Dave

Ok, the time has come to reveal my MB6 (aka Ruby) replacement.............. Ladieeez and gents..........I give you.........Sexy Lexy! She's a 2011 Honda Civic Type S GT 1.8 iVTEC. being the GT spec, she has climate control, full panoramic sunroof with electric blinds, 1.8 engine with 6 speed box (when I remember it actually has 6 cogs!) and has similar 0-60 times as ruby, though obv less top end (still enough to get a hefty ban mind! ) She also has the half suede sports seats, which are mega supportive and hella comfy , nice stereo with USB (and full iPod control) line in etc, ABS, Traction control (switchable), auto lights, auto wipers etc etc etc.. Being the GT spec she also has Cruise control and a few other bits n bobs. As you know , I love oem stuff, and this car has an interesting history (even for one so young!) She has one owner from new, which was......HONDA UK, SWINDON! She was a demo, and was owned by Honda factory. I was looking for a deck vti, but only found one with the condition/mileage I was looking for, and it was sold when I phoned! So, looking for other options (car had to have a lower boot opening similar to the deck, as Bailey, our black lab is getting old now and struggles to jump up and into the boot of Ruby now) I was a bit stumped! Thought about an S2000, but he'd have to sit on the seat. Not good for him in an emergency stop, even with a dog harness fitted, and not good for the seats, even with a cover on (hate any kind of seat covers!) . Plus the main downside is his breath! It honks! So didn't fancy being so close to him while driving lol We then looked at maybe an EP2. Couldnt justify an EP3, for the high insurance/running costs for the very marginal gain over the MB6, so though EP2 might be a good option. Bugger all performance, but good mpg and insurance/tax etc. Went to see one tucked away at the honda dealership, but it was a dog! Had been boy racered to the limits, with limo tins back windows, big black vinyl stripe down the sides, and just looked plain rough! No price on it and didnt even ask! The went looking round the forecourt, seeing as we were there. Loved the look of the FN Civics, as did Dawn, but only liked them in the red or white. Sooo, spotted this, with no real intention of driving it, had a test drive (which changed my mind about buying it!) and done the deal! The boot load sill is nice and low, so Bailey will have no probs getting in, which was the main thing. And with it being in the red (I know, it will fade if not kept on top of, which means mine wont fade! lol ) I know Dawn would have loved it. It's been bough with some of the money Dawn left me, so her Christmas/birthday pressy to me (for the next 20 years or so!) I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but looking at the specs, for me it made sense...... Engine: 1.8 iVtec (so same size as I Ruby) Power: 140bhp (down from what Ruby has) 0-60mph: approx 8.9 seconds (similar to Ruby 8.3 seconds ) Top speed: 127mph (still get a big ban!!) (down slightly on Ruby 138mph) MPG: worst= 32.1mpg (Ruby 25mpg) best= 51.4mpg (Ruby 38.2mpg, which I've never had yet!!!) Road tax: £170 for year (Ruby £220 for year) insurance: £330 for year (Ruby £389 for year) Safety: NCAP 5 Star. (Ruby.....erm two airbags and side impact beams) No rust to worry about for a long time, and no mot till next year. For me, money wise, it was a no brainer. I still love Ruby though, so gonna be really hard to let her go. Been all over the UK in her to meets/events with Dawn, and had so much fun in her. Just hope the new owner takes good care of her once she sells. Will be starting a new project thread soon, with better pics etc. Plans? Who knows. Got a few ideas in mind, but will be taking my time with it. That said, I did the first mod before she left the showroom! Had to have a boot spoiler, so got them to order one in special for her. My friendly parts guy did a good discount on it too! So she was modded ready for me picking her up lol

pmsl hahahah! caught bonnie! Here, he looks like a tall guy in that car! Maybe he should stay with it! haha!

Yeah,because shes so low you might find it goes through wheel bearings quicker due to the extra load placed on them. It could also be the thin metal clips that hold the brake pads in place, as I had that before and just took the pads/caliper apart then rebuilt them and all was fine. Is the metal to metal noise quite high pitched sound, or a dull low sound? If its high pitched, check the caliper as mentioned, and also the state of the pads while you're there. You can often get this if the pads are really worn, as the piston tends to lose contact with them when you're not braking , so there can be a little play left at the pads and they knock about. So might be worth putting new pads in while you're there

Hahaha! I struggled to keep this quiet after we spoke on the fone last night mate, was totally amazed when you told me! Totally epic MB2 man!! The mods/custom stuff you had to do to get it all working is immense mate, and the finished product is wicked with stunning attention to detail! Love it mate!

