Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[realvc]

I saw that red wire jumper and wondered what it was for. But since you are so busy anyway I didn't bother to ask.

Every used car/truck I buy has mystery wires and or extra wires.

I grew up in a wrecking yard and we would see all kinds of interesting things done to the vehicles there. People will wire around the wire loom with miles of wire instead of tracing the problem.

Your jumper is odd to me because if the blades that are jumpered are both hot or are both ground the jumper makes no sence. It also seems odd that those blades would be exposed if they are hot.

Any way once again I have commented to let you know I am here every day keeping up with your "Grizzifactions".

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

I saw that red wire jumper and wondered what it was for. But since you are so busy anyway I didn't bother to ask.

Every used car/truck I buy has mystery wires and or extra wires.

I grew up in a wrecking yard and we would see all kinds of interesting things done to the vehicles there. People will wire around the wire loom with miles of wire instead of tracing the problem.

Your jumper is odd to me because if the blades that are jumpered are both hot or are both ground the jumper makes no sence. It also seems odd that those blades would be exposed if they are hot.

Any way once again I have commented to let you know I am here every day keeping up with your "Grizzifactions".

Thank you for posting Vince.

I have decided to leave that wire alone.

One suggested theory reckons it could be a fog light, here in the U.K. even imported cars have fog lights to the rear, retro fitted.









Amazon delivered last night.

So we have Relay 109 which is often blamed for issues.

Interestingly, half the address was not on the label, including house number and postcode and of course it was Craigs surname on the label.

Yet it made it here.

Pretty Pleased about that.

Made in Germany.




Overnight, another response to a damp interior question from another guy that I had replied to, got another definitive answer.



It confirms in part my and @kevins thoughts about drying out the interior to possibly solve or prevent recurrent issues.

I will report from my iPhone later today as the company iPad and phone are being collected later today.

I will be so naked and vulnerable 😉

[Braunschweiger]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get rid of the Caddy's quirks.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get rid of the Caddy's quirks.

You and me both my friend.








So back to Relay 109

Replaced it.

Caddy runs well

Throttle worked as well.










VIDEO.

https://youtu.be/ncyvBoziOhs?si=NqS7MCToYgkL4E05


After this I got on with the Scuttle cleaning.

[Grizz1963]

Remember the Seat 16” alloys I bought.

Centre caps needed a retainer ring. Fixed ✅

Logos or decals were knackered ‼️

Ordered some frpm Ebay not realising its China.

Delivery today.

Surprise!!


Old vs New



Needed doing.



Picked old logos off.

But not good enough to add new aluminium pieces on top of.



Sharp pointy knife and carefully worked them all off.



Cleaned off old automotive double sided tape.

Applied new badges.

OCD gang……….

Note all aligned.




I an really happy with that.

Will make a noticeable difference when the wheels and new tyres are fitted

Small steps every day is Progress

.

[Grizz1963]

So I started to dismantle the scuttle, wipers etc.



I found a royal mess in there.





And on and on it went.



Eventually read to rinse it all



Loads of leaves and dirt dug out.

Even more flushed out with all the water used to rinse the area.



After all the cleaning I recalled @joem83 mentioning an added bit of water protection.

So I rummaged through my supplies.

Found one of these.



Destroying one as I tried to make it.

Success



Looks like this.



Total job results



And reassembled.



I had also fitted the new 109 relay

Started the car up and it all seemed good.

I will take it out for a drive in the next few days when it stops raining.


Video a bit long winded

Editing on the phone really is a PITA.

https://youtu.be/CwewL5uiBYE?si=5uBqxTnGKsgm7K6r


Happy with the clean up.


.

[Grizz1963]

Out for the first time in three weeks, driving the Astro.

Not got all the parts that I wanted but at least got a new pollen filter for the Caddy

Super nice to drive the Astro around

Big silly grin all the way.

An Irish guy in a Vauxhall Vivaro van came up to me in the carpark where I had pulled in to find out more about the “beautiful noisy van”

I like it when strangers show interest.

He was shocked when I told him its just standard 4.3l V6 Auto. Stating that was surely too much power for a small van.

Went into Euro Carparts for a pollen filter and also a Throttle Position Sensor which they didnot have in stock.





Came home and removed the old one

Compared.



And fitted.



Another small job done.

Progress every day I guess.

[Grizz1963]

Right

No.

Not really right.

Something silly and small still screwing around.

