Beta coupe MOT fail - rear shock "worn bush"

[mangocrazy]

There are also DoT (Dept of Transport) MoT testing stations available in certain locations; we have one in Sheffield. All they do is test vehicles, and will not fix MoT fails. They can act as a useful verification of commercial MoT testing stations.

[Mat Grant]

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies - Yes a under normal circumstances I'd have been back the next day/week with the car and asked for a full explanation. But as I was in the middle of the house extension build, the car was kept quite a distance away, and the MOT had already expired, so I'd either have to trailer it or book an MOT to be able to take it back there.

So it was really frustrating - I had to leave it until my garage was finished, get it trailered by a mate back to my house. Then give it a bit of a once over, and as it had been so long I booked it in for another MOT, looked at the suspension both sides and couldn't see any difference between the left side and the right side. I was half expecting the fail but being ready for a detailed answer on exactly what it was. So I hung round while the MOT was being done.

It was just annoying as had it passed the MOT I would have been able to run it in good weather, whilst it was being stored away from my house, and get it fully warmed up etc and give it a bit of use, as it was it had to stay on my girlfriends drive for about a year and I would just run it up to temp every month or so.

Just glad it's back on the road!!

Next job is an engine service and cambelt as that hasn't been changed for a few years. I've also got to look at the carb as it is not running brilliantly.

Mat.

[Mat Grant]

Hi all,

Small update, my Beta coupe went through the MOT this year with no problems, just advisories on the front tyres having a bit of perishing and an exhaust blow. As last year no reference to worn suspension bush in the top mount from two MOTs ago.

The exhaust leak is in the centre of the car - anyone have any suggestions on where I can go to either get a pipe or get one made?

Thanks, Mat.

PS - how do I add pics on here?

[peteracs]

Hi Mat

Just below the text entry box there is an ‘Additional Options’ which of you open it out allows uploading of photos.

Peter

[rossocorsa]

Hi Mat

Just below the text entry box there is an ‘Additional Options’ which of you open it out allows uploading of photos.

Peter

I never knew that, I've struggled every since photobucket went wonky, I'll try out next time!

[Mat Grant]

Thanks - just out of interest, here is a photo of my car just before the MOT. It is a 200ie model but someone has previously restored it, and taken off the black chrome and large bumpers, and fitted the chrome and smaller bumpers from the earlier model. Before the restoration the original colour was gun metal grey. There is a large photo restoration file with it. And at a later point someone has taken off the injection and fitted a weber carb and manifold. There are a few receipts in the file for "trying to fix rough running", so I'm presuming that's what led the same or different previous owner to take the injection system off and put a carb on.

Mat.

[rossocorsa]

Thanks - just out of interest, here is a photo of my car just before the MOT. It is a 200ie model but someone has previously restored it, and taken off the black chrome and large bumpers, and fitted the chrome and smaller bumpers from the earlier model. Before the restoration the original colour was gun metal grey. There is a large photo restoration file with it. And at a later point someone has taken off the injection and fitted a weber carb and manifold. There are a few receipts in the file for "trying to fix rough running", so I'm presuming that's what led the same or different previous owner to take the injection system off and put a carb on.

Mat.

That's a bit strange as in the UK to be best of my knowledge fuel injection cars were only imported in solid red or black. Looking at that photo it looks really like an earlier car TBH all details  correct very very odd.

[peteracs]

There are a few receipts in the file for "trying to fix rough running", so I'm presuming that's what led the same or different previous owner to take the injection system off and put a carb on.

This reminded me of Darren’s car which Darren (different one, just to confuse) updated the FI to a modern setup with great results. No idea who it is with now as I know Darren sold it.

See

https://www.betaboyz.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3007.0

Peter

[Mat Grant]

Well it could have been black... I just had another look at the photos, the only shots are with it in prep for spray - maybe it was black but very dusty  

They even relocated the fuel filler and fitted the older style fuel filler cover. Whoever  did the work went to a lot of trouble, they must have REALLY wanted it to look like an early one.

Mat.

[rossocorsa]

What about the details in the cabin? Steering wheel, switch illumination, seats etc?

[Mat Grant]

The interior is the standard S2 facelift from the 2000ie, they've left the interior alone so it still has the later dash and the electric windows etc

[rossocorsa]

I'm just surprised that they took the injection off, they drive really nicely, but then again way back a lot of more mature enthusiasts thought of injection as very bad wizardry when it is actually probably simpler than carbs. It a nice looking car anyway they even filled in the extra holes in the front wings.

[Mat Grant]

Yes I wish it still had the injection. I've got no way of knowing exactly why it was taken off, but there are a couple of receipts in the history saying stuff like "labour for investigating rough running" and I guess someone just gave up and fitted a carb.

The change to carb was later than the colour change and restoration, as the photos of it complete show the injection system and airbox still in place.

I would like to refit the injection system but there is virtually no chance of finding the parts. If anyone has the full set of injection hardware at a sensible price I'd be really interested.

Mat.