Ok guys, we're at the edch now, and have just presented them with the cheque. They have done photos, and will be sending out a letter which i will scan and send to all who donated. Yhey were thrilled wothe the donatipn, amd i know this would be exactly what Dawn wanted. Again, very greatfull to you all, and very humbled too.

Wow!!! I'm gobsmacked!! She looks mighty pretty underneath! loving the attention to detail mate, wouldnt expect anything less from you. The powder coated suspension parts is awsome, along with the colour coding of the brake lines etc. Bloody epic!!! Looking forward to the next installment!

Just an update on this. I've been struggling to find time to go in with the cheque, so it's still here in the house. I'm gonna try and make it down there tomorrow, and want to see if they'll maybe let us do a wee photo handing it over (with a wee thing saying from civic5 and Dawn) so will keep you all posted as to how it goes. Further update!: Just spoke to the staff at the Edinburgh dog and cat home, and they're really happy that you all raised so much for them. Had a good chat with them, and they remember Dawn always going in when there was an open day, or to hand in leads/toys/beds etc for the dogs. They said we can get the photo no probs, and Dawn will get her name on a plaque above one of the kennels too, with a wee message on it. These usually stay up for a year, but if I donate every year (think it was £75 she said) then the plaque will remain in place for Dawn, so I'll cover that each year. Dawn would be so proud of you all for raising the donation for her, and would be thrilled to be helping one of her favourite places. So I'd like to thank you all again from Dawn and I for this, really does mean a lot to us both. I'm going in tomorrow to get things rolling

Been looking forward to this Dave! Trinity D deserves a project thread all of her own! More pics req,,,,,,,,,c'mon get yer finger out lad!

Stunning job on the bumper mate, fair play to ya! First one I've seen smoothed like that, looks good!

lol don't worry James, she'll be spotless when she goes into the garage. need it clean for the underseal all going on.

Thanks for all the comments guys. Yeah, I know it's what Dawn would want, so it's going to be one pampered aerodeck that's for sure. As for Japfest (or other shows) that's deffo on the cards. Both Dawns deck and Ruby will be putting in an appearance at the shows at some point. Either Jim or Paul will be driving Ruby to the shows/meets, and I'll drive the deck. It's the only time she'll be out though, appart from the odd wee drive at the weekend to keep everything free'd up on her. Won't be going out in the rain or snow ever again though, and will be glad when I get the garage built for her to go in. Once the garage is up, she'll be going on stands to get the whole underneath painted with fresh underseal, and a lot of attention to the paintwork (clayed, cleaned,polished and waxed) so it looks tops until her respray. (might need to take James up on his offer lol) Just know Dawn will be up there smiling at the plans for her car.

Hi guys. I received the cheque from Dave and Sarah, and will be arranging for the hand over to the staff at Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home asap. I'll try and get some kind of Civic5 thing made up and see if we can get/are allowed to get a photo of the staff accepting the donation. Dawn would be so happy that you all contributed to this fantastic amount, I don't think she ever realized just how special and well thought of she was. Many many thanks to all who donated, and to Dave and Sarah for setting it up. It really has meant a lot to me (and I know it would to Dawn too) that we have such caring, genuine friends in civic5. It really is so much more than "just another forum", it really feels like a family in here. Thank you all so much x

Thank you all for doing this and putting Dawns deck in as this months winner. I know she would have been so chuffed with this, as she loves the deck to bits. The webpage updates are gonna be a while guys as i just don't have the time at the moment, and I'm not if the right frame of mind to do any of the server based stuff. I'll get back into it in time though, so please do bear with me. Just so much legal stuff and other personal stuff to sort out with Dawn passing away....................never knew how complicated things like this can be. Thanks again for this COTM tribute, really means a lot to both myself and to Dawn (R.I.P)

She's coming on good mate, Ruby's ex interior looks sweet in there. Good to see it finally up in the forum, and looking forward to the mods.

Thank you to everyone who came to Dawns funeral, was a tough day but it was good to see some members there too. Dawn would have loved that. I found out from Paul (bladerider) that Dawns funeral cars were followed by Ruby, and a whole line of cars completed the precession. She would have loved the fact her favourite car, a civic M, was right behind her on her final journey. I have put a post up in the collection thread about how the day went. And thank you for all the very kind and supportive comments/posts during this time guys, it's been a great comfort and support. Dave