Throttle response intermittently disappears.

So starting with basics again.

Disconnected battery and isolated it.



Opened up scuttle again and got to the very crusty ECU



Cleaned outside

Then inspected plugs and sprayed with contact cleaner.

All clean.





Reconnected, reassembled and tested.

All good.

Closed up hood and started on TPS disassembly.

This is three legged octopus territory.

Eventually left with base minus sensor.





Next job……..

Shower and shave, go to town to mobile phone shop to get iPhone 12 Pro repair done.
Also visit Turkish bakers for bread and yummyness.

Then off to industrial estate to try source a replacement unit for the TPS.

No luck.

Not kept or available

So headed home and started looking.





Will only know by Saturday if the spare that @sammo has, is the same and if he wants to sell and podt it to me next week.

Pity no new ones available out there it seems.

[Grizz1963]

Two small jobs done.

One cosmetic.

Someone in the past smeared some paint on the sills, followed by spraying something over it.

So not having a throttle control fitted to drive I thought cleaning, sanding, priming and painting was the perfect way to start the day.

Loads of thinners on a rag removed all the gloopy whatever was on the sills. Sandpaper and Scotchpad next.





Masked up and painted.



Result was as good as it needed to be.



Other side was worse.



Prepped.



Done.



Very pleased with that.
Bugged me on the original photos and when I saw it.
Knew I would get it done though.

Then thanks to @westbay forwarding me some info and a chat with @zeberdee I took three parts of the problem down to the specialists.

Relay 109
TPS
EXU

The ECU is a terrible mess.

I hope they can sort it for me.







Will be a few days



So that’s another couple of things ticked off.

Video uploading took 20 hours.

Later.


Sills tidied up video:

https://youtu.be/3ibj0DJZo7M?si=orD41S-qtedFsYB7


ECU and TPS removal

https://youtu.be/DE5qvmF6_8Y?si=PNxNAxP9cVqUdTSL


.

[Braunschweiger]

Good job, he keeps getting better.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Good job, he keeps getting better.

Thank you Harald

You know there really is only one way to do a job.

The right way.

I want to use it.

My rule for fixing things is that if I had a daughter, would I give it to her to use?









Had a message from a pilot friend in Johannesburg this week, asking if I wanted any *Woolworths Biltong, which I automatically declined as I have decent UK supplies but I mentioned that I love Ostrich as it is zero fat and very different to beef or game.
A quick bollocking from mate Fil for declining saw me reply differently to accept the kindness.
Tonight when I got home there was a courier package and it contained three packs of my favourite things. Chilli, BBQ and OSTRICH.

Some of you know that I believe Life is Good despite challenges we all face from time to time.

Once again proven.

Thank you Arsey



I look forward to opening the Ostrich when mate Fil comes here tomorrow to inspect the three new to him cars on my drive.
Amazingly all bought off auto****e.com (Scruffy the Micra was as well)

Life really is good.

[Grizz1963]

So this afternoon I was chatting with @glenanderson about life and how to manage the hobby we are into.
Had a missed call from the guys at Remanx Automotive. Called them back and was invited down for a chat.



So I went there around 4.30 and Matt and the other guys showed me the ECU which they suggested I was better off replacing with a remanufactured unit than trying to repair mine.

I was met with this little pile of sadness.



And after showing me more and discussing the alternatives, Matt suggested that rather than them try repair what I had in front of me, I consider buying a remanufactured unit online, coded for the specific engine that I have and also with the immobiliser removed as they often cause problems.

One of the guys, Ion who had managed to open the ECU had also taken a bunch of photos for his brag file…. Saying it was not the best he had seen.








So after a really nice chat about life and working for yourself I headed home with the scrap remains of the ECU and ordered a replacement unit online.

£150.00 is adding a chunk of change to the cost of the van but hopefully fixes the irritation of unreliable service.




Delivery will take a few days to about 29 or 30 November after which I can refit parts and hopefully the Caddy will work as it should.

Pictures for those too lazy to read.

Video.

https://youtu.be/sK5L-iQASQY?si=S4jU3b2az4ehG0La

Mini Road trip in the morning with mate Kevin “Woodsie” to collect the Green Turtle, newest car to make it to Grizz Towers.

I am really looking forward to driving what was described by @pegasus as a rollerskate or gokart with its 135bhp on a small body.

Not sure if it needs a separate thread of its own.



More tomorrow


.

