Everything Wrong with my Austin Metro

[@danielreigada1542]

I'm an American who was stationed in Cambridgeshire England from 1992 to 1994. While I was there I had an e reg, 1988 Austin Metro City. Mine was a lower spec than yours. 1.0 liter, 4 speed, 2 door hatch and no headrests. I remember it had a lot of gear whine and a bouncy ride. Lots of character- I kind of miss that car. Mine had a rusty rear bumper way back then!

[@KLUTCHdot58]

With a lack of nitrogen I think the tyre choice is probably a good thing! That's about half of your suspension travel there.

[@KLUTCHdot58]

@@paulriggers1558 when I was 17 it was considered uncool to own a metro. I'm sure I'm not the only one who 'slammed' theirs by opening the valves!

[@donaldasayers]

@@paulriggers1558 Your ride Hight was wrong if that happens.

[@larrymcsorley9899]

As a Yank, I’d never heard the expression “gets on my tits” you used when referring to the rattling parcel shelf @ 18:24. Too funny! Keep up the good work, Ed.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Larry 🙂

[@davidpeters6536]

It's a great analogy for "extreme irritation" like wearing a tight and rough cotton T-shirt when running = sore nipps!

[@philiptownsend4026]

Ah we English have many many expressions often localised that don't get into the text books. And they evolve constantly ;-)

[@MakerfieldConsort]

The more traditional phrase was "get on my wick", wick being derived from Cockney Rhyming Slang: "Hampton Wick" - prick/dick (works for either word - same part of the body, after all!)

[@Finsami71]

I'm a 'old times' car fan, not an engineer, driving a Volvo 940 , i really like this. Nowadays cars are nonsense to put it short.

[@hhgttg69]

simple, replace all 4 wheel bearings in one hit, and give it a good service. job done.

[@TwinCam]

All on the way!

[@dennisvaneck9406]

When cleaning the rear arch also remove the filler pipe. I found the top to be a rust trap on an otherwise rustfree Metro. And waxoil the snot out of it.

[@bombakdik]

I would definitely keep the decals. They do look lovely even if they weren’t applied perfectly. The thing I really like about the car are the Unipart stamped bits under the bonnet. Like the plug leads and the sticker on the air filter cover. Cheers!

[@TwinCam]

I agree. I'm hoping they won't stand out too much once the rest of the car is brought up to scratch. Funnily enough, I have some more original stickers to go on once I start fettling!

[@bombakdik]

@@TwinCam oh that would make a very nice subtle and also period correct addition. As long as it stays clean and subtle, I am with you on that one! Cheers from Belgium

[@davidpeters6536]

Going to be a long labour of love, but we are all here to watch and support. There's a restoration spray for "vinyl" parts that turns them black again. I used it on my mother and my son's Fiestas.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks David 🙂

[@paulmiller1359]

Funny to see the sticker for the long-defunct West Wickham Garage on the back. I took my Mini there in 1988 to get the front brakes seen to. They replaced one backplate but charged me parts and labour for two. Luckily, with a bit of help from the AA, I got my money back.

[@giulioz.4928]

You look so cool and smart. It’s been really nice to see you grown over these last years. 🎉

[@OXOtwo]

Looking forwards to following your journey as you complete the jobs on this lovely metro. It is great to see a young man so enthusiastic about older cars. I drive around daily in a modern but quirky car but that smile on my face is there when I'm driving my 1972 Saab 96 V4 which will be 50 years old in May.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Should check out that place that Jonny Smith reviewed a few weeks back. A huge barn find of all new BL parts. Literally 1000's of items. I think he said a website was being put up for it.

[@andygreen1a]

I’m looking forward to seeing you bring her back to tiptop condition. You hardly ever see these on the roads today. They were everywhere back in the day. It’s fantastic that her original owner found somebody with the passion and drive to preserve and improve her. Looking forward to seeing the many uploads to come.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew :) There's a lot of work to be done, but it's all stuff that will be interesting and will educate me at the same time.

[@andygreen1a]

@@TwinCam Ed, you’ve already shown with Melvin how much you are capable of doing yourself.

[@themadcoachman]

I love seeing Metros again on your channel , having had 3 in the past , a W reg 1.0 l in Vermilion red , A X reg 1.0 HLE in Nautilus Blue and few years later a Rover 1.4 si auto in red L REG , loved my metros they were fun to drive

[@PetersBiler]

Good video, I just bought an Austin Metro Vanden Plas from 1987. It's nice to see the typical issues the car might have. I, of course, also have challenges with the rear suspension.

[@kieranrichmond5864]

Double-clutching is worth doing if you've got a worn synchro cone. No more graunch noises on down changes.

[@TwinCam]

I do.

[@jo_clarke1960]

For a 34 year old car, she's in good shape. Surprised no rear seatbelts the one I had did and it was an 88. I'd wait on to change the tyres until they are done cause they will be giving a little more absorption.

