Hello, I'm New With A Couple Of Questions

[Jamiep]

First things first, Hello

I have just bought a Robin Hood Exmo from a friend at work after a long period laid up in a garage (about three years)

The car looks to have stood up well over the years, there are no stress fractures around the tub and the front suspension has already been strengthened around the strut top mounting.

 

A little history.

I have a folder full of information regarding the kit which appears to have been built between December 1995 The year a green Ford with the same reg had its last MOT and May 1st 1997 when the reg becomes a blue Robin Hood

 

I also have a receipt from Robin Hood Engineering Ltd showing the original kit cost £1000 + £350 for optional st/st body/chassis unit and an extra £50 for the long swept wings. (there is no date though)

 

Here goes with the questions:

-There does not appear to be any side lights on the car? with the ignition off, stalk at position one and two - rear lights come on only. With ignition on, stalk at position one - rear lights only. Stalk at position two headlight now work. Is this normal for this kit? and will it pass an MOT like this.

 

-The front nearside shock appears to be leaking. does anybody know the size and ratings for these and recommend a good retailer?

 

-The engine code is FU, which according to the wiki means it pre unleaded. is there any way of telling if its been converted without taking off the head.

 

Sorry for the list of questions which I'm sure have been answered before but I've spent quite a few hours searching before posting.

Also I'm in Hull, are there any meets coming soon in this area?

 

Regards,

 

Jay.

[Guest erichetherington]

Welcome to the brotherhood of Hoodies.

Not sure I can answer all your questions but here are a few thoughts and I'm sure someone else will be along shortly.

Sidelights- there not in the headlights are they and both bulbs blown together?

You say your car is an Exmo so it should have ministruts on the front not shocks,or has it been modded in some way, a picture may help identify it.

Unless the seller can tell you, or there is a receipt for work being done on the head I'd assume it hasn't been upgraded and just keep adding lead substitute for peace of mind if nothing else.

HTH

[Jamiep]

Thanks for the reply, will check the double blown bulb theory tomorrow.

As for the front suspension I may be using the wrong names etc, any way heres a ropey mobile phone pic.

 

[Jamiep]

Right looked at the headlights and they are a sealed unit (you all probably knew that) and there is no side light connection.

followed a link off here to nw.rhocar which show this:

Is this side light a modification?

 

sorry for all the questions but I want to get an MOT in one shot as the car is currently sorn and its killing me having it just sat there

[Guest erichetherington]

That sealed beam looks like a homemade mod to me, are there any spare wires in the headlamp bowls? My 3A came without sidelight bulb ho;ders but with the wiring.

Front suspension is ministrut but I don't have any knowledge of where spares are available from, have you tried speaking to GBS? I know your car is before their time but they may be able to help. If not there may be some-one more knowledgable along after the holiday.

[Peter Bell]

That lamp mod was a robin hood suggestion, the simpler way is to use the sidelamp holder from a mini (the old one) it fits over the connector pins and the headlamp plug holds it in place. Otherwise throw the sealed beams away, they are poor lights and fit better units with a plug in sidelight. You can buy them from places like SVC.

[Guest neil stobbart]

Jay,

If you want the cheapest solution, SVC (www.s-v-c.co.uk) can supply the correct harness for the sealed beam units which have the sidelight holder - about a fiver each plus a couple of quid delivery, however if you talk to premier wiring (www.premierwiring.co.uk) you can get replacement halogen units for anything from a tenner each which will improve things no end.

 

Stobby

[Guest erichetherington]

If you still need info on shocks I'd suggest a post in one of the technical sections.

[Jamiep]

Thanks for the replys, I'll check out the different lights suggested and I think I have the struts sorted after hitting a few dead ends, I'll know more later this week.