Hi everyone. I've been lurking around here for a while and decided it's time to introduce myself as the owner of a 1989 1.7 GLE with 46k miles and an immaculate interior. I've got a week off between jobs so will be doing some suspension upgrades and fitting a new stereo. Have already been in touch with Dai who's supplied adjustable dampers, -25mm front springs and various bits for an overhall the suspension (hopefully will sort out the heavy steering). This is my daily driver so it's about tasteful upgrades and taking advantage of some more modern parts and luxuries.

So far I've sourced some 1980s wind deflectors from le France, fitted Bosh Super 4 spark plugs, new air filter, attacked it with a rug doctor and my favourite mod, Phillips Nightbreaker +130% headlight bulbs. A few small and big(ish) jobs I can see on the horizon: Carb refurb and setup, shine up the steel wheels (ditch the plastic caps), back to black on the exterior plastics, make a fancy wood panel for the centre console with iPhone holder/charger, fix the un-heated seats, a thorough service, some rust prevention measures, roof rack and engine bay detailing (to help diagnose an oil leak). Longer term I'm wondering about dropping in one of the 16V engines (thats why I chose the 1.7) for around 120bhp and maybe an LPG conversion. However, theres a good chance I won't bother. Also getting a friend who makes theatre costumes to sort me out with a new gear gaiter as I can't find any replacement ones. Might just go for some herringbone tweed instead of the standard black leather.

I've already used this site a lot to research parts and diagnose problems so thanks for everyone's posts and thanks in advance for the help which I'm sure I will need.

Awesome work, is that Petrol Blue or the lighter metallic??

bogbasic wrote:Awesome work, is that Petrol Blue or the lighter metallic??

It's some kind of metallic blue with a green/grey hint to it. No idea what the official colour name or code is yet but need to find out at some point for a touch up kit on the door edges and re-spray the valances.

Looks gorgeous, in the front on shot I would say it is a light shade of grey blue metallic (300 series) aka Ocean Blue metallic (400 series)

Looks really nice! Looks like '219' blue, quite a common colour on 300's but one of my favourite

SteveP wrote:Looks really nice! Looks like '219' blue, quite a common colour on 300's but one of my favourite

Yep just checked. 219-5 Ocean Blue Metallic It's gonna look great when the sun comes back.