Technical Advice Forum

Question from P.Allen:

Hi, I was just wondering as to the legal requirements for under-chasis lighting?

Answer:

To get the most up to date information, your best option is to look up the NZ Transport Agency website: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/

Other additional lighting requirements are covered by the regulations which are available at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/vehicle-lighting-2004-qa.html

Question from V. Diola:

Hello. I would like to ask what is the best gasket sealer brand I have to use if I am going to change or clean the gasket of the engine of my car? I have an 89 Toyota Chaser, somewhat the same model as an 89 Cressida. I cannot seem to find a replacement part for the engine gaskets so I am thinking on just cleaning it up and use sealers to seal the engine. Thank you.

Answer from Permatex:

Thanks for your question. The best Permatex product to use on a rocker cover gasket is Ultra Black. Permatex Ultra Black has been developed to have the highest resistance to automotive engine oil.

Once you have removed the old rocker cover gasket you will need to make sure that you clean up the surfaces of the rocker cover, head and the old gasket, making sure that they are clean and oil free. Then apply a layer of Ultra Black onto the surface of the head, fit the rocker cover and gasket to the engine. Make sure to torque the rocker cover bolts to the recommended torque level.

You must allow at least two hours for the silicone to begin to cure before running the engine other wise you run the risk of it not sealing properly.

Ultra Black is available in two sizes 80ml tube and 300ml cartridge, just ask the staff at your nearest Supercheap Auto for help.

Question from Tina:

Just want to know if you sell body repair kits for the body? Thanks

Answer:

We have a number of tools suitable for body repair. Below is a list of what is available at any of our Supercheap Auto stores. The 7piece kits can be picked up for around $30. The 9 piece dent puller kit is around $20.

Article Description:

• DENT PULLER KIT 9 PC
• GENERAL PURPOSE DOLLY
• DENT PULLER HEAVY DUTY SPRWRKS
• DENT PULLER SUCTION CUP SPRWRKS
• BODY REPAIR KIT 7PCE YELL/BLK F/GLASS HD

Question from Paul:

Hi, Just bought a boat trailor light bar from super cheap, the lights are mounted on a pvc bar, whats the best way to mount it to the boat.

Answer:

In regards to mounting the trailer board, our boards come with 2 mounting holes. Some people fasten hooks to the rear of the boat and the board can be put on these hooks and others, not wishing to put holes in their boat simply tie the board to the boat with nylon rope.

Question from Mitchell:

Can you tell me what the torque (foot pounds) is for the head and the piston bolts are for a suzuki carry van st90/st90v 1990 model and a price on a work shop manul please?

Answer:

• From ACL’s information the engine should be a F8A 800cc.
• If it is an F8A the torque settings are as follows.
• Cylinder Head. Torque in three stages to 22, 34 and 44 foot pound.
• Con Rod Bolts - 22 foot pound.
• These are the ACL settings & other brands of gaskets may vary a little.

With regards to the manual, we have a listing for a Suzuki Supercarry, but not a Suzuki Carry Van.

Answer from Customer:

Suzuki carry a van workshop manual.

Question from D.Campbell:

I have a kia mentor shuma year 2000 is castrol GTX3 the right oil for my car? It has done 106,000km?

Answer:

The Castrol Lube Guide recommends Castrol Magnatec for this make of vehicle.

Question from C Roberts:

I purchased a 2.0hp Superworks air compressor from Supercheap Auto a while ago and I am now having problems with it. It is running but won't provide enough loading to use any of the tools or accessories. It has been used reasonably regularly but has certainly not been over worked. I have tried working through the instruction booklet that comes with it and have carried out any measures that I can interpret from it. But it is very limited at best. I was wondering if you either had some suggestions on what the problem might be, or if you could advise me of a web site for Superworks that I might be able to find some more information from.

Answer:

Thanks for your enquiry. It sounds like you have covered a lot of the scenarios I would have checked too. Well done. There is one more test I would like you to perform. Can you put a piece of paper (approx 10cm x 10cm) near the intake filter and see whether it is sucking air in or blowing air out.

If it appears to be blowing air out then there is an issue with either the head gasket being blown or the valves being stuck. The duty cycle of this air compressor is 25%. This means that the air compressor motor must be stopped, rested, for at least 7 ½ minutes for every 2 ½ minutes use. If this is not adhered to then it can cause the compressor to overheat and blow the fine metal gasket between the head and the block.

