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May & June 2021 Newsletter - Issue No 116 |
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Figgy owner,
Welcome to our May & June Club (Bumper) eNewsletter, out a day early!
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Something strange is happening here at the club? Even after the backdrop of Covid 19 and the car reaching the ripe old age of 30, for the first time in our 12-year history, membership has rocketed to an all-time high of 1,330. If we dissect the numbers the increase appears to be a combination of 5% more new members and 8% higher renewals. We know that many join to access our forum which has over 30,000 posts and unlike other forums is free of annoying pop-up google adverts!
Sue and I are so proud of this little (well maybe not so little) club and thank everyone for their continued support.
The Largest Figaro Party On Earth - June 27th
With the weekend scheduled to happen next month (pending step 3 announcement on the 17th of May), we are making the final arrangements for this NOT TO BE MISSED event.
- 278 Cars (only spaces for 22) Registered
- 20 Vintage & Figaro Exhibitors
- Mega-convoy on Sunday
- Award program
- Electric Figaro Demo (NEW)
- Ownership Seminars Announced (NEW)
- Free Figaro Health Check
- Pike Display
- 'Singer of the Lakes' Entertainment
- Charity Tombola/Shop
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Thank you
To the following members who helped contribute towards our latest newsletter. Elizabeth Wilding for the 'Picture which makes us smile', Denis Denning with his home-made shelf, Carol Ives members story with a twist, Dennis Case restoration article, William Harty, Graham Rose & Chris Whitaker in our meet the members and finally, Patrick Light's article on sound deadening.
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INSURANCE VALUATIONS
Priced at £16 our 2 Year Insurance Valuation Certificates are highly recommended to protect your value
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FIGARO TRADER
Launched 5 years ago our online platform allows you to buy and sell Figaro Cars, Parts & Accessories
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FIGARO CLOTHING & GIFTS
Our Figaro Store contains over 20 designs and hundreds of gifts to keep any Figaro enthusiast happy
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FIGARO BUYERS GUIDE
Priced at just £6 and published Online (PDF) the guide is explains INSPECTING, TEST DRIVING and BUYING
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ARCHIVE NEWSLETTERS
We have published over 100 Newsletters containing OWNERSHIP SUPPORT, MEMBERS STORIES...
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A PERSONAL WELCOME FROM KEVIN & SUE |
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A figgy welcome to all our new members.
We love running this little club and are here to help in any way we can. Although I personally don't claim to know everything about the car, as a club we are truly blessed to be surrounded by such helpful and friendly members whom we can turn too, so ask away!
We wanted to remind everyone that we are always on the lookout for great stories and helpful and interesting content.
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South West Chapter
South West Chapter coordinators Lynette & Rob Parsons sent us info on 5 events Read more
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Eastern Chapter
Eastern Chapter coordinator Julie Janes has published the latest events and news Read more
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Let's welcome Two New Chapter
Co-ordinators
To help Julie we welcome, Adam woods & his car Sparky! Having worked in hospitality and business travel for over 20 years, 2020 was a pretty tough year. While helping us reduce our outgoings by getting rid of the monthly cost of a car loan (and the associated car!), our primary reason for purchasing Sparky the Figaro was to help us get back out to enjoy day trips again! In the short time, we've had him, I can't get over how just going for a drive can plaster a smile on my face - such a joy to have in our lives!
I've been thinking about what I could get involved in over the last year, and helping the Eastern Chapter of the Figaro Owners Club is something I'm very much looking forward to!
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Adam with his Lapis Grey car named 'Sparky' will help Julie arrange local meets and events for our Eastern Members |
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Judith & Brian Crockett are taking on the role of Chapter Coordinators for the Channel Islands.
Judi has wanted a Figaro since she saw it one, years ago and we were finally able to afford it at the start of the year. I managed to buy one from the UK and get it shipped to Guernsey without Judi knowing anything. So on Monday as we went into lockdown on the previous Saturday, I told her we needed to nip to the Harbour and pick up something for my work.
