GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project~”

[Grizz1963]

Rained all day yesterday.

Rain again today.

Not ideal.

But the rain does make a good judge of my effort.







I guess all this rain means I should just go out and go shopping for ridiculous stuff for Sally to wrap up and hand over at Christmas.

And yes, not a fan.

Prefer to buy stuff that I need when I need it.

Christmas is every day

[Grizz1963]

Well.


First real use of the Caddy yesterday.


Company car collection was on Tuesday.


Now I am officially unemployed as garden leave came to an end on Sunday 10th.


With the 206 CC off the road on SORN till January and after its service, it was the first time I had to rely on the Caddy since its new MOT and ECU for real world use.


Reliable as expected

I drove it about 10 miles to a not so local shopping centre and parked in the underground garage. Forgot to take a photo of it between all the shiny, if dirty moderns.
it certainly is a small car, relative to everything else.


A really pleasant drive as it was when I fetched it from @Zelandeth and again made me grin.


Some shopping and socialising with strangers later, I headed home.


Happy and content.

Got home to three small parcels

Including these from @shampooefficient

Next job, see if they fit and apply





Now I need to get back onto getting tyres ordered and bought for the 16” alloys I bought for it. And finally fitting them.


Though I do really like the simplicity of the steel wheels and mini centre caps.


In other news, I had ordered some 2.2 Ohm resistors off eBay. Delivered in under 48 hours.


Once again surprised at the cost including postage

Made the mistake of thinking it was cost per unit.






Now I seem to have many or is that much resistance.





Just need to wait for Martin to have a job nearby so he can come do the necessary work for fooling the Peugeot into believing it has airbags in the seats, then I can fit the new interior. George the cat has taken them over as his new bedroom furniture.




Last thing …….



Saw this map, including a reference to my kingdom ��








​​​​​​​That is all.

[Grizz1963]

A good, if slightly chilly morning on Mud Island.

Rain stopped overnight.



Last night I got home as the Caddy turned over to 114000 miles or 183465 km

Almost run in for a 1.9 SDI



Then this morning I quickly fitted the £5.00 delivered side repeaters.
Easiest job ever.

Pop out, unclip, twist fit, repeat.



And fitted and working.





I think that works.

.

[Grizz1963]

Not much happened this week.

But I was asked by Aaron my one current lodger if I could take him and another guy to Rochester for their Christmas party.

Thankfully I had not got rid of the small jump seats yet, so refitted one and ran them to town.

Function over form wins this time.



When I got back, George was waiting for me. Tucked up like a hovercraft.
Impressive whiskers for sure.

It is coming up for two years that he has lived here.

Still thankful he chose this house to move into.



First time we met

https://youtu.be/n0mWn5PbP-M?si=43dcmBIMRCJzfuT1


This morning we had another great sunrise.

Looking out of the kitchen window, the van again made me chuckle, just because it is a nice and good looking thing. (Till the next pretty lady rolls into view. Long roof V8 Americans look out)



Peugeot 206 CC went into the garage yesterday to have cambelt and waterpump replaced as well as a general look over for any issues.

I need to find a sensibly priced source for some 195/55 16 tyres to fit on the Caddy’s alloys that are still waiting to be fitted.

And just like that it’s almost Christmas.

[Grizz1963]

I do feel at times that I am spending more cash than I should.

At 104k miles or 167k km there is no recorded history of the Peugeot 206 ever having had a cambelt or waterpump replaced.

So in order to protect what still is a nice car, I took the chance on driving it home a month ago on 25th November and pretty much parking it out back till the 20th which was the earliest day I could get it booked in for a going over and service.

So I took it to Cliffs

They have been there a very long time

From this building



To a modern workshop he had built a few years ago.



So next job of course dismantling and replacing parts.









Original plastic waterpump and cambelt looked good but seem to be original.






Underside looking surprisingly good for a 21 year old.

I will try get myself motivated to clean up a d treat the underside with some rust restraining/preventing type gloop.






Coolant, antifreeze drained and replaced as well.