There can be a number of other issues that may cause this problem and depending on the age of the compressor it may be one of the following.

• The regulator is not working correctly or has been wound down which would cause a decrease in pressure.
• There may be a blockage in one of the pipes
• It may be a broken piston compression ring

I would like to know the approx age of the compressor if possible. There should be a serial number on the compressor. This would help us to identify the age of the compressor and what batch it came from.

Question from Brittany:

How do I take out the current audio system and install a new one into my 1992 Holden Barina?

Answer:

The best advice that I could give for this is to contact your nearest car sound installer. You can do this by looking up car audio in the yellow pages and there will be listings of car audio installers in your area. It is advisable not to attempt to remove this audio system yourself as it is a difficult system to work with and sometimes (unknowingly) more harm than good can be caused if you do so.

Question from Peter:

I have a 2006 XR6 with a crack about a foot long in the bumper just below the right headlight is it able to be fixed?

Answer from Septone:

Yes it can be repaired. It is recommended that you contact a professional plastic welder. Whilst some people use fibreglass repair kits to repair small cracks in plastic bumpers we do not recommend it for large repairs such as this. Repairs can be found in the yellow pages under “Plastics Repairs” Once the plastic bar is repaired we recommend using our Septone bumper prime aerosol to prime and fill the repair then followed by the top coat colour of the vehicle.

Question from J. Mendoza:

Hi my car paint is starting to fade around the roof area, and i was wondering if you could give me directions as to how to re-spray a bit of colour back into it. I looked at the colour card and found it to be blue metallic marseilles RTC 6400. Thanks.

Answer from Septone:

I would suggest that you try to rejuvenate the old faded paint work using Septone Mr Buff cutting compound and a polishing machine fitted with a lambswool buff pad then hand polishing the area with a polish prior to respraying. If the paintwork does not respond to polishing and respraying is necessary, you will need to have the paint mixed and matched by a professional Auto Paint supplier. If necessary we can recommend a supplier close to you. All of the preparation products can be purchased from any Supercheap Auto store.

Septone's step by step paint repair video is available to be viewed on their website: http://www.septone.com.au this will assist you with all of the necessary steps required to respray the roof of the vehicle.

Question from Raegan:

Im thinking of respraying my Toyota corrola hatch in enemal could you please give me the steps on respraying it.

Answer from Septone:

Step 1.

All existing paintwork would need to be washed with wax and grease remover to remove old car polish, bitumen and grease then sanded with 320-400 grit wet or dry sandpaper.

Step 2.

Mask off all areas and wash with wax and grease remover again, apply 2 coats of primer filler and allow primer to dry for a minimum of 2 hours.

Step 3.

Lightly sand primer filler with 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper until smooth, wash again with wax and grease remover and apply 3 coats of spraying enamel. Refer directions for use on the back label of each product for thinning ratios, drying times etc. Note: Quick dry enamel is not recommended for vehicles as it does not provide long term UV resistance. We recommend Acrylic Lacquer for all automotive refinish applications. You can also watch the Training video on http://www.septone.com.au/

Question from Joe:

Hi. I did regularly check for my 1989 magna this afternoon, and was found that the brake fluid is incated the min level, not below, just on the min. Im thinking about topping up the brake fluid. Are all brake fuild supplied in supercheapauto shop suitable for my car? And where to add the brake fuild in the car? Is it right to add the brake fluid in the white little box?

Answer:

A Dot 4 Brake Fluid should be fine for an 89 Magna – just ask a team member in store and they’ll be able to help you chose the correct one. Brake fluid is added into the brake fluid reservoir under your bonnet.

Question from D.Harvey:

How do I alter the idle speed on a 1991 Toyota Camry?

Answer:

You would be best of by purchasing a car manual. For a little over $40 plus freight, you can special order one of these manuals through one of our stores which is specifically written for his vehicle. Manuals give all types of technical information for the specific vehicle, including the information you are chasing.

Question from Geoff:

How do I fit an transmission inhibitor switch to Land Rover Discovery, or where can I down load a W/S manual?

Answer:

You can’t download a manual online as far as we’re aware. You would be best off purchasing a physical car manual. For a little over $40 plus freight, you will be able to special order one of these manuals through one of our stores which is specifically written for his vehicle. Manuals give all types of technical information for the specific vehicle, including the information you are chasing.

Question from A.Ng:

How do I replace the headlights in a 1997 Hyundai Excel?

