Mayday! I'm an idiot but I feel in love.

So I used to have a mk1 clipper back in 2010, loved it but it was a mess and I just wasn't capable of dealing with it, it fell apart and eventually the gf made me get rid of it. I was so sad, since then I've not driven anything ive loved as much as that car so I've bought another one…

Trouble is I am a complete spanner when it comes to cars so buying a 25 year old car that will definitely need maintenance is a ridiculous idea but I was determined that I'd learn how to manage this thing but I've got problems and I'm out of my depth already.

So two questions, how have/do you teach yourself how to do this? Did you all have friends and family who helped you get started? Just start pulling things apart and assuring it out as you go? I know I am capable of learning but I find the whole thing incomprehensible. I work in IT,  I'm not scared of complex processes and jargon but I find working on cars is like a sheer cliff face, there's no hand holds to get me started.

Second more practical question, the roof mechanism is completely dead. Press the button and nothing happens not even a relay click. It was working till a week ago and nothing unusual had happened in between. I'm storing it in a garage so it's not getting wet. I've checked fuses for the roof and it looks ok on them. all the other electrics are working as expected (not the stereo but I think it's the head unit that's knackered).

I've got a Haynes that supposedly covers cabriolets (up to 85, mine is a 92 but I was under the impression that things started relatively static after that point?) but it doesn't mention anything about the roof mechanism?

I know the mechanism is in the boot but its behind some stuff that's pinned to the body when and I can't even get the plastic fasteners out with out feeling like the trim will rip and I feels a bit too soon to just be ripping stuff out already.

I really want to be able to do at least some of this stuff myself (I can't afford to pay everything if nothing else!) But I'm really struggling with even the basics.

I suppose a final question. Any one in the Norfolk area want too take me under their wing…?


Sorry for the long post! Any advice greatly appreciated.

Get the a Bentley, you will be glad you did.
While I have been wrenching on Cars for a good bit, Take one thing at a time, ask a question, and wait for an answer.  Post the year and model, Trim level and fuel system type, whether you have an Automatic or Manual tranny…. Fuel type Carb, CIS, or Digifant…Makes a difference.

To raise the roof, you have to be in Park or Neutral, and the Parking Brake full on.

If you aren't then the Relay doesn't get power.
The Power section in in the very back of the Bentley.

I have the same Haynes you do, but I have worn out my Bentley.  (Now I have it on Digital, it is easier to sort through and I don't need 4X glasses to read the schematics.  

To get the Rear Panels out, you need to find the center of the button, then PUSH the pin all the way through.  Once it is Through the PIN will easily come out of the metal, and the Cardboard will come loose.

I only know Manual Roofs over here…

A good site to get to know is www.cabby-info.com

We are all idiots but most of us bluff it out. Haha.

I can't help on the roof not my experience but as for learning start simple do some maintenance where basically you take something off and put it back on just cleaner.

Do oil, spark plugs and coolant change easy dirty jobs that will teach you to jack up the car and be prepared with cloths and buckets. Once you make the messy mistakes you learn. Do brakes and then spend extra time cleaning up the break fluid as you know it will eat paint away and lead to rust. You will learn to use cloths and catch pots.

If there is welding needed on the floor, remove seats and carpets you will learn it is not a quick job and understand the value of the labour charge but save on labour by doing it yourself.

Most of all don't worry nothing you do is unfixable if may cost extra on what you are planning but it is not a show stopper (except fire. Fire is bad very bad that is why I don't weld).

Final word enjoy learning, enjoy the frustration of doing, enjoy the  satisfaction once done and enjoy the looks and comments you get for owning one of the coolest cars on the planet.

If all else fails keep asking for help there is huge skill and knowledge on here and they will always help us idiots

You are not alone. 🤞


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I second a bentley manual, hate the haynes.  

Bentley and Haynes seem to be much of a muchness to me, but hey each to his own.

Welcome along by the way!  

As a newbie to spanner twirliig I'd suggest staying away from things that might kill you if you do them wrong.
Brakes, for example, leave them alone for a bit. Sterring wheel, steering rack and track rod arms also leave well alone until you have at least your green swimming badge.



After all you wouldn't swim a mile in your pajamas until you'd done the full length would ya?

