Club Arnage

As less than 6 x weeks to go - started to get my sh1t together 

what else are people sorting?


Mine
Item No 1.

Camo!!! So you can't see it?

I like them to be marked with a pile of white paper myself!  >:D

Errrrm me and my mate have to fix / rebuild are cars nothing like leaving it to the last minute as usual  ::)

Black beast passed MOT yesterday but the steering rack needs a bit of attention - this Sunday's job.

Then I've got to get on with curing and smoking a whole load of bacon for our camp breakfasts.

You have my sympathy as the tow car lost a track rod end last week.

But what's all this about making your own bacon?

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq-SQeQuV2E/Tewvo6UbPcI/AAAAAAAAHxo/K_UnYvrozvw/s200/makinbacon11.jpg)

50 days to go ...

(https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/13071732_10153880575524823_2671297206412262794_o.jpg)

Oh err.... Better get my passport renewed :-\

Ouch, that was me last year

I never need that much stress in my life again

Still I did get to enjoy Peterborough shopping centre while I waited

:(

Good luck

Probably the only one who does ;)

Rapid passport replacement is not a stress anyone needs

Item No 2 - license driving - just found it! - Classis Verison   - (old paper one)

Preparations are going fine here. Ticket, camping permit, Eurostar outward and Brittany Ferries return trips and British/French train tickets are all sorted. Almost all the kit is ready for packing with only a few bits and bobs left to get hold of.

Bought beer today for arrival - wait I'm here already at mums cutting grass and checking the camping gear I have here

Checked gas fridge yesterday, today considering gazebo or other shelter options

That may p o s s i b l y be a slightly massive exaggeration   :o

I hope to need at least one more in my term 'down here'

 :)

No way will I let it fade un-noticed again  :(

Checklists completed and emailed to fellow travellers. Mostly ready with the exception of a few details including ingenious folding legs for the barbie, re-design of the windbreak of destiny and requirement to get some European beer tokens and renew my travel insurance. Otherwise all set.

Now theres a thing Steve. That could just be the prod i need to do some.  :P :)

God damn it i knew I shouldn't have looked at this thread just getting depressed now. Roll on 2017 !!

what do you mean prod you need Stu get on the f#¤%ing case its not like you have another job to go too  ;D

Her Majesty's Passport Office quote 3 weeks.  45 - 21 = Loads of time...  >:D

The car has gone in for its service - the first since 2013, so not bad.

MOT isn't due until Le Mans week, so not getting that yet.

Now bikes or no bikes.....

I just need to know, what will the weather be?

I reckon it'll either be hot or wet.

Or both.

Or neither.

Any help? :-)

Yes, so guaranteed not cold then?

And no snow? Leave the chains at home then?

Aricus

Found 2 decent tents here so that's sorted off to buy a entrance ticket tomorrow in town and also see what's going on. Still got to service the car

Sounds a bit 'bitchy' to me, is there a problem Nico?  :)

>Martini...LB

Don't tell them we are on Houx Steve, whatever you do...

>Martini...LB

never a problem martin  :) if you cant be rude to your friends who can you be rude too. He is our catering boss im just worried about my bacon sandwiches

Do not worry Nick, Making Bacon is now pencilled in for starting in a couple of weeks time. I might save you a slice  ;D

Had a look at arnage today  :( bloody state

Tickets arrived this morning.  Always a good thing when preparing for the trip.

I need a driving licence too?

Camping tickets for Tertre Rouge arrived this morning. Am now officially excited!!!

Won't be taking the bikes, cos they got nicked last year !

Hi!

Yes I saw your sad news, but at least it wasn't the Cube.

I was thinking of using roof mounted lockable carriers, which will make them quite hard to nick.

Aricus

Max already made the most important preparations by ordering the kegs of beer and the cooling trailer. The BBQ group is also in full swing, only thing I'll need to bring is my sleepinggear, some change of clothes, and myself.  8)

Item No 3 - RV Monster - taking it off for its MOT (3 wks early) & service/check over

this is odd
a) its getting real
b) I'm planning things (well almost)  ;D

Passport - Check
Tickets - Check
Ferry crossing - Check
Car - hmmmmm. I'm fitting the speedo sender unit tomorrow so hope to make strides towards an MOT in a week or so, hopefully I'll be able to drive down. Otherwise its a long walk!

Once the transport is confirmed I'll dust off the LM camping gear and get myself ready.

Good news is that Dad's Mk2 Jag passed its MOT today so he's looking good for getting down in the car he wants to take.