Hi guys. As Jim said, Thursday was a really hard day for me and our family. Dawns service was beautiful, with her favourite songs playing, and the tribute which our nephew Colin read out really captured Dawn from her early years with her sister Di (bladechick on here) through to her long standing friendship with Dave (best friend who lives near Perth), to her 21 years with me (and some of the stuff she/we got up to!) and finally to her life with Colin, who was her nephew but also more of a son to her (and me). I think I spent most of the day crying, as did everyone, but it was a nice tribute to someone so special and unique as Dawn. She was dealt a bad hand of cards from the day she was born, but fought for everything she wanted in life and succeeded in every way. She would be amazed (as am I) at the amount you have all collected, it truely is amazing guys. I know she loved this club, and all the good friends she made through it. To raise an amount like that again shows the effect she had on everyone who knew her, either by meeting her or just chatting through here/watching her project deck. I want to thank you all for your very kind contributions, it really has moved me to know how many good, decent, caring people we have here in civic5. So thank you very much. I also want to thank Dave and Sarah for setting up the collection, and for taking over the reigns of the club during this time. You two are amazing people, and Dawn loved you both so much. And a big thanks though to all our Civic5 Team, for all you've done to keep things going during this very difficult time. I'm still trying to gather myself together, so will pop in from time to time to catch up with things in the club. Lifes going to feel empty for now and for a very long time to come, and there's still some things to sort out yet but I'll get there. I've had the best support ever from Diane, Colin, David, Jim, Paul, my sis from London and a lot of other close friends. Without them, I know I would be lying next to Dawn now, so they have really got me through this first and hardest part. So big thank you to them. I'll get things sorted out regarding the handover of the cheque to the Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home, Seafield edinburgh. and will see if we can get a photo of this too. I know Dawn would have loved this too, as she went there a lot and loved all animals no matter what they were. So it's fitting that this is where the donation should go. I'm sure she'll be looking down and smiling with pride that day. Thanks again folks, and Dawn..............miss you Peeps xx

Thanks again for all your kind messages guys. It's comforting to know how much everyone here thought of Dawn. She is deffo a one off, and a true character. She was simply the best, and I've been sooo lucky to have her as my wife and soul mate. I'm also lucky to have a great bunch of friends on here, so thanks again.

Thanks James, still struggling but getting there. I'll post a photo of Dawn in this post, and in her project thread.

I've posted this in one of the other topics, but thought it might be better to have this here so it's easy for members to find. For anyone wishing to attend Dawns funeral, the details are as follows. Thursday 31st January at 10:00am Preston Kirk, Preston Road East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DS . After the funeral, there is a tea being held in the Brig Inn, 90 Bridge Street, Tranent, East Lothian EH33 1AL Everyone is welcome. Dawn was such a special person, in every way, and was loved by so many people, I think there will be a pretty big turn out at the funeral. There will also be a couple of Civic M's there too (kyekye09's deck, and my Ruby (driven by bladerider) which I think Dawn would have loved.

Thanks guys, really appreciate that and know Dawn would aswell. To update her deck project, the decission has been made on what happens to her deck now she's gone. Dawn loved her deck from day one, and even now still loves it as much. She also said numerous times that no matter what, she would never ever sell it. Even if she got herself a new car, the deck would stay with her. So I've decided that to honour Dawn, I'm getting a garage built at the house as soon as I'm back to being of normal mind (I'm in no state just now to deal with anything in life at all). Dawns deck is going into the garage, and will be kept for ever. I'm going to try my best and carry out the final mods she wanted to do to it, like the steeringwheel getting retrimmed at transcal to match the interior, and the full respray. She'd also struck a deal just before christmas on a new set of wheels for it from a close friend and civic5 member, so I'll be getting that sorted out asap too. The plan is to make her deck totally mint, as good as new. I know she didnt want to change engines or anything like that, but she wanted the current engine cleaned and then blinged. So there may well be a whole load of parts getting polished/chromed in the engine bay too. It will be a a moving tribute and legacy of Dawn. I know I had to carry out her wishes of the car staying here with me, as I honestly couldnt face seeing it go away. It would also kill me to pas it on the road with someone other than Dawn driving it. Dawn may be gone from this life, although she is still here in spirit and soul, and her deck will live on as a constant memory of her too. it will only be driven to the occasional civic5 meet or to a civic5 stand at a show, but other than that it's going to be a garage queen. R.I.P. Dawn. You and your aerodeck will live on forever, I promise.

