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 February 2011 Newsletter ~ Issue No 24
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The Figaro Owners Club is a Not for Profit Organisation. Unlike other car clubs we don't have a fixed annual membership fee. We think it's fairer for our members to make an Annual Donation towards the running of the club. If you've not yet donated then please do so today and help us.
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 Membership Benefits
SAVE 15%
ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE

We've joined forces with Classic Line Insurance to offer you 15% Discount on your car insurance. Although we have heard some members save up to 50% as they deal exclusively with classic cars such as the Nissan Figaro. Learn more

 
SAVE 30%
ON AA BREAKDOWN COVER

The club is delighted to offer 30% Discount off at enrollment plus an ongoing 10% discount at renewal (please note that these discounts are based on the AA standard prices and are better in the long run compared to any tactical offers that you might see on our web site). Learn more

 
SAVE 10%
ON YOUR FIGARO COVER

You've invested in your dream Figaro and now it's outside in all that rain! You need a cover to keep it dry and snug and we have a fantastic range available. Car Covers the UK's largest range of fully tailored, waterproof and breathable indoor and outdoor car covers provide a 10% discount on their superb quality covers.Learn more
 

SAVE �100
ON RUST PROTECTION

If you drive your car in the rain we recommend this protection. Waxoyl will provide valuable protection to the underside of the car. You can receive a �100 Discount off Waxoyl under car treatment. Learn more
 

The above benefits + 

*Discounts and offers
*Invitation to Figaro Events
*Technical Support
*Access to our Forum
*Publish your stories and pictures

*Upload your Pictures and Video's

*Make friends and show off your car

 

 Club Statistics
The Latest Numbers from our Database 

Current Members: 3,127
Forum Members: 626
Forum Unique Posts: 7,362
Unique Web Visits: 111,080

Coverage: 46 Countries
iphone forum 2
 Forum Talk
ace cafe advert
Explore the Figaro

Ownership Issues
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Figaro Buyers Guide
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 Fun
View Youtube Videos, Gallery, Car of the Month.

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Car of the Month
FigFest 2009 Gallery Review
FigFest 2009 Video Review
ADVERTISEV2
Merchandise Best Sellers

Welcome to THE FIGARO STORE

 

Packed to the roof with over 400 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

 

 

 

Mug Topaz Mist

 

 

Beach Tote with Figaro Montage

 

Hi and welcome to our February 2011 Newsletter. We've got a job for you. Your mission, and I hope you accept it is to take yourself and your Figaro to some truly wonderful and breathtaking places this year and when your there take out your camera and click away! It could be a historic building, a river, lake, the seaside or mountain, in fact anything that makes you go wow! Email us the results and Oh don't forget to ensure you set your camera in a high resolution mode as it could be selected for our Figaro 2012 Calendar! Read more
 
 

Three Important dates for your Diary 

Get the diaries out as this month we have more great reasons to visit one of our 2011 Figaro Meetings/Events. The good news is for once the club seem to have more of the England covered with one in Scotland, one in London and the other in Great Yarmouth. So we hope that more of you can attend at least one of the dates. Read more
 

Member featured in Mobility Magazinegary jackson

Last month member Gary Jackson contacted the club regarding an article he had written for Mobility Magazine.

T
he publication is the campaigning charity for disabled motorists, passengers and Blue Badge holders. We have reprinted the article Read more

Ownership Series Agreed with GJNorthall

We are delighted to announce that Simon from GJNorthall has given the club permission to publish their excellent technical and ownership information. We intend to publish the entire library of documents over the next year. This Month we look at Figaro Niggles - Part 1. Read more

A Figaro for under �400!

We bring you news about a Figaro that was brought back from the dead and given a new heart! Read more

Figaro Company For Sale

We have news this month of a great opportunity for all you Figaro lovers. Andy Powell of Figaro Shop Merchandise fame is selling his marketing company Figgy Go. Read more


I hope you enjoy the Newsletter and don't forget to send me your pictures and stories, catch you next month :)


Kevin

Kevin Fagan

Figaro Owners Club Founder
Email me:  [email protected]
 

 Figaro Events
FigaroEventsThree events in three different parts of the country! We bring to you the facts at a glance.
 

Ace Cafe Meeting (London) ~ 16th April 2011

Where is it?
London     

Entry Cost?
Free 

 

Who's behind it? Kevin Fagan the founder of the Figaro Owners Club Email - [email protected]

 

Venue Details:The famous Ace Caf�! This cult venue attracts thousands of motorbike and car enthusiasts every year and is worth a visit in its own right!

 

What's happening on the day? The day is relatively informal, it kicks of at 11.00 so just turn up when you can. The club will be in attendance (you can't miss us in our orange gazebo!) so come and say hello. We will be running some competitions and raffle to raise money for charity so bring along some spare change! 

