2002 Xsara VTS

[Ben_w]

Not too much to tell on this, other than I discovered when changing the front headlights for some brand new ones that the radiator had failed and was leaking.

Not a problem you'd think. Try finding a pattern part for a Ph2 Xsara VTS. The rad is unique to this car, mainly to do with changes to the front end and how it all fits together. Essentially, there are two bolts that go through the slam panel, through the fan shroud and screw into mounts on the plastic tanks on the rad. Only managed to find two aftermarket radiators which directly reference the OEM part number and both are out of stock. There are plenty that say they are for a Ph2 VTS but having gone through 3, they aren't.

In the mean time, I picked up a bargain set of C5 steels. Grand sum of £5. Yes, £5.



They were in Ireland (big thanks.to Josh Wainright for pointing me at them) so a mate over there collected them, had the tyres taken off and then sent them to me. So light the postage for all 4 was £24!



Took a pic of the reference numbers as this confirms they are the genuine article!



Dragged into the house, thoroughly washed and dried.



Custom spray booth set up, complete with fume extraction....



And paint warmer....



The wife wasnt very impressed, but she never is when it comes to me and car bits. First coat of high build primer applied....






Went for a Graphite grey paint. Supposed to be a metallic but I can't see any in it. Never mind.









Added a third coat of paint to two of the wheels after approx 48hrs drying and got this mess







A painter mate reckons it's the thinners in the paint reacting with the already hardened paint. Bit annoyed really but nothing a good wet flatting and repaint won't sort. Good job I bought two cans....