September 2010 Newsletter ~ Issue No 19
|
|
|
Your Membership Info
|
Membership No? Your Membership No is:
Classic Line Insurance Discount Code? Members can claim a 15% off insurance by providing your discount code (see your welcome email for your code)
Annual Membership Costs The club is funded through members donations. Your donation help us maintain our web presence (Google, yahoo, ask jeeves), forum and content in addition to creating and distributing this monthly newsletter, promoting and attending events and delivering one-to-one help, advice and support - Thanks Make your Donation Now
|
Club Statistics
|
The Latest Numbers from our Database Members: 2,526Forum Members: 530 Forum Unique Posts: 6,283 Unique Web Visits: 91,080Geographic Coverage: 56 Countries
|
Figaro Merchandise
| Welcome to THE FIGARO STORE
Packed to the roof with over 350 Figaro branded
designs from funky T-shirt to stylish clocks and more we hope we have
the ideal gift for you.
Below is just a taster of some of the products on sale. All in stock and available for delivery within around 7 days.
Click here to visit shop now
|
|
|
Dear , we're delighted to bring you our latest edition of the Figaro Owners Club Monthly Newsletter.
| The Perfect Bridesmaid...
Images produced by KT Photography | This month we feature some wonderful stories from our members such as the one from Rebecca Harbron. Rebecca got married in Cyprus and was so determined to have a Figaro in her wedding pictures that she spent a number of days trying to track down the owner of an Emerald Green model she'd spotted in Paphos the year before!
Unfortunately Rebecca never located the car but all was not lost as once she returned home she organised a photo shoot with 'Bella' her very own Emerald Green Fig.
Sell your Figaro for less than 50p a week! Members can now sell their Figaro through our specific 'Figaro's for Sale' thread on the forum. We currently have over 25 cars for sale so if you're looking for one then why not take a peek. Click here
Forum Moderators Wanted The club is on the lookout for moderators to help run the forum. If you feel its something you would enjoy doing then please drop me an email - [email protected]
New Forum User Terms & Conditions We have recently updated our User Terms & Conditions to ensure The forum continues to deliver quality content. Read moreWelcome to our New Members Last Month we had 96 New Members join the club so the normal 'big hug' and welcome from us all! We really are a friendly bunch so please join in the chat on our forum and contribute to this Newsletter with your stories and much more...Thanks for all the Donations! We know it's tough out there and money's tight so a huge thanks to everyone who donated to the club last Month. Hope you enjoy the Newsletter, bye for now and catch you next Month :)
Kevin Fagan Figaro Owners Club Founder Email: [email protected] Club Web Site: www.figaroownersclub.co.uk
|
Picture of the Month
|
We know its another wedding but we found this picture on the Forum and thought it was a great story too....
"Gotta love the old girl - she's never given me any grief
yet waited until my WEDDING DAY to die on me!!! I was at the carwash,
on my own and without a phone when she decided, "I don't want to play
today. On the plus side, I was lacking a 'something blue' until
the tow rope came out - So Lola, the lazy cow, was towed to the venue
and parked out front like she owned the place! If it weren't for the
speeches, no one would have ever realised!" Beccaboo81
You can see more pictures of Beccaboo81 wedding by clicking here
Send in your Picture for our next Newsletter - Click here
|
Members Stories
|
Every month we feature stories from you so don't be shy and share your experiences and fun you have with your Fig with the club. Click here
Bella - The Perfect Bridesmaid
Story by member Rebecca Harbron
"Our wedding took place abroad in Cyprus and I was determined to have a Figaro picture, as we'd seen a Emerald Green Fig in Paphos the year before. Unfortunately I couldn't locate it or one to rent for our pictures abroad. There were sightings of the Paphos Fig amongst our guests in Paphos but the Figaro power evaded our cameras.
Upon our return home we had a evening party back home on the Newcastle Quayside where it was a great opportunity to dress up again, but more importantly to dress 'Bella' for the day with carefully placed bows and ribbons and a fun 'Just Married' sign, it was almost like she was Bridesmaid number 4!"
