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A whie since I posted here, but the Vtec-e has continued to reliably trundle the motorways of the UK and rack up the miles (even managing 15k during Covid 'lockdown' year) ! The time has come to retire the car as it needs way too much in the way of repairs and rebuilds to get an MOT and carry on for another year. It's a shame, as the engine still returns over 50 mpg (60+ with new plugs) on a long journey and some would say it is just run in !! What is amazing is that the Honda garage diagnosed a noisy alternator bearing at 17000 miles and recommended replacement - but it has lasted this long ! In case any MA9 owners are wondering, the only other parts worth salvaging are 4 good tyres, and with a weeks MOT left, it can be driven away still. I'll try and get some pictures up later. Pete

Oh really? Where do they usually rust out? I've been underneath both of mine and not noticed any corrosion on the fuel tank unless it's on top up against the chassis

Those covers look great. Nice balance.

Made a cover for the other side as well. And introduced a carbonfibre fender bit. Not really functional but it adds some variance to the car. The plan is to convert the rear spoiler to carbon fibre at some point as well, and have some more bits at the rear in CF too to keep the motive going.

not for a while mate, i have the hole rear end off, replacing every bush and bolt time as things where starting to show their age.

Some pictures in this morning's sun. Yes, rust round the rear arch and the bottoms of doors and the front wings are places to check for of course. You can see the patch round the rear arch. Several patches have been welded on the floor, and now more welding would be needed at the front for another MOT. Surprisingly no issues with rusty brake pipes. Only once after very heavy rain were the RAC called, so really cant complain about the reliability. A recent Astra 1.4 Turbo is the replacement in the garage. I couldn't justify the bonkers prices for my preferred choice of the equivalent Golf at the moment. If another MA9 came up for sale I would be interested in running it as a second car - they aren't quick, but do cover the miles in a relaxed fashion. Pete

Amazing how they can just keep going... So long as they can avoid the dreaded rust. Shame it's come to the end of the road but she's done you well with that mileage. What's on the shopping list as a replacement?

im either gonna get it sent off later on this year or do it myself not sure yet though but i wont be going to a Dodgy garage, ive been looking at Reputable Restoration companies

Finished up the piping today, wrapped the airbox in the same colour as the car. Just needs a filter now. I really like this clean look, I might try making covers like this for the other side as well to hide the PS pump and screenwash reservoir.

Hello everyone, still adding details to the car here and there. I've remade the splitter and today I was fiddling with a custom airbox / heatshield. Also found some VTI skirts!! Used a sheet of bent metal and cut to size for the airbox, will probably finish tomorrow. My buds Joshua and Pascal still had some piping laying around which they were kind enough to trade for that terrible whale p***s ;)