I have tickets.

And flags (lots - sorry, will send out very soon)

No passport yet.

Garage found £1700 worth of stuff that needs doing.

Of, and it needs new brakes.  And an MOT.

So, about right for this point in the year!

Aricus

I got a helpful text from BMW friday to say the paint booths broken and means they need my car till end of this week at least. It was meant to be at a Bmw specialist to rebuild my ABS unit which takes 10 days this week so it is very close. This is my back up car as I didnt finish the other one in time. I would of been fine if it wasnt for BMW Stoke  >:(

Kev,

My abs works, perhaps between the two of us we could make up a whole BMW - what do you have?

Aricus

We can use duct tape and cable ties to complete the look

I HAVE A PASSPORT!!!!!!

Aricus

A ringer held together with duct tape, cable ties and a prayer?

You could always put a Lotus badge on it to complete the effect.

Phew, plenty of time, what was all of the panic about!

Indeed!  But I didn't get to spend a day shopping in Peterborough.  I'm sure I could have found something useful like insulated beer can holders or push and bend tent pegs.

£1000 of front brake parts should be delivered today - the whimp of a mechanic wouldn't even do a road test of my car at the service 'cos he said there were no brakes left.  I don't understand as I'm not known for braking at all  >:D

Now what else is there..... Oh the MOT.

Aricus

Our preps are going well. Dad's Mk2 passed its MOT and is now back at his. I drove my Quantum up and down the road yesterday, the first time its moved any more than two car lengths under its own power for 13years! Giving it the final once over on Sunday, MOT booked for next Saturday (21st) and carb tune/calibration the following weekend. Hopefully all up and running properly by the Bank Holiday weekend to give me a couple of days to add some running in/test miles before loading her up with my tent, FLAG  ???, etc. As well as making it France legal (Sanef tag/headlights/fluorescent jacket/bulbs/etc etc.) on 12 June.

Le Mans in the desired cars is feeling much more achievable now  :)

You would have been OK in Peterborough Aricus

They have a lovely Wilco full of loads of things you might be able to use  :(

Dead handy for the multi storey too

One of the worst times I can remember was when I found that 25/05/2015 meant it 'expires today'

Glad you're sorted


here's to that French field   ;D

Spare pir of headphones ordered and beer/cider order decided at the Yapton beer festival this weekend.

[/quote]
Phew, plenty of time, what was all of the panic about!
[/quote]

Indeed!  But I didn't get to spend a day shopping in Peterborough.  I'm sure I could have found something useful like insulated beer car holders or push and bend tent pegs.

£1000 of front brake parts should be delivered today - the whimp of a mechanic wouldn't even do a road test of my car at the service 'cos he said there were no brakes left.  I don't understand as I'm not known for braking at all  >:D

Now what else is there..... Oh the MOT.

Aricus

Brakes just slow you down  ;D ;D

Phil
[/quote]

Got tickets, got passport, got EHIC card.  For everything else there's Mastercard.......

MG Mark

Id of said its more TVR styled



BMW is now at the specialist for 10 working days (trust a bank holiday to be here this week!)

Ticket and camping permit arrived this morning. This afternoon, anything that can be packed and ready will be safely stowed in my cases. Then all that needs doing is to pack the remainder a few days before departure on June 9.

"Good morning Mr P, were you thinking about reinsuring your MG Midget with us again this year?  Because it expires tonight at midnight..."

Ooooops

Almost another 'out of time' experience

"But I've had no reminders miss, have you stopped sending them out?"

"No sir we sent you two reminders by your email company, better check your 'Spam box'. We are trying to go paperless office here"

So I checked my email inboxes (both of 'em) and no sign of anything from them ever

I rang back and asked what email they were using

"MrPerdu@btinternet.com"


Doh

I changed email and broadband suppliers years ago but they lost my notification

"Yes we have been migrating stuff across to new servers..."


Good job they give me UK and Continental breakdown service or I might be looking elsewhere soon enough >:(

They are sending me paper work as well as the emailed stuff






Anyway, this is a timely reminder service from Perduthedope@someothersupplier.com

Don't get caught out

A couple of years ago, I left it a bit close, with the MOT the day I was leaving in the evening for the Portsmouth ferry.  The car passed the MOT, but the tyres were at their limit and I had a pair waiting for me, but the tester noticed the leak from the differential about 2.00pm....

