Hey
A quick update on the bits and pieces that i've been doing to my GS plus a few questions...
1) Got some holts tyre weld. Couldn't see the point in buying the Maserati branded stuff.
2) Still got flaking air vent surrounds. Think I'll leave it and call it "patina".
3) Ordered a new chrome trident for the wheel centre. Was a mission and even a visit to my local dealer, Graypaul Edinburgh was a waste of time. It is the same as the QP centre so have one of these coming. I plan to refinish the wheels in the same gloss black as lozcb had done before me. I wasn't a fan at first but with the big AP brakes and red calipers, it's grown on me. I'll pick out the 3 remaining tridents and replace all 4 when the wheels get back from the finishers.
4) Ordered a nice new set of Vredestein Sessantas to replace the now very worn set on the car. Seems rude to re-finish the wheels and put bald rubber on!
5) Not found a genuine Maserati indoor cover yet. I was too scared to ask Graypaul for a price! I'll keep searching Ebay.
6) Discovered that the Oxford trickle charger for my Ducati has switchable car mode. I'll use that through the bitter Scottish winter.
7) Booked the car into a specialist for a few wee bits including fresh fluids, bonnet catch repair (can't open the bonnet, even with the emergency spare handle thingy!!), handbrake cable tightening, outside temperature sensor, re-glue of loose headlining panel, general check over particularly suspension ball joints etc, maybe a new spare key if he can manage to code one and a repair for the auto folding (but the don't) mirrors.
8) Transferred my plate to is and gave the old one away on this form. Just waiting for the DVLA to actually deal with it.
9) Bought one of those key rings from Bill McGrath.
10)The key still looks like a Fiat after-thought but the key ring is nice!10) Finally, i've dropped the carbon spoiler, that loz kindly gave me, to be re-finished and re-laquered at my local paintshop. He reckons it's got a resin of some type on top of the carbon weave which may be quite difficult to smooth well. I hope he can do it! We'll see.
Things I need help with still...
1) Spare key coding - is there anyone that can supply a spare key etc without the crazy main dealer cost?
2) Indoor cover - as above
3) What tyre pressures are people running? Standard GS 19s with Sessantas all round? Usually in Sport mode which I understand can cause the odd blow-out on our silky smooth British roads! But with Larinis, what's the point in not using Sport all the time?
4) Need some new wipers - is there a Bosch Aero option? I do like the aero wipers? If so, what sizes and fitments?
On the cards for next year..
1) Re-stitching of door air bag leather panel
2) Refinishing of leather of front seats - i have a little diver's side bolster wear beginning
3) Repaint the nose, wing mirrors and trailing edges of wings etc
4) New driver's wing mirror glass - mine is a little faded.
5) Improve the frankly rubbish standard Becker system. I'll probably go for an all singing, all dancing, Alpine single din head unit and upgrade the speakers etc using the same grills etc to keep the look standard. Maybe a small amp mounted under a seat or in the boot void to keep it hidden too.
6) Drive it to Monaco for the GP!
So, it's already under my skin and my 4 year old son as asked me to keep it for him until he's a big boy! I guess I might as well look after it then!
Cheers