There was 'Minty' sat out the offices and as we drove past, Judi said "oh you can buy me one of those", parked up and as we walked back towards the office I said "so you would like one of those" "yes" " well its a good job, because that one is yours!" after a few tears and a million Brownie points for me, we left happy.
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Chapter Coordinators Vacancies
The club currently has three vacancies so if you live in this area and are interested in hooking up with local members to arrange drive-outs or meets then please get in touch. These could be just meeting at an event being held by a 3rd party too!
- London - 213*
- North East & Yorkshire - 131*
- Wales - 77*
*Members as of April 2021. Note, this may not represent the number of people living in this area as members can tick chapter groups on sign up.
What is expected from a Chapter Coordinator?
With help from us, we would ask the coordinators to carry out three basic activities within a 12 month period
- Arrange at least one meet or get together.
- Help administrate Chapter Facebook Group.
- Communicate Twice a year with members.
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Updated Clarion Pricing and Features
James from Clarion contacted us to say that they have actually streamlined (due to popularity) the levels of refurbishment into two versions.
The prices for the refurbishments are £329.95 for the basic refurbishment and £389 for the addition of DAB.
The new display (the 'F's are now gone) and the unit displays 'FIGARO' on startup. Price also includes a two-year warranty and return of the unit. Read more
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Blow the cobwebs off your Figgy!
After such a difficult year, at last, it seems things are starting to get back to some kind of normal. We now have over 25 events listed on our website and more due to be added. You can also create your own event or meet-up too.
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Enjoy a birthday parade lap at Silverstone on Sat 31st July
We are delighted to confirm that our club has been allocated a slow speed parade lap of Silverstone Circuit on Saturday 31st July during the event. The packed weekend of the Silverstone Classic provides spectacular historic motor racing on the world-famous circuit, free access to the paddocks and grandstands.
It’s to celebrate the cars 30th anniversary. We will be joining other car clubs/model anniversaries.
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To our Forum group of owners who help members every day
We are truly blessed to have such a group of helpful & friendly individuals who give their time and knowledge to help us all. A few days ago we received this note from member Mike Smith.
"The people on the forum are helpful and the response is always very fast (which I know will come in handy when I'm stuck on something and I've got a handful of grease) Have had nothing but pleasure and challenge owning this car - all of it rewarding!"
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Boot Rack now includes a third top bracket and protection too
A few days ago we received an email from Andrew at Auto Link UK. Following my video and comments on the need to have the third bracket and a piece of heat-shrink tubing to protect the paintwork, it appears he listened and these are now included. The prices have gone up slightly to 99.14 +VAT for the alloy one and 115.89 +VAT for the s/s one. That is before the club discount. Read more
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30th Birthday Party Celebrations T-Shirts now available
Those of you lucky enough to be attending the birthday event in June can now buy the T-Shirt to wear. Priced at £15.92 the shirt is The standard, traditional t-shirt for everyday wear, Classic, generous, boxy fit, Heavyweight 5.3 oz / 180 gsm fabric, solid colours are 100% preshrunk cotton, Double-needle hems and neck band for durability. Read more
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Earn money from your Figaro
Have you ever considered hiring your Figaro for weddings or photo shoots? As a club, we receive a high number of requests to hire the car either with passengers or self-drive.
Members can enjoy free promotion on our club website. All we require is a few details about you and your Figaro. Contact us
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Fiat 500 - Figaro Edition
Well known for their Figaro restorations, servicing and parts The Figaro Shop have now decided to turn their skills to do the same to the Fiat 500.
Many Figaro owners tend to see these little cars as 'modern-day Figaros' but fitted with today's technology so it seemed to perfect choice. They have one for sale too £5,995 Read more
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THE BIG PICTURE
The image that makes us smile
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QUACK QUACK!
Irish member Elizabeth Wilding getting photobombed by a duck!
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Top of the Pops
Filmed in Alan Freeman ‘pop picker style format’ I filmed my top ten Figaro accessories. Starting at number ten, explaining each in detail, all the way down to my number one (which may surprise many of you).
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Words & Pictures: Kevin Fagan
With spring in the air, enjoy a fun video of my personal top 10 accessories. You can benefit from us to 10% discount on a number of them too.