(where the hell have the swimming analogies come from?    )

Garages will do brake pads for quite cheap so at the minute leave well alone.

Anyway the roof.

You need to have the key in the ignition but the car not running or with the key turned at all for the motor to work. It is possible that the hand brake may also need to be on. Does your handbrake warning light still work?

You also need to have the handles unclipped as I think there may be a an 'anti hood work wire' (that's the technical term obs!) in one of the handles possibly.

That's the basics. If that don't work it's fault tracing time!

Start with the basics.

Pull each fuse in turn from the fuse box and check it visually to see if it's blown. In all my old VW's I have cleaned all the contacts and replaced all the fuses with new, just because I've spent many hours chasing faults to find the fuse wasn't wedged in the box quite well enough.

If it's not that then you need to check the motor to see if it's getting power. You'll need a multimeter. If you haven't got one something like this will get you going

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Multi-Meter-Car-Battery-Volt-Testing-Auto-Electronic-Tester-Multimeter-/162610671901?hash=item25dc59f11d:g:EdMAAOSwjTlZfgxt

There will be at least two points on the motor that will have little spade terminals on them. With an assistant helping (friend, GF, Postman or Pet Dog) hold the switch and check to see if you have electricity anywhere at all.

Let us know and we'll move to the next steps.

Or go buy a new Japanese car……Hmmmm MX5.
Shiny, works, no water leaks, doesn't drop oil, power steering, AC, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Quick someone remind me why we have old VW's?

Ian

borednow said

.
Quick someone remind me why we have old VW's?

Ian

Because they are simple, reliable (once it is returned to OEM) and fun to drive.

I have both the mk1 bentley, and the later brown mk1 haynes which also covers cab and rocco. they are basically the same, if anythign the haynes is better for us as it covers euro models and the bentley does not.

the mk2 gofl haynes though, is utter garbage compared to the bentley. really went down hill

In addition to a service manual, the biggest factor in learning is to give yourself the time to learn and learn properly. Don't skip steps and ask a lot of questions… a lot of good people around here who are quick to lend a response.


It also helps if your Mk1 is not a daily driver…  

Oh, and a proper set of tools, Metric of course, a 18" number 2 Phillips is great to have as well as a cheap Digital Volt Ohm Meter.

Good Jack Stands are a given, no short cuts to safety.

If you decide to buy (one at a time) ratcheting spanners, get the kind that pivot comes in really handy at times.


Here is what I have for typical Electric repair.



Oh, and when God found out that Moses got a Vert Chariot, he made sure the Bentley was the 3rd Tablet.


You can find them used on Ebay, and Amazon, as well as digital versions….. Like I said I have broken the binding on my hard copy, and it is in a 6 inch binder in plastic sleeves….

Since I have Adobe PS full I can edit and add to my digital version.

I have been assembling tools for over 50 years, and while I have about everything I need, I bought them usually one at a time, and only 6 years ago replaced my spanners with new ones.

Fausto said

In addition to a service manual, the biggest factor in learning is to give yourself the time to learn and learn properly. Don't skip steps and ask a lot of questions… a lot of good people around here who are quick to lend a response.


It also helps if your Mk1 is not a daily driver…  

Hey… Fausto, what's wrong with a daily driver MK1?

Selling the MK3 VR6 and year old 5 series so I can have my Mk1 GTI Cab and a MK1 GTI tin top as my daily drivers. Dependant on weather will determine which I take..!

Old BA Business valet parking at Heathrow will look 100% more confused than normal..!!!

Roll on the MK1 family 🤠🤧🤡




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Briano1234 said

Oh, and when God found out that Moses got a Vert Chariot, he made sure the Bentley was the 3rd Tablet.



I have been assembling tools for over 50 years,

Over 50 years!

Just how old are you?

 Is that you holding your beloved Bentley manual?

I notice it's a painting so before Cameras were invented I assume?

 

Ian

borednow said

Briano1234 said

Oh, and when God found out that Moses got a Vert Chariot, he made sure the Bentley was the 3rd Tablet.



I have been assembling tools for over 50 years,

Over 50 years!

Just how old are you?

 Is that you holding your beloved Bentley manual?

