1500 FWD queries!

[bartholomew10]

Hi folks,
Could anyone tell me how 'cool' a temperature is it normal/permissible for a 1500 to run please (a new rad has recently been fitted before I bought the car). My gauge hardly lifts off the bottom mark even after half and hour or more of running at 50. (could be a faulty gauge I guess, but how to check it without buying another?).

Secondly, has anyione ever 'removed' the thick plstic film off the dashboard woodwork in order to varnish the underlying wood?. It's starting to delaminate and go cloudy on mine so is easy to crack it off in those spots, but most of the woodwork still has this seeemingly firmly attached clear plastic!.
Would it 'peel' off with care, or does one dissolve it in some way to avoid scratching the wood underneath?.

Lastly, do 'tired' front springs allow the car to have a slight 'lean-in' at the top,or would that only happen if someone has maybe played around with the shims??
Any suggestions on the above would be very welcome!, Thanks, Richard

[1300dolly]

worn ball joints or bushes would cause lean in .

Temp, gauge, mine (1500TC) bearly moved after 100 miles of driving around the new forest on a warm day.
to check if the gauge is working with the inition on pull of the lucar terminal on the temp sender unit and touch the terminal to an engine earthing point, if the gauge goes up to hot the gauge is fine.

With the dash wood i would remove it and sand it down before revarnishing, trying to scrape off the clear coat could cause damage to the wood.

(Why is this in the meetings and events section?)

[Jod Clark]

Could anyone tell me how 'cool' a temperature is it normal/permissible for a 1500 to run please (a new rad has recently been fitted before I bought the car). My gauge hardly lifts off the bottom mark even after half and hour or more of running at 50. (could be a faulty gauge I guess, but how to check it without buying another?).

Check the gauge as Justin says. The problem will either be a dodgy thermostat or a dodgy temperature sender, not too much of a problem, you should be able to source both for about £15 quid tops for the pair and replacement is simple dimple.

[bartholomew10]

Hi, Thanks for the two replies. It was in the 'wrong' section as I guess I got confused - - happens a lot lately!!!!.,
Must cut down on the booze!. Richard