[Grizz1963]

So by now everyone knows there is a new car at Grizz Towers.

For those unfamiliar with these….

Seller certainly under-described it like this.



2002 Peugeot 206 CC, 2-litre petrol

MOT OCTOBER 2024

IT'S A PROPER HARD TOP CABRIO AND NOT DAMP INSIDE

FREE PIE IN BOOT ! [edit: plus other things, see below!]

ULEZ / CAZ COMPLIANT !

AN OBVIOUS FUTURE CLASSIC, blah etc



103k, NEW MOT, had oil and filter while up on ramp to fit the new CV boot they failed it on (the sole failure point), done at same proper garage and was a bit costly, but done now

I replaced (£80 used) the COM2000 unit behind the steering wheel. which was haunted, as the immobiliser decided to lock me out at the CO-OP (yes really). Common fault apparently, the unit I took out was dated 2004 so it's already had at least one in its life

Good things:

A convertible hard top with the electrical trickery of one button open and close and is in working order

In a quite swish METALLIC GREEN

The 2-Litre in this one, not the usual 1.6 and you know it. 135 BHP when new and doesn't feel like too many of those have escaped, really eager out on the road.

Drives alright, (think powerful rollerskate) without the expected bangs and knocks and squirms you expect from a car of this age and value.

Auto lights and wipers which are a bit spooky if not expecting them

Most things work OK, has LED side lights, radio CD with dash display and steering wheel radio adjust, manual seats, electric windows, electric mirrors, etc

21 years old, so went straight onto my Classic Multicar Insurance, without even a plead.

Bodywork is generally pretty decent, no corrosion advisories at MOT although it would benefit from some Lanoguarding under there

Dry inside, with the hard top up you would never know it converts.

Interior is black leather and ok, though does have seam split though on the side bolster as not got around to sewing that just yet- maybe this weekend. Nope.

Taxed to get you home end of month. as it is in daily use on the school and allotment runs. Daughter hates it, a bonus.

Moaner's Manual in wallet along with original salesman's card, Renwick's Plymouth

V5C says just 3 previous moaners

Not so clever things that aren't actually 'bad', more 'feature'

The Air is not conditioned.

The Trip Computer suffers from confusion.

Service stamps to 43k in 2007, so a Service Mystery. No other bills, so the Cambelt is roulette

The tax is a bit fruity at £30 pm, but that is what fleet SORN flipping is for.

One rear electric window needs a bit of help in its seat when raising, simple and not a big issue. I thought I'd break more things getting in there trying to adjust it.

It does have a very small ding on the offside rear arch (but you can get behind and I have pushed it out a bit so is better since the photos), a couple of small areas of lacquer peel and a few very small rust bubbles, not much or even that noticeable. Dare you to find them.

Advisories minimal: old rear tyres, chunk out of wheel lip and an oil leak (apparently) But it's a leak that just hasn't happened on my driveway, the wheels all hold air and are round.

I still don't trust that immobiliser, due to the haunting, so just use the key. It will blip. I just daren't.


If someone wants it outright just PM me. I need to raise funds for Motorhome work, house repairs, the usual. NO MORE CARS THE WIFE SAID, so swaps are out

Location: near M1 corridor Hemel<>Luton area






Photos from the seller.















For those who made it this far

More to tell in a while if you are interested.

Let me know.

[Grizz1963]

Mini Road Trip at 06.45 to go fetch the latest addition to the growing Grizz fleet.

I really had neither planned nor solicited for this one.

Just a stoke of luck �� or something like that.

We will have to see how this plays out.




I will obviously try to weave some stuff into the story including misdirection and deception as expected.

These cars are all related

Chronically as they came here.







And today this one.




For those interested.

All four came to me via auto$h1te.com

I still have three here.

The Caddy and Astro belonged to one member before though I bought them from different places and people.

Lets see how much fun this small toad can deliver.

TRANSLATED FROM ENGLISH TO FRENCH.

SMALL TOAD

PETIT CRAPAUD.

That could be the name.

Not sure yet.

[Grizz1963]

For those looking for more reassurance that this is another car that does not take itself too seriously.

Original advertising

https://youtu.be/1oMs5h-qCZo

And one that resonated with so many people.

Dreams.

Not the same car but dreams are there to remind you.

https://media.tenor.com/yEudieHyfhMAAAAd/206-india.gif

[Grizz1963]

Most of you know my life motto continues to be that LIFE IS GOOD.