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Here's the ten products, but which will be my number one? |
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Watch my fun video to find out... |
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Home-made Parcel Shelf
US Member Denis Dunning gets creative with some plumbing pipe and vinyl to create a foldable shelf that will hold small items
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Words & Pictures: Denis Denning
I have been working on my Figaro since I purchased her in August 2017, and I wanted to fit a parcel shelf. Looking at the price they were asking for I noticed that the ones for sale were in poor condition, to say the least.
With this in mind, I decided to try to make one for myself.
I asked a local plumber if he could make me a frame out using15mm copper pipe and sent him the dimensions. He was able to make one. A straight solder connection was used to join the two ends together. The joint can be seen at the centre of the frame which was to be closest to the bulkhead of the car
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Picture of Denis who is a retired photography lecturer and keen Figaro owner. The image shows Denis with his wife Freda in their Figaro named Grace as she's so Graceful... |
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PART 1
The copper frame was sprayed the same colour as the car. I had the roof replaced earlier in the year and the fitter gave me the remainder of the roll of vinyl. I used two pieces of this, which were glued together, back to back.
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PART 2
I used double-sided adhesive tape for this. I wanted the shelf to be able to hold smaller items that would normally fall through the conventional cord shelf. The next stage was to join the two pieces together and to mark out the holes.
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PART 3
I bought a kit which included a hole punch and eyelets and a tool for joining them together.
The tool shown above fixes the two parts of the eyelets together. A small hammer is required to fix the parts together.
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PART 4
The next step is to attach the cord to the framework. I would suggest 5 mm cord as I first used a thin chord, and it didn’t look right. It took a while to decide upon the best way to thread the cord through the eyelets. Both sides of the shelf are shown below to show the completed unit
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PART 5
I used a couple of 15 mm pipe grips to hold the shelf in position. They snap onto the shelf unit which is attached to the plastic trim beneath the glove box. Carefully mark out the position of the clips and drill a hole for the screw. Short self-tapping screws were used. Taking care not to let the drill go too far past the plastic when drilling the hole
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PART 6
There are two screws beneath the glove box, and they were used to attach the chord from the front edge of the shelf.
Simply loosen of these screws and attach the chord around the screw and tighten the screw.
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PART 7
Following the attachment of the chord to the two screws the next thing is to position the chord through one of the holes around the perimeter of the shelf.
The image shows the chord aligned to the fixing screws.
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PART 8
Finally, to store the shelf away, I used a small toggle which can be found on raincoats to keep the shelf in place. Simply press the button and pull the chord through to lift the shelf up.
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PART 9
Before cutting the chord make sure that the toggle is in the correct position when it is in use to keep the shelf level.
Good luck if you are going to try to make one for your Figaro.
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Member short-changed seller!
After an early financial misunderstanding, Carol Ives found her dream Figaro named Chloe and this was the start of her long term love affair.
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Words & Pictures: Carol Ives
I first fell in love with a Figaro back in 2002 when a makeup artist I worked with turned up to work on one. It was love at first sight! I had never seen one before and gushed about how much I loved it.
She went on to say that she was pregnant and would need to sell the car soon. I asked how much and her words were 'one five' I said absolutely yes! I would buy the car and we went on to plan when I would pick her up. She lived in London and I was in Brighton. The Day came and I got on a train with a friend, I was beyond excited. I had a picnic basket and a joe Jackson CD. Now you have to remember I have never seen a Figaro before, I had no idea of its value I simply knew I had to have one.
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"I loaded the CD and got just around the block literally when my friend called to say there had been a big mistake, she had said 'one five' which I took as £1,500, yes I know, ridiculous but I had no idea back then, well what she was selling her for was £15,000!!" |
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I soon arrived at my friends home and handed her the money in an envelope, it wasn't checked as we were friends, we chatted and then I left the happiest girl in the world, I loaded the CD and got just around the block literally when my friend called to say there had been a big mistake, she had said 'one five' which I took as £1,500, yes I know, ridiculous but I had no idea back then, well what she was selling her for was £15,000!! (to this day I don't understand the 'one five'🤣)
I drove her back, my happiness short-lived. Said goodbye and headed to the station for my long journey home. I vowed that day that I would own one, one day!
