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Matt No VAT
March 2nd, 2006, 08:33 AM
Its good to see that there are still some familiar names on here! I'm keen to catch up on who's finished thier builds since I was last on the forum (some 2 years ago)

Yes - I have returned from my self imposed exile - basically a crappy/stressful job, the extension to the house that swallowed every minute and every penny is was completed eventually and once that was all done and dusted I met a new lady - who I'll be marrying later this year. (It took time to woo her into submission and for her to give in to my devilish charms!)

2005 was a bad year in my garage - suffering five break ins, theft of all my tools, power tools, welders, fishing equipment, Honda CR250 moto-x bike, then later my honda CR500. I ended up spending 6 months fortifying my garage with alarms CCTV, barbed wire, anti-climb paint, new metal roof and PIR security lights. So the mechanics had to take a back seat while I sorted that lot out. I treated myself to completely rewiring the garage and treated myself to some basic heating. (for those chilly nights)

Luckily the Stratos and the Beta Coupe were more or less untouched which was more luck than anything else.
So - my Stradale - well I've just rebuilt the engine and refitted it - a few little niggles here and there to sort out here and there, then off for an MOT and some proper fun! I also had to rebuild my fiances Fiat Punto (a doddle compared to a Stratos) after the engine rebuild so have been a bit delayed because of that.


Stratos will be legal and on the road hopefully end of April at the latest.

My fiance Carolyn, has been hassling me to take her to a track day - so what better car to go in than the Stratos!! Good girl !!!!

So what have I missed??

CorseChris
March 2nd, 2006, 09:03 AM
Welcome back Matt.

Try and make the track day at Oulton on 25th March if you can....

Finished my car last May, finished taking the TC out and putting a V6 in last week.

If it's any consolation, a work colleague has his garage roof ripped off, the sunroof of the car smashed and then the scum torched his 2 year old car. Final insult is the council won't repair the garage as they have no funds so he now has to park on the road, which increased his insurance premium.

Matt No VAT
March 2nd, 2006, 09:05 AM
I've yet to see the increase in insurance costs - but last year set me/insurance company back £12,000

Never seen any of my property, no-one ever caught, only saw the police once.

Nice!

We are moving house in 2007 (after the wedding)

catswhiskers
March 2nd, 2006, 09:47 AM
Hi Matt and welcome back,

Well what have you missed? I'd say plenty so get catching up with things. Regarding new builds, I purchased a Corse kit a little over a year ago and got it through SVA in September (see pics in my gallery). As Chris says, try and get to Oulton Park, I'll be there giving rides and so will Tim Page in his Corse. Should be a good opportunity to meet up. :)
Best of luck with the future plans and as you say, isn't it nice when your other half loves all things Stratos. :D :D
Mick

SUSIT
March 2nd, 2006, 10:04 AM
Hi Matt and welcome back,


Best of luck with the future plans and as you say, isn't it nice when your other half loves all things Stratos. :D :D
Mick


Would'nt Know Mick, Just about tolerates the thing. I dont talk about it in the house anymore.

Hi Matt welome back

Sando
March 2nd, 2006, 11:57 AM
Would'nt Know Mick, Just about tolerates the thing. I dont talk about it in the house anymore.

Hi Matt welome back


:) Know that feeling......
R

PS
Hi Matt. got my car on the road too. Check out the Monte Run you missed....
Rob

Matt No VAT
March 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM
Blimey - people have been cracking on well - glad to hear so many cars are now completed.

I'm looking forward to bringing mine out to one of the meetings, where ever it may be!

Right-o of to the garage with more enthusiasm!! :D

guy mayers
March 2nd, 2006, 03:59 PM
Welcome back Matt!
I've finally gone from red Gp4 with stradale interior to Pirelli with Gp4 dash!
New engine in the next few months.
Guy

Stratos
March 4th, 2006, 02:10 AM
Matt,

Good to see that you got the password issue sorted, and got back on.

Make sure that you mark down June 10/11, and get yourself down to Abingdon with the car this year.

Nice to see you back on here.

rutthenut
March 4th, 2006, 06:42 AM
Hello again Matt, and welcome back.

Sounds like a pretty bad time at your place. Let's all hope that is over now.

No progress on my 'lightweight' car, but I did put a bog standard old 24v into my orange car after water pump and head gasket problems the year before.

Agree with David's recommendation, come along to Abingdon at the very least.

All the best,