New members say Hello........

[Sideways Dave]

ok will do, i have been looking at your tours, and most are the same week were doing either a tour or a show

but im looking

and i want to do more charity stuff

when Anaconda asked me to approach you, the one word that got me hooked was the Childrens trust

if i can put either the smallest smile on a childs face, or find a way to raise cash to make there lives better, then hell yeah, just point me in that direction


You know, i went to a bbq a couple of years ago, and this girl, who unfortunatly was now in a wheel chair was being pushed around by her sister, they were looking at mustangs, and you got the impression, people didnt want her near there car

so what did i do, i gave them the keys to my car and said go have a sit in the car, i asked was she hot? would she like to start the car, and the smile on her face melted my heart

she sat with the a/c on and reved the nuts out the car, laughing and smiling

so what did it cost me, ? a gallon of gas,

the following year i saw her again and the moment she saw me she was waving and smiling,

and the only thing i could think of to top the previous year was to give her sister a tenner and told her to go spoil her sister and herself on ice creams

have no idea how to top it this if we meet up !

[Elliott]

[whisper} Psst, hey Sideways Dave. Don't listen to Harsh. He hardly knows what day it is most of the time. There IS a "special" member's joining fee. It's costs a grand, in used tenners and affords you "extras" from Sideways Pete.. Meet me round the back of The Ace next month. I'll be the one with the shifty looking elbows.[/whisper]

[MaserMartin]

Elliott, ever the hustler ... :p

[Sparky]

[whisper} Psst, hey Sideways Dave. Don't listen to Harsh. He hardly knows what day it is most of the time. There IS a "special" member's joining fee. It's costs a grand, in used tenners and affords you "extras" from Sideways Pete.. Meet me round the back of The Ace next month. I'll be the one with the shifty looking elbows.[/whisper]

So thats how you pay for all the stratos repairs :p

[Dan H]

So thats how you pay for all the stratos repairs :p

We need more new members, quick. :D

[chevy-stu]

[whisper} Psst, hey Sideways Dave. Don't listen to Harsh. He hardly knows what day it is most of the time. There IS a "special" member's joining fee. It's costs a grand, in used tenners and affords you "extras" from Sideways Pete.. Meet me round the back of The Ace next month. I'll be the one with the shifty looking elbows.[/whisper]

As if you'd 'actually' make it to the Ace... :D

[Elliott]

Cruel. Oh so cruel..................fair though!

:o

[frankenstang57]

Hello from the high deserts of Colorado! Intresting site, this. Kinda cool to see what you guys are doing across the pond. I've been a gear head for as long as I can remember and own a small fleet of Spits and Heralds. Glad to be here!

[Fatboy 18]

Hello Frankenstang57 welcome to PN, a great bunch of friendly people on here.

For my sins I have to put up with owning a 2000 Dodge Viper GTS and a Harley Davidson 'Fatboy' (my user name) ;) There fun to drive over here but our Gas prices are killing me :( Ive been over to the States a few times and love Colorado. Ive even been to the Annual Stock show and Rodeo in Denver in January. Ive Skied at Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail. Visited Colorado Springs ( Garden of the Gods). And that massive B52 at the US Air Force academy :) Also visited the Mile high stadium :) So which little bit of Colorado are you nested in? Must be fun driving those old Brit cars around town :D I bet people have no idea what the hell they are :D

I look forward to your input on the forums
Cheers Mark.

[frankenstang57]

I'm located in the foothills just to the west of Loveland. (about an hour from Denver) If you've ever been to Estes Park you probably drove right past my place. I've skied all of those places too. I lived in Vail for a few years when I first moved out here. Mile High stadium has been replaced by a big ugly "new" stadium with some corprate name. As far as driving British cars, you're right, nobody know what a Herald is. People think they are really rare. Not so much. However, I think you guys only shipped signal red or sebring white ones to the States. That's all I've ever seen... How did you get the Viper? Ship it from the States? I think it's pretty lame that our govt. won't let us import anything newer than a 1991. You guys have some pretty cool cars over there.

[Fatboy 18]

Yes I imported my viper from San francisco :) Had it about 3 yrs now, love it to bits, Costs a bit more to run than a Herald :D

[Fiona]

I imported my Baja from san Francisco too.....then drove it to Singapore.....then shipped it back to the Uk again......next I'm shipping it to Alaska, driving the length of the America's and then shipping it back to the Uk from Buenos Aires. :yes:

Hey Mark.....fancy a race? I'm guessing you'll take the lead as far as the Mexican border, then Pedro will come into his own :D

[Fatboy 18]

I imported my Baja from san Francisco too.....then drove it to Singapore.....then shipped it back to the Uk again......next I'm shipping it to Alaska, driving the length of the America's and then shipping it back to the Uk from Buenos Aires. :yes:

Hey Mark.....fancy a race? I'm guessing you'll take the lead as far as the Mexican border, then Pedro will come into his own :D

Good Grief, your brave, I couldnt think of anything worse than driving down through South America! Big bugs mosquito's etc not to mention the stories you hear of muggings etc! Get yourself a big Gun :thumb:

[Fiona]

Good Grief, your brave, I couldnt think of anything worse than driving down through South America! Big bugs mosquito's etc not to mention the stories you hear of muggings etc! Get yourself a big Gun :thumb:


Nah, you only get mugged if you look like you have something worth taking.......Pedro and I don't tend to attract that sort of attention :D
Seriously though whereever I go someone is always telling me not to go. In Kazakhstan the villagers were so welcoming, even giving us presents but then they'd warn us about the next village, "Bandits, very dangerous", beg us not to go and to stay there. When we got to the next village it was the same story, welcoming friendly people warning us about the next village! It's the same the world over, so many people tried to talk me out of driving across Pakistan, even one British Pakistani friend who told me he's afraid to go there but that as an English white woman going there I would get kidnapped, raped, killed etc. When I got there I found one of the friendliest countries I have ever been to! Some tourists had been kidnapped in the area I was driving through but were returned and said they had been treated like honoured guests. Children shouted "I love you" and cheered when I drove by, soldiers at army check points gave me presents of fresh fruit and I nearly brought one of the policemen home with me ;)

The country where I have been made least welcome in the past is the USA, where immigration treat all foreigners like terrorists. At Pakistan customs and immigration it was all tea and biscuits. I was whisked to the front of all the queues and nobody minded, in fact they insisted and wished me a pleasant stay in their country!
I'm looking forward to driving across the states as I'm sure it'll be different once I get off the beaten track and discover the real country but I dread the "welcome" I will receive on arrival ......especially with Pakistani and Iranian visas in my passport, the later complete with headscarf!

Oh and I have some excellent mossie repellent :thumb:

[Fatboy 18]

I would get yourself a new clean passport to save the hassle ;)


Oh and if you have any space for some Tires on your way through the USA, Keep me in mind :D

[Fiona]

I would get yourself a new clean passport to save the hassle ;)


Oh and if you have any space for some Tires on your way through the USA, Keep me in mind :D


Don't want to have to pay out for yet another passport. I had to get a new one for the last rally because I didn't have enough space in the old one for all the visas required. I paid for the larger 48 page one too so it would last me a bit longer! I'm hoping immigration in Alaska will treat me with a little more sanity than they did in LA (over 6 hours for a flight transfer while our luggage was searched!)

I shan't be carting your tyres(English spelling please ;)) half way round the America's, however I'll be shipping Pedro back from Buenos Aires and I dare say I'll have to use a container. I sent him ro-ro when I bought him but the shipping companies won't take responsibility for vehicle contents so after the rally it'll have to be containered. Also coming back from Singapore the shipping company weren't too keen on him leaking copious amounts of oil on their deck.

Soooooo, if you can get some tyres in Buenos Aires, or if anyone else wants to ship anything from that neck of the woods then I'm more than happy to share a container.

[Hannah]

Hi all,

As my member title suggests I'm Hannah, I currently drive a Mini and nursing a 964 RS rep back to life very slowly.

I live in the New Forest and you will mostly find me at Goodwood on a sunny weekend playing with cars!

[Elliott]

Welcome to PN, Hannah. My mum's name was Hannah. A beautiful name.

:)

[Dan H]

Hi Hannah, welcome to PN. :)

[chevy-stu]

:wavey: hello Hanna..

[Hannah]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I can see I'm going to have some fun here :)

[works250]

hi hannah from fellow mini owner.

[Sparky]

Hi |Hannah, welcome to PN :wavey:

You could have a lot of fun with the mini on tour.

[Fatboy 18]

:wavey::wavey::wavey::wavey: HELLO :)

[Gregory CooperS]

helloi hannah another mini fellow mini owner

[stick100]

hi all new on here got told about about the ace cafe meet by a friend of mine what a cracking night looking forward to the next

[Elliott]

Welcome to PN, Stick !

:wavey:

[chevykevv]

Hi all, we will be joining you on the London Motor Museum trip, looking forward to it.

[Fiona]

Cool, see you there Kev. Hi to stick too, not sure if I met you at the Ace but mine was the Baja....... you may not have noticed it, it was slightly upstaged by the enormous Lambo parked beside it :D

[Denniscooper!]

Hi everyone!

I'd like to introduce myself officially to you all as I've lurked for far too long! I've known of Petrolhead Nirvana for a good couple of years now and been extremely impressed with the cars I've seen and perhaps more importantly, some of you that I've actually met at the regular monthly meets at the Ace Cafe (apologies for currently not remembering all your names!)

I've found, like many of you an absolutely fantastic atmosphere at the meets and I've mentioned to many enthusiasts that I know to come to this event - most of who have have indeed done just that and brought along their lovely cars as well :) With Pete and Harsh and their team as well as the regular attendee's, I really do feel PH has one of the very best community feel for car enthusiasts and I'm grateful to be a part of it! so a big thank you from me to everyone involved!

Onto the cars...

Had quite a few BMW's over the years and always kept them interesting with as unique and rare modifications as I could find! E30's mainly, some with 2.7 litre conversions/bored out, and wheels that no one else had. I had access to an E30 Touring which had the E34 Engine/gearbox transplanted in, it was sold and just so happens to now live just a couple miles away from me!

Since around 2004, we also imported over a 2003 F150 Harley Davidson Anniversary Edition truck and made me and my bro into minor celebrities around here! Sadly, that went about 12 months ago a straight swap for a 2003 Alpina B3S convertible - which I never get to drive! Bro and Sis in Law use that!

I have a 2003 Ex Police E39 530d Touring now and I love it - my Akita was growing large so needed a bigger car and this came up at SUCH a low price, I had to dash up to Manchester to pick it up! arriving at midnight and 30 minutes later striking the deal! Just over 3 years old at the time, 150K on the clock it's been absolutely fantastic ever since and is at around 220,000 miles now. It would've perhaps been way past 280,000 had I still been doing the mileage during the first two years I had it! I've done some extensive modifications, and there's plenty more to come yet!