Being in Brighton and working in London I didn't need a car so it took longer than I would have hoped but I got Chloe in 2009, I got there in the end! She is my everyday car and brings me joy daily.
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Tailor-made Figaro Cover Test
Car cover expert Coverzone, visit our HQ (house) and take 50+ measurements to manufacture the closest fitting external cover ever.
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Words & Pictures: Kevin Fagan
Although many of our members use their cars all year long it's agreed by most that the Figaro is really a summer car and is not fond of wet weather. In fact, the car has a number of vulnerabilities like the wet boot which water can penetrate and old seals can cause extensive leaking and long-term damage within the car, you won't even know about it until mould starts to develop under the carpet!
So if you have no garage (or it's like most of us full of stuff) it makes sense to keep the rain off. Anyone who's brought an off-the-shelf car cover will know that the options are typically small, medium or large. The fitting leaves much to be required and often parts of the car are exposed or very baggy.
When we started the club we came across Car Covers UK who offered a Figaro cover manufactured by Coverzone. All was going well until a few months back when I read on the forum that the covers were not fitting as they should. To cut a long story short and after a number of emails, we requested that Coverzone come to sort out this issue once and for all. They visited our house to measure our Figaro then remade a brand new cover template based on this. So now we have every confidence it will fit 100%. Two weeks later the cover was delivered for testing. Watch my video below to see the results.
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The above picture shows Denis Hacket from Coverzone taking one of over 50 measurements to create the cover.
The new part number is CCC587. Make sure this is the cover you are ordering.
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Watch me fitting the cover to Belle
Ample Wing Mirror pockets allow them to be folded in too. The cover includes 'FRONT' and 'REAR' labels to help to fit in addition to 2 x securing straps and an optional locking eyelet.
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Stripped Bare
With 7 years of ownership behind them and the appearance of the dreaded rear wing rust bubbles, member Dennis Case bit the bullet and project managed a full restoration of his Figaro.
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Words & Pictures: Dennis Case
On 20th December 2014, we bought our Emerald Green Figaro. It came straight from Japan and whilst it was a solid car with just a small dent in the rear right-hand wing the paintwork and the interior were atrocious. The original clear-coat layer had pealed on most of the body panels and a subsequent resprayed was so bad that you could still see where the clear-coat had pealed and a rear wing felt like coarse sandpaper.
By keeping it clean and waxed most blemishes weren't noticeable at a distance but annoyed me greatly. In the following years, the interior was upgraded with new leather and interior panels painted.
In 2019 the infamous rust bubbles were starting to grow on the rear arches.
With everything being cancelled because of Covid in early 2020 we decided now would be the time to get the exterior restored.
We did some research and chose to have the work done by Toine and his crew at Figaro Cars in Den Bosch.
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His work is well renowned and the car finally went into his workshop in November.
I felt like a project manager at times. The whole project took 3 months and involved the Figaro cars body shop, the paint shop, parts from Nissan Nederland, polishing at Torsing Jansen in Hilversum and parts as well as great service from Maz at The Figaro Shop in Didcot.
What we did: All chrome and stainless steel strips were removed. Rubber strips replaced, stainless steel polished to a mirror finish, headlight surrounds replaced as were the lower sill covers, mirror stalks, headlight surrounds, hinges, rear lights and door handles. Complete respray.
We wanted a result as close to “factory finish" as possible so the boot and inside of the bonnet were sprayed in a low gloss clear coat giving the same look as when new.
Now hoping to be allowed to travel to the UK for the 30th birthday bash.
Please enjoy the photos.
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LED Headlight Upgrade MOT
Members should be aware that MOT changed made on the 19th March 2021 will affect cars that have had upgraded LED’s fitted.