[@TwinCam]

She should have them, but they’ve been removed for some reason. I need to find a set soon, and certainly before anyone goes in the back.

[@jo_clarke1960]

@@TwinCam Ah yeah, it a problem if they were fitted when it left the factory. Why take them out....🤔. Anyways good luck finding the set you want. Wait hang on, shouldn't their removal be an MOT failure?

[@TwinCam]

I’m pretty sure so! That’s why I need them ASAP.

[@KiwiStag74]

Hiya Ed. I reckon Melody is a great little car that just has a few rough edges to sort - all pretty much within your capabilities too. Nothing seriously challenging to work on there at all except maybe the wheel bearings and the hydragas cannisters if you've not done them before. - Glad you're replacing the tyres. Even if they were the right size, tyres still age and thus have a use-by date......of around 8 years. Doesn't matter if they sit in a cave for 20 years still in the factory wrapping, they will have gone hard. Hard tyres do not grip the road as they do not get warm enough. I nearly lost my Triumph Stag over a 50-metre cliff into a river because she had old tyres on and I chose to drive her on a cold wet day, so I did some fairly indepth research into it at the time and learned my lesson - As she has sat for a while and done such a low milage, expect rubber seals and bushes to start failing over the next 12-18 months for similar reasons. The Hydragas system would be one area to keep a closer eye on....and although they can be reconditioned, they aren't cheap from what I have heard. Brake / clutch cylinder seals usually start to go in the first year too and the brake and fuel hoses should be changed fairly quickly of you've not done them already. Th last thing you want is one of them to burst or (in the case of brake or clutch hoses) collapse and prevent things from working when you need them to. - Be VERY careful when removing the rubber trim from the side if you are going to. I personally wouldn't, because I have seen the results of where someone pulled the strip off a car about that age and it took the paint along with it, leaving a scar along the length of the vehicle and a worse mess for me to sort out. If it were me, I'd be either buffing that strip black (if it is rubber) or spraying it the right colour (if it is plastic) because it really does help split the wide painted area between the window sill and the door sill. I also think the wobbly Metro decal will stand out more if you take that strip off too, because people's eyes will be drawn to the only different colour on the side of the car. - The scale rust at the rear and on the rear arches I would get into as soon as I could. The longer you leave the rusty unprotected metal, the worse it will get as you know! I'd be putting this one closer to the top of the list to do.....probably right after the hoses. Cosmetic things are largely sorted when and as you can find them. You're right - Melody has the potential to be a real minter and a driveable showpiece ad won't take a lot to get there. I look forward to watching it happen as it happens! All the best

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Lance, but don’t worry, I have a plan! The suspension won’t be done immediately due to the expense. I want to save up and get both cars done in one go. The rust will be addressed before anything else, once an MOT pass is acquired. Trouble with the trim is that it is not rubber. It’s grey plastic. Not meant to be black. I’m not prepared to spray it on the car for three reasons. First, I think it’ll look awful, second, that masking around trim is always a bad idea, and third that lots of people take these trim strips off Metros with no issues. As long as it’s done right, there should be no danger to the paintwork. The tyres I believe are within 2 years old, though I haven’t looked at the date. However, they’re going. As of writing this comment, I have new tyres within 2 metres of me! 😁

[@simonbanks3112]

Gotta admit when you shut the back door after getting out, I was really hoping that the handle trim fell off again, just for the comedy moment.... Nice little project, hope you get it back in shape!

[@greerbox]

Lol. I thought exactly the same. 😂

[@TwinCam]

So was I when I was editing the video 🤣

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Simon 🙂

[@phuketexplorer]

Hot melt glue works miracles on broken plastic trim. It can also stop rattles and creaks. 😀

[@ianpumphrey5041]

Hi there, I remember working on these extensively. The headrest tubes fit from the top of the seats once you clear the broken bits out of the 2 skin seat frame. Red seatbelts can be bought new online - check fleabay...door release escutcheons break because the original stepped shouldered screw gets replaced with a self tapper, when tightened this cracks the plastic.. like someone else said, waxoyle the crap out of every underside panel and in every cavity...in fact, just dip it....

[@geoffnoyes520]

Very very interesting, thank you, all the best refurbishing your delightful little car. From New Zealand.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Geoff 🙂

[@GSimpsonOAM]

The displacers can be damaged using it with low gas. Get it done sooner rather than later. I had to get a full set of displacers replaced on my Allegro as they had been wrecked running them with low gas.

[@TwinCam]

Don't worry, I know the engineering. It will be done when finances allow.

[@vspencer9764]

It looks amazing and love the MG pepper pots and side decals as it makes it look like a dealer special.. Chinese universal wheel centre caps are available on eBay cheap for about £5 for x4 which seem good quality as I bought a set of BBS ones which look as good quality as the originals. The old flashback rear sticker is also very retro 80s I remember fitting one to my cavalier MK2 back in about 88.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Just starting to Catch up on the vids Ed, so looking forward seeing how Melody progresses over the coming months.