Sounds good how can I Register?
You can Register on-line REGISTER NOW

acecafe
 
 

ScotFest 2011 ~ Date TBA  (Around Easter) 

 

scotfest montage imageWhere is it? Dumfries (Scotland)
 
Entry Cost?
TBC

 

Who's behind it? Brian Pritchard
[email protected]

 

Venue Details:The venue he is hoping to get is Park Farm, which is about one and a half miles from the centre of Dumfries, with easy access from both North and South. This venue also makes the fun run very easy to orginise with the local authorities, as it would cause the minimal amount of police involvement. Brian will be able to park next to the river where there is a huge car park. Although the centre of Dumfries in pedestrionised, it does have access from both ends for traffic, with a large Piatsa in the centre where the cars can be shown to the public. Part of the camping fee will go towards Help for Hero's, as will any money raised by raffles which he intends to hold through out the weekend.

 

What's happening on the weekend? Cash for Kids charity an Easter Egg rally, this would run along side South West Radio. BBQ, Disco, Competitions

Live band...

Sounds good how can I Register?  Registration will open next Month
 


FigFest 2011 ~ 8th, 9th & 10th July 2011

 

Where is it? Great Yarmouth 

Entry Cost?
Cost TBC

 

Who's behind it? Paul Atyeo [email protected]

 

Venue Details: This year the event will be held at church farm which is 5 minutes away from Fritton Lake (FigFest 2010) and right next to the Norfolk broads and Burough Castle. It has a lovely little campsite with indoor showers , yes showers and 2 local pubs, one we have eaten in and it was a fantastic carvery and the other is about a minute away from our site.

 

What's happening on the weekend? Paul has promised the usual stuff which includes the famous seaside convoy! BBQ, Disco, Competitions, Live band

 

Sounds good how can I Register? Registration will open next Month
 

 Picture of the Month
PictureofthemonthThis picture was submitted by Claire Lillis and we guess its part of of a rather special day. We confess we had to Google 'Connemara' to find out where it was?

It seems it's
a real emerald of Ireland. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland. Learn more
picofmonthfeb2011
"Automnal" Topaz Mist in Connemara - Just Married


 Members Stories

membersstoryMember Colin Parker sent in a picture of his 'Manual' Figaro. Apparently it was owned by a lady who drove it without water and wrecked the engine-she took it to our local Nissan Garage ,they dismantled it and said it was not repairable,they would look for another engine for it.

 
3 years later the car was still not fixed -Nissan in Cirencester went bust and Colin got the car for �200. It was in a dreadful state with broken side window,- so interior was wet and mouldy
, Colin cleaned it up, replaced the window, got a K10 engine and 5 speed gearbox (42000 miles) for �150 which fitted fine with a few mods, the difficult part was the pedal box which he adapted the K10 one to fit and it works very well. Colin said that the car sailed through MOT and is great fun to drive. Well we work that out to be just �350! Bargain!!

colinpalmer
Can you spot the difference?

Members Cars

Each month we upload to our website and feature our New Members Cars in all their glory. Submit your car for inclusion click here or email Kevin at [email protected] 
newmemberscarsv2
 
Send in your Picture for our next Newsletter - Click here

Advertisement Feature

TheFigaroShop Advert

Special Feature

mobilseLast month we got wind of an article printed in the Mobilise Magazine (Mobilise is the body for Disabled Drivers) about a Figaro that was owned by member Gary Jackson. Gary's story is typical of a 'chance advert' seen this time in a supermarket! Its a great story and thanks Gary for bringing to the attention of the club and its members.  Article Reprinted from December 2010 Mobilise.

mobilise1

 

mobalise2 

 If you have an interesting story about a Figaro then please Contact Us
 

figgygoAdvertisement Feature

go-figgy-advert

Ownership Issues - Under The Bonnet

ownershipissuesThis series is written by Gjnorthall Factors - Nissan Figaro Specialists. The company is well respected and has been involved in maintenance, servicing and new parts supply since 1999. The documents are all copyright protected and cannot be reproduced or passed off by any 3rd party. They can be printed and used for personal use.
 

This is document is available on PDF via our website Click here 

figaroniglespart1page1
figaronigglespart22 
 

NEXT MONTH - Figaro Niggles Part 2 

 

Huge thanks to Simon for the information - The series continues next month (ed)  www.jgnorthhall.com
 


Dealers Under The Spotlight - Figaro Restore (Hallen Imports)
spotlightondealerDave Bishop from Figaro Restore sent in some stunning pictures of his most recent project!

