Re: Hello from across the pond
Welcome from rainy,windy Lanacashire. Just got back from hols in Spain. 30 degrees and hot to 10 degrees, cold, wet and windy. My Ty came from Japan also. It was in completely rust free condition when I got it. Pity about our climate and road salt in winter. Regarding the side repeaters (blinkers) For others that dont have them, but might in the future. You dont need to drill the front wings (fenders) The UK MOT requirement is that the repeater must be visible form in line with the rear of the vehicle standing 1m out. (probably for the benefit of cyclists and pedestrians) It doesnt help that the front side repeaters on a SyTy curve away towards the centre of the truck making them invisible from the rear. You just need to find a suitable lens to either epoxy or as I have siliconed it over the front side repeater bulb. You will notice pickups like Mitsubishis use type of arrangement on the front of the warriers etc, although theirs aren't glued on, but part of the moulding. The light from the bulb shines through and illuminates it. I have used some from the old Vauxhal/Opel cavalier/astra. They are about an inch in diameter and round. At first I thought round would look really bad on a "square" truck, but it looks OK. I tried a square lens off of a Granada, but it was the wrong colour of amber and looked really bad. I could reduce the depth a little I suppose if I wanted and it still be 'visible', but I only fitted them because I had an akward MOT tester and was going to take them off after the test. That was two years ago! thats why I initially put them on with clear silicone. I could send anyone a pic if they want. I think your repeaters look ok though. Hope your truck runs better than mine did. I still have a couple of issues to sort out, but I have gathered a few bits for when I get some time. 3Bar ultimate, Waller turbo, got a pitbull, but have decided not to go that route, + a few other bits. I'm sure you will soon get into it. But as you have already been advised, make sure it is running ok, before you try and gun it. You will read many horror stories on here from those that didn't take that advice. When you have it sorted it will run good. However, the Sy Ty IS a high maintenace truck and you have to keep them in tip top shape to avoid expensive damage. Its not hard to keep it that way, just can be time consuming. You need to find out what you have. Look at what 'chip' you have, what mods have been done, what boost you are running, any knock/knock retard. Just get a handle on what you have. make sure its running right and go from there. I'm far from an expert on SyTy's but know my way around 'cars', but I have taken advice from others on here who know far more than I do about these trucks. I haven't broken it yet! However it looks like since I installed my MSD dissy, my balancer timing mark from being spot when I fitted it about 1K miles ago has walked considerably. I just haven't had the time to check it out and confirm true TDC. cause when I try to check the timing with a strobe, the timing mark is miles away. Too far to even see it from the top of the engine! Yes, I am using the #1 plug wire. This is just another of the common problems that affect these trucks. Your truck looks really nice. Enjoy it and dont get frustrated if/when things go wrong with it.
Good luck and again Welcome. Dave (93/1330)