Collected from Cliffs and parked up at home on SORN till 2024 as a convertible for Christmas just makes no sense to me.

Pleased its done now for peace of mind.

Next up.

VW Caddy alloys and new tyres.

[Grizz1963]

So at 17.45 tonight we had our 2023 Medway Christmas Tractor Parade.

Windy and around 11’C or 52’F outside. Not bad for beyond mid December.

Unlike USA automotive parades, there was no Candy thrown out at the kids along the route like I saw at Eureka Springs in September this year.

I heard 45 vehicles took part. Count them if you want and let me know.


Enjoy a bit of English Paradeing.

https://youtu.be/mgSN0BH4Q2Q?si=BVNFNDhyVp0EmhdV




AND FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THE EUREKA SPRINGS PARADE.

ENJOY.


https://youtu.be/lG5UW0XIoMU?si=fRp9VhhDjlKR25Bv



MORE REPORTING LATER.

[Grizz1963]

Peugeot video

Slightly out of sync.

https://youtu.be/fcFWqhQJLUA?si=61dcSx1HmdX11JXs





Merry Christmas to all the readers and followers.

And a special thank you to everyone who takes the time to contribute and write actual replies on the thread or YouTube channel.

Here’s to a great 2024 for all of us.


.

[Grizz1963]

Not done much the last few days.


But today I made a sticker with a Sharpie for the cambelt etc.



Really wanted to use a printed style sticker that would look better.






​​​​​​​Still good to keep records.

[Grizz1963]

So 2024…….

So 2024 has started??

The Caddy has proved to being back to 100% reliable as expected with the ECU replacement.
It is actually a pleasure to drive and at Christmas became a convenient 4 seater for delivering and collecting people as a “designated drivers car” so my lodgers and myself and Sally could go out.
Usually Sally drives and I can have a drink if I want but this year I was happy to drive.

Like “Prozac” the Citroen Berlingo a few years ago, this is an amazing tool for lugging stuff and people about.
Shopping is great, open the rear door and just put the bags of food straight into the car. The rear doors split asymmetrically, which means that one is wider than the other.

Deceptively small as well, despite it’s ability to swallow huge loads. Load volume is a creditable 2.9 cubic metres. Load length is 1,728mm, load height is 1,279mm and load width is 1,530mm. And maximum payload is said to be 625kg so over half a ton in a VW Polo based van. Pretty sure many were abused with a lot more than that.

Note the size compared to other small cars parked in the Morrisons car park.



One of the jobs I held off on was fitting two new tyres and getting the fast slow leak sorted until I could get the reliability back to standard.

With the van performing faultlessly I took it in for two new 195/55-16 tyres and to get the puncture sorted.
Slow leak was due to extreme corrosion on the bead edge of the wheel and cost me £25.00 to repair.
Along with the tyres, total bill for swapping wheels, tyres, puncture repair etc was £191.00



Old, really good and hardly used tyres and steels with centre caps in the rear.



Fitted



Driving back home with the extra wheels in the rear it became apparent that the wider tyres and wheels were rubbing on the relocated rear shocks going around tight bends at speed.

So next stop is a pair of 10mm spacers.
That should be more than enough to push the wheels out a bit.
Handling feels great as well.

Back home I added the centre caps.



Personally I am absolutely 50/50 on the steels vs alloys.

So before vs after.




Over the Christmas season Bonnie spent more time than usual with Sally and indoors.
She also discovered wildlife television.
Amazingly focused on animal programs. Interacting at times.



Having had a pretty wet, cloudy winter but without too much extreme cold, George spends most of the time indoors. Sleeping.
Last week while washing the cars during some better days, George came out as well.
He loves the sun.
Mr Feral.

Only a sliver of sun needed.



More later

[Grizz1963]

Doorbell rings…..

Courier delivery

Cold chain box.



Opening it, a note at the top of a sealed foil pack.



Opening the foil bag……

A whole selection of pasties.



So I unpacked them into the refrigerator.

Later I zapped one in the microwave. Oven heating would be better.
I added a bit of Sweet Cider Chutney.