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Updates to the MOT inspection manual published last month state that existing halogen headlamp units on classic cars should not be converted to be used with high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
The update means cars built and used before 1 April 1986 would not instantly fail for having the bulbs installed. However, the DVSA confirmed vehicles built ‘after this date’ would still fail if they have the part installed.
As the Figaro will have a build date of 1991 this falls into this category meaning, if your Figaro was to be tested at an MOT station and have LED’s lights fitted it would fail.
Although the decision seems somewhat strange (as clearly LED lights provide better lighting of the road) it seems the change has happened to ensure any headlight fitted are subject to Type Approval. This means if your bulb fails, you must replace it with an identical bulb and are not allowed to install a completely different new headlight unit with an LED bulb.
Can I install them, then remove, when my MOT is due?
Although this is an option, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to clarify if fitting an after-market LED would invalidate your insurance?
Where can I buy them?
The Figaro Shop sell a kit that includes all the parts required to upgrade at a cost of £82.98. They do state that the lights are not strictly legal – BUY NOW
FURTHER READING
- Actual guidance taken from the page in the manual – Read now
- Latest MOT special notice 01-21: headlamp conversions – published 19/03/2021 Read now
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Bulb Specification
Whilst we're talking bulbs, last month we decided to create a comprehensive summary of all 26 bulbs used in the car!
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KEY:
Capless bulbs mean they have no cap or end to screw them in so insert into a socket.
* These are not easily available in the UK. It is recommended that you keep at least one 921 / 955 bulb for emergencies. Better still – keep a spare bulb kit in the car containing one of each type of bulb
** It is legal to use Xenon 30 or 60% brighter bulbs and indeed these are recommended as they consume the same power as a standard bulb but give improved performance. Blue-tinged bulbs, high-power bulbs, etc are not road-legal.
*** You can update the lights in the dash to LED which will last longer and are much brighter. Light Colour: White (although you can choose other colour’s) LED Type: 5050 SMD, Base Type: T5 Neo Wedge, Base Diameter: 12mm, Working Voltage: 12V DC You will require 6 (Tachometer – 2 LED’S & Speedometer – 4 LED’S)
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Meet the Members
We love to publish pictures of our members' cars. Here's a selection of some of our latest Figs from around the globe.
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It was love at first site for me! In March of 2016 I was at our home in Ireland. I went to visit my friend Caroline who lived near by. When I got to her house I went in to a stone stable where she would usually park her SUV to see if she was home. What a huge surprise! This gorgeous Aqua Blue car. I
said out loud what in the world is this?...I want it!!! We had so much fun in it that week! Of course when I got back to Chicago
I started my research to see if it was possible to drive here. So here I am just shy of 5 years
later and I got one from a great importer in Virginia. I feel blessed and absolutely love the enthusiasm that people all over the world have for this amazing gem. I have been dying for the weather to break and can not wait for the adventure to begin.
William Harty - USA
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In March 2020 I bought a very poorly Figaro. Rusty wheel arches , sills, ripped vinyl roof and mouldy interior with seats that were flaking and ripped. So, to begin I started with a list of materials and equipment I would need. In 1979 I had spent a couple of years in a car body shop before moving into car sales so I knew a little bit about repairing cars.
I thought at first I would pay someone to do the welding and paint but after getting some quotes it proved to be too expensive. I've bought a mig welder and a spray gun and this is the story so far. Having purchased some brand new sills and wheel arches, I've successfully welded one sill and a wheel arch on one side, body filled and primed.
Graham Rose
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Members Figaro appears in Kinnoha Music Video Good As Gold. Chris Whitaker sent us a video of his little Budgie which was shoot a couple of years ago.
Who is Kinnoha?
Racking up more than a quarter of a million streams on Spotify, Good as Gold is Kinnoha’s most successful song to date, and despite several single releases and an EP, marks her debut music video.
This went on to win the ‘Best Solo Artist’ category at the Paris-based Music Video Underground Festival, made the official selection for Birmingham Film Festival and Southampton International Film Festival, and has been shortlisted for several other festival awards
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Sound Deadening for Figaro
There are so many ways to improve the Figaro. Here member Patrick Light decided to spend £100 on improving the sound deadening with spectacular results.