YESTERDAY was one of those days.

Up at 5.30, showered and ready to rock n roll by 6.30am

Mate Kevin collected me at 6.45 and we drive up to Dunstable to collect La Petit Crapaud (The Little Toad)

Petrol filled at a truck stop and great bacon and egg rolls at leisure (I am always in a hurry to get home) on site plus a nice chat with Jamie the chef before heading down the M1 and onto the M25 homeward.

Amazingly all the roads were open during the whole day.

Back home on my drive by 10.45

I had not even switched the kettle on when mate Fil @sparkplug pulled up outside in his new Citroen Relay van. He is building his new camper, having built an Ambulance camper before and then a yellow Sprinter which eventually blew up on him. The Relay is not quite two years old.

He brought me a really nice amplifier that @engineer had sent.

We did the whole looking at each others cars thing and then went out for a Turkish lunch we had booked.

Back home I managed to force him to take some of my clutter home in his van.

Postman also delivered a parcel from Ernie @pedalcarjoe with some super nice vintage VW T-shirts, stickers and a watercooled badge.

Did I mention life is good.

Amazing day.






Today I will make time to look the Peugot 206 CC over and list things that needs attention.

Upholstery and torn leather seat bolster and exhaust hanger
are on the list.

More to be found I am sure.

Caddy is awaiting a new ECU and Astro just needs to be driven.

.

[Braunschweiger]

Yes, life can be good.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Yes, life can be good.

Some days are challenging but only to show us how sweet the good times are.











Soooooo

Why??

Not really sure if I should try understanding the universe or Karma.

Sometimes life throws you a curved ball, sometimes it tosses a turd.

And once in a while you strike gold or is that [font color="19e66a"]GREEN[/font]?

The seller was an accomplished purveyor of tat.

Knowing that “Free Candy” would attract a certain audience.

So he stepped up his game to warp speed.

Adding a Fray Bentos steak pie to the offering.

Absolutely intrigued of course but resisted.



Not having the desired effect he added in quick succession a Pink Prime energy drink to attract those too tired to realise how alive they are.
Followed shortly by the foreign sex tourists beacon, a cream Panama hat.



I nearly walked away when the next offering was added to the steadily growing sacrificial pile.
A half dozen faggots to start the party off.
I make better meatballs.

Just in time, his next offering had my interest reignited.
Home brew beer making kit. Much more grown up.



I was still not quite convinced that I needed to drive a little green French toad.

Until he played to most dirty, unfair and trumpest of trump cards.

BEHOLD !!!!

THE CUCUMBER BUCKET HAT OF GLORY.

I threw my money at him and made a buy.

My life would be complete.




So I got insurance and road tax shaken out of my piggy bank and agreed a collection date as long as not a Tuesday.

Next job……. Figure collecting this thing of beauty.

The Chevy Astro was a few trains and station collection followed by 200 miles drive home.
VW Caddy was three trains and a tube, station collection in Zel’s awesome Rover and 104 miles drive home.
I really did not feel like three trains and a tube to then do a 77 mile drive home.

So I hinted really hard at good mate Woodsie to help and he offered to drive me up early on Saturday morning as we both had appointments by midday.

6.45 we headed out, still dark.



Woodsie stuck to the left lane at 65mph maximum 70 and proved a point. We were there quicker than my usual right lane driving.



By the time we got there at exactly 08,00 and thirty minutes earlier than anticipated it was -3’C out on the sidewalk where the seller met us and handed us car, documents, keys, and all the sweetners.
Kevin pounced on the cucumber bucket hat like a cat on a tin of tuna. His new music festival hat. His wife was not impressed when I sent her the pic below.



So after half an hours chatting we headed back to the motorway via a truck stop so I could get some unleaded in the cars belly.



Parking up behind Kevins not so subtle camper bus showed how small the little toad is.



Next up….

Breakfast ordered from Jamie in the food van.

Totally open to the elements I felt sorry for him freezing his nuts off.

And he just stayed happy and chatty. Making our bacon and egg crusty rolls and coffee.



Tell you what, someone is going to marry a good cook.

Super nice and really nice quality bacon.



Pose time.

Then scoff.



After breakfast we headed back onto the M1 motorway down to the M25.
Amazingly quiet and easy driving.

I took a pic of the speedo as we started out.

Nice baseline to work from.



