Old mans cabby

[scjimbo]

Going to look at a cabby for my old man tomorrow. Although its fair to say I know my way round 30s now, I have never had much to do with cabbys. Anything above and beyond that I should be looking for?

CIA

[Duke137]

You need an E30 where the roof folds down mate

[scjimbo]

You need an E30 where the roof folds down mate

Oh bugger. I was wondering why the sunroof hole was so big in the pictures. I though it was just the normal rust problem

[daimlerman]

Cabbie's rust at the rear cill join,it's mostly hidden by the cill tread plate,so any bubbles will be a lot worse.
Front wings are cabbie specific,although a decent bodyman can adapt saloon items to fit.
The hood is expensive to replace,so you are looking for a clear rear window and undamaged fabric,a faded fabric can be re-coloured easily DIY.
Power hoods are a great novelty,but are both difficult and expensive to fix when broken,manual hood is quick and easy to operate,so avoid a power hood that 'just needs a fuse/adjustment/lubrication.'

Check to ensure the car has not been 'rung' in it's past...these were desirable and very expensive once and the zone has uncovered many cabbie 'ringers'.

[Gavla]

Not only should the fabric of the hood and rear window be in good condition, also check the rubber seals as these are expensive to replace.

[pac1982]

check to see the windows line up correct when closed not really an expensive fix just a pain in the arse to put right

[scjimbo]

Cool cheers guys. Ad says it had a new hood last year.

[pac1982]

Cool cheers guys. Ad says it had a new hood last year.

still be sure to check it over, a poorly fitted new hood can be worse than an old ropey one

[Type15]

Cool cheers guys. Ad says it had a new hood last year.

still be sure to check it over, a poorly fitted new hood can be worse than an old ropey one

I'd agree with this - also check what type of hood/material it's made of. There's a world of difference between a £600 Sonnenland mohair number and some cheap pvc rubbish.

[scjimbo]

Cool cheers guys. Ad says it had a new hood last year.

still be sure to check it over, a poorly fitted new hood can be worse than an old ropey one

I'd agree with this - also check what type of hood/material it's made of. There's a world of difference between a £600 Sonnenland mohair number and some cheap pvc rubbish.

Ah right good tip. I would have thought there was only a few manufacturers.

So what should I look for with the hood?

[scjimbo]

Oh pooh just realised its an auto too. What should I look for on them?