Here's some pictures -

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/UK%20BMW%20Shows/Brooklands%2023%20May%2010/IMGP4911.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/UK%20BMW%20Shows/Brooklands%2023%20May%2010/IMGP4912.jpg

These are my usual wheels, a set of ultra rare Hartge Nova 5's 9.5x19 all round, and I simply had to have the ExoticsTuning front lip - one of just 100 limited edition made for the E39 !

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3766.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3763.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3767.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP2304.jpg
I wanted to cover up the fillered holes where the Police light bar used to be, rather than painting, I had a vinyl roof wrap done and the printed Carbon Fibre effect done. I did this mod in early 2008, a good year and a bit before the UK's scene of wrapping cars took hold!
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/E39Touring14.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/E39Touring13.jpg
Close up of the Police Clocks/instrument cluster
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP2315.jpg

Added the rooftop spolier and added a discreet Hartge badge

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP2300.jpg

The wheels were then refurbished, had the lips polished and left as bare metal and the wheel centres painted in a 'flash chrome effect'

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3094.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3095.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/IMGP3098.jpg

Genuine E46 M3 CSL Alcantara SMG steering wheel swap and connected the paddles up

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Products/E39%20Connects2%20Dual%202DIN%20Fascia/DSC00162.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Products/E39%20Connects2%20Dual%202DIN%20Fascia/IMGP4946.jpg

Also shows the Alpine iXA-407BT head unit I'll be using as my forthcoming audio installation too!

Here's some pics of the Alpina as well;

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02496.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02498.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02500.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02495.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02501.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/DSC02509.jpg

The F150 ;

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/F150HD3.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/F150HD.jpghttp://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/F150HD2.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/F150HD4.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/F150HD5.jpg

The E30 Touring with E34 M5 Power;

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Enthusiast%20Cars/DSC05462.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Enthusiast%20Cars/DSC05466.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Enthusiast%20Cars/DSC05460.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Enthusiast%20Cars/DSC05467.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/BMW%20Enthusiast%20Cars/DSC05464.jpg


Looking forward to being a part of the community here online too, and meeting more of you in due course at the regular events. You guys from what I've seen really have an excellent setup and I really like the way everyone gets involved and pushes that enthusiasm right out there! a real credit to you all!

Cheers, Dennis! West London UK!

[Fiona]

Hello Dennis :wavey:

Dennis came to my rescue when Pedro did a really big oil wee in the middle of Datchet :o

See you at the Ace on monday....hope they've stocked up on the cat litter as the oil leak is back again :(

[spiritof'76]

Welcome Dennis :D

[Dan H]

Nice stuff.

How easy was it to get the paddles working on the 5 series steering wheel swap?

Welcome along.

[Denniscooper!]

Hi

Cheers for the welcome !

Fiona - Can't mistake Pedro anywhere really! I'm glad I was able to help as well :)

Dan H - It was very easy to get the paddle shifts to function! SMG steering whee, SMG slip ring and a wiring loom is all thats needed. About an hours worth or so of some swapping, connecting up etc and away you go ! I drove away and didn't come home for 3 hours for playing with the shifters! I perhaps use them now 40-50% of the time now - a great way to add a huge dollop of driving fun to a car !

Some more nice bits as yet still to be fitted/done :)

See you at the meet tomorrow !

Cheers, Dennis!

[Fidgits]

Hello,

just got back from the Alpine south tour, thought i better register ;)

[Kev F]

Hi All,

Been lurking for a while and trying to get to a run or two as soon as work commitments allow.

Have had a fair few US motors for a while such as F150's, Saleen Mustangs but now have decided to go for some Germanic V8 madness.

So bought a C63 AMG which is coming up for its first birthday.....done a few Pistonheads runs and want to go further afield now on some PN runs and meets....

See you round....:wavey:

Kev F

[Dan H]

Welcome to PN, Kev. :)

[spiritof'76]

Hi All,

Been lurking for a while and trying to get to a run or two as soon as work commitments allow.

Have had a fair few US motors for a while such as F150's, Saleen Mustangs but now have decided to go for some Germanic V8 madness.

So bought a C63 AMG which is coming up for its first birthday.....done a few Pistonheads runs and want to go further afield now on some PN runs and meets....

See you round....:wavey:

Kev F

Welcome to PN Kev :D

Are you the same Kev F on PH who's doing the Snetterton Charity thing in November ?

[Kev F]

Welcome to PN Kev :D

Are you the same Kev F on PH who's doing the Snetterton Charity thing in November ?

The one and the same ;) Small world aint it :D


Went to a Charity Karting event yesterday in Chatham at Buckmore Park and got talking to a few of the other teams....turns out there were 5 PHer's in attendance.....who'da thunk it...:clap:


Kev

[spectre17]

Hello all,

I though I would pop on here after lurking at so many meetings.

You will have probably seen me out and about.

The pair:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/The%20Colonel/20110427006.jpg

'The Colonel'
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/Goodwood%20Brekkie%20Club%20Aug%202011%20Pre%2066/20110807090.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/Goodwood%20Brekkie%20Club%20Aug%202011%20Pre%2066/20110807001.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/PH%20Night%20and%20South%20bucks%20meet/Johnstang1-2369.jpg

I am in the Staines area. Give us a wave if you see us.

Anyone agree with me its about time there was another Runneymede / Virginia Water meeting?