So….?

Who would send me a load of amazing pasties?
Mate Steve, another one of those guys whose actions speak louder than words.
Kindness.
Thank you very much mate.

Life is good.

[Grizz1963]

16 years ago today I had my 1963 Ford Taunus Transit van delivered from Germany.



I added wheels, attended meetings and really enjoyed it for quite a few years.

There were some really nice ones from Germany as well.












I sold it at one point because I had stopped using it and fell out of love with it after having a fuel injected Ford Zetec engine fitted by very good friend Edd.

Would I have it again?

I think so.

Not sure.

It was great having it when I did.

[Grizz1963]

Adding the 16” alloys to Caddy should not be a problem.

Bolt on and go.

But……. My Caddy is a former WAV so the floor was lowered by a conversion company (not much engineering involved)
The rear shock mounts were relocated.
Perfect for the smaller original 165 width tyres and wheels.
So fitting 195/16” tyres and wheels were bound to be a possible challenge.

So Spacers and longer wheel bolts had to be bought. Another unnecessary cost of course, considering the original tyres were new, standard and perfectly fine.

Suddenly the wheels, tyres x2, spacers, bolts, VW centre cap badges etc added £380.00 to the van, and yet it did nothing differently to before.

Cars……. I guess many of us are doing that sort of thing daily.

So I removed one of the bolts to measure it.





I also started to look out for a pair of 10mm spacers to push the new wheels out as they were contacting the shock absorber on moderate to harder cornering.

Found some on Marketplace for £20.00 for universal fit, unused. 30 miles away, so drove and fetched them.



Wheel bolts came fast off EBay another £25.00 wasted.




So last week there was a cutting breeze outside and I chose not to change them.

Yesterday it was much better.

4 layers and a wooly hat saw me outside adding some diesel gifted me by a friend who needed to decommission a machine and needed to get rid of the contents. Thank you very much.



Next up……..

Lift the van, remove wheel, fit spacer, drop down. Result.

Chilly outside. Minimal breeze.



Waiting….



Clearly was not right.

Too close on cornering.



This way to hold the spacers in position failed.

I then got some duct tape and stuck the spacers in position on the actual hubs.

Much more efficient.



Both sides done and reassembled.

Hardly noticeable to the untrained eye.

But 10mm is 10mm

Not yet gone for a decent drive to test it.

BEFORE



AFTER



Once done I came indoors to warm up, clean the house and shower as mate Kevin and Teresa were visiting after 1.30

They loved the Astro and actually registered their interest in buying it when the time comes.
I should have tried to sell the green Peugeot 206 CC to them as it will be surplus. Well, it really is surplus, along with the Rezin Rockit and both should be sold on.

The heating was on and George seemed happy with it.





I need to get out for some food shopping later and will report back about how the Caddy feels.

Video:

https://youtu.be/QMnPJ6fiRt4?si=SnWeswYoehdAzByE

Later.

[Grizz1963]

Remember when I had the cambelt and waterpump replaced on the 206 CC

I added a sticker to the engine to show when the work was done, for future reference.



Same as someone had done for the VW Caddy.



This week I got a card from the Post Office, demanding £2.50 for unpaid postage.
Dully paid it via PayPal.

Delivered on Wednesday.

Contents: a printed version of the details of the 206 CC service.

Some nice people out there.

No idea who sent the sticker but Thank You very much.



In the mean time it is still -3’C overnight.
Winter has reminded us there are seasons but……….

[Grizz1963]

So after the mystery of the envelope with insufficient postage, we had a confession.

But there is a story attached to it as you will see in the pics below.

My very good mate Fil (Sparkplug) had printed the label and posted it out.

WITH A POSTAGE STAMP ATTACHED.

It seems the Royal Fail (Mail for patriots) changed the cost of postage so many times that they also issued completely new postage stamps with modern barcodes.

The obsolete stamps can/could be traded for new but clearly both Fil, me and many others were not aware.