Answer:

If you are making an enquiry regarding "replacing your headlights" we firstly need to know whether you are wishing to replace the headlight or just the headlight globe?

If it is only the globe, the easiest method is to visit a Supercheap Auto store and the team will be able to assist you with purchasing a replacement globe and can also advise at the point of purchase how to fit the globe.

In a Hyundai Excel there is a grey cap on the back of the headlight housing which can be unscreened and allows access to the headlight globe. Once the cap has been removed, undo the metal clip which holds the globe in place and remove the wiring loom from the back of the globe. Insert the new replacement globe; reconnect the wiring loom and reconnect the metal clip to hold the globe in place. Then screw the grey backing cap back on and you have finished.

Question from D. Hampson:

Can you put a turbo charger to any stock car or does it have to be a turbo car?

Answer:

You can put a Turbo on a non turbo car but there are quite a few modifications that need to be done to the intake and possibly the engine itself depending upon what car you have as well as the performance you are expecting from it. We would suggest that you speak to a turbo fitment centre in regards to what will suit your requirements and needs.

Question from Benny:

I have got a VT Holden commodore and I would like to put a pod filter on it what do I need to do this; can you help me thank you?

Answer:

There are many kits available on the market to make this conversion easy. The kit will depend on what model VT you have. There are different kits available for the V6 and V8 versions.

Question from B.John:

I have recently purchased a '97 Honda Civic CXI with 84,200km. With my previous cars, I have used Penrite and or Nulon. Can you tell me which is better for this vehicle and the viscosity?

Answer:

SCA stocks Penrite HPR10 10w/50 which is recommended for this vehicle according to http://www.penritedata.com/au/db/vehiclewizard2_s.php?cid=9, Penrite’s online lubricant guide.

Question from Dave:

How do I install HID xenon conversion kit to my 03 VY Berlina?

Answer:

There are a variety of different HID conversion kits on the market and I would first suggest that you seek advice on this installation from your point of purchase. The installation of HID conversion kits can be complex and may require modifications to your headlight housing (depending on the type of HID kit you have purchased) and it is my recommendation that you have this installed by a professional auto electrician to ensure that it is installed correctly.

Question from D.Chesson:

What would be the best oil for my 1994 VR Commodore, I just purchased it & it has been rebuild?

Answer:

This does depend on how recently the engine has been rebuilt. If the engine has only been rebuilt recently, we advise that you contact the mechanic who rebuilt it. Some mechanics may recommend that a mineral based running in oil be used for the first few hundred kilometres then change to a conventional oil. If you are unable to contact the mechanic who completed the rebuild, you can ring the Castrol helpline on 1300 554 894 for the cost of a local call.

Question from D.Marsh:

What do I need to install a subwoofer into my car like what cables and do I need an amp what watt should it all be?

Answer:

The type of cabling and amp to use will depend on what sort of system and Sub you will be running.

If the system high performance e.g. multiple RCA out put on head unit with sub control and you running a sub larger than about 2000watts then its advisable to use an amp that is around the 1000watt range and a cabling kit that is about 4 or 0 gauge this makes sure that there is no resistance and that the amp is running to its full potential. Basically what ever wattage your sub is halving it and that will give you a base wattage to run your sub at but it will be necessary to use an amp unless you have a sub that is less than 200 watts.

If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to ask.

Question from Henry T:

My New Sound System Receives Engine Noise Through The Speakers Which Are Connected To The Head Deck, I Have Grounded It. What Do I Do?

Answer:

Noise through speakers is a common problem with after market systems due to the intrusive nature of cut wires and the like. A way to solve this is to purchase a noise filter. We have noise filters in stock and they retail at $12.99. If you pop into one of our stores and ask one of our friendly team members they will be more than happy to point you in the direction of them. I hope this has answered your question.

Question from Scottie:

Recently my exhaust cracked a weld, I was told about an exhaust bandage as a temp fix while I save to get a new one. Is this an acutual item or is it something a mate has dreamt up?

Answer:

Your mate was right, this is an actual Item. Supercheap ranges the Permatex muffler bandage which will allow you to temporarily fix the issue with your exhaust. If you do not have the room to wrap the bandage around, there is also muffler putty which can be used as a quick fix.

Question from C.Hope:

I've just bought a car & have realised it doesnt have a Cigarette lighter; I need this for my Navigator & Ipod unit. Is it possible to have one installed?

Answer:

Yes, it is possible to have one installed and you have a number of options.