Jonathan

[chevy-stu]

Hello all new people.... :wavey:

[Kev F]

Ohhh I love a nice Mustang....and thats one gorgeous Mussie......:clap:

[spiritof'76]

The one and the same ;) Small world aint it :D



Indeed it is, heard about the BHF thing through Mike Rainbird :) ................. should be a good day and you may be able to poach a few drivers for the day from here as many do the Dunsfold one :) Might be worth running it past a moderator first though :)

[Denniscooper!]

Hi

thanks for the welcome - I thought it was about time to formally say hi on the forum after being at so many events! seems it's spurred on a few more event regulars to put fingers to keyboards and do the same!

I agree on the suggestion of another Virginia Water meet !!

Cheers, Dennis!

[Anaconda]

Hi All,

Been lurking for a while and trying to get to a run or two as soon as work commitments allow.

Have had a fair few US motors for a while such as F150's, Saleen Mustangs but now have decided to go for some Germanic V8 madness.

So bought a C63 AMG which is coming up for its first birthday.....done a few Pistonheads runs and want to go further afield now on some PN runs and meets....

See you round....:wavey:

Kev F

I guess your the same Kev F on the Mustang Forum? If you are then welcome and if your not then welcome anyway. :)

[Anaconda]

Hello all,

I though I would pop on here after lurking at so many meetings.

You will have probably seen me out and about.

The pair:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/The%20Colonel/20110427006.jpg

'The Colonel'
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/Goodwood%20Brekkie%20Club%20Aug%202011%20Pre%2066/20110807090.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/Goodwood%20Brekkie%20Club%20Aug%202011%20Pre%2066/20110807001.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/spectre17/PH%20Night%20and%20South%20bucks%20meet/Johnstang1-2369.jpg

I am in the Staines area. Give us a wave if you see us.

Anyone agree with me its about time there was another Runneymede / Virginia Water meeting?

Jonathan

Hello Jonathan :wavey:

[Kev F]

I guess your the same Kev F on the Mustang Forum? If you are then welcome and if your not then welcome anyway. :)

Yup...sorry not very imaginative with the usernames......Was Saleen 367 on Mustang Forum when I had a Saleen but then it got complicated when the cars new owner turned up on the site too...

Far easier to use my name....:D:D

Thanks for the welcome too....:thumb:

[spectre17]

Hello Jonathan :wavey:
Thanks all for the welcome. Hello Dave!

Just got back from 'Storm-fleeing' with the Berkshire mob.

[Anaconda]

Thanks all for the welcome. Hello Dave!

Just got back from 'Storm-fleeing' with the Berkshire mob.

Hope you enjoyed it....................couldn't make it this month I'm afraid.:(

[styl0r]

Hi Petrolhead Nirvana-ers, I've been to the Ace meet a couple of times, so thought I'd get on the forum

http://www.atccc.net/global/gfx/members/steve_hi.jpg
http://www.ferrarimondial.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/roadster_1.jpg

[Sparky]

Hello and welcome :wavey: Like the cars.

[Harsh]

I didn't know you had the smart too,

keep it quiet but i have a real soft spot for them, small, light and quick......at least that's my perception,

what's the reality of owning and driving one like?

[spiritof'76]

Welcome aboard :D

Black Beauty has caught my eye :D

No more pictures of 348's please as i'll be getting ideas in my head....................................... DOH !! Too late, i'm off to the classifieds :p

[Jaydg]

Hi Guys, Just a quick note to introduce myself, and say hello.
My names Jay and live in the north west of England. I work as in the petrochemical industry as a commissioning engineer and currently drive an Audi S4 as well as a run of the mill TDI, (although my wife is desperate the S4 makes way for her Q5!!!) Must be something to do with her recent birthday present....I bought her a new belt for the big day, she wasn't too impressed but on the up side..the Hoover works a freaking treat now!!!!

Anyway looking forward to meeting some of you on upcoming trips.
....now, where's that us trip booking form!!!!

[Harsh]

Hello Jay, welcome to PN

i've added you to the reserve list on the US tour.

bookings will start at the end of October :)

[styl0r]

I love my Smart Roadster, small, light, nippy, press a button and the roof goes up/down (even whilst doing 70mph on the motorway), tax has gone down to £90/year, engine is in the right place (rear!), heated seats are nice in the winter, mpg is excellent, plus it's fast enough to give most other things a fright pulling away from the lights. The problem is it's a small 698cc turbo engine, and the turbo spools up very quickly, meaning you run out of revs in no time and have to change up, the semi automatic sequential isn't the fastest and is a bit disappointing at first, but you quickly get over it as you learn to think ahead more when driving, so twisty country roads become great fun with the gearbox coupled to the technique needed for driving a turbocharged car.

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/56574/smart_roadster_brabus.html

And clearly if I had a McLaren F1 like Gordon, I'd be the same as him, I'd drive the Smart Roadster to work and leave the McF1 in the garage gathering dust! (Hmm... or would I... :) )

http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring/former-f1-designer-gordon-murrays-new-love-the-smart-car

[Schnitzel]

Hello Chaps!

I'm a veteran of many a Lotus organised road trip and what with the possibility of a little Schnitzel coming along in 2012, I've decided to hang up my organiser status and perhaps tag along with you guys on the North Tour for next year. If I'm allowed!:)

There's nothing like a proper road trip, the sights, that off the beaten road luncheon stop, those moments of naughtyness, the exhaust reverberating off the side of overhanging rock faces! Not to mention the banter, the knowing glances with ones companions when you've just passed through a tunnel...I could go on!