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Words & Pictures: Patrick Light
I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time and have looked into many different manufacturers and Kilmat seemed to come out top of the pile.
So I bought 2 boxes of Kilmat, they come in boxes of 34 sheets measuring 250mm x 400mm with coverage of 3sqm, so I thought 6sqm would be enough to cover the flooring. The total cost was £98. All that is needed for this project is a 10mm, 12mm, 14mm socket, a Philips screwdriver, a wallpaper roller, gloves, turpentine/rags, scissors/knife, 50mm aluminium tape and an end to a broom handle. Know I have bought the materials it was time to make a start.
It was a very warm Saturday morning with the roof down. Firstly, I removed the front seats which were easy to do, then removed the rear seats. The tricky part is the centre console and the lower dash and radio. I am no mechanic but managed it quite easily. (Have a little pot to put all your screws in to keep safe).
After removing all seats, wipe down the surface with turpentine and a rag to make sure all is degreased and very clean.
As it was a very warm day I placed the Kilmat in the sun to soften the backing.
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Take your 1st square and place onto the cleaned surface, it does not matter where you start BUT it must be pressed/rolled into every nook and cranny. Roller the flat bits with your wallpaper roller and then use your broom handle end to squeeze the air bubbles out of the crannies.
Kilmat will only be affective if ALL air is dispelled from any crevices. After your 1st square is laid it will be easy from there on in, just remember to roll out all of the bubbles and join your joints with aluminium foil.
This was a labour of love but so so worth the effort.
I took a decibel reading before and at 60mph it measured 74 and after fitting the Kilmat it measured 68.
"It is really weird as when we took her out after fitting Kilmat, Hattie just seemed to be a lot more rigid/solid"
I have yet to do the doors, which I will do a later date, which I'm sure will improve even further!
To summarise. For the sake of a little over £100 and two days labour, Hattie is now quieter, more rigid and Happy.
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Where to buy? I used from Ebay - Buy here
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PART 1
Remove both front seats and centre console
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PART 2
Remove rear bench seat and pull out carpet
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PART 3
Maybe clean or re-dye whilst its out of the car?
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PART 4
I brought two boxed of 34 sheets (250x400) making it easy to cut and fit onto the floor panel
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PART 5
After you lay the first tile it is easy. Remember top remove bubbles as you go
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PART 6
I used a wallpaper roller which allowed me to get into tight areas and make sure its flat.
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PART 7
Make sure you fill all the areas where the carpet fits
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PART 8
Take it up to the top edge of the rear bench seat
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PART 9
Fill up inside where the centre console fits too
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Nissan Figaro 30th Birthday Party Weekend 2021
We invite members to bring their Nissan Figaro and celebrate the cars’ 30th Birthday at this unique weekend of fun, friendship and frivolity in the Cotswolds!
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Attend on SUNDAY 27th JUNE 2021 for the main event which will include access to our Figaro Display Field, Vintage Village, participation in the mega convoy drive out, awards and more to come. Or if you are travelling a long way why not make a weekend of it? We have pre-reserved a number of rooms for the event so you can enjoy the luxury of Walton Hall Hotel & Spa.
£25 per Entry Fee Per Car
Our plan for the day is to create a ‘festival feel’ where members come together to share the love they have for their Figaros, and enjoy a Festival type atmosphere.
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Our son Daniel had always wanted a Figaro having seen the car at his local garage when he was just 16. After saving for a number of years (plus a small contribution from his mum and dad!) he, at last, brought an emerald green model in May 2008.
Following the purchase, we searched on the internet for a club in the hope we could attend events and meet other owners. We were amazed that at that time no club existed so the Figaro Owners Club was born!
We decided to build a basic website and forum which took a few months and on the 1st March 2009, we pressed the publish button and waited to see if anyone wanted to join? Within a week we had 10 members, a month 35 and a year 478!
Today the club has around 1,300 members worldwide in countries including New Zealand, Japan, Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and many more.
Kevin & Sue
Figaro Owners Club
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58 Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green,
High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6QT
United Kingdom
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