[@greerbox]

Great video Ed. The delivery is so natural, as if you’re talking face to face, good one mate. Melody is certainly sweet and nothing to serious to raise to a great condition. The wheel refurb will transform her. Smart haircut btw? Dave 🤗

[@TwinCam]

Cheers Dave :)

[@RoxhamCottage]

This is going to be a great journey, I'll definitely be along for the ride!

[@TwinCam]

Cheers Michael 🙂

[@andyliv78]

Cloudy headlamps. Remove and put a blob of washing up liquid via the bulb holder after removing the bulbs. A bit of warm water and shake, this will remove the cloudy film you are seeing. Rinse and blow dry inside using a hairdryer. Worked on my Capri.

[@barrybautista4781]

A little tip when working on the engine I always removed the bonnet slam panel, only four screws leaving the bonnet release connected. Check the clutch cable, it has an auto ajuster on it don't aways work and after oil change it might help the gear change a little. Might?. Suspension looks a little low sometimes pumping it up and letting down a few times then set to correct hight helps, measured from center of front hub nut to wheel arch. Shouldent take to much work to sort it all out .good luck. I miss my old mk1 MG metro.

[@TwinCam]

Yep, the slam panel on these is a bit of a curse!

[@TwinCam]

The suspension isn’t as low as it looks. The big tyres are invading the arch space. I’ve test fitted some correctly sized tyres and the car looks so high! 😅

[@andrewstones2921]

If you can afford it just get the 4 wheel bearings and the rebuilt suspension as soon as possible, and if it was me I’d get the tyres changed also for a decent brand even if it’s not a premium brand. If you plan on keeping it, the suspension and wheel bearings will need to be done anyway, so you may as well get maximum benefit. On the positive side, it’s so nice driving a car after the suspension, wheel bearings or bad tyres have been fixed, so the benefit from all three will be amazing. I appreciate finances may dictate compromise.

[@timbo19751975]

Replacement Sphere's and a suspension overhaul is going to give you the massive improvement that will take you from liking the car to loving it.

[@TwinCam]

Wheel bearings will be necessary for the MOT, and the suspension will be done in due course. Problem is the expense of doing so! I need to do a bit of saving and have both car’s suspension done in one go.

[@htcom1]

I think the metro design, inside and out has aged very well. Looking forward to this one

[@TwinCam]

Cheers mate. I'm inclined to agree.

[@yellowbird8690]

I had a Rover100, and I'm guessing the heater system is similar. Check, if you can, the passenger footwell for damp. Then have a look, in the engine bay, at where the two pipes that runs the coolant through the bulkhead to the heater. See if there is a gap between the pipes and the wall. If the pipes have been push right up against this wall; as the clip is tighten, the rubber wants to spread, but can't if it's against the wall. This then means the rubber goes ridged and resists any further tightening, preventing it from being fully seated on the metal pipes of the heater plumbing. Coolant seeps out and runs inside the car, ending in the footwell. I had the flooded footwell problem for quite a while, thinking it was coming from underneath. Not until I finally saw some dry coolant around these pipes, that I entered the realm of rubber dynamics. Something not many would give a lot of though. I hope theses helpful and not too deep thinking.

[@TwinCam]

Yep, the heater systems are virtually identical. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll take a look next time I’m under the bonnet. However, I don’t think the coolant is leaking into the cabin. I’d have noticed by now!

[@red9zero]

I had an MG Metro and a GTA from new. 70k miles in 2 years in the MG towing a trailer delivering GRP roofing products. Then similar mileage in the GTA, including 2 trips to Spain, flat out and non-stop both times. It was never the same after the last trip though !

[@martinwoodworth3715]

In 1989 I bought a new Austin metro gta in steel grey. Loved it. Had the standard Philips radio cassette that was incredible sound wise it really was.

[@MrAbowker]

The trim could be made to look a lot closer to the original colour by wiping it over with cooking oil and buffing off with a clean cloth. Also the door handle surrounds can be repaired with JB weld (and it's the right colour) put tape over the back off the handle surround, turn over and drop in a small washer that fits inside the hole, then fill the hole with JB weld level with the flat of the surround. Leave until it has set rock hard and drill a new hole for the screw. The screw will sit a touch above where it did but you don't notice it behind the door pull.

[@TwinCam]

This is the original colour. They're Nimbus Grey, not black. It's just that the bumpers and grille have been changed or sprayed. Luckily, I have sourced new door handle surrounds!

[@johnfaulkner6776]

Ed, now you've called her "Melody" there is no going back! Good luck with it and it will come back, if you stick at it and if the money doesn't run out!

[@replevideo6096]

A car accessory shop near to where I live has a paint mixing machine which enables them to mix any car colour and fill aerosols or touch up bottles. Your car should have a paint code number on a sticker somewhere under the bonnet or in a door opening. There is almost certainly a shop in your area with one of these machines. I think they said about £17 for an aerosol. I recommend using Kurust after rubbing back to bare metal because it will neutralise any tiny rust particles too small to see, which could become a starting point for new rust under your new paint.