• You can purchase a cigarette socket at any Supercheap Auto store and wire this in yourself
• Have an auto electrician fit one for you
• The dealer you purchased the vehicle from would probably also be able to install one for you

Question from J.Liu:

What is the difference between pink coolant and green coolant? Must I use pink coolant for 1995 Peugeot 405? How about for 1990 Lexus LS400? Thank you.

Answer from Nulon:

We would suggest the use of green Long Life Coolant in both cars and definitely in the Peugeot. Being a 1990 model the Lexus would most likely have had an initial fill of Toyota/Lexus Red conventional coolant. This has no doubt been replaced by either Red or Green coolant during normal maintenance.

As it is a 1990 model my choice would be to replace it with green Long Life Coolant - but as you mentioned our red coolant will also suit this vehicle.

Correct flushing out of the old coolant is the key to good corrosion control.

Question from Paul:

Bringing plastic bumpers back to life. I've just purchased an old Ford XD and the black plastic bumpers are pretty ordinary. Is there a product that can bring them back to life (eg. a rubber paint or similar)? Thanks in advance.

Answer:

We have a few products that would be suitable for restoring your black bumper. Details of products are below, and are available at all our stores.

• Forever Black Bumper & Trim (plu 123676). The feedback I have received from numerous customers indicates this is the best product we have available and is very easy to use.
• Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer (plu 2667). Haven't heard much about this one, but Meguiars is an excellent brand.

The 3rd alternative is to use our Septone Vinyl & Plastic Paint, but due to the amount of work involved, it may be easier to try option 1 first. Hope this assists you with your query, and please feel free to let us know how your bumper turned out.

Question from R. McCosker:

Are Pod Filters Legal to fit or do you require an engineering certificate to have one?

Answer:

I would recommend that you visit the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/ to get a clear understanding of whether a pod filter is acceptable to them.

Question from Brian:

Want to wire in a pair of driving lights to my 1998 VT Berlina - all the terminals on the headlight appear to have a constant 12 volts on them is there a secret to it??

Answer:

Below is a wiring diagram for installing driving lights, it is recommended that installers fuse the battery to relay active wire. If apprehensive in completing this on your own, an automotive electrician can install this for you.

Wiring Answer from K.Johnson:

Answer for the person trying to fit spot lights to a VT Commodore For the switching side of your relay if you conect one wire into one of your inner High Beam globe and the othe wire to the other wire coming frome the inner High Beam globe you will not have to fing the NEG in your high beam circuct, but make sure you use a relay. Well thats how i did it and it works !!

Question from Benson:

How good is the 76 Synthetic Blend engine oil as compared to Chevron, Mobil1...?

Answer:

Currently, we only stock selected Mobil 1 products. As we do not carry “76 Synthetic Blend” or “Chevron” we are unable to comment on the quality of these oils or compare them to Mobil 1.

Question from Matthew:

I wanna know how much the wiring kit is for subs and amps i only want a basic kit so please how much and does it come with installation giude?

Answer:

Amp and sub wiring kits come in all different shapes and sizes and the right one for the right application always depends on the product specs. of your equipment.

We have a couple of different amp wiring kits that also include such things as RCAs, wiring for speakers and they can come in 2 and 4 channel kits.

We have our range of rampage kits that start at 49.95 for a 2 channel amp wiring kit which is all you need to run a sub. 4 channel amp wiring kits start at 59.95. Both of these kits include instructions (how ever not immensely detailed) explaining how to install your amp.

Question from Jake:

I have recently purchased a 2000 Toyota camry 2.2 with 17,400km. With my previous cars, I have used Shell. Could you give me some advice which is better for my car and the viscosity?

Answer:

The Shell Lube Guide recommends either Shell Helix Plus or Shell Helix Eco 10 for this vehicle.

Question from Sam:

Is there a product that you can use to touch up scratches (not deep) to chrome bumpers?

Answer:

It’s really quite hard to suggest a product, without seeing the bumpers and the extent of the scratches. I can suggest that you may want to try our Autosol Chrome Polish in the tube, to see if you can polish the scratches out. If this does not work then I would suggest taking your car to a Panel Beater or Vehicle Spray Shop, to see what they would recommend.

We do have a Chemtech Liquid Chrome Aerosol Paint, but it may not meet your expectations, as it may not have the same “gloss” finish like actual chrome does. Hence why I would suggest seeing a professional, if the Autosol Chrome polish does not work.

