What's made you smile today?

[The Panda Nut]

I had to google to see an Austin A30. It doesn't look the best. The one i've pictured looks like it was painted in army colours. I was suppose it drove like a sack of potatoes lol.

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Remember my mum getting one back in 1963. It was old then! We went out in it to be given the command on a steep hill, 'everyone in the back get out and walk' (up to the top of the hill). In fact it did make it before we had to walk, but only just.

 

[portland_bill]

I used to make Airfix aeroplanes and such as a kid, i didn't know you could buy and build your very own Wallace and Grommit van

That looks wonderful.
I shall have to fight myself not to get one of those, as it'll just gather dust.
I'm currently sleeping under a Wallace & Gromit duvet cover, and matching pillowcase. Wake up and smile, every day. Duvet cover has the flying sidecar on it, pillow covered with multiple sheep.

 

[bugsymike]

Didn’t Wallace and Gromit have an Austin A30 van ?

Around the mid 70s an old mechanic where I was had a clean Austin A35 Estate version.

 

[bugsymike]

I used to make Airfix aeroplanes and such as a kid, i didn't know you could buy and build your very own Wallace and Grommit van

I used to make them and then set fire to them and crash them into the bath full of water, my mum put up with a lot.

 

[The Panda Nut]

That looks wonderful.
I shall have to fight myself not to get one of those, as it'll just gather dust.
I'm currently sleeping under a Wallace & Gromit duvet cover, and matching pillowcase. Wake up and smile, every day. Duvet cover has the flying sidecar on it, pillow covered with multiple sheep.

I really want a Wallace and Gromit Van. Badly!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Im watch Wheeler Dealers and have really had my fuse lit to get hold of a soft top car. Thinking of which I woud rather use on a summer day, the soft top or the Panda made me smile. Nope, I dont need a soft top. I will just open the windows.

But does anyone know anywhere that fits sunrooves these days. I am not getting anywhere in my search.

 

[porta]

You can still get sunroofs fitted, but it seems that it’s local auto-glass specialists that do them tether than the big name auto-glaziers.
If you’re confident, you could always but one and fit yourself

 

[The Panda Nut]

I have done one before. Its an easy job with the right tool, but so far I have just not found a supplier. I fancy a Hollandia Electric tilt and slide. there may be a place in Ipswich, but Im not authorised to go there. The war is not over!

 

[The Panda Nut]

GOOD NEWS!! No not Dacia Sandero, but my workshop book arrived and its really comprehensive. Slight downside is I now need to learn italian.... Worth 10E for the pictures alone. It seems to cover everything in some detail.

 

[portland_bill]

Around the mid 70s an old mechanic where I was had a clean Austin A35 Estate version.

Was this in Dorchester, Dorset? Ray.. I forget his surname.

 

[portland_bill]

I don't know about the Panda, or other newer Fiats, but not that long ago, Fiats used to have a bracing bar across the roof, near the centre, which dictated size and position of any sunroof. When the glass pop-ups were a thing, the classic Panda had to have the smallest, and positioning was critical. Make sure any fitter is aware fo specific vehicle details.
The earlier 131 also was very difficult to fit, despite being a larger car, smallest glass panel was only just possible.

 

[bugsymike]

Was this in Dorchester, Dorset? Ray.. I forget his surname.

No, it was in Paignton (Preston if very local) at Perry's Garage, he was called Cecil.
Re the pop up sunroofs, I recall Unipart used to sell them as I bought several when on one of their special deal news letters, maybe early 90s? I never fitted any just sold them on.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I don't know about the Panda, or other newer Fiats, but not that long ago, Fiats used to have a bracing bar across the roof, near the centre, which dictated size and position of any sunroof. When the glass pop-ups were a thing, the classic Panda had to have the smallest, and positioning was critical. Make sure any fitter is aware fo specific vehicle details.
The earlier 131 also was very difficult to fit, despite being a larger car, smallest glass panel was only just possible.

I dont know about Pandas except only a small sun roof is possible. May be a roof beam. On some cars these can be moved a lttle. I am probably mad even thinking about it after paying for climate control air con, but I like fresh air if somewhere where there is some. My new workshop book goes into some detail on body panels. It seems to show cross sections of pillars and how far panels over lap. Things like quarter panel and sill joints. More investigation is needed. Anything for a break from building works. Im within a whisker of plastering. I cant be a**** to do that, so I will be seeking plasterers tomorrow. A heating man is booked for tuesday to move heating and rads pipes then its go on plaster. That will be a big step forwards. Made and installed lintel above fireplace. The chimney breast can breath a sigh and relax for the first time in 59 years. Lol. i ran hot water today for only the 2nd time this year. It still works! Thank God!! Nice being able to use power in the garage today too.

 

[SB1500]

You can still get sunroofs fitted, but it seems that it’s local auto-glass specialists that do them tether than the big name auto-glaziers.
If you’re confident, you could always but one and fit yourself

Came across a company online, based somewhere in England, who would put anything from a basic fixed glass sunroof to a full on, custom panoramic sliding roof job. But the prices were easily in the thousands, I suspect their clientele is usually owning cars worth closer to the value of actual houses I've lived in to be worthy of such an upgrade!