So as it turns out, none of the three Omori gauges I bought for squid came with functional backlighting.

For that authentic 1980s look.

Which is all kinds of odd; you’d expect maybe one or two to at least work partially, however for the price and the age of the equipment I suppose I shouldn’t complain, especially since a pretend sparky like me can easily replace the old-style bulbs with LEDs for a slightly more modern twist!

Armed with a disassembly guide I’d found on the interwebs and a few trusty tools, I set to work… (more…)

Long time no update from me. I’ve recently started a new job and as such am no longer behind a computer screen for 90% of my day. The up side of this is that I will in the not too distant future, have the cash to get shit done on my projects. First port of call though, was getting my hopeful daily (the KPB310) sorted for it’s next attempt at a Warrant of Fitness.

You may remember the state of it.

Thankfully, I have a very nice and understanding panel-beater who sorted that side of it and will let me pay on my first full payday (which is now monthly).

The result of their labour is as follows;

The rust, it be gone! RHS Inner Guard

Obviously, I need to cover it up again but it needs to be visible as being done for when I take it for a warrant again, so they’re aware that I care.  Hah.

They found another little area that needed sorted, so did that too.

The patch you can see on the right hand side of the above photo was showing through as half a dozen tiny pinholes on the strut tower on the engine bay side, with it cut out, the rust sandwiched between the two panels was quite noticable indeed and I’m glad it was found and sorted.  Nothing quite like an eagle eyed panel beater who cares.

With that done, I sorted the hinges that needed done, or at least the driver’s side…  I will get on to the passenger’s side if need be, though the use it will get is minimal regardless.  Once it’s legit again, I’ll keep a casual eye out for some wheels, sort the ride height and just daily the living fuck out of it whilst putting all my pennies to the 110-Project, because let’s be honest, that’s the car that deserves it.

-Michael

With the TX3 complete, a shed full of spare parts to clean out, and a lack of anything to do on any of my other cars (except a shifter cable swap on the AW11, which I can now proceed with as the new bits have arrived) I decided to kill my boredom and get rid of some of those parts by purchasing a wee little 1985 BFMR Mazda Familia in need of some sorely required maintenance.

In the seller’s own words, “the engine shat a brick about two years ago, and it’s just been sitting in my garage doing jack since then.” I know a challenge when I see one.

yeah I can’t seem to stay away from the damn things – as anyone who reads my numerous blog posts about them can tell you – but surprisingly enough this is my very first proper BFMR, having owned a BFMP and BF5S in the past. This isn’t taking into account the TX3s of course, but since they’re the exact same car, all of my expertise carries over, which makes this a fairly easy walk in the park.

currently the plan for this car is to undertake as close to a factory-standard restoration as I can manage without going too overboard a la TX3. With fewer and fewer BFMRs left in this country it makes sense from an enthusiast’s (and possibly investor’s) point of view.

So… presenting the new summer project!

Finally, my very own BFMR

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