Images produced by KT Photography - www.kt-photo.co.uk | "I have been a Figaro owner for merely one year, she has the plates and am thankful to my now husband for the number-plate she proudly has (a bargain from DVLA, perhaps they didn't realise its relevance) and I will continue to maintain and improve her so I think that on our 25th Wedding Anniversary she'll be the only one of us looking younger!!
Bella thoroughly enjoyed being a wedding car and it was great fun I just can't bear to take the 'Just Married' sticker off just yet!
Myself and Carl just love our outings, camping and picnics in Bella who always creates attention and a word to the wise Figaro owners with tall 'other-half's' need not worry as Carl and 6' 8'' has no problems as her passenger! I would not let him drive her!"
Thanks Rebecca. Bella looks fantastic with those little bows around the door handles and both you and Carl look very happy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
David and Goliath
Story by member Judith Laraman
"I am currently babysitting a Hummer from Sweden - a 6.5L Beast and last week needed to take it somewhere for a demo - but it wouldn't start. Luckily, Bluebell came to the rescue and a few minutes later, she had sorted out its flat battery"
Well they do say size isn't everything!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote me Happy
Story by member Georgina Abbott
"I just wanted to say thank you so much to the club for the recommendation and discount code for Classic Line Insurance. I have insured my Figaro with Frizzel (Liverpool Victoria) for the past 4 years and the premium gradually crept up to approx �1000/year. I have just made a saving of over �600 by switching and there was no extra charge for adding 3 named drivers. I feel like one of those people on the insurance adverts! Please feel free to use my endorsement on your website and if you would like me to write anything else in relation to this, please ask. Thanks again. I'm hoping to join in one of your events soon"
It's all part of the service :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
And the winner is... Story by member Mistymeg (Forum Name)
Background to story. At Fig10 Speedyreg donated a Figaro Numberplate and the lucky winner tells her story.
"At FigFest10 I camped up next to a very nice couple - Sharon and Rob. Firstly; many thanks for the stream of tea and conversation!
Not only did we manage to win the quiz on Saturday afternoon (at which we won the bottle of fiz Sharon had had her eye on) - but Rob's was the first ticket out of the raffle. As Rob and Sharon had come along in their VW Camper Van he very generously offered the choice of prize to me - advising that there was little fig related he would like to add to his van"
"I nearly fell over with excitement and picked up a new "FIG" number plate for Meg. I shed a tear in excitement and was rather stumped for words the rest of the afternoon (especially when two of my numbers then also came out - but I returned them so that others would get prizes)
Therefore this is a note to Rich and Scoobs to thank them for the excellent prizes available - there really were a couple of corkers this year, and HUGE thanks to the generosity of Rob and Sharon. I will remember you and the weekend with a smile each time I see the plate"
Well done Misstymeg and thanks again to Speedreg
PS. Don't forget to Send us your story - Click here
|
|
|
|
|
Figaro Events
|
We have two events this month:
19th September 2010 Rural Life Centre (Telford) Every year, the Surrey Classic Vehicle Club host their own car show, held at
the Rural Life Centre, Tilford. The event is held in September, towards the end
of the show season and attracts well over three hundred vehicles from all
clubs.
The Surrey Classic Vehicle Club welcomes all classic vehicle clubs,
motorcycles and individual entries - no matter how diverse.
Registration Process
Pre-registering ensures the vehicle, driver and ONE passenger free entry to the
Rural Life Centre and our show. Extra passengers and non pre-booked entries
will be charged the normal Rural Life entry. Last year (2009) we had over 400
vehicles in attendance. Included in this years' attractions will be the prize
for the 'BEST DRESSED' in the period and keeping of their vehicle. So get your
costumes sorted! We will also give a special trophy to the club that enters
into the spirit of their vehicles. Below is further info and the web site is: http://www.surreyclassicvehicleclub.com/Tilford%20Show/Tilford%20Show.html
Print Registration Form: http://www.surreyclassicvehicleclub.com/....or%20ema il.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26th September 2010 Kingsbury
Water Park
(Midlands)
We have been
invited to attend a meeting of rare Japanese Cars! Emily Bell the promoter got in touch and is a
big Figaro fan. She said "We've been going since 2006 now and every year I try
and get some Figaro's to join us, but so far have only ever attracted one. We
meet every year at Kingsbury water park in the midlands and just have a little
social get together.