Anyway, current steed is a Lotus Elise S1, in Club Racer colours (Poweder blue) with a cheeky Honda Civic Type-R engine. I know that I'm also in good company, with Graham, who owns a supercharged S1 Elise and has been on a couple of your trips.

[Harsh]

Hello Chaps!

I'm a veteran of many a Lotus organised road trip and what with the possibility of a little Schnitzel coming along in 2012, I've decided to hang up my organiser status and perhaps tag along with you guys on the North Tour for next year. If I'm allowed!:)

There's nothing like a proper road trip, the sights, that off the beaten road luncheon stop, those moments of naughtyness, the exhaust reverberating off the side of overhanging rock faces! Not to mention the banter, the knowing glances with ones companions when you've just passed through a tunnel...I could go on!

Anyway, current steed is a Lotus Elise S1, in Club Racer colours (Poweder blue) with a cheeky Honda Civic Type-R engine. I know that I'm also in good company, with Graham, who owns a supercharged S1 Elise and has been on a couple of your trips.

Hello Schnitzel :wavey: and welcome to Petrolhead Nirvana

Alpine North is a good choice for a Lotus driver - as i'm sure Graham will tell you :)
and you've hit the nail on the head re the reasons for going on a proper trip so you are more than welcome to join us next year.

if you don't mind me asking, which trips did you organise for Lotus? We saw a number of Loti while we were away last year, just wondered if you were among them.

[Schnitzel]

Hello Schnitzel :wavey: and welcome to Petrolhead Nirvana

Alpine North is a good choice for a Lotus driver - as i'm sure Graham will tell you :)
and you've hit the nail on the head re the reasons for going on a proper trip so you are more than welcome to join us next year.

if you don't mind me asking, which trips did you organise for Lotus? We saw a number of Loti while we were away last year, just wondered if you were among them.

I, along with a couple of others organised "Seloc" (South East Lotus Owners Club) annual Stelvio trips from 2007 - 2009. Due to the sheer numbers in 2009 (35+ cars which Graham & Bobsan where on) 2010 & 2011 have been closed events to approx 12 - 16 cars.

We've also organised events to the Milau bridge, taking in the fabulous Gorge Du Tarn, Route Napoleon etc, etc. I'm no good with maps, but I used to sort all the accommodation. We did the full Mille Miglia (1955 Stirling Moss route) last year too. They were loooong days, even at full chat!

With regards seeing lots of Loti last year, depending on what time of year it was, it could have been us or indeed the fact that on or around the 10th/14th September every year, Lotus Elises from all over Europe meet at the top of Stelvio. Lotus tested the original car extensively there, hence the meet.

As soon as the dates are announced, along with itinerary, price etc then I can give this trip serious thought. One thing to mention is the Classic Le Man next year, which I usually attend. Are you planning to organise dates around this?

Furthermore, there's another Loti driver who might join, who Bobsan also knows very well. No doubt he'll be registering at the weekend, once I've had a chat with him.

[wimpy]

Hi all. Thought I would join the forum and introduce my sefl.

My name is Iain (aka wimpy) and I am the event organiser for Fueltopia. I have seen in your events section that there is a post for the Christmas Toy run. This is being organised by myself over on fueltopia.co.uk and the guys on Pistonheads are gerring behind it as are you guys.

I have tried to put a post on the thread running on here but do not have the access. Is this something that can be sorted by the mods for me. This will give me a chance to keep everyone updated on whats going on.

Many thanks
Iain:thumb:

[Harsh]

Hi Iain, just checked and you should have full access to post...

let me know if it doesn't work for you now.

[wimpy]

Hi Harsh.
It will let me read the thread but not post a reply?

[Harsh]

very strange,

I've just gone through your profile and you have the permission required to post
the forum and the thread are open

try again, if it doesn't work i'll go and have another look but it all seems fine in the back end

[Elliott]

What a coincidence. I've just had double Wimpy and chips for lunch !!!

Welcome.

:wavey:

[wimpy]

:thumb:What a coincidence. I've just had double Wimpy and chips for lunch !!!

Welcome.

:wavey:

lol hope you ejoyed it :drool5::thumb:

[wimpy]

very strange,

I've just gone through your profile and you have the permission required to post
the forum and the thread are open

try again, if it doesn't work i'll go and have another look but it all seems fine in the back end

Managed to post via the quote option.:thumb:

[Fatboy 18]

What a coincidence. I've just had double Wimpy and chips for lunch !!!

Welcome.

:wavey:You need to go easy on those DOUBLE WIMPYS That Hawk Stratos will notice the weight :D

[Don1]

Might stop it understeering.... ;) Hi Iain!

[Elliott]

Might stop it understeering....

How VERY dare you !!!!!!

Anyway, it's snap lift-off oversteer.

:D

[wimpy]

Thanks for the welcomes guys. Great forum you have here.

[Fatboy 18]

Yes, Sorry, WELCOME TO PN, Its a very friendly place :thumb: :wavey:

[Kev F]

Welcome for me too despite not ever frequenting Wimpy for business reasons....LOL

[gonzo]

Hi All just checking in for the first time. Hope to meet some of you tomorrow at the Ace, I'll be in my blue Tuscan with a recent LS conversion.

Cheers

Steve

[Sparky]

Hi Steve and welcome :wavey: Look forward to seeing your car at the Ace tomorrow.