Question from Ravi:

I want to replace the battery of my Ford EA Fairmont GHIA 3.9 MPI on DUEL FUEL with a high power battery. What could you recommend? I'm looking for more power, reliability and a long lasting battery.

Answer:

A Bosch B58 or Bosch B68 would do the job. Given the age of the EA Falcon (pre July 1991) and that it is non-standard (ie dual fuel) then I would suggest the B68 as the stronger performing product of the two.

Question from Chris:

Is it possible to run 2 6x9's 1 sub and amp if so is it hard?

Answer:

Yes it is possible to run a set of 6x9s and a sub as long as you have the right sort of amp. The amp that you need will be a 4 channel with bridgeable channels. As to the difficulty it will entirely depend on the knowledge of the installer. The best advice I can give you is to get them professionally installed as it can be difficult at times depending on the car you are fitting them to.

If you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask.

Question from N.Houghton:

Hey, Ive just bought a 1994 Ford Courier and was wondering, if i got a pod filter for it would it damage my engine because its a bit older? And also roughly how much would a decent pod filter cost? Cheers.

Answer:

No worries in putting a K&N pod on it. Supercheap stocks the KNRE0930. You will need to check your intake pipe’s diameter as this Pod has a 3” neck. If it is smaller than this we are able to order one in for you that will fit.

Question from D.MacRae:

Do you have a car thermometer available & what price please?

Answer:

Thanks for your enquiry, we actually have 2 different brands of digital thermometers on range, one is in the Type S range of accessories, and the other is in the XT Concepts range. These are usually located in the area of the store nearby Interior accessories such as steering wheel covers, vehicle interior organizers, key rings etc. If you have any problem locating them, just ask one of the team members to assist you!

Product details and specifications below;

PLU 104656 DIGITAL THERMOMETER TYPE S Part no. TS9111 selling at $14.99

• Black in colour
• Inside / Outside type thermometer
• AAA battery operated (included)
• Back lit for night viewing
• Celsius or Fahrenheit option
• Double sided tape attachment if required (included)

PLU 106819 DIGITAL CLOCK & THERM XT CONCEPTS Part no. 23005 selling at $29.99

• Silver in colour
• Inside / Outside type thermometer, 3m cord with outside sensor
• Digital clock can be viewed in 12 and 24 hour mode
• AAA battery operated (included)
• Back lit for night viewing
• Celsius or Fahrenheit option

Question from Morry:

Do you sell kits to clean pod filters & what is the procedure for doing this?

Answer:

We do sell kits for cleaning re-usable pod filters such as K&N and Airhog. These kits are very simple to use and the instructions inside make it even easier.

Question from D. Powell:

I've just purchased a Calibre 12" Thermatic Fan for use on an airconditioner condenser.

1. The kit includes 4 long plastic zip-like strips. There are no illustrations nor instructions referring to these.
2. The fan wiring has a factory-fitted 2-pin male 'T' connector but no female connector has been supplied to connect to the relay wiring. There are 2 crimp tubes supplied which suggest that the 'T' connector should be cut-off and discarded?

Could you please advise? Thank you.

Answer:

The range of Calibre Thermo fans are predominately used as radiator cooling fans but can also be used as an air conditioner condenser.

With the majority of radiator fans using the T connector we used this as the connector on the unit. As stated there are also 2 crimp terminals in the kit which does allow for this connector to be cut off if required and use the crimps.

As for the zip like strips these are used to secure the fan onto the face of the radiator by going in between the fins. Be sure as to not damage the fins whilst securing. Being an aftermarket unit and not an original assembly you may have to look for different ways to secure the unit depending on the vehicle make and the unit you are fixing it to.

Question from J. Robinson:

What do I need to put a sports steering wheel on my VL commodore?

Answer:

All that is required is the correct Boss Kit, available at all Supercheap Auto stores, just ask one of our friendly team members which kit is the correct one for your vehicle.

Question from Craig:

My brakes are a bit soft & i am just wanting to know how 2 bleed my brakes properly? Thanks

Answer:

The best way to learn about brake bleeding is to purchase a manual for your vehicle and read up about it. Most vehicles are very similar however there are a few which are a little different.

Question from Mayur:

I have recently bought a Toyota RAV 4 and was told that the spare wheel can get stolen quite easily (when paked in a public car park). What is the best way to secure the spare wheel?