The whole thing is for rare micro Japanese cars, and
everyone who attends always says they'd love to see a Figaro. We would so
dearly love to see some more Figaro's.(even if I have to go buy one! There is a
prize for best presented car on the day. Doesn't have to be the one that has
had the most money spent on it, but instead is voted for by those attending as
their favourite! Further
info and the web site is: www.KKITP.com |
Flipomatic - The boot opening device that saves your fingernails!
|
Last month member Graham Foulston (TingTong) started a really interesting thread on our forum about an invention to allow you to remotely open the boot without having to open the door and reaching down to find the boot release catch.
Below is extracts from his story to see the full thread click here
"I got up this morning all excited because the struts
should be coming this morning (I've got this week off as holiday) and by
10.30 nothing arrived so me being me and having just one huge phobia
about couriers - an who can blame me with their terrible reputation -
started to think that something wasn't right, I phoned the company up
and was told (yet again) that they had been sent to the wrong depot.
Apparently,
it should have gone to the Northampton depot but it went to the
Nottingham depot instead. You see the problem was that the computer
scanned the location of Northampton in just fine but of course you then
need to have a person actually put it in the right bin for Northampton.
Unfortunately for me, the people employed appear to have the one and
only brain cell of an amoeba and of course they used that one brain cell
up on the first character of the destination which was an 'N', after
that, there are no brain cells left and they just can't compute the
other characters left so it's just a guess after that.
Grrrr
- couriers, what do they get paid for - they have to do just one job
and that's deliver a package. Most of the work is computer controlled so
it really shouldn't be that difficult should it? Perhaps I'm asking for
too much. Yep, that's what it is I think.
Anyway, not to be
deterred, I opened the top boot lid and tied it in the open position so
that I could install the two solenoids to open the boot by using my key
fob rather than using the switch in the centre console. I had two
solenoids and fixings left over from when I installed the central
locking so I used those. I ran a wire from the 'brains' of the central
locking (there is a facility on mine to add other solenoids for other
functions and there is most likely the same on yours too if you have
central locking, in fact some have these wired in already), I took the
base of the back seat out and run the cable under the carpet and through
the bottom part of where the back seat base sits (there is a large hole
already there so no drilling required).
This picture 2 is a close up of the mounting bracket which I
will most probably change at a later date to make it a little more like
Nissan made it rather than me bending a couple of bits of strapping but
for now it's OK for me to test the the thing out. I also haven't
cleaned the brackets up and the surrounding area on this side yet but
will do after finishing typing this up.
The next step was to do a
dry run for the connections to make sure that the solenoids functioned
correctly which they both did. Next step was to make some brackets up to
hold the solenoids firmly in position, the kit I had included the
mounting straps and so it wasn't too much of a task to make these up and
bolt them into a suitable position. Once I was happy with the position I
then made up the connecting rods to go from the new solenoids to the
existing activating rods which operate the two latches either side of
the boot, I knew I probably wouldn't get the positions correct first
time so everything was just hand tight for now.
Once everything
was in place I then pushed the two latches in the down position (as if
the boot was closed and pressed the appropriate button on the key fob
and hey presto, both latches popped to the open position. After checking
this happened on both sides at exactly the same time, I just needed to
make a minor adjustment to one of them and all was fine for me to
install permanently.
This picture shows the complete installation
of the nearside solenoid showing the connection to the existing
actuating rod and the earthing cable mounted to the existing bracket
(which I cleaned up while I had all the mechanism off). You will note
that the strut brace is not mounted for some inexplicable reason. The
revised struts (3rd version) eventually arrived this morning and I
fitted them on in a couple of minutes but the solenoids were still too
high and were fouling the struts (that's the problem when not having the
struts when installing the solenoids). Anyway, after repositioning one
of the solenoids the strut cleared so all was well. One thing I did
learn and that was that I only needed the one solenoid to activate both
latches as the drivers side actuator sends a signal to the passenger
side to operate.