[Dan H]

Hi Steve and welcome :wavey: Look forward to seeing your car at the Ace tomorrow.

:iagree:

[Stutaler]

Hi Folks just joined after signing up for the 2012 Alpine Tour. I was unaware of this forum untill yesterday. I hope to learn and share knowledge about touring. I will be driving my 993 C4S on the tour which I am told is 2,270 miles Calais - Alps - Calais in 8 days, for me that is a years driving. So any tips about preparation will be appreciated. :)

[verysideways]

Hi Stutaler, welcome to the forum! And welcome to the tour for next year :)

The only thing i'd suggest, over and above the standard stuff like making sure the car is serviced and getting European breakdown cover, is to go to your friendly OPC or specialist and get the special allen/torx key tool for removing the fan pulley, and picking up a couple of spare belts (one inner and one outer).

You'll often find if you lose a belt on a 993 that the breakdown people have a spare belt which fits, or can be adapted to fit, but they NEVER seem to have that tool.

I'm a serial 993 owner - i did 100k miles in my 4 993s (C4S, C2, Turbo, C2).

So clearly you're in good company :)

[Dan H]

Welcome to the forum.

You'll enjoy the tour, that's for sure.

Are you close enough to London to make it to the Ace meets?

[Stutaler]

Hi verysideways, thanks for the tip on the belts and tool, my car is already booked in for its annual service end of February 2012 and my work schedule will only allow some driving for a few days in February which is weather dependant and again in April so it should be ok as far as servicing goes. We have a list of items over n above the service which will be sorted, nothing serious just niggles noted at the service last February so the guys at ninemeister will have it sorted.
Realy looking forward to the tour, just got to try n talk mrs S into comming along with me and that will be a tall order. She is not that keen about mountain roads after a road trip around scotland a few years back. I think 8 days will be too much so I may just pack her off to sunny spain for the duration :)

[Stutaler]

Hi Dan H, sorry no I am a norvener ex Manchester moved to Macclesfield and now spen my time between Macclesfield, Spain and Kazakhstan (Borat Land). :wavey:

[RogerRS200]

Welcome!

I did the Alpine tour in 2011 and am booked onto the 2012 oneas well, its that good :D was best holiday and the roads have to be seen/driven to be believed.

As for general tips, theres a info thread somewhere on the forum that has some good little bits of info.

[Sparky]

Remember to check your tyres and brakes have sufficient life in them for the tour.

[DaveEssex]

Naaa!!! Don't worry about brakes - going in the Jaguar XK140 with drum-brakes, planning on using the engine and the gearbox to slow down. Well I suppose that we should have them fully serviced in case we do need them - parking for instance.:cool::cool::cool:

[Stutaler]

New discs and pads alround to be fitted in February so should be ok, new front tires fitted about 1500 miles ago so they should be ok. will have to check the wear on the rear ones I think they are ok but I will check to be sure.
Any one know if I can buy a set of spare bulbs at you know where or do I have to go to my local OPC?

[Pete Parker]

I did an independant Alpine trip couple of years ago and we used one bulb from the spare pack in my 996 C4S and the OPC replaced it when we got back...£26.. get yourself to Halfords..lol
ohh and never get caught in Belgium needing a rear 305 tyre... we had to replace both..£1200 and Porsche even charged us £100 to fit them.. ouch. we drive around Belgium now..

[RogerRS200]

Tyres are a good point! I put brand new ones on 2 weeks before tour and when i got back half the tread was gone (after less than 3000 miles). one person on tour even had to change all four tyres mid week, and that was in a TT. Others in M3's and Porsche used a lot of their tyre up as well, A LOT! All depends on how you intend on driving.

DaveEssex - where in Essex are you? i live in Maldon and i'm guessing your the XK140 that went on the last essex run.

[DaveEssex]

That was me, if you are referring to the Boreham Services to A143 cafe run.
For info, I live in Billericay.:wavey::wavey::wavey:

[phil.dalton]

Hello! Im very jelous, you have my favourite 911!

[Stutaler]

Hi Phil,

Don't be jealous I waited a very long time to get my 993 C4S, if you want something as much as I wanted my car you will get it eventually.
You can imagine the conversation I had with my wife when I took her to HWM on her birthday the day before Valentines day to show her the car I was about to purchase.:(

[Fatboy 18]

I spent ALL the Wedding budget on my car :D

I guess I better start saving up again.........Still, no rush :D

[yosini]

Hi,

I'm sure I'm not the only one currently finding it hard to get back into work....hence, finally signing up to here...I've been meaning to join ever since I was stranded outside London Bridge station with a flat battery in my Jensen Interceptor late one Saturday night a few years ago - normally this would have been annoying apart from the constant stream of lovely cars going by - seems my breakdown coincided with an organised pistonheads run. A nice man in a Ferrari stopped to help, even had his battery booster with him but no cables, I didn't mind too much as I was smiling by then at the sights and sounds. And then the RAC turned up.

Anyway, still got the Interceptor, along with a few other classics, and my daily driver is a '97 AJP Cerbera. It even does the Tesco run.

Looking forward to getting more into driving this year (resolutions etc etc) so will be snooping around here in those work downtimes....might even post some pics if I can work out how to...

Cheers

Joe

SE London

[Elliott]

Welcome to Petrolhead Nirvana Joe!

I look forward to seeing the Jensen. I nearly bought one once. But, that story is for another day. To post a photo, copy the 'direct url' link from any photo hosted on photobucket or similar and paste the link between & .

