Carpets!

Refitting the missing bolts makes a positive difference. I was surprised to see various bits of cloth in place under the dead dog on mine then realised the PO had been trying to stop the engine cover rattling as the 3 tricky bolts were missing. It only took a few mins to loosen the T bar to give enough access and then fit some spare bolts; the mind of a PO is an unfathomable thing.

I truly believe the PO did the same to mine.
The difference was noticed first drive.
Once I have done the doors I should have some left so I think I will stick it to the engine cover and lay the dead dog on top of that. 
Every little bit helps!

Long term project creating a long lasting relationship.
It will never be finished, they are always a work in progress & the more you hang around with undesirables like us the more daft ideas you will pick up.
The technique is not to do it all at once, savour each change.
At the end of the day any upgrading you might do, aren’t really necessary; the original buyer didn’t think so & in a lot of cases you’ll not even be aware of your efforts when your out on the road with the roof down.
M

You are right M...it is a long term project and it will take time.
I really, really enjoy driving the car..there is just something about it.
I will get the brakes and suspension done eventually but meantime every bit of me I put in to it makes me love it more.
Soppy old sod.

These cars definitely get under your skin.
I wasnt looking for a TF and had never considered one before when a motor trader friend of mine drove up in a blue 2002 115 he had taken in part exchange and was intending to put into auction. The drivers seat was worn out, the carpet had a hole in it, the steering wheel was out of alignment, the paintwork was flat and it had a short MOT but there was just something about it. I covered the few hundered he had allowed on the part exchange and proceeded to go completely bannanas about it over the next few weeks, discovering the forum, reading up extensively and discovering the best places to buy new and used spares. The idea was to use it for a while, make a few improvements and pass it onto my daughter. I replaced the front wishbones and some suspension joints to get it through it's MOT and then thought t would be good to find a set of 4 pot AP brakes and 16" wheels for it. The next big surprise for me was that I found a 135 Sunstom without an MOT locally and when i went round to see it found it was in better condition than my 115. Rather than treating it as a donor car I did the repairs- same wishbones and suspension joints as the other one, got it through it's MOT and then sold the 115 as by now my daughter had bought another car and didnt need it. The 135 remains and is just brilliant to drive especially with a KMAPS ECU.

Yep!
I read your post and recognised myself!
I thought I would only be happy with a 160 given my background but this thing nips along quite nicely. It will get a remap at some point.
I read every post and file it away and I have read a Lot of How To's..and in doing so got to know and appreciate the car.
Btw..Sunstorm is by far my favourite colour!

I have to agree with all of the above comments. 
Our F was the only car that my better half has ever expressed a interest in. I really wasn't sure but after that 1st test drive I was hooked. 
14 years later and still loving our car.

I bought my car from over 600 miles away unseen. I just had a good feel about it.
I took a train, it was delayed, I got lost on the tube crossing London and it was almost dark when I got there. 
I inspected it under a garage forcourt lights in the rain. 
We went back to the sellers house, he had picked me up at the station, did the deal and my first test drive was 620 miles up the motorway in torrential rain.
It never missed a beat and by the time I got home I was hooked.