WATCH THE VIDEO
I have made a very quick video here
to show you it in operation (it's not great as I had to do the video
with one hand and walk at the same time so it's a bit shaky) but it
should give you an idea.
The boot now lifts about an 1" after
pressing the unlock button on the key fob (this would still be the same
amount if you flicked the switch from the centre console) and you then
lift the boot lid with a gentle touch and it opens up by itself and
dampens towards the end giving a slow buffered stop. You should be able
to see what I mean on the video. I didn't want the boot lid to open all
the way after unlocking but if you did then you just need to order the
struts with a slightly higher setting than what I have fitted (160N for
each strut).
I have also ordered another central locking kit
which is very similar to my existing one but has a purpose built button
for opening a boot, at the moment I am using the button which is used
for setting the alarm as a makeshift to get it to work by sending a
pulse to the solenoid so the newer version will be ideal.
So that is it from my side, I will be doing a few minor detail changes but nothing that will change the final outcome here.
The
good news for you though is that now everything has been sorted out, it
will be an extremely easy job for you to have the boot lid popping up
without anymore questions about is it the adjustment of the roof cable
or is it because the rubbers have perished in the latches, this sorts it
out once and for all. All you will need to do is take off you struts,
send them to the company and they will either replace your struts if
they are worn out or re-gas them if that's all required, they will
normally return them to you next working day or two days (depending on
when they receive them) so allow about 4 working days without the struts
(the car is still drivable and you will still be able to open the boot
but with obviously more difficulty. It takes very little time to take
the struts off - one 13mm nut at the top and two 10mm nuts at the bottom
and they are off - fitting is the reverse.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:Be very careful when removing the 2nd strut as once that has been
disconnected then the boot lid is free to fall either forwards or
backwards with disastrous results, it is advisable to have someone
supporting the boot lid when doing this job. DON'T SAY YOU HAVEN'T BEEN
WARNED!!!
Before I go any further, I have no connection with this
company whatsoever and will not be getting any payment or favours from
them should they receive any further orders, I have done this excercise
for my benefit but if you would like to do the same then you will
receive a 20% discount from the stock prices of the struts. So details
should you wish to do the same are:
Company: SGS Engineering Solutions Telephone: 01332 298 126 Website: www.sgs-engineering.com Contact: Sebastian
The pricing structure is as follows. For replacing existing worn out struts (they will test yours overnight) �29.99 each strut less 20% forum discount For re-gasing existing struts �12.50 less 20% forum discount Plus �6.30 for next day delivery and VAT at the current time.
SGS
will contact you and advise you if you will need to either replace or
repair your existing struts so your contact details must be enclosed
with the struts. You will obviously need to enclose that the struts you
are sending them are from a Nissan Figaro and that you are a forum
member.
I think that's about it, I hope that you have enjoyed my
little modification, I certainly have. The boot now opens how I want it
to plus it's been a nice challenge.
I should perhaps make it
clear that the boot will not automatically pop open from the key fob
unless you have central locking fitted and with a solenoid boot opener
but you will still be able to pop the boot open in the conventional way
by using the switch in the centre console.
If you have any questions to any of the above then just post away and I will try and answer them if I can."
Graham
Many thanks graham for a valuable contribution. Maybe one of the dealers might think about offering it as an 'optional extra'
|
Help! I need answers! (The following are extracts from our forum)
|
Alarm Problem
| How do I take the drivers switch apart?
| Peeling Chrome on Plastic
| I've had my figaro a few months, it has central locking and an alarm, and recently the alarm has been playing up. After
I lock it, it bleeps once to confirm its locked (normal). Then 3 and a
half hours later the alarm goes off for no apparent reason! By the time I
get to it to switch it off, the alarm stops. Has anyone got any ideas
why it might be doing this?!
I think it might be that one of the
sensors is not working, as I also find if I drive with the roof up, my
hazard lights start blinking. I find I can resolve this by taking the
roof down! I have tried putting bits of foil on the roof clip catches to
improve the connection, but this is still a problem.
