn. :D

That's horrible. I'd much prefer a Hindustan Ambassador.

Agreed. Would you like yours standard or as a Peugeot 206?
 
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