Answer:

The best option for you is to purchase a spare wheel lock. This screws onto your spare wheel and requires a key to unlock it, and hence be able to remove the wheel. We don’t stock these in our stores yet, however, they are available via special order from any of our stores in Australia. The part number for a Rav 4 (1996-2001) is F21150, and is available via special order for approximately $55 plus freight.

Enjoy your Rav 4!

Question from M. Roberts:

What's the easy way to fit grille mesh to a bf xr6 bumper bar?

Answer:

The best way to fit these is to take the entire front bumper off. I would suggest that you contact a local panel beater and talk to them about your requirements.

Question from Sean:

Hi I need to bend a stainless steel flange for my blow off valve , the pipe is about 5cm in diameter and 10 inch long and there needs to be 2 bends in it shaped like a s. How would I do this? Do you have any tools to do this? Thanks

Answer:

We sell a pipe bender but the pipes have to be at least 600 – 700mm in length before the machine can be used. Anyway I don’t think it would give the professional look you would require.

Sounds like you take pride in your car.

I would suggest taking the pipe to a steel fabricator or exhaust business and get it done professionally if you want a nice finish. We don’t have any tools that could successfully bend a pipe that length. I am sorry we can’t help you more than that.

Good luck with it. Maybe you might want to post some pics of your car on our website when it is finished.

Question from R.Fuller:

I bought a 2.5hp air compressor from supercheap a few years back and now it seems it doesnt want to keep working. I was just wondering if you have a website where I can get information on specs and parts for the motor. Thankyou.

Answer:

Thanks for your email. While the compressor is out of warranty we would like to help you out. Our importer has a number you can call and they can also supply some parts. The number is 1300 660 457. You will get the helpdesk at SMG.

They should be able to answer your questions.

Question from D.Scott:

I have done the head gasket (with potential for cracked head) on a VL commodore. Car has done 500,000 km and repair bill is more than cars value. Are any of the better quality head gasket sealants actually viable for a short term fix of this problem, and if so what brand would you recommend to try.

Answer:

Depending on if the head is cracked and how bad it is you could use Chemiweld to seal it up just ensure you read and follow the instructions carefully?

There are different qualities in head gaskets however for your problem I would stick with just a basic one. Having done 500,000 km the engine is at the very limits of its life already and to spend big dollars on a top of the range gasket wouldn’t be wise or help your problem.

Please be aware that Chemiweld is a temporary fix only.

Question from Stevo:

Hi I have a just bought a second hand motorbike and the chrome is all covered in rust. Whats the best way to restore this without taking your parts to be re-chromed? Also the engine is a dull grey colour, any advice on how to get it looking shiny again?

Answer from Septone:

Rusted Chrome parts: Initially you could try fine steel wool and metal polish, if the rust is too severe you will need to sand the rusty areas, apply Septone rust converter, apply 2 coats of Septone etch primer, smooth sand the primer and apply Septone aerosol chrome paint.

Dull engine colour: The engine would need to be cleaned with Septone Degrease-all water based degreaser, a final clean with Septone wax and grease remover then apply 2-3 coats of Septone engine enamel. There is a range of engine enamel colours available.

Question from Sheena:

Hi I have a 1993 vr commodore acclaim with an LP gas conversion I was just wondering what type of spark plugs would be best for my car? Thanks.

Answer:

It is recommended that for LPG you run a colder plug than standard. For the VR 6cyl the required NGK plug will be a BPR7EFS-15 or in Bosch it will be a HR8DCY.

It is also recommended that you use high quality leads when running LPG, the Bosch B6117 kit will help in this area.

Question from Larissa:

I just had a new head unit and two 4" speakers installed in the fron of my 1989 ford laser and the sound worked for about ten mintues then cut out. The power is still coming through the cd player however the sound is not. I'm waiting to get my back 6"9 speakers installed and I was wondering if the problem will cease then as there is more output for the sound? The sound also cuts out whilst going over large bumps which confuses the situation. Thanks

Answer:

This sounds like installation problems but because of the amount of contributing factors that “could” make this happen it’s a bit hard to ascertain what the problem is without looking at it.

The first thing I would look at is to make sure that the negative and the positive wires going to the speakers exposed and touching and the second is that the connection with the speakers is solid. As long as the speakers are solidly connected and properly insulated you shouldn’t have a problem with installing some 6x9s provided you have adequate power from your head unit to run them.

Question from O.Harm:

Hey guys, just a quick question, got all the amps in my car working, but the 6x9's are makin a wineing sound. how do I stop that is it the negative wire to the chassis or is it the rca plugs??? sometimes I get it right when re wireing it but others it happens.