I notice it's a painting so before Cameras were invented I assume?

 

Ian

Ian  you could get done for ageism  

Secondly, if it is 'him' holding the Bentley manual-I would be scared, very scared…as he could send this around…  Ha Ha.

Yes I am Aged.  I am like a rare whine.

I started collecting tools when I was 9…. Needed some to work on a go-cart, and all my Dad had was 1/2 inch drive…..  So I saved monies, collected Pop Bottles, and  
bought my first set of 3/8 drive from Monkey Wards.  

@ 13 years of age, when I bought my 58 Bug-Eyed Sprite, I started getting serious at getting tools, I still have some of the early Craftsman Sockets, and some SK tools, and Screwdrivers….

Briano1234 said

Yes I am Aged.  I am like a rare whine.

I started collecting tools when I was 9…. Needed some to work on a go-cart, and all my Dad had was 1/2 inch drive…..  So I saved monies, collected Pop Bottles, and  
bought my first set of 3/8 drive from Monkey Wards.  

@ 13 years of age, when I bought my 58 Bug-Eyed Sprite, I started getting serious at getting tools, I still have some of the early Craftsman Sockets, and some SK tools, and Screwdrivers….

Sorry mate, you did kinda open yourself up for that one and I couldn't resist!  

Strange how tools work innit?

I have many of my Grandads tools as he worked at Rolls Royce. First on the cars then on aircraft engines. Some of the tools I use daily are his, they must be a least 50 yrs old as well. Older than me, a mere stripling at 43!

I think the moral here is 'buy good tools, if you can afford them'  

Daytona said

Ian  you could get done for ageism  

Secondly, if it is 'him' holding the Bentley manual-I would be scared, very scared…as he could send this around…  Ha Ha.

Nah it's alright mate. Briano is a 'good ol boy' from the South donchaknow! He's a gent and a scholar too  

Ian

borednow said

Sorry mate, you did kinda open yourself up for that one and I couldn't resist!  Strange how tools work innit?


I think the moral here is 'buy good tools, if you can afford them'  

Na, no offense taken or inferred.

Here is a photo that is 10-12 years at least, the Ginger is just starting to gray….



Yes my hair got a tad longer, before I cut it all off.  (Hey, I worked from home, and didn't go in the office for about 6 years, and I only grew it long for those on my team that were Bald, but had 4-5 strands of hair in a pony tail so they could see how a "full" head of hair looked.  )

Tools get better with age, and use, but I did find that my spanners even tho they said 13mm, would work on 14's so I replaced them.  
I have affection for my wooden handled Screw-Drivers that I used for Prying as they were about a meter long, and solid steel shank out the back end for pounding.

What is terribly funny is that my wife says that when ever we get a "New" car, or I start a project, I always have to buy a new tool or 2.
Where did I ever get by with out my SawZall or my Grinder…….

I can remember my first set of rear shocks on a rabbit, having to use a Hack-saw blade tapped on one end to cut the "frigging Siezed" bolts off took for-ever.
Now, a quick hit with my Sawzall and presto, no worries….. hence, now I Mummify them with Teflon Tape and never-seize and they always come off and can be re-used……




 

I just want to say thanks to everyone for their replies, and the discussions about how old we all are (36, old enough to know better).

When I posted I was feeling a bit defeated but I'm a lot more confident now. Depending on the hangover tomorrow I'm going to spend the day and get the blasted thing working or die trying. I'll be sure to come back and let everyone know how it's gone.

Or I'll come back with a post 'it's on fire, what do I do now'.

MrPatrick said

I just want to say thanks to everyone for their replies, and the discussions about how old we all are (36, old enough to know better).

When I posted I was feeling a bit defeated but I'm a lot more confident now. Depending on the hangover tomorrow I'm going to spend the day and get the blasted thing working or die trying. I'll be sure to come back and let everyone know how it's gone.

Or I'll come back with a post 'it's on fire, what do I do now'.

Use long handled matches when setting fire to a project, otherwise you burn the hair of your knuckles  

Another of Ians top tips  

The thing I've found is that no job is new to anyone, someone's been there and don't it before and even made a YouTube clip so doubt!!

These things just take longer when your learning at the same time.