The dealer (a main dealer BMW no less) fitted new seals by 6:30pm, the tyres were fitted by 7:30, by my local tyre fitter, part of the (Quickfit group)  and the car packed by 8:30 for a leisurely drive to the Pompy.

This year the car is in for the MOT on Friday!

Happy days. Back when we travelled by Commer we regularly used to stop for an MOT on the way to the ferry in Portsmouth and then nip into the Post Office just off the Chichester by-pass to get the road tax disc... Or it seems like we did. All I know is it was a very close run thing.

And there's me worrying about how close I'm cutting it with the MOT booked for Saturday! But then the car has been off the road for 13years  and I've not completely finished the rebuild yet (interior bits left) so perhaps that whats on my mind. I've got an evening in the garage pass for tonight and tomorrow night to get some niggles sorted.

As long as its a pass this weekend, the carbs set up is booked a week later, then I need to get cosmetic things finished and add as many miles as possible to the clock to ensure its going to be as smooth a run as possible in June.  :-\

You Sir were always a fellow serial offender. It was normally a half-built Saab/Alfa/Landrover or similar IIRC.

And we're off  ;D

Went for MOT on Saturday. Need to replace clutch cable as it seems to have stretched (can change gear whilst moving, but have to start in gear to be able to pull away), need to replace oil pressure switch as its started p'ing oil, need to replace the electric fan temp sender as the fan isn't cutting in when hot, need to align the headlights. All being done eves this week and on Thursday, not bad considering its been sat in the garage for 13years.

Then it's booked in for the carbs to be balanced on Friday. Might see about getting a new exhaust made on Saturday and we're off!

Is it me or have cars got a lot bigger over the past 13years??? The car felt so small when going along the motorway on Saturday. Was fun though once the 'will I make it to the test' nerves past.

Yep, the present day Polo is as large as the original Golf, saw a 70's Truimph on the road a few months ago, thought it was a 1500, got close and realised it was a 2000!  :o

Hi, I'm the director of the official film of the 24 hours of Le Mans. I'm looking for a small group of fans that we would follow during the parade on Friday and during the race. The idea is to film the same people before the start of the race, the evening at the campsite at night and on Sunday at the arrival. The official film is the one that is annually released on DVD. If you are interested you can contact me by email and send me a short presentation of you and your group of fans.
Thank you

Christophe
chh@b-side.tv

Hi B-side, there's only one group to follow, The Brethren!  >:D

That could be entertaining

The lengths that some people go to so that they can get to go to a party. Perhaps news has reached them of my dancing.  >:D >:D >:D

The MOT invariably runs out on my camper the week of Le Mans. As the French refuse to register it here even though it was built in France, by them, I use it as an excuse to be 'half way' to Blighty and head up there after LM for a quick 'pre-booked' (if an Plod are reading) check, then back under 'la Manche' the same day and a slow drive south.

OMG That's gonna be messy - can you imaging telling PigPen he's gonna be on the telly?

He was on Sky with Leighla a couple of years back. Filmed in the Driver's Club with Ben Collins (The Stig). It went to their heads a bit IIRC, and they started demanding dressing rooms, agents etc.

Not sure if you actually sold the idea Andy  ;D  Though you did say the wine would be chilled...

>Martini...LB

BMW is back all sorted  ;D

Tent for my brother and sleeping bags purchased, just need to check the other camping gear now

And pick up your tickets ;D

Andy,

Pot calling kettle over.......there is a long and illustrious thread about your exploits with the Commer....

MG Mark

The car is MOT'd but still in need of some work to make it Le Mans ready. New clutch being fitted tonight, new distributor should be arriving today too so that might get fitted tonight or tomorrow. Then I need to find time to get it back for the carbs to be tuned properly, this time with full rather than one third throttle movement.

Also this weekend its hopefully smartening the interior and fitting the stereo. If not, there's always the 11/12th June.....

Tonight is the gathering to check who's got what and what else is needed  ;)

Let me know when  :-*

Si,

You haven't mentioned the special LM parts - bottle rack, inbuilt water pistols, long range fuel tank?

What is the chariot that has been resting for so long?

Aricus

pm sent

Aren't those parts standard fitment??? Apart from the long range fuel tank...that's another issue! The new gauge hasn't been calibrated properly (yet) and I'm not sure if I have time to a) fix the calibration or b) do a long run once running right to see how far it goes before spluttering to a halt. I just got about 200miles out of a tank with it as it, so I'm going to need to stop at least twice on the return trip, just gotta guess when!