[@TwinCam]

I had paint mixed up for Melvin’s paintwork massaging last year.

[@TwinCam]

However, I’m under the impression that Targa Red is best not to be matched to the code, but the colour on the car itself, as the results can sometimes look patchy.

[@karltork6040]

Thank you for the detailed tour. Very much looking forward to future content Edward. Cheers.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Karl 🙂

[@Cayres9]

I wish i had kept my 1993 Rover Metro but sadly i had bad luck back in 2009 it had a faulty petrol gauge , i wrongly guessed it had enough fuel to get me to work and back , it did not , broke down on a dual carriageway and the old bill came and recovered the car , they wanted £150 for me to get it back but i did not pay and they just sold it at Auction , it was such a fun little car and reliable too as the head gasket was done by last owner , you don't get fun little cars like these anymore.

[@SteveDull]

Wonderful you were given this gift. It's yours now to do as you want BUT those decals gotta go and stay gone. Pepper-pots also, steelies the way to go. Mastic to (temp) stop rear speaker rattles and have fun keeping the tin-worm at bay! Excellent channel.

[@TwinCam]

The steels from a Metro this age are metric, and you haven't been able to get tyres for over 15 years.

[@tommycarradice3146]

I had 3 grilles all broken in the same place 😂. I put some black self tapping screws through the top part of the grille. Unseen with the bonnet shut and tbh looked fairly factory

[@TwinCam]

Yep. That's what I'll probably do, unless someone pops up with a mint grille within the next month or so!

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great state of the Metro video Ed. I'm searching memories that haven't really had the cobwebs moved for a few decades in the area of the 1.3L Metro in read that I had. The mucky and sinking coolant could be a blown head gasket especially if the oil is iffy as well. After a drive look for foam underneath the oll filler cap. If the gasket has gone there may be a misfire and loss of power depending on the size of the blow, one thing for sure it won't get better. Gaskets should be readily available and it's not too hard to do. I had the head skimmed on mine as it was warped. The weeping rocker cover gasket is usual from the cork casket used over time, easy to change should you change the head gasket. If I recall correctly the steering wheel on my car was definitely offset so I do wonder if that was why the seats were swapped over. Anyway I had no issues with mine what so ever. Just a thought on the bumper/side protection, yes standard they were all grey. With that grill requiring replacement or repair you may find an unpainted grey one. Again from memory the plastic bumpers have metal inserts and 'might' be removeable after unbolting the bumper from the car, you may find some original grey ones that would match a replacement grill without popping off the side protection that could be a real pain to do. Like you mention having the correct tyres fitted and the wheel bearings should be a priority but I'd suggest those hydrogas units should be close behind as the bumpy ride will fatigue other parts of the car including trim. Talking about trim that rear offside rattler a quick and cheap bodge would be to use some double sided foam pads that if I recall Selotape make should fix that, they are very strong indeed. Anyway for a non restored car your Metro is in incredible condition. I look forward to the progress Ed. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Anthony 🙂 I know how to check for a HG. The oil is fine, just old, and the coolant might just need a flush and that leak being sorted. That’s what I’m holding out for. Certainly, there’s no signs of the coolant entering the oil system, that’s why I said conmbustion chamber, as there is a slight misfire and a bit of crap from the exhaust. However, the car badly needs a service, as the ignition components are all very old. So I’ll be doing that before even thinking about the possibility of a head gasket having gone. I think I’m set on the black trim. I’ve never liked the side trims, so they’re likely to go anyway. The Hydragas will be done, but finances dictate that it will have to be at the end of the summer at least.

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@TwinCam Apologies, I didn't want to imply you didn't know HG issues. The misfire is probably the HT leads, I had this on mine back in the day. I agree that full black trim certainly would look a lot better as well. As you rightly state available finances will dictate the order of work. I look forward to future videos of the progress. I was very fond of my old Metro and to see one not only still on the road but being maintained is wonderful. I still miss my Metro but could not afford to keep it after relocating for a new job 22 years ago. Oh and her name was Mavis. Probably a family thing but we all used to name our vehicles.

[@AndySnap]

Well this takes me back... 35 years eh..? I had three 3 door Metros City & City X in succession as company cars, and my mother had a 5 door Metro 1.3L, all of them red too. The company I worked for changed them at 30k, reckoning that was the 'sweet spot' for trade-in value and problems started happening at higher mileages. I recall my drivers seat would just be slightly saggy by then too! I found the engine ran more sweetly with fresh oil and added Molyslip, but the A series was characterful rather than smooth and quiet (much like the pushrod 1.1 engines Fiestas had then). Great fun to drive though! I'm sure those side rubbing strips aren't original spec, like the decals. Metros did come with grey bumpers (a rather ghostly look...), as well as black, so maybe the rubbing strips were 'grey car' extras from a dealership. Anyway, great to see one of 'my' old Metros being used and restored! This one looks great!

