Some Photos From Around Town!

Just some cool photos from around town.....

Panlong OBD II scanner for modern cars.

I know some of you will occasionally work on your daily drivers/modern cars and I do as well...

Over the years, I've gone to Autozone/FLAPS to have the codes read off the ECU and find out what was wrong with the car. I've saved myself a ton of money over the years replacing my own sensors and other simple parts that were not major issues, but I hate having to go to the store to have the codes read. There are code readers available at the same stores, but they can be a little expensive.

My wife's DD (Honda) recently started 'acting funny' to her, but when I drive it, it seems fine. I popped up the 'wrench' signal a couple days later, but provided a direct Honda code on the dash indicating it was time for a tire rotation and transmission fluid change. Wife was still convinced there must be something wrong with the engine.

I found that since I had last looked at a code reader a couple years ago, new versions have come out in the form of a Bluetooth enabled code reader which uses your smartphone as an interface. That is nice because the code readers I've used at the FLAPS usually have a pretty clunky interface.

The first one I looked at was an ELM127 reader, which is available for about $20 on Amazon. There appear to be a couple different versions, but then I found the newest version in the Panlong Mini OBD II scanner. Lots of positive reviews on Amazon about the scanner.

I ordered one via Amazon Prime and got it in about 2 days with free shipping. Cost was about $15.

To use the device, you have to download an appropriate app to your phone. The suggested app for this unit is called 'Torque'. There is a free version and a 'Pro' version for about $5. I have only used the free version so far. The unit can be a little finicky in pairing with your phone and then reading the car. It was easy with the wife's Honda, took 2 tries for me to get the sequence right with the Chevy (I think I just did not wait long enough with it the first time).

What I've learned so far is that I can:
- Read all the codes in the car (Amy's car and my truck are both running fine and neither had any codes....)
- Set up an interface to see running diagnostics as the car is running and driving (only works with the Bluetooth/Android version, won't work with the Iphone supposedly).
- Add other performance based measures which use the GPS and the accellerometer in the phone to assist in the calculation.

For $15 and the free app, I'd say its completely worth it. I guess maybe I'll see later if I see an issue with the car via the Panlong that it truly pays for itself.

If nothing else, in my mind, it makes sense to know what codes your car is throwing when you have a problem even if you take it to someone for service. More information means less of a chance of getting ripped off.

So if you work on your modern car, this little device so far seems worth it.

Memphis Euro Car Show 2015

The Memphis Euro Car Fest was a great event again. Unfortunately early morning rain held a few people back from coming (in my estimation) but turnout was still pretty good.

I ended up again with a 2nd place in the TR category, placing behind my buddy Dave and his great looking TR250.

Here are some photos.

New Wheels For The Old Girl!

I grew up with Dad telling me about the Group 44 TR6's and seeing TR6's with Minilites and Panasports on them. I've always wanted to put the same wheels on my car, but costs prohibited that....

Well, in the past few years, a wheel was introduced which mimics fairly closely the look of the original Minilite, but with a modern spin. It is also much more economical than a set of Panasports. Despite the low cost, I've seen enough sets on other owners cars that appear to have served them well and given no problems.

With cost out of the way, I decided to get a set. Father's day helped fund the project and off I went.

One major detail about the Konig Rewind and any 15x7 wheel on a TR6 is that they normally require spacers on the front to prevent the wheel from rubbing the suspension where the upright hits the upper ball joint and upper A-arms. A 15x6 will not do this, but I've not found a 15x6 Konig Rewind. There are two problems with running spacers - you need longer studs, and you will get outer fender rub!

My friend Keith has a set of the 15x7 Konigs on his car, and he had already gone through the modifications necessary to make his car eliminate the rubbing. He gave me some photos which showed what needed to be done and helped out with parts too.

Basically, the upper suspension area needs some heavy mods to eliminate the rub points, and you need a larger steering turn stop. The larger steering turn stop reduces your turn circle slightly, but I really have not been bothered by it too much yet.

For the upper ball joint area, I used my angle grinder and simply ground away anything that rubbed. After the work was done, I repainted everything to prevent rust and considered it done. This really took 3 tries on the driver's side, and 1 try on the passenger. As you can see, at full stop in reverse, there still is not a lot of room. This photo was taken before the oversized steering stop was fitted though.

The Steering stop is pretty simple. Unbolt the old one and bolt in the new one. Sourcing one is not so easy though. Keith had gotten two sets and gave me the largest set he got as he had not used it. Its to the far right in this photo (photos below are Keith's photos)

With all that work done, I'm very happy. The car drives extremely well. I'm a firm believer in the idea that you don't know how bad something is until you have something better- well, my old wheels must have been nearly egg shaped. Gone completely are the interstate vibrations and shakes that I felt at certain speeds. Everything is smooth as can be.

I'll get more 'good' photos later.

Triumph TR6 Sill Plates

I saw these on sale at TRF a number of months ago. Apparently everyone else did too as they went on backorder. Well, they finally came in and I was able to install them pretty quickly.

Some 3M body molding tape and #6 stainless screws did the job.

They cover nicely the scratched up sills that had survived years of abuse from passengers that hopped out without thinking about their safety belts.

TR6 Autocross Video

This vid was shot the same day that the photo in my avatar was taken. I really enjoyed autocrossing the TR6 and would like to do some more.

Wiring a TRiumph or other British Car

One of the tasks that you'll face as you work on a British car is the need to solder on a new bullet connector. Its an easy task, but it helps to use the right technique.

I documented my technique below. Maybe this video will help you or someone you know.