So Fil posted his gift cunningly disguised with a printed envelope so I could neither recognise nor guess who from. And Royal Fail needed to get the extra few pennies postage had gone up in the mean time, sending out a card to say my tax for the transgression was to be paid before they re delivered. Bastards in any language.








So now at least the next keeper will know when the service was done and what was dealt with.

[Grizz1963]

So with winter interfering with some of the projects and progress of my random toys including selling some to make space, well, to regain space, rain, cold, storms have distracted me.

So back to the Astro van, which is still a “keeper” unless someone else wants it more than me.

33 years old and in amazing condition overall and only done 78k registered miles means that I have to look after it and continue to improve it.

One of a multitude of challenges and repairs I want to affect is replacing the expensive rear door seals.

Original reproductions are available. But when you add US Taxes, import duty, shipping and then UK VAT to it the expensive $340.90 base price, increases to an eye watering total.

So getting a look at alternatives makes sense but unlikely to happen.

Current status is as per pics below.
Certainly not fully sealed anymore it allows condensation to build as well.
This does not reduce the value but makes me want to improve it.










So now I need a suitcase space and baggage allowance in order to make it more affordable.

What we need.





Always money headed out ehhh.

But worth doing??

[Grizz1963]

Some days

Some days do start well.
This pic taken at 7.45 out the window with my iPhone, no filter before sunrise made me smile.

Amazing what nature can do.



Same evening I moved the Astro and Peugeot away from the fence as there was a storm and winds were up to 100mph or 160km/h
Next morning 4 panels blown out and another damaged further up.
Glad I went out at 10.00pm to move them as damage would really have angered me.



And during the day I received three unused batteries and a charger (free for cost of postage) for the action camera @nickwheeler gave me last year for my YouTube channel movies.



George being George,

Loves chocolate and will steal or insist on trying to get some when he can.

I let him have part of a Toblerone mountain to himself, the rest goes in the bin.



In other news, keeping busy, there is always work to be done.
Plum tree never got pruned in Autumn so did that.
Fell off the ladder while pruning the tree in October 22 but landed well by luck.

So I decided to cut it back real hard this year, robbing the wood pigeons of their nesting tree where they fledge two lot of chicks each year.



Next job, cut up all the thin stuff with a hedge trimmer and cut logs for the fireplace.



Today is a good day, breezy but said to be up to 12’C
Maybe take the Astro out for shopping.

LATER: Took the Caddy. Perfect.

[Grizz1963]

Had a few comments about the rear door seals on the van.

Took a few pics to illustrate what I have to work with.

Based in part on the insane prices of the seals, finding a matching profile to use or actually rebuilding parts, like this corner with the original piece and some silicone to recreate the profile, we may be in business.





The left hand, first to close door uses pins to secure and locate that door also an upper rain rail and seal in place.





Some parts of the seal obviously are a tight fit.



I will look at all of this in order to seal and repair all of what is needed.

Once again a nice way to start the day.




Plan is to wash and clean the van today and use it tomorrow for a breakfast meeting up near Gravesend for American cars.

Roads are clean again and as I refuse to drive the van on salted, gritted and wet roads, trying to look after it.

Maybe a few pics too.

[Grizz1963]

Every time I use any of my cars, but especially the Astro van, it makes me smile.
They are all very different in function and form but the Astro continues to be my favourite to look back at as I walk away from it.

It also changes depending on where you look from.
Fetching some fuel for my mower and a jerry can for the Peugeot 206 CC which had a reserve light on the van once again showed a different angle.



Having a breakfast meeting booked with KBM this weekend, meant a quick vacuum cleaner run through and wash outside.

I also fitted some new rubber floor mats over the carpets.
The floor of the cab area is quite small and complex due to the engine being partially in the cab and under the floor.
So custom shape is needed.

I am really impressed with these.






Sunday morning the drive to breakfast was great, including two different beeps and thumbs ups from other road users.

Copperfield



Food was great.

Coffee absolutely sucked imho.






After breakfast which ended at 13.00 and a lot of chatting in the carpark I drove down to my local Morrisons to get some food for the house as I had suggested that I would cook for Sally and Aaron my one lodger.