Just to let everyone know, the funeral arrangements have been made. Anyone wishing to attend the details are as follows.. Thursday 31st January at 10:00am Preston Kirk, East Linton, East Lothian. There is a service celebrating Dawns life, with her favourite music being played throughout. There will also be a tribute written by her Sister Diane (bladechick on here) her nephew Colin, best friend Dave and by me. Colin will be doing the honours of reading this at the service. After the service, there is a tea/etc at the Brigg Inn in Tranent, East Lothian (enter via the function suite) to which all are invited. For anyone wishing to give flowers/wreathes, they can either be taken with you to the cemetery or see the staff at the Co-op funeral services in Tranent High street. Thanks Dave

Thanks Dave. Right now I'm numb, constantly crying and asking why it had to be Dawn. She is the most honest, funny, loving and caring person I've ever met, never done any harm to anyone. The secondary cancer was too far spread, and they said there was nothing they could do for her. We managed to get her out of hospital on Friday (she was meant to be getting out today) and got her home, where she wanted to be. She had wished for snow, and when the ambulance arrived at our house to bring her home, it started snowing when they brought her out. She was smiling ear to ear (first time in weeks as she's been so ill) and was so happy to be home again in her own little house. She slept through Friday due to them giving her some diazapan based drug, but woke up Saturday morning at 3am saying she fancied a cup of tea! I was well pleased, as she hasnt had a hot drink for weeks, and hadn't eaten anything much either. She then went back to sleep till around 7am, ready for when her nurses arrive. She was in a great mood, and had her speach back again. She was laughing, joking, and generally taking the piss out of us! She had her best friend from Perth there, Her sister and nephew, and me, and was sooo happy. She had a lot of visitors, which seemed to take it's toll on her. By the time they left, she felt really tired and drained. She fell asleep, but spent most of Sat night/Sunday morning awake with constant sickness. Sunday into Monday at around 3am, i went to bed. she awoke whenever I went into the room, and said she felt really sick, and had quite bad pains. She was getting quite distressed, so we called the hub for nurses to attend. They came at around 7am, and administered her anti-sickness drugs and some pain relief. They couldnt give her strong stuff, so were going to call out the doctor. Dawn was having difficulty breathing at this point. She sent me out of the room to fetch a glass of water, and moments later when I came back, her sister, nephew and nurses had her sitting up. She was being violently sick, with lots of black stomache acid projectile vomiting from her. I panicked and tried helping to slap her back along with her nephew to clear it, but there was so much constantly coming out she couldn't get a single breath in. Unfortunately, this is what caused her to pass away.I'll never forget the look of panic and for help in her eyes when I was trying to help her. She didn't deserve to die, and she didn't deserve such a horrible end. Myself, family and friends are all distraught at the moment. Dawn is my whole life, and I can't see a way forward from this at the moment. Maybe in time, things may seem different, but for now I'm in a daze.

Hello folks. As you may have noticed, I've been away from the site for a bit, which is going to be the norm for a long time. For those who know my wife and best friend Dawn (aka crazzzydawn) and I personally, you will already know how Dawns health has been the last 2 years. She's spent god knows how long in hospital for different things, most of which have been very serious. The last time she was in was due to cancer. She had a major op to remove the cancer (was like 4 major ops in one) and she came through it. Unfortunately, since the original op, she has been ill with numerous things, most of which the doctors/nurses were not sure of what the cause was. She has been anemic since before her cancer op (which the doctors thought would rectify with that op) and this has caused a lot of other related illness. She got admitted to hospital 2 weeks ago as an emergency case, as her temp was at a critical level. They have done loads of tests on her, and she has been more ill then ever before. They also did a biopsy, which has come back showing the cancer is back. Sadly, it's untreatable this time. On top of this she has the complications of a serious infection. She got home from hospital today, and it's now a matter of time. We know she doesn't have long, but at least she's now home where she wants to be, and is comfortable. This is the hardest thing I have ever faced in my life, because Dawn is my whole life. She's been there for me through everything that life has thrown at both me and her, and although most guys wont openly say this about there other half, I can honestly say with pride that Dawn is and always will be my true love. Shes the most beautiful person both inside and out, warm, friendly, funny, honest and totally loveable. I really have been lucky to have known her and been together with her for over 20 years. I didn't realize just how lucky I've been.She's my soul mate, and even helped me get civic5 up and running. Shes given me constant support for everything related to the club, which was initially a whim/hobby/pipe dream for me. I really don't know how or if I will cope when the inevitable happens, so that's another reason I've handed control of civic5 over to Dave and Sarah (DAVEMB2 & SarahFR) for the time being. I know the club is in the best hands with them, so you know things won't change here on your fav site. The membership scheme has been put on hold again (sorry) so please dont pay for membership as it may be a while before a refund can be issued. If I can set things up (and if they are ok with it) I'll try and get things arranged so that dave and sarah can handle the membership/club account side of things. Just depends on what if any free time I have. If you have any problems with the site, or any Q's, please let them know. After today I wont be available to answer PM's or email enquiries as I'm spending what time Dawn has left by her side. For anyone who knows Dawn (and her deck!), you'll know how big a loss she is going to be. Kind regards, Dave & Dawn

lol Robs on the look out for one I think.

Thankd rob, your decks looking tops too mate