The chariot in question is a Quantum 2+2. Kit car based on a mk2 XR2. The current engine isn't quite standard...running a pair of weber DCNF's and a few other tweaks. But it was taken off the road May '03 just after I'd run the engine in so I don't have a benchmark for tank longevity. The reason for being taken off the road is a whole different story, lets just say the side of my Impreza was attracted to some trees, which left me with a serious head/brain injury and associated recovery time. Followed by moving into a house that needed renovating, having kids, life in general getting in the way of returning said chariot to the road until now.

So if you're en-route from Calais on the Wednesday or wandering around Epinettes over the event and see a little black convertible that you're not quite sure what it is, with a Red Bora, Grey'ish Jetta, Pale Blue Polo (if you read Performance VW you'll have seen it a few months back) and a Golf (not sure on colour as still being built) in company. Give us a toot or stop for a chat. There'll be a Club Arnage flag flying at the camp.

We're only over in Houx, so I'll drop by.

Aricus

We tried to get on there but it sold out pdq.

Another car that's part of our group, but heading down the day before us so who know's if we'll be camping together, is Dad and his Mk2 Jag (gunmetal grey, vents on bonnet, will be sporting 24H roundels on the doors). So if you find him instead of us, still say hi!

Just trying to decide if a outboard motor and dingy is needed as its so wet at track and in the area at the moment............

Photo gear packed (except what I need to cover an event tomorrow evening), clothes for the weekend packed, car checked (diesel for the weekend as tires for the other one are still on order) ... just need to pack the pitlane & rain gear and ready to go to France on Friday !
Can 't wait to get out there  ;D

Two steps forward....clutch changed last night, new distributor being done today
One step back....front left caliper seized

New caliper ordered so I'm still sticking to the dream of being mechanically ready by end of this weekend...leaving me next weekend to tidy things up a bit and load ready for the off...but back up was discussed last night  :-\

New clutch, new distributor, carbs to tune, and now a new caliper.  It has to be a kit car ;D (I checked and it is) There's still time to change the diff, and install aircon  ;D

And good luck with the pictures Dottore.  I really ought to start going to the test day again

Si,

With all this work you had better get it/her there.


Aricus

Picked her up last night, its good to be able to change gear properly. It was a good drive home ;D

Tomorrow is brakes day then we're in business, OK cosmetically it might not be quite ready inside but I'm confident on getting there now.

Air con is easy....it's called taking the roof down  ;)

Problem is, I've been 'meaning' to get her back on the road for the past couple of years but things kept getting in the way, so I committed to Le Mans to give myself a deadline to work to....and its just loomed quicker than anticipated!!!

Always the way - I'm starting to panic

rear brakes changed yesterday driving home smelt something funny and spotted smoke. Pulled over and brakes on fire. Stuck on and I didnt know. Let them cool and went back to the garage who just did it - checked it over backed the handbrake off 2 clicks was a bit tight and all ok now. Smoke was also the coating burning off so wasnt as bad as it looked!

Tickets collected from Jules, Tent dropped off with Mr Nopanic (has some fantastic coffee!) now time to check all my other gear and slowly pack

Ready

Nice - any spare large DFH stickers around - or do i have to use my crayola crayons?

Do you need adult supervision?

What's the weather like Kev?

Chester -
Nice apparently

Final preparations:

400 mile shakedown in the car - I have a leaking steering pump hoses - scheduled for Wednesday.

I'm too late for a respray so that's booked in after LM!

And then the important one, the pre-Le Mans diet to ease the strain on the car and my camp bed.  8)

Tent test next Saturday, local sausages in the freezer Friday.

Aricus

bags nearly packed and spare room is loaded full of gear required

Another meal of gruel.  :P :P

It must be close.....f

Well for once I'm a bit organised. Just need to throw a few things in the holdall and apart from some stuff in the freezer I'm done. 8am in the morning and I'm on my way and I can't wait.  :) :) :) 8)

I've just got to buy my rail ticket to Doncaster where I'm meeting Lord Steve & Pete.

Err...... Better do the tent test today!   :-X

Was supposed to leave at 10 this morning ... still working at the office  >:( >:( >:(

K,

Bad enough working on a Saturday, but working past your stop time - I feel your pain.

A

Was a busy weekend, but the car is ready enough now.

Tonight is either wash it, or get it packed up with kit (weather determined). Tomorrow night is whatever I don't do tonight, plus get fuelled up ready for Wednesday morning's drive to Dover and Le Mans...