Dinner was meatballs on spaghetti with a nice sauce and some cheese.

Very very good.




Two meals in one report……

Spoiling you guys.

Driving all three of my cars over the weekend was great.

The Rezin Rockit has just become due for a new MOT test.

Amazed that its 11 months since I completed this awesome build.

[Grizz1963]

I keep lodgers to help with the mortgage payments.
Simple solution to one problem.
Then they come in Vito, Renault vans, Ford Edge, or a ****iff big Ford Ranger truck.
My rule is that I park up the alley to control access.
Still sounds good though.
Till you walk out and see this….
Guy is on nights so goes to bed at 04.00
Parks like a cnut.
Takes his car keys to bed so now I have to wake him.
Is it worth the hassle?
Found that my cutlery is in decline.
Found desert spoons in his cars footwell.
Just counted forks…… 7/12 left and three non matched items in there (part of a previous lodgers chaos)
FCUK !!

Problem with today problem child is he is super nice, kind, generous BUT a total animal and scatterbrain.

Did I mention FCUK ??

[Grizz1963]

Still got all of Sunday left to play with my toys.

Yesterday was the turn of the Astro to get out again.

Always a pleasure.

Farmers are out doing farmer stuff.

And took a pic for those who commented about the steering wheel being upside down.

In face, if you park with the wheels turned, you may find that illusion happening.








Today the Peugeot 206 CC is going on the sidewalk with some FOR SALE signs in the windows.

You never know when someone might have to have it.

Headed out in the van after breakfast.

[Grizz1963]

Nice weekend.

Driving the Astro and of course dayling the Caddy.

Put the Peugeot 206 CC on the sidewalk with some For Sale signs in case anyone wants or needs it in their lives.



Later I took the Astro and went for a random drive.

I continue to love driving it. Of course the fact that others like it is cool too. Like having a kid win an award or race.

Windy as heck out there but warm.
Maybe as much as 13’C which is hot for January.

​I also drove over to the Isle of Grain and parked up in one of my favourite spots for taking pics of cars.

Hard to choose just one pic.

Three with no filters








And one with a simple iPhone filter.

I really enjoyed the clouds and sun playing.




Weekend over, I still need to hand polish up the Astro.
It photographs well but polished will make it pop even more.

[Grizz1963]

So the Rezin Rockit has very much been on the back burner since summer.

Amazingly its a year since I took it in for its first MOT test which it passed straight away.

Not used much because I have 4 vehicles on the drive and when employed a company car that I use on the way home for groceries etc.

In preparation for this years fresh MOT I went though all the various things that I could check and test at home.
The one brake light did not come on.

https://youtu.be/s48unyqG0Y0?si=qzzy41qvRmf3BKoX


So I looked at the obvious, the bulb was fine, connecting seemed good.

Stumped. Easy for me to be stumped.

So I sent the video above to Nick Wheeler by text requesting his help. Of course he was going to come last weekend which turned into a ****show Literally.
So we cancelled.
Then he came yesterday and we ean through the usual checklist.
He checked the lightbulb and found there was no continuity despite the filament being intact.
Then dropped and smashed it.
I dug out my reserve bulbs, Nick checked and found one he liked.
We had already checked the rear light fittings and all was good.
So a bit of scotch pad and emery paper to clean up the contacts plus tensioning the fitting meant take 2.

Successful



Happy too.



So I washed and cleaned the Rezin Rockit in preparation for a hopeful MOT test on Monday if weather conditions permit and of course I need an appointment.

Fingers crossed.

Once I have a fresh MOT it will be up for sale as I do need the space.

.

[Grizz1963]

So I called the MOT testing centre and got a booking for 12.30

Headed out







Place was running on time with loads of vehicles waiting to be tested

Rezin Rockit went in and onto the ramps.