:)

[Harsh]

Hi,

I'm sure I'm not the only one currently finding it hard to get back into work....hence, finally signing up to here...I've been meaning to join ever since I was stranded outside London Bridge station with a flat battery in my Jensen Interceptor late one Saturday night a few years ago - normally this would have been annoying apart from the constant stream of lovely cars going by - seems my breakdown coincided with an organised pistonheads run. A nice man in a Ferrari stopped to help, even had his battery booster with him but no cables, I didn't mind too much as I was smiling by then at the sights and sounds. And then the RAC turned up.

Anyway, still got the Interceptor, along with a few other classics, and my daily driver is a '97 AJP Cerbera. It even does the Tesco run.

Looking forward to getting more into driving this year (resolutions etc etc) so will be snooping around here in those work downtimes....might even post some pics if I can work out how to...

Cheers

Joe

SE London

Hello Joe!

Thats was me in the Ferrari....sorry about not having the cables with me :(

Welcome to PN finally...and yes, really really struggling to get back to work!
you around on Monday? it;s our monthly Ace cafe meet in the evening if you fancy coming along?

[Pete Parker]

Hello Joe!

Thats was me in the Ferrari....sorry about not having the cables with me :(

Welcome to PN finally...and yes, really really struggling to get back to work!
you around on Monday? it;s our monthly Ace cafe meet in the evening if you fancy coming along?


its a small world..... and i think Harsh must just drive round and round and round! here there everywhere

[dreamshack]

Bachi, it's about time you got some yellow beacons and a decent tool kit (more cable tiesand some gaffer tape) for that ferrari, as you are so adept at being a knight of the road for drivers in distress. And dont forget to do the customer survey after you have rescued them :D

[Fiona]

It's true, Bachi did a roadside fix on my throttle cable when it became detached from the pedal.....however I did have to supply the gaffer tape myself!

[davidkp]

Hi everyone,

I've been to a few of the Ace Cafe meets over the past couple of years and am friends with Johnny Firth, a 911 driver on here. Until a couple of weeks ago I didn't own a car that I considered made me 'worthy' enough of posting on here, however I now have a gorgeous black 987, fully spec'd and I love it! Although the Boxster may not be seen as that great of a car, it's not bad for a 21 year old student (as I am myself). I look forward to meeting you all properly at the future Ace Cafe events.

Cheers!

David

[Harsh]

Hi David,
we don;t worry about little things like not having a car on here.

But welcome to Pn in your new porsche owning guise...see you at the Ace on Monday?

[davidkp]

Haha thanks Bachi, yes I will do my best to make it on Monday, although I don't think I will be able to stay long as I have an interview at Tullett Prebon the following morning.

I also do a bit of web design and run social media marketing campaigns etc. I'm currently doing some work for a company called Trim Star and I understand you got in touch with them yesterday about advertising on here? Would you be able to PM me your email address? :)

[Harsh]

Haha thanks Bachi, yes I will do my best to make it on Monday, although I don't think I will be able to stay long as I have an interview at Tullett Prebon the following morning.

I also do a bit of web design and run social media marketing campaigns etc. I'm currently doing some work for a company called Trim Star and I understand you got in touch with them yesterday about advertising on here? Would you be able to PM me your email address? :)


Ah yes.....spoke to Paul, very nice chap .....
Tullet Prebon huh what are you planning to do for them? ( i used to run the late spot FX desk at JPM Morgan in my previous life)

email address is simple it's bachi at the domain of this site :) happy to help Paul / you out with a bit of help....i'm a board member of this place...http://wolfstarpr.com/ so we have a little bit of background

[davidkp]

Ah yes.....spoke to Paul, very nice chap .....
Tullet Prebon huh what are you planning to do for them? ( i used to run the late spot FX desk at JPM Morgan in my previous life)

email address is simple it's bachi at the domain of this site :) happy to help Paul / you out with a bit of help....i'm a board member of this place...http://wolfstarpr.com/ so we have a little bit of background

Wow it's a pleasure to speak to you! That must have been an amazing place to work! I've applied to Tullett's Trainee Broker Scheme that starts in September, as I'm currently doing the final year of my Economics degree.

Wolfstar is great, I've heard a bit about them. I'll drop you an email shortly and I'll see you tonight :)

[Daz_HF]

thought i would drop a line after stumbling across what looks like a really good well run car forum, well i'm from around the North West of England, Lancs, currently having my Integrale Evo 1 rebuilt and we are nearly there, :thumb: well hope to get involved with you guys on whatever level.
Speak soon, Daz. ;)

[Elliott]

Welcome Daz. Do you have handy any photos of your car that you can post? We like looking at car photos.

:)

[Daz_HF]

Welcome Daz. Do you have handy any photos of your car that you can post? We like looking at car photos.

:)

Here you go mate, this was pre work being done... :D

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn189/spinningbackKick/fa853617-4.jpg

[Harsh]

Hi Daz,

Welcome to PN, stunning car you have there!
What made you decided to do a rebuild and what changes are you making?

[Daz_HF]

Not actually a engine re-build, but a car re-furb as to bring it upto a pristine condition, ie interior was tired and is being replaced, roof lining, carpet, front seats and the paint in places was looking poor hence a full body re-spray, which is where we are at now, the last job will be to replace the wheels and voila ! :thumb:

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn189/spinningbackKick/edc1f3cc.jpg

[Harsh]

Nice work, i do like the original wheels on that car...looks stunning.
so how long before it's back on the road, in time for spring?
Where in Lancs are you, do you get down to London much?

