casasteve

Can't stop reading other build threads... I want a new manifold/catback/back box now To be honest, I'm not interested in making it sound loud, I want the extra torque

Waiting for photos/video of JDM mod in action

Ah well, on the up side it means the 12v socket will be properly integrated I guess. It was only a fiver so not too worried

I didn't know the history of my car when I got it, it just had basic service history. I just replaced engine oil and transmission fluid and it feels better. I'm going to drain coolant when I can and I'll end up doing brake fluid as I need a new master cylinder anyway. Worth doing, and if you have access to axle stands and a jack, fairly easy to do yourself with a basic socket set

Good stuff! What is the USDM mod? I think I missed it. Still really tempted by magnecores myself

Thanks Tom. Looking for a decent VTI leather wheel and gear knob next. Might also treat her to a wash and wax this weekend

Yeah, I realised this too late. I've just ordered the whole assembly from a rover 45. It means I have to pull the centre console again, but what the hell, why not

Aaand, ordered. It means ripping out the centre console again though :/

Oh, I forgot (conveniently). I had problems trying to re-connect my cold air wire up after the trim change out. Are there any guides as to how to do this? Seems to not want to go back together properly :/

It's sunny outside and I just want to go out and drive. Sadly, chained to my desk for another few hours! I think I've sourced a new ash tray assembly. Amazing the price difference between and MG ZS assembly and a Rover 45! Fiver plus post seems reasonable.

Thanks I have these coming for my DIY connector project: I'll need to solder up a short audio connector wire, but should be easy enough. I need to dig out my Dremmel I think! If this doesn't work, I'll have to consider where else to mount them. I was thinking in the arm rest, but that may affect fitting cup holders which, after all, has been the whole point of messing about with my interior! (and I still don't have cup holders!)

Couple of pics in daylight I had problems with the ash tray, as I thought I might do, but not how I expected. It looks as if the rails that hold the tray in are totally different on my car vs the MG ZS tray I have. Back to the drawing board on that one. You may also notice a couple of wires hanging out of the centre console below the heater dials. These are a USB connector and an audio jack which are plugged into the back of the head unit. I have some parts coming to DIY my own USB and AUX sockets which I intend to build into the two blank buttons (between the AC and the air re-circulate). Hopefully it'll look nice and "factory" if I do it right.

Centre console isn't too bad. You have to remove the rear section behind the hand brake first - 2 screw at the rear, two difficult screws under handbrake where front and rear sections meet. These screws are the infamous ones that potentially sheer off if you're unlucky. Then there are two screws either side of the centre console in the foot well, then one behind head unit and one either side at the top behind the hazard switch and rear screen heater switch. The whole thing comes off but leaves the heater switches and ashtray in place.

I got home this evening and went at it. 4 hours later, I have an interior Photos! Got a bit dark by the time I was done.

Yes, it covers it but I think the one I have, the actual removable part sticks out too much. I guess I could just ditch that part as I'm not a smoker, all I need is the 12v socket

Although, I think I'm going to need to buy a different 12v socket as I think the ash tray will hit the existing one, but we'll see I guess. I'll probably be able to modify it somehow.

OK, I've got everything I need now to get the centre console/arm rest back in

I have a question... What is this rusty part (I know, that narrows it down a lot ) to the bottom left of this pic... Left of what I assume is an exhaust gas sensor? It's pretty corroded up so wondering what it is and whether it's something to replace at some point

Definitely! I'm thinking gloss black rocker cover to go with some nice red Magnecor leads

Thanks I plan to try and get the coolant reserve reservoir bracket off, as I had issues yesterday. Then there are a few other bits and bobs I missed. I'm hunting out some replacement manifold bolts (I believe they are 8mm with a 1.25 pitch from what I've read) as one of the heads on mine almost rounded out and the heads on all of them are very corroded. I also noticed that the coolant reserve was empty, so I need to check how much fluid is in the radiator and get that all topped up. Is the Halfords OATS stuff fine to use? I noticed my Honda manual states to use Honda specific (as you'd expect it too) but it mentions aluminium parts and making sure it's the right fluid. Any other recommendations on this front? Another thing for the list is to give the headlights a polish as they're a bit faded/discoloured. I also need to get the side repeaters swapped. I had a go at getting one off the other day and may have actually damaged the wing slightly in my efforts. Still couldn't get the damned thing off! I was trying the credit card trick, but I need to work on my technique

Is that a 1.4 S? Looks similar to mine, only much cleaner and lower miles! Looking forward to seeing what you do.

Thanks guys. Stillplenty more to keep me busy in the engine bay, but this week I'll hopefully sorting out the interior bits and bobs assuming the last trim pieces arrive. I also splurged on a new head unit Looking forward to getting that fitted.

Oh yeah, I did the wiper arms as well, although I rushed them a bit. Still, they look better then they did.

Holding my phone at an angle. Nexus 5 camera is pretty good

I need to get some degreaser and have at it I plan to paint the rocker cover some time also. Not sure what colour yet.