The two litre engine is so eager and willing on the riad.
Totally unstressed
I think it could do with a 6th gear to drip the revs down from 3k at 70mph.

Home by 10.45



All my treasures unpacked from the cavernous trunk/boot.

No spare wheel but a tin of PUCK tyre gloop in French.

Not ideal but insurance came with RAC recovery.

Hopefully better than my experience with Green Flag.



In short succession mate Fil @sparkplug and then @nickwheeler arrived.

The usual pisstake from Nick and Fil.

Not jealous at all.

Maybe surprise.

We tried to get a thumbs up from Nick.

Failed.



I did also approach the onboard super computer and set the time and date.
Oh, and the radio.
Could be a pointless exercise though based on the sellers disclosure and advertising.




And for those interested in a shorter video…….

https://youtu.be/BD0eotY2Ao4?si=sylWn5G8oazMFTIZ

Cold out today but I look forward to investigating it all.

Another day.

[Palf70Step]

Nice little green tadpole there Rian. Is that toi carry in the back of the 2 vans as a spare?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Nice little green tadpole there Rian. Is that toi carry in the back of the 2 vans as a spare?

It’s possibly in the same size league as the earlier BMW Mini.

So not too small.





Got home from getting a spare key cut for the Caddy.

Another £20.00 added to the burn pile.

Neighbour came around just when I pulled the Astro through to the back and dropped off a parcel.

ECU.

Fast delivery.

Fitting planned for tomorrow.



I really hope it sorts out the previous issues.

Dead ECU looks dead compared to this one.

[Grizz1963]

Right

Fault finding.

Obviously being a 21 year old car it will have some.

Being French adds another dimension

So none of these affect its actual performance.

Paint…… being that it is possibly a fragile type of metallic it has faded a bit on the top surfaces.

On the bonnet/hood there are two “spots” of lacquer fail.





Next small thing.

Parking ding.

PDR job



One wheel missing a chunk.





Upholstery is leather.

Drivers seat is rough as a rough thing.

Needs repair or a replacement.









Lastly

@nickwheeler also noticed this driving behind me.

Hangers are present but rear box swings around madly.

Also not central to the exit an some clunking on potholes.

I will try sort that too.





LASTLY.



Booked the little toad in at my local garage for a genuine Peugeot cambelt and waterpump replacement on 20 December.

£360.00 plus tax.

Not cheap but I feel it a worthy investment as the service history becomes a mystery from 45k miles in 2007.
And it is on 103k miles now.

Lets hope it’s a worthy investment.

[Braunschweiger]

A little bit of work, your car is in the right hands.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

A little bit of work, your car is in the right hands.

Thanks mate

Some jobs just are safer in a professionals hands.

Also, Cliff has helped me in many ways over the years, advice, chat, special tools, OBD reading and simple friendly conversations. Zero charge.

The last time I employed him was with the MX5 for my ex wife.

So he deserves to be employed for a real job, rather than a faceless dealership.

I also want to believe this car deserves to be looked after.

[Grizz1963]

Yesterday was the first rainless if cold at 4’C day.

The Caddy’s refurbished ECU was delivered the day before.

So I got going in refitting the Throttle position sensor which despite being awkward was not that bad to do.

Clever move (for me at least) to use a bit of masking tape to help seat the back, out of sight allen bolt.



Followed by cleaning out and washing the complete scuttle area as there was no ECU in the way.

A good place to start from when refitting it.

Much better.



Of course nothing is ever quite as easy as it looks.

Mounting bracket really let the rest of it all down.

Just not good enough after all the effort.



So it was time for the 115mm grinder with a 125mm flap disc, followed by some more vigorous wire brush action.

Amazing how much aluminium oxidation there was.



Much better.

Better than it looks



A quick wipe down and then some grey primer to hopefully give a basis for the satin black finish.

Primer.



Satin black



Refitted



Home made cover over it all.



Started it (on video)

Runs

Throttle working.

Silly grin.

Closed up scuttle area

Kept under dash open so that I can take it back to Cliffs to reset or delete the faults it had shown.

Also reconnected this one wire that was dangling around.

A switch associated with the clutch pedal.

No idea if it was disconnected before I removed the throttle sensor.

But I connected it anyway.

Any ideas?





Thanks as always for your replies.

[Braunschweiger]

The Switch is for the Engine management and is intended to reduce the engine torque when switching, so that it doesn't jerk so much