[Daz_HF]

Normally only get down to London through work, but this year i will be making an effort to get down there for shows and drive's ect.
The car will hopfully be ready for March. :D i am from near Wigan. ;)

[spiritof'76]

We had a white Integrale turn up at the Ace Cafe meet last year.......... can't recall what month but i'm guessing that wasn't you :p

At least i think it was white.............. could have been yellow................ hard to tell under that flourescent lighting sometimes :)

[peshwengi]

Although the Boxster may not be seen as that great of a car

I thought it was considered a great car!

[Sparky]

I thought it was considered a great car!

It is one of those car that is considered great by petrolheads and not by people who are more interested in the badge.

[jimmymidnight]

Hello everybody,

Just thought i'd say hello and give a brief into!

Im James, and I live and work out in the middle of nowhere in Cambridgeshire with my step father.

I come from a bit of a family of petrol heads, my older brother has a 2009 Porsche Boxster S which recently replaced his older Boxster, my mother has a Mercedes SLK280 and a 4.4 petrol Range Rover Vogue and my step father has a BMW 650i convertible and a Ferrari F430 spider.

Being 25, I don't quite have the same cars as them, but I do have a Mercedes CL500 which even though I love, is probably going to replaced by something with a bigger boot to accommodate my Dogue de Bordeaux.

I also run a german car website/blog/forum with a close friend of mine who is a keen BMW/VW fan and we go to as many car get togethers / shows as we can each year.

I look forward to getting to know people on here and hopefully get down to Ace Cafe a few times this year!

[Elliott]

Welcome to PN , James.

:wavey:

[jimmymidnight]

Thanks! Im going to try and make it down to the Ace Cafe on Monday if I can finish up in the office on time!

[VXed]

Hello all,

Just thought I would introduce myself on here.

I have been lurking around for a while and finally decided to join up :D

I have a few cars, but my pride and joy is my Vauxhall VX220, and decided that my plastic pig would be (hopefully) accepted amongst the ranks of automotive exotica which grace these pages. I am keen to get involved with a few of the charity bits and pieces and maybe make it up to an Ace Cafe run soon.

So hi :wavey:and hope to see some of you soon

Robin

[Elliott]

Welcome Robin!

:wavey:

[Dan H]

Welcome to the newbies. :)

Robin, the VX is more than welcome.

It's a cracking little motor.

[Daz_HF]

welcome peeps ! :clap:

[NSFW]

Hi all, lurked on here for a little while and now all joined up, currently drive an E39 Sport and a Triumph Daytona 600 for the fun of it.
I did do this massive intro with a load of cars from my past - But you guys just have the 1 liner newbie thingy so I kept it short. Know a few of you on here from PH but thought I'd venture not the other fold ;)

[spiritof'76]

Welcome NSFW :D

Get some pics etc up in 'members cars' :yes:

[marksheldrick]

Hello all Petrolheads.

I have just joined up in the last couple of weeks & I am looking forward to being part of whatever it is that goes on. I drive a humble, labrador frightening (in our case Working Cocker Spaniel) Audi S4 Avant B8 with MTM M-Cantronic 430hp which I love. Practical but nippy!!

I will be at the Ace Cafe on the 12th hoping to meet some people & enjoy the cars / bikes that are there.

[phil.dalton]

Welcome! :) I should be at the Ace Cafe on Monday and I love the sound of your S4, especially the 430bhp part!. I'm sure I'll be having a little look over it then :)

Won't be long till other members welcome you along

Phil

[Harsh]

Welcome Mark,

We had a B7 S4 for a while, an epic car, used it as our tour support car on a couple of tours before realising no-one needed us to carry their luggage so went back to an M3...

looking forward to meeting you and seeing your car on Monday

[marksheldrick]

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the Ace Cafe meet tonight due to not having my car back from Jack Barclay Wandsworth today as I should have done.
I was really looking forward to it.
Is anyone going to the Pistonheads meet at Silverstone on Sunday?

[Andrew]

Hi guys. You can blame Jumplead and Graebob for showing me this place. You're now going to have to put up with how little I know about cars ;)
I have a Nissan 350Z GT which I've only had since November. I'm looking forward to being able to drive it properly now that summer is around the corner. Here's a picture of it.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7051056647_13f6ec4a82_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clwn/7051056647/)
Nissan 350Z. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clwn/7051056647/) by Clwn (http://www.flickr.com/people/clwn/), on Flickr

[S B - Nigel]

hi, welcome,

if you've been using it since November you already know how to drive it properly from now on it'll just be more fun - just ask Oli :D

I hope he also mentioned Sporting Bears and SBDRs, if not ask him or go to the web site - http://www.sportingbears.org.uk

[lance1a]

Hi
Newbie here. Ex BMW Factory special vehicle ops. Now work for myself restoring 'modern classics' but mainly older BMW, Mercedes, Alfa, Lancia (hence the name). Currently drive BMW E36 Coupe, E39 528i, Merc W126, E28 525E/E28 528i. I also look after a collection of cars including some rare Mercedes, Mustang, T-Birds, Jags, etc etc. about 40 in all.
Look forward to being a member on here....:)

[Dan H]

Welcome to the noobs - it's a great little place this.

:)

[Elliott]

Welcome. I love old Alfas and I've got a pretend Lancia myself !

:D

[Daz_HF]

Personally I would always welcome any Lancia. :thumb:

[lance1a]

Cheers guys.