The Puma And The Puddle Sceptics and pessimists need not apply!
#1
Posted 08 January 2016 - 02:21 AM
I'm about to embark on a journey and I would like to share it with you. My name is Chris - new to the Puma world but not new to the automotive world. I can rebuild an engine component by component and tune an aftermarket ECU with a laptop if that helps illustrate my skills and interests.
I really like what I have seen on this forum - people seem very friendly and not on high horses (have you ever visited a Skyline forum?!). I love the camaraderie between the FRP folk and the open door to admirers of their Tickford-tuned weapons. I feel comfortable in this community from what I have read so far and hope that you enjoy my crazy journey. I feel I can share it with PumaPeople without fear of getting assassinated by ill-informed morons - unlike MX5OC; what a joke.
I have always been fond of the Puma and have driven a few - they never cease to impress as a drivers car and the FRP looks fantastic. I'm a bit of a traveller to the US and Canada and quickly realised that these great little cars never made it there. With plans to spend a considerable amount of time in the US this year - I thought it was time to introduce one to the USA on a longer-term basis than the press cars of the 90s...
I know what you're all thinking... "This guy is nuts - he won't get it through customs, it will get crushed, you can't import it etc. That's another nice Black Edition in the scrapper and this moron will have a heavy bill for the privilege!" Well, you'd be somewhat right - I am a bit nuts and thought I would start a blog to document the process. If you would care to read the story so far, you can find it at:
http://usapuma.blogspot.co.uk/ - most recent posts are at the top.
Peace out...
#2
Posted 08 January 2016 - 09:28 AM
Parts might be hard to come by locally in the US as whilst in Europe Puma/Fiesta/KA parts abound I don't think there was a shared car model available in the US.
Will be interesting to follow.
Read your blog :-)
#3
Posted 08 January 2016 - 02:02 PM
Thanks for reading my blog. I'm hoping that some material and corrections can be made on the advice of PumaPeople.
Thanks for the acknowledgement
#4
Posted 08 January 2016 - 02:13 PM
A coolant change and new hcv (not an ebay clone) before I went.
Did the can belt change include all the bits and tensioner.
#5
Posted 08 January 2016 - 06:29 PM
usapuma, on 08 January 2016 - 02:21 AM, said:
I feel I can share it with PumaPeople without fear of getting assassinated by ill-informed morons - unlike MX5OC; what a joke.
sounds like a good project..
Denso Iridium Plugs
Helix Clutch
Mobil 1
#6
Posted 08 January 2016 - 07:03 PM
I will follow your blog with great interest.
Hope you and your great little Puma will have great Time.
Looking forward to all the Pictures and the storys.
Have fun.
#7
Posted 08 January 2016 - 10:08 PM
#8
Posted 09 January 2016 - 01:06 AM
Eldoodarino - you get me!
Pumamartin - thank you for your support fella />
Alan H - bloody piss on my daffs why don't you!? I'm only kidding pal, I would love To learn more about this FRP rep..where can I find more info?
Not long now kids... Ship sails on Jan 22nd!
This post has been edited by usapuma: 09 January 2016 - 01:07 AM
#10
Posted 09 January 2016 - 09:36 AM
Spare set of bulbs too might be an idea and a couple various fuses.
Not long :-) it will be epic.
#11
Posted 09 January 2016 - 07:53 PM
replace the HCV before you go, you don't have to wore about it anymore.
If you take the spare with you, don't forget the coolant.
have fun
#12
Posted 10 January 2016 - 08:37 AM
I tried to persuade my fiancé that this would be a great idea for an extended honeymoon for similar reasons to yours. It would be ace to take one of my cherished cats over the pond for the memories, but also as the Yanks would be confused as hell to what this little car from In-gaa-laaand was. Obviously she said no and I've more chance of growing a second head than ever getting sign off!!!!
Best of luck to you, look forward to the updates.
#13
Posted 10 January 2016 - 02:37 PM
#14
Posted 10 January 2016 - 04:30 PM
Switch your headlights over before you leave:
http://www.pumapeopl...onversion_Guide
and take a spare key!
The Haynes Fiesta Manual (3397) can answer a lot of your questions.
#15
Posted 10 January 2016 - 05:09 PM
In my head I'll be retiring to Florida and it would be a dream to ship my puma out there to carry on using as a 2nd fun car. Mine will be way over 25yrs old by then & ok for import regs...
Ps just out of interest I did read somewhere about a small batch of Pumas (30 ish) being sold in Argentina under a 1 off promotion, so tiny numbers have been to the Americas before
#16
Posted 11 January 2016 - 01:54 AM
I looked up the Puma in Argentina and there were indeed a small number sent there: http://foros.hondacl...s-1.7-VVT/page6
It seems maybe 16 - 18 cars, which is cool... Not RHD though
The parts advice is invaluable. After reading the first HCV suggestion last week, I have noticed that mine is terribly intermittent! I will have to replace it and take a spare to be on the safe side. As for the thermostat housing, annoyingly I junked the old engine without having grabbed the thermostat housing! Damnit! Though I did know to grab the coilpack...
Thanks for the headlight trick... I was wondering. My lights are always full of condensation at the moment with all the rain recently. Is this a common fault?
I have also added another post to the blog
#17
Posted 11 January 2016 - 08:53 AM
Check for splits in the black rubber around the outer edge.
Some misting is standard :-)
Are you taking the moondust or panther?
Good work on preparing.
#18
Posted 11 January 2016 - 02:58 PM
#19
Posted 13 January 2016 - 11:20 PM
Booked the shipping today
So here's a new conundrum... My VIN is the same as a 2012 Ford Fusion according to the insurance company in the US (Progressive if you're interested).. The guy is having to write to the underwriters! The 10th digit is a C, which over there denotes 2012 and in fact I get a similar story when I decode the VIN online.
As a result, my quote jumped 55 bucks for the 6 month term because they can't determine the accuracy of the VIN! What a ball ache.. First hurdle though tbf.
#20
Posted 15 January 2016 - 11:33 AM
I sure would be keeping my eye on the oil levels too.
Cheers..