Wow, these S2s are strong!

[ujimaflip]

Certainly sounds plausible... I guess another trip to the garage .

After I have that sorted I will need to replace both front wings... The small bubbles I remember have turned nasty.. .

[ujimaflip]

Front wings - any recommended body shops?

I certainly don't have the skill, space or time to replace my front wings....

Although I have a few mechanical problems, the car is running great - I'm enjoying the noise! However the car looks very tired - especially the front wings. Can anyone recommend a good body shop near Tring?

[bluequattro]

Wings

Wings are easy to replace
Have a go, you ll be glad of the accomplishment when you be done them
Once bumper is off there are only a few bolts and a couple of torqx heads to get at at the bottom of the wing
Next time I take some off I'll do photos (I have some already off that came with a car, so can't show them!)

[newsh]

Wow, these S2s are strong!

There's only one potential problem bolt which goes into a captive nut which can spin. It's around the middle of the row of bolts along the top where the bonnet closes, has a bigger head than the rest. Getting the bumper off can be a pain if it hadn't been off for a few years, soak all the bolts in plus gas for a couple of days.

[bluequattro]

True.
Good set of mole grips or jam a screw driver in to stop it spinning

[ujimaflip]

Wings

ok - you have me convinced to have a go. I guess nothing ventured etc. where would you recomend I look for replacement wings? Are they still making them? I had the bumper off ~ 5 years ago... Hopefully nothing has seized up.

I'll get the suspension sorted first anyhow... once I'm properly back on the road I'm sure the enthusiasm will take over.

[macspring]

Copper grease everything on reassembly.

[ujimaflip]

List of things to do

Now that the car is running smoothly and my enthusiasm restored. This is my list:
1. New tyres & balance - done
2. Fit new Bluetooth radio so the missus can call me when I'm out playing - done
3. Swap front suspension - parts on order
4. Replace drive door catch - popped open on me while moving (not a pleasant experience) part on order
5. Replace both front wings - still looking
6. Get rid of the 'old car smell' Mould has gone, but still unpleasant
7. Consider touch up/respray to return from pink to red . Noticed a bubble on rear wings as well
8. Work out why my plasma dash has stopped lighting up.

[Error404]

Can anyone recommend a good body shop near Tring?

Go see Ish at quattro coachworks near Luton