[@TwinCam]

They came in so many specs and changed around so often that it's hard to know. For the 88 MY, which Melody is a part of, the spec is correct, minus the black trim, pepperpots, and decals, of course.

[@MakerfieldConsort]

Another well-presented video there, Ed. Ignore the naysayers who take pleasure in criticism. I feel you've brought us on a journey with you, and I for one look forward to embarking on it.

[@KJM.72]

I’m going to follow the running restoration of melody with great interest a rare sight on the roads today good luck with it Ed 👍

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Kev 🙂

[@gazza2933]

I'm certainly learning a lot of stuff here Ed. Thanks very much. 👍

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@800beemer]

Loved my Metro, Jim

[@woofgbruk5947]

IIRC MK11 metro bumpers and mirrors came in 3 types, Black, Grey or ready for painting body colour ( I used to work at a Mini & Metro repair/restoration company). Also the A pillar used to rot like crazy behind the trailing edge of the front wings.

[@TwinCam]

Yes. These should be grey, and the ones on the car were originally grey. You can see it in certain parts of the bumper where the finish is deteriorating. The front-end, fortunately, is pretty good! A tiny bit of surface rust around the arches themselves, but underneath is minty fresh. Just needs maintaining at that level!

[@martijnkosters9024]

Balloon tyres are good though, keeps the revs down on the motorway. So I’d stick with high sidewall tyres when the wheel size can’t grow from 12”.

[@fhwolthuis]

As long as they don't rub they are fine, but these are HiFly and Ed doesn't look to be the suicidal type to me 😉

[@thomasfrancis5747]

Keep an eye on the rear suspension radius arms which pivot on puny needle roller bearings which need to be kept greased otherwise they break up and the radius arm shaft wears - you used to be able to get unbranded repair kits from any motor factor for about £15/side and it might be worth getting a couple New Old Stock as potentially useful future spares. Matching exterior trim - don't forget the door handles. Derust with a cup brush on a 100mm angle grinder with proper safety gear.

[@TwinCam]

Don't worry - I have owned Metros for nearly five years so know all about the engineering and its servicing requirements! The arms on this car seem to be in good order... unlike my other Metro...

[@stevesrover]

There’s a guy in the SD1 circle that remade Vitesse decals. I could refer you to him to see how he did it? Lovely car. 🙂

[@nicholasdavis657]

Great video! Looking forward to seeing how you go with the car. Looks a very good starting point though.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Nicholas :) There will be plenty of videos coming.

[@nigelh4617]

I recall from my 1986 (D) 1.3L that the "bottle opener" front seat head restraints were removable. I removed mine so that I could fit some seat covers. Mine had no rear seat belts, either.

[@ruscador1]

thanks for sharing it would be nice to see it when it's done

[@TwinCam]

There's a playlist on my channel for this car if you'd like to catch up!

[@garygriffiths2911]

I do agree that the car would sit much better on the road with the correct tyres fitted. I disagree however about the side graphics - just my opinion of course but if it was my vehicle they'd be gone already, and the rear window sticker would go in the bin with them. Methinks Melody would look so much better with a less fussy look about her. As for the condition of the rear arches, it's only surface rust' is the lie we've all told ourselves at some point I'm afraid. Filling and spraying this type of corrosion damage will only ever be a temporary solution and in the long term she will need new rear arch sections welded in by a competent body shop. Overall she seems to be a eminently savable car and I look forward to seeing progress on her - remember Rome wasn't built in a day!

[@TwinCam]

Bodywork will of course be necessary at some point - but I know Metros enough and I’ve looked at this car enough to know that as long as it’s done properly, that rear valance and those arches will last for a few years still.

[@stephenhwrthify]

I used to drive one for work....I loved it 😁

[@Dan-hq2js]

Lovely car as metros go that's very sold for the rear aches, bilt hamber make the best rust killer when it's rubbed down I highly recommend it. As a retired tester, I'd advise doing the suspension as soon as it permits as shock and jarring effect of it not working correctly will increase or cause premature wear to other components on the system that the harshness transmits to , bottom arms, balljoints, bushes etc so it costs you more in the long run. I was going to mention the distance from the wheel to the bottom of the front arch at your doorshut side, looks awfully close, bad for scrubbage or stone chip damage so very glad to see they are on the cards to be sorted. With regards to belts perhaps early mg maestro seat belts in red may fit. 🙂 good luck and happy driving!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Dan 🙂 The suspension will be done ASAP - but finances dictate, of course. Probably late in the summer. The arch gap is small, though the suspension is set to the correct height. It’s because the tyres are so huge. Once I fitted a friend’s correctly tyred wheel the other day, the gap looked sensible. What is concerning is that the offside front wheel looks too far back in the arch. I need to investigate that this week.

