Archive for the ‘ TX5 ’ Category

Back on the road

Author: Striker

Dec 12

I’m back on the road in two ways, actually. With thanks to my mate, Andrew, the TX5 was able to pass it’s blue-slip inspection, and is once again registered.

How I’ve missed driving this thing.

 

The other kind is that I’m travelling again. I’m currently sitting in Morayfield, Queensland, having recently been to the Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast, Bundaberg and Maroochydore.

 

I’m kicking myself for not installing cruise control in the TX5, though. I bought the setup from Scott, and it’s sitting in my garage. The TX5 is considerably smaller than my XR6, and as such, cramps are much more common. Cruise control would meant hat I could move my foot and leg around a bit without worrying about pissing off other drivers.

 

When I get back to Sydney I’m going to install both the cruise control, and the better suspension package (shocks/springs/swaybar). That will make the TX5 handle a lot better, and be much nicer to drive for long periods of time.

 

It’s starting to cool down outside, which I’m glad of. It’s been 33 degrees outside most of the day. Hopefully we’ll get a little rain, too.

I don’t miss Sydney in the slightest, but I do miss the 20 degree rainy weather down there.

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NSW Blue slip

Author: Striker

Nov 22

New South Wales has an interesting inspection system. Making mention of it does NOT mean that I disagree with it. In fact, I believe that something similar should be implemented across the country. Every State and Territory with the same rules and guidelines (hopefully a little more relaxed than the ones in NSW).

 

We (NSW) have a yearly roadworthy inspection called a pink slip. It’s not a big deal, even for modified cars to pass this inspection.

If your car has been out of registration for more than three months, or you’re bringing an interstate car to NSW, you need a blue slip. Blue slips are considerably more thorough, sometimes taking more than four hours to complete.

 

My TX5 was purchased from a friend in Victoria, and recently failed it’s blue slip. Yesterday it was towed to a detailer to get the engine and gearbox steam-cleaned so that they’re not covered in oil, as the car failed on “engine and gearbox oil leaks”.

 

Once that’s been fixed, it’s off to SX Developments to fix all the other issues on the list. There was an A4 sheet of paper attached to my blue-slip, and it was near-filled with other things that need to be fixed before the car will be allowed to be registered again.

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Telstar TX5 – immobiliser

Author: Striker

Aug 3

Since the day I bought the car, the TX5 has had issues with the alarm and immobiliser, and the central locking has simply not worked.

 

I’d had enough, I went down to Frankie’s and asked them to check it out.

They told me it was best to rip the old one out, as it was both rubbish, and not playing nice. The central locking was replaced also, as the old stuff had become weak over time, and simply couldn’t move the locks anymore.

I decided to go with something that was insurance-approved, and after it was installed, I discovered that it had a built-in turbo timer. Rather glad of that, because I forgot to ask for it in the list of features.

 

Now that the locks all work, and I have keyless entry, I can concentrate on flogging the crap out of the car, and fixing what breaks (and what’s already broken).

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Melbourne

Author: Striker

Jun 30

Friends aside, the reason I went to Melbourne is to pick up my 1989 Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo, so I’ll start there.

 

I bought the car around nine months ago, and since then it’s been sitting either at Jeff’s, or Dion’s place. Unfortunately I didn’t get to hang out with Dion much when I picked up the car, as he and his family were about to sit down for dinner.

 

My first impressions of the TX5 were very positive. That said, it was night time.

The next morning I checked it out more, and found a lot of issues. Over the next three days, I ran around Melbourne from place to place picking up bits and pieces until I saw a guy on TX5forums parting out a whole car. A few text messages later and I got to his place, and tore the car apart.

Steve was very good about letting me take his car apart, and take any bits I needed for a little recompense .

 

State of the car right now:

Dash lights fixed.

Buggered tyre – fixed.

I also have a shed-load of parts, like a replacement clock, replacement switches, a new timing belt cover, a replacement steering wheel.

 

Issues I haven’t seen to are a grinding noise from the front left rotating assembly. Either a stuffed bearing, or stuffed brakes. We’ll find out soon, I hope.

 

This all sounds very negative, so far, so let me touch on the positive. It’s a cheap-to-run four cylinder, with a little power to keep me happy. I don’t think I could drive a gutless car all day, every day.

The body is in decent condition and the interior is the best I have ever seen. Those two things alone make me fairly happy. I like a nice comfortable interior that looks close to new.

 

Right now, it’s sitting outside on the driveway, parked next to Violent Crumble. Cars will be the death of me, so much work to do.

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