"We refurbished this jointly with the customer. Our brief was that his wife was super enthusiastic about anything Retro. We painted the Figaro in a retro Orange, re-piped the seats to match and finished it off with Black carpets. He did draw the line with leopard print seat covers! (It was only an idea) Its one of those Figs that make you happy just to look at. What a jolly looking Figaro. I think that's the essence of a Figaro, Unique and Happy"

figarorestorefeb2011v2

Garages who support the club through advertising you can feature their projects here - Contact Us 

 


I need answers!  (The following have been taken from last Months Forum Posts)
 
Replace an interior Mirror?
 
Engine Cuts Out?
 
Condensation/Wet
 
Hello, My interior mirror isn't working at the moment. I already got a replacement but i have no idea where do I start ? Do I need to replace the light as well ,although there's nothing wrong with the current one?
Ania


It's only the mirror and stem you need to change. The mirror is mounted on a sprung pin so that it safely releases if you made contact with it in an accident - therefore treat it fairly gentle. Pull off the plastic cover on the stem - it just clips on. Remove the 3 small screws on the base plate and lift off the old mirror. Install the new mirror and gently tighten the three screws

Gareth Figaro Owners Club Technical Specialist

Need Help? You can post questions on our forum
Click here
 

 
I am not sure if the subject is the correct way to explain this but i have noticed recently that the engine seems to go quiet for a short time when driving and then jumps back on again. I have a video recorded of my rev counter when I am waiting at a drivethrough just with my foot on the break. It shows the revs jumping quite alot even though I am not moving. Will try and see if I can attach the video on here.
Anybody any thoughts on what this might be? Tilly

 

Presumably it's not just the rev counter that takes a drive - you can hear the engine revs drop and then recover. Unfortunately there can be many reasons for the symptoms you describe. First is air ingress usually due to a loose or split hose around the induction system causing the fuel mixture to vary. Second is a faulty MAFF meter. Thirdly is an issue with the idle stabiliser (usually a split hose) or an ignition fault. Fourthly is a damaged cold idle valve - though if it was this then the car wouldn't cold idle properly when cold.


Figetmenot also mentions a window problem whereby the auto function of the drivers window sticks and repeatedly triggers the motor overload. This caused a step change in revs that lasts for maybe 10 seconds or more so unlikely to be an issue in your case. Just test the car with the window partially open to confirm it's not the problem.


There may be a fault code showing on the ECU so this should be checked first. If theres nothing obvious, then get a garage to take a look - with a repeatable problem it's easy to find the initiating event with fairly basic test equipment

Gareth Figaro Owners Club Technical Specialist 
 
Condensation seems to be a problem in Fig's,especially if a cover is used,any ideas how to avoid this?ive just started leaving a couple of small containers of salt inside the car to see if that helps.Also after heavy rain ive been getting water coming out of the interior light,dont know where its coming from but it is annoying and dangerous 'cos while im looking at that while im turning a corner,im not looking at whats in front of me!.Any thoughts on either of those subjects would be appreciated.
Elltay


With regards to your condensation query, It depends on the type and quality of cover used. I have a breathable 4/5 layer tailored cover as our garage is occupied and find minimal condensation. It also depends on the weather, if its foggy, then I find that the fog will creep under the cover and lie over the body, in these circumstances I will remove the cover and allow air to clear the condensation.In all other weathers, rain, hail, snow and wind the car is kept dry and the moisture does not penetrate the cover. The cover also provides protection from other debris and in particular Bird droppings,( is it me or do your local feathered friends seem to target a sparkling Fig, They have the accuracy of a Stuka Dive bomber, I shall have to mount ground to air missles on the Fig roof.).  With regards to the leak through your light, may I suggest that you check the seal around the roof front. Steve


Water gets under the stainless steel trim above the windscreen and creeps down the retaining clip holes which go through the roof. The problem usually happens if the car is parked facing downhill! The water will drip from the interior light or from the joins in the plastic trim. In other cases it will creep down the windscreen edge trims and end up on the carpet. Best solution is a circle bead of clear silicon adhesive around the clip holes after removing the trim and a bead of silicon on the rubber seal at the back of the trim. Use your aircon on a regular basis to remove moist air from the car and stagnant sections such as between the roof and headlining. On dry days in spring - leave the car with the windows and bootlids open to allow a good airing.


Gareth - Figaro Owners Club Technical Specialist

 
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... After buying the car we started searching the internet for ownership help and advice and although a forum existed there was no real club so in December 2008 we started designing and building the web site which took around 4 Months.

The club was formed in February 2009 and launched on 1st March 2009. 

Kevin Fagan (Figaro Owners Club Founder)
2011 The Figaro Owners Club
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Figaro Owners Club, 58 Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6QT.
Web Site: www.figaroownersclub.co.uk  Email: [email protected]