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Ed: If you're *really* keen on red seatbelts, perhaps you could have them re-webbed. In my resto-mod project on my C126 500 SEC Benz, I decided that the front belt webbing was shagged and tried to find new ones: no luck. I then found a mob (Melbourne, AU) who offered a re-webbing service, so I had all four belts refurbished with dark brown webbing that better matched the dark brown upholstery. The cost was about half what whole new belts - all retractable - would have been had those been available, so not outrageous (although one's idea of outrageous is relative). Good luck with your Melody project! BTW: You sartorial elegance is something to behold: classy without pretensions. :-)

[@TwinCam]

Problem is, I don't have any belts to re-web!

[@AndrewKNI]

Great video Ed. Informative and very entertaining. Looking forward to all the future footage of you making Melody top notch. This really is "the joys of motoring" and reminds me when I started off driving (in a 1978 ruby red Vauxhall Viva with dodgy steering!) . :-)

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew 🙂

[@shepshepherd]

Not bad at all, considering the car's age. Condition-wise, it puts me in mind of how the average daily driven mid-1980s Metro was in the mid-1990s.

[@TwinCam]

Absolutely!

[@gleng6812]

Top man, despite the issues know you are enjoying the experience. Looking forward to seeing more of the progress. BTW your clothes today kept reminding me of Harry Potter 🙂

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Glen.

[@neilrwilliams218]

My dad had a brand new Rover 213S on a C plate that he picked up in April. It didn't have rear seat belts and the kit from Rover didn't arrive in time, so it went back to the dealer a few days later for them to be installed which took about an hour. My guess would be that Melody is one of the last Metros built without rear seat belts before they became a legal requirement.

[@thephilpott2194]

Erm....yeah, April 1987 i think was the changeover. For some time before that many vehicles had the rear belt mounting points in case the customer requested them on a special order.

[@TwinCam]

April 1987. Brilliant to hear that, as Melody’s a June ‘87 registration 😅

[@70mmbobbyj]

Looking forward to future videos

[@calum1741]

My mum had me be of these when I was a kid. GNK 754Y. There is one on eBay now and I’d love it, but not sure if it would last long? Awesome little car you got 😃

[@grayfool]

You've got a nice one there. A teriffic survivor. Should be a Good series.

[@TwinCam]

Cheers mate 🙂

[@neilmartin5341]

Another great video mate, bought a 1.3 Maestro Clubman just before Christmas in the same sort of condition. Looking forward to the video's on it . 😀 👍

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Neil :)

[@ChristopheOnly]

Great presentation of a very nice car. You make me want to buy one, which is almost impossible in France. An 1,3 HLE with orange seats 😍 And you also look very smart

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Christophe 🙂

[@doktoruzo]

Good one Ed. Plenty of jobs to be getting on with...all good fun and makes for interesting content. Looking forward to seeing your progress with Melody. She's a good solid car, just needs some love.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@tubaman66]

I wouldn't ignore the lack of nitrogen in the suspension for too long as it'll be putting a lot of strain on the subframes and through the body structure. I 'd say that's far more important to fix than any of the cosmetic issues. It'll also help with the trim rattles.

[@Minitrucker231]

Agreed. I don't really agree with him saying that nitrogen is a better option than shocks and springs. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd rather have the shock/spring setup because more or less and also depending on the vehicle, it's readily available and fairly easy to swap out. This setup on the other hand seems like more of a hassle to deal with than it's worth. That's just my two cents. I respect his opinion on the nitro setup though

[@TwinCam]

Don’t worry - it will be done when finances allow. I understand the engineering just fine.

[@TwinCam]

Bill, I didn’t say anything of the sort. What I did say is that people are afraid of Hydragas for no reason. People complain about cars sinking, but are fine to have a new set of shocks every now and then at some expense.

[@Minitrucker231]

@@TwinCam ah. Total misunderstanding on my part. My apologies

[@ejc7129]

Great video as always....well done...well presented 😎👍🏽

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@ColumbusII]

Hi Ed, somehow YT trashed my first message yesterday. 'cause I put in a link to two front grills in the Netherlands. I guess you would have more chance in the UK. Nevertheless, seems to be a relatively "easy" job to get it to the standard you would like it to be. Rust is always a good thing to take on asap. But, Melody is in good hands with you. Take care 😀👍🏻

[@TwinCam]

Ahh, sorry about that! KZbin can sometimes be funny with links.

[@johnofypres]

Nice review. I'm old enough to have been a mechanic on these from new. A good honest car, just a shame that some of the build quality was lacking.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate.

[@BRED510]

Great video. As has been said I'd get the suspension sorted sooner rather than later, it'll be putting strain on the subframe, etc. Also as a bit of laugh, look up the old Top gear video with Quentin Wilson talking about used ones in the 80's, it doesn't paint a pretty picture at the time. It's funny these have gone from almost embarrassing to own back in the day to cool now.

