mystery machine

Understeer and spins? I suppose that's possible - plough straight on, clip the kerb, spin... ouch... ouch... oyah... Nasty. Hope everyone was OK as you say How's things with yer good self, Craig - you've been keeping quiet these past few months? Is the blue classic still going strong?

I use this: This is going to sound like a smear campaign, but it doesn't leave streaks like some of the more expensive products (e.g. Turtle Wax Glass Cleaner), doesn't smell of cat piss, and only costs about £3 from your local supermarket Actually, when it comes to cleaning glass, the key is to use the right kind of cloth when removing the cleaning fluid. As others have suggested, a bone dry and completely clean microfibre cloth is just the ticket

The dreaded Imrpeza understeer...? ...or did it go out in style with a spin (or two)?

Did you not buy a Hawkeye STI recently?

Aye, 'fine' is the right word - does it not cost about £10 to drive a motor into central London these days? Imagine - driving a car on a city street and expecting one's road tax to pay for the pleasure - the sheer audacity!

My rear glass is dark smoke, because that's how it was when I bought it. However, if I had the choice it would be light smoke, or 'medium smoke' (if there is such a thing). Definitely wouldn't go for 'limo', but that's JMO.

Was the replacement strut brand new? The newage struts can clunk when the grease dries up and starts to break down. I believe they can be re-greased, thread here: http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=135219

I'll sign that! Is there one for road tax too?

What a bummer. But the important thing is that you didn't buy it! I know how you feel though - buying an old motor can be a soul-destroying experience, trying to find a diamond in the rough, etc... What about another Hawkeye?

No problem at all I actually had my front side tints removed today for this very reason. I'd always assumed that, because the previous owner had used a lighter tint on the front, they must be legal and insurance-friendly... then I read this thread, did some further research, checked them out with a light meter (they were passing only 45%), realised the implications, checked with my insurance..... yep - they had to go! I was worried the car might look a bit daft with only the back tinted, but the new age Impreza's window shape and lack of any quarter lights lends itself quite well to this setup.

P.S. The roads around here were VERY greasy this morning, depsite looking more-or-less dry. Quite unusual. I was getting wheelspin in 2nd gear in my 90bhp-ish runabout, and that usually only happens in slush... So I wouldn't write-off the Pug just yet (either figuratively or literally!).

Ouch - on more than one count! Hope you get things sorted as quickly as planned - handy that you can keep the insurance company 'out of the loop' Was everything OK with the running gear? (tyres, wheels, driveshafts, etc). He makes a good point!

If I wanted to be face-to-face with fannies all day long, I'd take a job in an Audi dealership

Doesn't set my soul on fire quite in the same way as the Elise, but it's very nice all the same!

Just curious - why do you usually use Magnatec, Boab? Must admit, I was a little surprised when I saw that the main dealer had stuck Magnatec in my STI at my last service - I expected a fully-synthetic like Shell Helix... However, I gather that it's not uncommon for Subaru servicing outfits to use the stuff...

Taking your chances with the polis is one thing... ... but it's certainly worth considering that front side window tints which pass less than 70% light could invalidate your insurance policy in the event of a claim. Therefore, if your car is worth a decent swedge and is written off, you could find yourself seriously out-of-pocket

Went down to see Andy at Magma, who removed the tints from my front side windows. He did a great job for a very reasonable £20 - highly recommended Andy also has a reputation for quality window tinting and can be reached on 01506 440 144. Special thanks to oobster for the recommendation

Red IS radical...... but white is right

Thanks for all the replies, folks - ScoUK in particular for all the detailed advice Just one question: The tints that you guys have removed, had they been 'professionally' applied? The reason I ask is that when I first bought the car, the tints having been applied before I bought it, I had a wee try at removing a wee corner of the rear windscreen film. Even after minutes of exposure to the heat from the hair dryer, it hardly budged at all..... only got the corner back by about a couple of mm, then decided it'd be better to leave them alone! I dunno... the film seemed very hard and very reluctant to come off. Nothing like removing a window sticker. Any opinions are more than welcome - just don't want to make an erse of it! Cheers again P.S. Regarding residue, I have some label remover in an aerosol, which usually does a good job of breaking down adhesives.

Hi folks, I'd like to have some window tints removed and I am looking for someone who can make a clean job of it. Preferably someone in Central Region or West Lothian (or mobile). Any recommendations? Many thanks

Put it this way - Marilyn Manson won't be signing-on any time soon Braw rims, Steve!

Cover your goolies, Deek - he looks like he's going to throw the book at you!

I think that the gold alloys go great with 'metal' colours like silver & met. grey. They also work well with neutral colours like white and black

Congrats, Steve. Certainly a crowd-pleaser