Answer:

Noise coming out of speakers as you described is usually attributed to bad earths so yes checking your earth strap will help. If this doesn’t help there are noise cancellers available from our supercheap auto stores and they retail for about 15 dollars.

Question from S. Chandra:

What is the best way to remove marks on paint caused by bird droppings? It has been not washed off for a few days on my car and now after wash you can see a faint patch.

Answer:

I would suggest you try a Bug & Tar Remover. These are especially formulated to remove the highly adhesive properties of bug splatter, bird droppings and road grime which left in place will bond with your paint.

We have a number of options available in all of our stores, so talk to one of our team members, who can assist in making the correct purchase.

Question from K.Masters:

How do I properly store car paint and how long until it's no good?

Answer:

Our recommendation for storage of car paints:

• Septone Enamel paints if stored correctly could expect a minimum life of at least 2 years.
• Septone Acrylic Lacquer if stored correctly could expect a minimum life of at least 3 + years.

We strongly recommend all paints be stored away from direct sunlight in a dry cool environment away from children’s access.

The cans must not be stored on the ground as moisture will rust the bottom of the can. To obtain the best shelf life for any paint product we recommend that unused thinned paint is discarded and not put back into the can, this will keep any remaining paint free from pigment falling and hardening on the bottom of the can.

Question from C.Leeson:

What is involved in changing the hubs on a box trailer? I am considering changing the wheels on my trailer from old 13inch holden rims to alloy wheels. I think it makes nore sence to change the stud pattern to suit say a Comodore wheel before looking for alloy rims?

Answer:

Changing over the hubs on a box trailer is relatively simple.

You will just need to check what axle your trailer has to ensure the hub selection fits correctly.

So what do you need to check? What size is axle where the hub sits is it 39, 40 or 45mm.

Apart from that, you may consider replacing the following at the same time to ensure you get the best possible result:

• Bearing kit - these keep your wheels going round and generally need replacement as they cease when not lubricated correctly
• Bearing grease – it is important to keep your bearings lubricated to prevent them from ceasing
• Bearing buddies – a great idea if you are doing highway travel as these automatically keep your bearings lubricated and protects your bearings from water and dust.

The only other consideration is if you are using your trailer for marine application? If so, you will just need to select a marine bearing kit and marine grease, all of which are available in store and our team will be able to assist you in selecting the right product for your application.

Question from I. Graham:

I want to take the deep cycle gel battery from out the caravan and put it under the bonnet . where it would get more use powering a small fridge instead of every 6 months when the van gets dragged out. is it possable to have a gel and a normal wet cell battery on the same charge line and what would the cost be for a battery holder and the wireing / battery protector and would the gel battery get its 100% charge and would it also be possable to connect a solar charger to the both while camping sorry a lot questions but hopefully you can help?

Answer:

It is not recommended that you have a gel and wet cell battery on the same circuit as both batteries have varying charge voltages (gel batteries can not handle the high voltage levels that a wet cell battery can). A better alternative would be to use a dual battery system, using your existing start battery (car battery) and a deep cycle battery (for accessories such as your fridge).

You will find our Calibre dual battery kit the perfect solution to your inquiry in store. This is a complete kit and includes wire, terminals, battery isolator etc, all you need to complete the dual battery set up (minus the car and batteries themselves).

There is also a range of battery hold down clamps available in a variety of sizes. With regards to the solar panels, yes it is possible to use solar panels to charge your batteries and we have either a 10watt or 20watt model available. It is critical that when using solar panels that a controller is installed. This will ensure that you do not damage your batteries by over charging them (a solar panel controller is also available in store).

Question from Dave:

What steps do I take to repair rust spots underneath my trailer?

Answer:

1. Scrub the underside of the trailer with Septone TW20 truck wash to remove dirt and road grime from the metal surface and allow to dry.
2. All rusted areas would then need to be sanded by hand, using a grinder or with a wire wheel on a drill.
3. Brush or wipe sanding residue away then apply Septone rust converter to all rusted areas.
4. Apply 1 coat of Septone Etch primer and allow to dry for 1-2 hours.
5. Apply 1-2 coats of Septone Rust Shield to protect underside of trailer from moisture and stone chipping.

Question from P.Schwob:

Do you sell car paint pens,to repair minor scratches?

Answer:

The below Holt’s Duplicolor Paint Pens should be available in store. Alternatively you can pop down to your local Supercheap Auto store and order them in.