I chatted to a couple of people outside, one guys Astra came out, failed on some aspects.
Not encouraging to see

Later I heard the Jeep being reversed out of the building, it does sound rather nice even if I have to say it

Tester said “Nice car, all is good, let me do the paperwork “



So I went inside and paid for the test



MOT to 24 October 2025



Once done I headed outside where the car was waiting and headed home





Now I really need to get my finger out and create an advertisement and associated value for this little car to find a new home.


It was great fun to build and is no perfect trailer queen but I need the space.


.

[Grizz1963]

Quick video update.


Some of you may recall that I owned a Canta LX for a while last year.

Got to a point when I had done all the Grizzifying stuff I wanted to.

Had three guys all wanting to own it.

But only @glenanderson was able to pull the trigger.

So he delivered a lawn tractor for @craigrk up in Shropshire, to be collected and took the Canta to Dover as a father and son project.


Three videos.

Me finding it the day I bought it, and delivery that night.

https://youtu.be/Ny5UZP65TU8?si=wLWOOVASxyVwj3iP

And the day Glen and son Fin collected it.

https://youtu.be/PZ-K08G8gC8?si=NTsF7hzroGHxzvb3


Video sent last night.

Where Glen has got it to now.

Starting off ignition and lights working along with the correct drive belts.

https://youtu.be/uXdeW_9FXUQ?si=8OvVKoj86uX-tvSQ



This is an absolute smile generator.

Many more videos on my YouTube channel.

360cc big block fun.

[Grizz1963]

Been busy.

No job, market and placement agencies are also very quiet. Spoke to IQVIA my last employer of over 8 years this week as they had an oncology role with primary focus on lung cancer they wanted to put me forward for at Pfizer whom I had worked for nearly three years and won their top corporate award at, but the hiring manager is looking for lung experience and more specifically established contacts. So I bowed out.

I have declined quite a few potential opportunities for various reasons and unless you are actually walking in my safety flip flops I urge you not to judge my choices. There are jobs, companies and therapeutic areas that I prefer to avoid.
And I honestly can’t be bothered wasting my or a potential employer’s time and will also not allow a potential employer to waste my time when I don’t have the right experience or in some cases know they are looking for a rainbow coloured unicorn that pisses Bud Lite from its earhole.

I am always touched by those who have a genuine interest in my wellbeing and surprised of course by those who just have a morbid fascination with car crash TV.

I have been busy.

Every day.

Touching stuff.

Moving things.

Progressing.

No photos being posted as my internet connection has been dead again, thanks to Openreach who could not reach their own butt to scratch it, even if you gave them a spoon.
How these corporations survive despite atrocious service I don’t understand.

So……. What is progress??

My very good friend @CraigRK suggests that just touching stuff every day is progress. Sometimes physical activity and other times psychological.

So all the tools used for the Rezin Rockit build been cleaned, cleared, sorted and packed away.





And just look what I found.

Terrible sound quality.

https://youtu.be/x62zfyfLFGI?si=Ak5UQ64LOC41zoeH

I also pulled my 2006 R1200GS with 24500 miles and dry stored the last 5 years out, washed it and realised it needs to be sold on.

My welding table was cleared, cleaned and tools packed away.
Followed by more shelves, workbenches.
Then the floor where a pile of MX5 parts from the Rez Rockit build were still lying.
Next up a load of corporate junk from my last job.
I am not yet done inside the garage but the carport got a significant clear up as well.

During all this cleaning process I tried to give away stuff and realised nobody was taking, so I started listing on FB Marketplace at low prices and stuff started to disappear.
I made about £500 in the first 24 hours
Crazy yes. From “junk” that just needed to be gone.

FREE CASH in my mind. Stuff I neither wanted, needed or if bought previously, still making small profits.

Last night I counted the money and was shocked to find £875 in the safe. If tonights visit works, and a guy buys one item, add £135 and if he buys two, add another £50 to that.

Money already allocated to a next shall we say “thing”



Neither of the cars I have for sale have sold, possibly the fact that both are summertime cars does not help or maybe the prices are wrong but hopefully I will regain that space some time in order for me to fill it with something else.

So today I will carry on creating some more space and maybe list more junk that takes up valuable space in the garage and carport.

Weather seems to have improved.