[@TwinCam]

Don't worry mate, it will be done as soon as finances allow, and I understand the engineering that goes with it. Quentin Wilson's a strange one - and he's always been one of my least favourite presenters. He seems to write his features with a pre-conceived agenda. He did two features on the Austin Metro through his TG stint, one that you mentioned and is on YT, and another where he praised it! Similarly, he criticised older Rovers (Metro, Maestro, Montego) for having poor switchgear compared to the 'brilliant' switches in the R3 Rover 200... despite it sharing most of it with the previous cars...

[@mikeenglish6401]

Well, Ed …… Methinks Melody will provide you with plenty of KZbin content for many months / years to come. Remember, it’s all about the journey and not the destination! Can’t wait…….and I hope your subscribers can help source those seatbelts. M

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@robertmagee5523]

Try replacing your coolant cap on the expansion tank may solve your leak.

[@TwinCam]

The cap is fine, I’m sure. The thermostat leak will be the source of it.

[@wanderinggentile]

Refurbishing the wheels is actually quite economical. Brillo soap pads will renew the lustre to the wheels for about 5 quid, and buy time to attend to them more thoroughly. Surface rust can be rubbed back with green Scotchbrite pads, treated with rust mort, and covered with a clear lacquer until such time as a respray can be attended. The mismatched scratch repair can be sanded back with 1000/1500/2000 grit wet paper, buffed with a quality compound, then coated with a decent polish to minimise the effect. Cheers from Costa Rica 🇨🇷!

[@exasperated]

"It doesn't stop me driving the car"... And it won't... Right up until it's got to the point of the little stabby rivet end in the top of the displacer going through the irreplaceable internal rubber diaphragm.

[@TwinCam]

The displacers were replaced in May 2023, but okay.

[@emjayay]

If you don't insist on detail authenticity there are probably ways to attach some kind of metal clips to the grille and speaker shelf and some kind of gray foam stuff from the plumbing department of the local builder megastore to attach to the edge of the parcel shelf.

[@TwinCam]

The grille will probably end up being screwed on if one doesn't pop up!

[@steveburn8125]

Love Melanie metro!! Personally I like the fatter tyres, and I suspect they may improve ride a little. Remember my old MG metro with fondness. My Grandpa also had a 1.3HLS for years. Great car. Oh AND like many, I learned to drive in a BSM, 1.3L metro. (Long time ago 😊)

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Steve :) Unfortunately, running A-Series Metros without a body kit with tyres larger than factory is a disaster waiting to happen, as there isn't the clearance when on full bump, meaning the wheels, tyres, arms, bearings, and wings could all be wrecked over just one bump too violent.

[@frothe42]

I see Melody as your project car until all issues are resolved. I wouldn't take off the moldings at all; see if you can refurbish them, or painting them. I have seen the family who does completely refurbish hydra gas, they make house calls to refurbish the spheres, the suspension. That, and the bodywork, I would concentrate & save up for first. I always have found it very unusual that even 80's British vehicles without rear seatbelts! 3 point front seatbelts for forever, but no rear seatbelts! Rear seatbelts were mandatory in the US since the mid 60's, 3 point since about 1988-89, but some were using rear 3 point seatbelts prior to US safety mandates. I do wish you could have gotten Quentin from Matt; I definitely can see you driving that particular Rover, and of an age to enjoy top down driving. But I see you have a soft spot for Metros, and that's good! I also hope Melody will pass her MOT when the time comes! I must say you are looking quite dapper Ed!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate 🙂 She’s certainly a project. The priority is getting her properly on form. Sorting out the bodywork and mechanicals. Only then do I get to the aesthetics, but I’ve already decided that the rubbing strip is definitely going. There’s a lovely swage line that runs beneath it on a Metro, sweeping down to connect with the other lip below it just behind the headlamp. This grey strip ruins it a bit, I feel. This car should actually have seat belts! They became mandatory in 1985, but must have been removed for some reason. I just need to find a suitable set.

[@frothe42]

@@TwinCam Fingers crossed Ed! Hoping it goes well!

[@barryrathbone]

Tailgate rust looks like keys from the rear lock. You’ll definitely make it look and drive like a good one!

[@TwinCam]

A little too low for that, I feel, but it will be corrected! :)

[@jeremyshaw5963]

A good, honest car. Wouldn't it be nice to make it as near as possible to the original ones in the brochures you went through with us?

[@stevejackson9869]

Is there a link for the company that does the door latch surrounds you mentioned?

[@chunkybeats79]

For they plastic parts you could try looking at 3d printing as an option. There might be some on thingiverse

[@TwinCam]

I believe that's how Retro Reproductions produce their parts.

[@markmcgrath5507]

Thermostat housing leak mate on my mini I had it once I replaced it I use to swap thermostats for winter an summer a 74 for summer and a 88 for winter 👍🏻

[@thephilpott2194]

Not watched the video yet...but with it up on the ramp check this: The synthetic rubber petrol hoses are likely to be thoroughly perished by now- any replacements required should bear the SAE spec. code for compatibility with ethanol...if not they'll go the same way.