Question from D.Boundey:

What switch do I need to fit to my clutch pedal in an 80 series landcruiser with a 1HDT motor to suit your AP60 cruise control kit?

Answer:

You will require an AA170 magnetic clutch switch, which is available through special order in store.

Question from Luke:

I bought an air compressor and can't find out what the cfm is. Thought you guys might be able to help. It's a 2.75hp superworks air compressor with a 50 liter tank?

Answer:

The CFM rating for our 2.75 HP compressor with the 50 Litre tank is 8.76 CFM. The way to work this out (should you ever need to) is by taking the Free Air Delivery in LPM (litres per minute) and dividing it by 28.32. This will give you the CFM of any compressor if you know the Free Air Delivery LPM of the unit. EG our 2.5hp has 112 LPM so it would be 3.9CFM. Please note, this is the free air delivery at the tap, not the pump displacement.

Question from Dave:

Hi, I have a 1989 Nissan Patrol and want to put duel batteries in it,I think you guys sell the kit but do you know if I can fit a deep cycle battery in.Ive had a quick look and although I know a ordinary battery will fit I'm not sure about the larger deep cycle batteries any info or sites to go to would be great.Thks

Answer:

Carried in store is a universal battery isolator kit (dual battery kit) part number 106725, which retails for $95AUD and includes the cable, terminals and isolator you require to connect your batteries.

With regards to fitting a secondary battery in the engine bay, this can only be determined by the available space. If there in not enough room in the engine bay, the secondary battery (deep cycle battery should be used) can be fitted elsewhere in the vehicle (such as under neither the ute tray etc).

Question from P. Styoyadinovic:

The Service Man says one of the valves in my 2000 Lancer is carbonned up and will need cleaning/replacing. This means they will pull the engine apart and cost me heaps. Does Supercheap sell an additive that might clean the engine up? It may not be as good as an engine o/haul but it would be a lot cheaper.

Answer:

We recommend that you use Nulon Total Fuel System Cleaner. Just by treating one tank of petrol, this product will help to clean your petrol injectors, inlet valves & combustion chamber deposits.

Below is a link to the Nulon website that has more information about this product. This product currently retails in Australia for a little over $20.00 http://www.nulon.com.au/products.php?productId=tfsc#

Question from Matthew:

If I was to change my air filter to a K&N, would it affect the polution out put of my car and also EPA laws?

Answer:

Changing to a K&N filter actually increases the efficiency of the filter, therefore is better for the environment.

Question from Chelsie:

Can you put an air pod on a car that is on gas or will it play up on start up?

Answer:

We do not recommend this at all, as there is a chance your car may backfire and damage the filter.

Question from Eddy:

I've noticed rust forming on a few chips on my bonnet. I want to treat them ASAP. How do I address this problem?

Answer:

I would suggest that you apply Septone Rust Converter to the stone chips as per label instructions.

Quick fix:

1. Purchase a can Power Plus Touch Up Paint that matches the colour of your vehicle.
2. Spray some of the paint into the cap until it pools on the bottom.
3. Using a small touch up paint brush to apply the wet paint directly onto the chipped area.
4. Clean up the brush with Septone All Purpose Thinner.

Alternatively we have a number of Dupli-colour Touch Up Brushes available in store which may match your vehicles paintwork, otherwise if we do not sell your matching colour, they are available to specially order in at your local store.

Permanent fix:

1. Sand the chip with 400grit wet or dry sandpaper
2. Apply 400g aerosol Septone primer Filler and allow to dry.
3. Sand the primer with 600grit wet or dry sandpaper, then wash the entire area with Septone Wax & Grease Remover.
4. Apply colour matched Power Plus Touch Up Paint (allow to dry), followed by Power Plus Top Coat Acrylic Aerosol (allow to dry)
5. Buff and polish the repair after paint has dried for 24 hours.

Question from Ellie:

My car CD player is broken. I have a spare unit I would like to install. I do not know which wires should be connected to which. Is there an adaptor I can buy to make this process much simpler? How does it work and how much to they cost? How are they connected?

Answer:

Adapters are available and we stock a large range in store which range in price from about $14.99 up to $24.99. Two adapters are needed, one for the head unit and one for the car. All up (providing you dont need any other repairs) it shouldn't cost you any more than 50 dollars. If you go into your local Supercheap they can assess which ones you will need and provide you with any further advice.