New S2 owner - hello, and a question

[dlknight]

My under bonnet light wasn't working either so I took it apart, there is a guide here which I kind of followed -

Under Hood Light not working - Pelican Parts Forums

Mine still didn't work though as there was a gap between the mercury switch and contact plate, so I used a piece of aluminium foil to fill the gap.

Works great now

 

[orly]

So for the bulb to light - the parking lights need to be on AND the bonnet switch needs to be closed (meaning the bonnet is open) AND the mercury tilt switch in the bulb holder needs to be closed. That's quite a lot of factors to ensure the bulb isn't on when it shouldn't be...

Even if it is pretty useless, I'll definitely see if I can fix it...

 

[dlknight]

So for the bulb to light - the parking lights need to be on AND the bonnet switch needs to be closed (meaning the bonnet is open) AND the mercury tilt switch in the bulb holder needs to be closed. That's quite a lot of factors to ensure the bulb isn't on when it shouldn't be...

Even if it is pretty useless, I'll definitely see if I can fix it...

The bonnet switch (if you mean the black one near the firewall) is nothing to do with the light, it is in fact a sensor for the alarm

Unrelated I found that my switch bracket was bent slightly causing a false alarm in hot weather...

I wouldn't call it useless - it was pretty bright on mine and would be useful if you break down or need to check your fluids in the dark!

 

[orly]

OK, so it's just the parking lights / sidelights switch and the mercury tilt switch. Good to know. I did get as far as unscrewing the lamp holder from the bonnet, but then had to screw it immediately back on when things went wrong at work... I will get back to it when I get a chance!

Car cover arrived. My first experience of using one... Seems to be very well made and fits well, but how much of a pain they are I will find out! I'm hoping it will help preserve the car in the absence of a garage to keep it in...

 

[GregBarton78]

You could get a car port or decent wood garage/massive shed on there reasonably easily? I had real issues with condensation when I had my old Imp living under a cover outside years ago.

Mine got painted last week - it's been in build all week & hopefully taking shape. Heading over for a nosey this afternoon.

https://flic.kr/ps/3ZETCJ

 

[orly]

You could get a car port or decent wood garage/massive shed on there reasonably easily? I had real issues with condensation when I had my old Imp living under a cover outside years ago.

The problem I have is I'm planning to move home fairly soon, so not keen to put up a garage or car port that I will get little use from. I might be able to persuade a neighbour who has a garage too small for his cars to let me use that over the winter months, but I did take the cover off for the first time in a week today to fit the new microswitch to the rear hatch locking mechanism. The car was nice and dry underneath despite us having 70mm rain here in the last week. I do realise that the condensation issue isn't going to really hit until the temperature drops, but we shall see.

It's a good quality 3 layer cover which is allegedly breathable, but I am a little concerned about condensation and mould. I will play it by ear and just keep inspecting the car periodically.

 

[graham.webb]

FWIW my S2 has lived under four breathable covers for around 15 years, and I'm happy with them. The only corrosion issues I've had were around wheel arches and probably due to my using the car in all weathers. The UV degrades them and I'm on my second Classic Additions cover bought through PCGB. Even though it's a "standard fit" and not tailored there hasn't been a problem with scuffing (but the car is white).