[@TwinCam]

They’re fine. That’s one of the first things I checked. In fact, they were changed very recently.

[@bengorman5294]

I think the issue of one headlamp clouding and one not may have been caused by the car being parked for a long period of time in a position where one headlamp receives more sunlight than the other. My understanding is that UV light from the sun can cause clouding of plastics.

[@TwinCam]

It's because one of the lamps has been replaced.

[@milly10191]

I would love that car.

[@steven-vn9ui]

Maybe just the angle but that front offside wheel looks like it is sitting quite far back in the wheel arch. maybe worth a quick check? +1 - the decals look great on her

[@TwinCam]

It is. No idea what’s going on, but that’s being investigated ASAP. Hoping it’s just a bent control arm or something of the like. All I do know is that the car feels sweet as a nut. There’s nothing indicating something badly wrong.

[@TwinCam]

I've just looked closely at a friend's MG Metro 1300, and it has exactly the same stance. Maybe, they're just like this!

[@schmutzfabrikag5304]

Headrest problem: you shoud remove plastic piece from the headrest, then insert it in the seat, when in right position you should be able to put on the headrest and it should go down all the way.

[@TwinCam]

If only it was so easy! A part of the plastic is snapped. It should be completely secure to the seat, but it isn't, hence why it's clinging to the head restraint itself instead.

[@schmutzfabrikag5304]

@@TwinCam oh, that's another thing then.. I used to work in car seat company and usualy when headrest didn't go in all the way it was enought to hit the plastic gently with rubber hammer and it was solved.

[@anthonymcandrew529]

Another excellent video! Best of luck as you start crossing off items on your list. (I assume you have a list.)

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Anthony, I actually need to make one 😅

[@anthonymcandrew529]

@@TwinCam A very worthwhile execise!

[@plutomotorsblackpool]

Great video, you have a really good presenting style. You've got a really good Metro there, needs a bit of work but not too much and it can all be done without taking off the road. For the parcel shelf support I would just buy some clear silicone and stick it in place, because the silicone is flexible it should stop the rattle. Also you can buy brand new red seatbelts on ebay, you just need to make sure that the end that clicks into the buckle is the right size/shape for your car. I was considering buying some for my Astra Sport.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Chris :)

[@cambs0181]

It may have it's advantages over traditional suspension, however you never find yourself waking up in the morning to find your car leaning to one side (As with my grandfather and his Allegro).

[@TwinCam]

Well, my Dad's BMW E90 with a cracked spring would disagree with that statement!

[@jetsons101]

Ed, have a question if you have time: Is the 3.5 liter "Buick" V8 still being used in British cars. I think Rover started making / using them first then Morgan in the Plus Eight. If so that is one long run for a engine design, I think is started as a 215 CI V8 somewhere in the early 60's. Only if you have time.....

[@TwinCam]

No it is not. The Rover V8 was last used by Rover in 2004, and by other manufacturers in 2006.

[@misterthegeoff9767]

My Parents bought one of these brand new in 1987 and I swear it had more rust when they traded it for a Citroen AX 2 years later than you have on on that car. How has one of these survived in such good shape?

[@jetsons101]

That Metro sure found the right owner....

[@T16MGJ]

"Balloony" to compensate for the harsh ride from the Nitrogen-less Suspension Chambers. ## Someone I know had a set of four of these refurbished recently. Cost £300 and the reconditioned units came back looking better than factory. Those cannot be MG Metro Door Decals. AFAIK, no MG Metros had five doors. Great little cars these. Bought a MG Metro new in Januaru 1983 as the family runabout. I kept a log on fuel consumption for the forst 5,000 miles NOT driven for economy. Averaged low 40s mpg! ## Just noticed 🏁KLUTCH°58°KUSTOMS🇬🇧 message making the same comment regarding Ride Quality. Our little MG Metro started to fall apart some fifteen years and 110,000 hard driven miles later. The engine lived on in another Metro. Ours never missed abeat in all that time. I didm change the oil every 6-7,000 miles though which helped engine longevity and the "In-Sump" Gearbox internals.

[@TwinCam]

As I said - they’re not MG decals. They have octagons on them for starters. I said they were MG Metro-style.

[@NicksGarageUk]

Don’t go black bumpers.. the grey looks fantastic against the red! I appreciate I’m biased but check out some pics of both before you commit

[@TwinCam]

I have. A number of friends of mine have both grey bumpered and black bumpered Mk2 red Metros. I always think the black ones look better.

[@MattysCars]

Couple of self tappers to save the grill maybe?

[@TwinCam]

If someone doesn't come up trumps with a fresh grille, that's what I'll be doing.

[@jgh548]

Great video again. That grille fitment is so typically BL. Why did they not screw the thing on?

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :) They will have done it because it makes sense. If it had to be screwed on, that would take longer in the factory, require fixings rather than just a plastic mould, and a worker to carry a tool and bag of screws around. If something can be clipped on rather than screwed, a manufacturer will do it!