Any suggestions/advice would be welcome! and thoughts on if the two things are indeed related or not! Thanks in advance Sapphirefalcon
I did have a problem with a low battery during the
winter when I didn't use it much but I bought an Optimate to keep the
battery charged and the problem went away. Recently the switch for the
bonnet had to be replaced as the original had become bent and was
making/not making a connection. I know it was a problem because on
unlocking I heard the multiple beeps suggesting the car had been
interfered with when I had been watching it all along. I had it replaced
by a Clifford Agent for �30 all in and it has been fine since. Megan
Need Help? You can post questions on our forum Click here
| Hi I have got a problem with my passenger window which
will not go down. I have worked out the it's a problem with the drivers
switch as I have tried it on another Fig (thanks for that Les!) had had
the same problem.
Does anyone know how to take the switch apart? Do the silver levers have to come off first? Chris C
The silver lever just pulls off but I'm not sure how to
get inside the switch itself. The switches in the dashboard are made
from metal and I've taken those apart but never had to take the window
switch apart.
Sorry I can't be of further help but how about
using some electrical spray to clean the contacts up first before
delving into the switch - just a thought Graham
The circuit bioard has to be unsoldered to get at the
switch contacts - theres a risk of ruining the switch. If electrical
cleaner doesn't work - we can refurbish the switch for a fraction of new
cost Gareth
| Has anyone attempted to restore the chrome finish on the plastic parts with "chrome" paint, and was it successful. Regards Chris
Hi Smithy, Other than having the light rims re - chromed I
have found that Chrome finish paint isn't chrome just a silvery finish.
What I have done in the past with very good results is to apply chrome
coated film. There are basically two ways to carry out the work. If the
chrome flaking is quite extensive then you can wrap the whole light unit
in film obviously great care needs to be taken when applying the film
to keep it taught and to stop bubbling.I use carpet spray adhesive which
gives a uniform surface to apply the film. The second and easier method
is to apply the film using the disguised system where you cut the film
in non uniform cuts so leaving a jagged edge apply the spray adhesive
and using a soft cloth lay the film over the cleaned surface making sure
to cover all the dechromed area press home in small circles until the
film is completely flat with the surface when all is dry polish with
your normal wax. this system works because our eyes are drawn to
straight lines where as Jagged lines tend to be ignored. once the film
is applied properly it should be very difficult to see where the film
ends and the good chrome starts, problem solved. The repair should be
good for quite a while, enough time to do the same again or save to have
them re- chromed. Cheers Brian PS I must add, I have never carried
out this procedure on a Nissan Figaro but I have used the method on
other cars I have owned with great success.
fototaker27
|
|
Submit your pictures for the clubs 'FIGARO' 2011 Calendar!
|
Get Snapping! We are looking
for you to help us create this great Calendar so get clicking and submit
pictures. Don't forget we are looking for your Figaro with a really
stunning background (not parked outside your house!)
Deadline for submission is 31st October 2010.
Each month the Calendar will feature a spectacular photo of a Figaro with a stunning backdrop from places around the world! The picture will be captioned with the cars name/location/photographer's name, and will have a perforation so the photos can be easily removed for framing. Submit Your Pictures Now Photographic TipsWe have put together a useful collection of tips to help you take that really special picture of your Figaro. Click here |
|
|
Save 15% on your Figaro Car Insurance
|
The Figaro Owners Club has joined forces with Classic Line Insurance to create Figaro Insurance Services. This service is exclusive to members of the Figaro Owners Club only and could save you hundreds of pounds on your Figaro Car Insurance!
We have negotiated a volume discount rate which means you can enjoy 15% off an already very competitive price!
|
*Quote your DISCOUNT CODE FIC20406 ~ Check out Now ~ Click Here |
About the people behind the Figaro Owners Club
My son Daniel had always wanted a Figaro and after saving for years (plus a small contribution from his mum and dad!) he brought an Emerald Green one in May 2008. That was it - I was hooked too! Even now we spend many a happy weekend polishing her in the garage. We just love all that chrome...
Kevin & Daniel Fagan (Figaro Owners Club Founders)
|
|
|