I now own an atom...

[ArBrMD]

I now own an atom...
It is still very strange to say...
This beauty is in my garage right now

IMG-20210125-WA0034.jpeg (2.06 MiB) Viewed 726 times

It's my first Ariel, and bought it from the Belgian dealer (it was his car). Born as a 3.0, upgraded to a 3.5R by Ariel (including stiffer R chassis).

Some beginner questions:

1. Has anyone got some "decal design" done on theirs? I love the look of the car now but I woul maybe add some "je-ne-sais-quoi" like stripes or a decal or something? looking for ispiration
2. Hard/easy to add an aftermaket USB charger?
3. Any good smartphoneholders? recommendations?
4. Are custom horns a thing? :p the sound this one makes does not realy fit the car IMO..
5. any general pro tips always welcome!!

Greetings from Belgium
ArBr

[Fastlane]

Congratulations! That is a lovely looking car. In answer to your questions:

1. I would contact your local car wrapping centre as they will be able to design and fit something. Perhaps do a Google search on Atom liveries for some ideas.
2. Should be pretty easy - you just need to run the wires from the battery, or ask the dealer if there is a spare connector.
3. Not sure on this one as I just keep mine in my pocket when I'm driving.
4. No and I wouldn't bother unless you plan on using your horn all the time!
5. Buy some good quality warm and waterproof clothing. I have just bought some Gerbing heated gloves and jacket so I can enjoy the car more on colder days.

Just in case you haven't seen it, I think this is a video of your car being "enjoyed"

[Steve Gibson]

The cheap horn is easy to change for a new unit. It hangs on one bolt and you can just about reach it. The small Stebel Magnum fits in the same place.

https://www.onlineautoparts.com.au/prod ... /ZPN-01803

I included that link because there's a sound sample. I think the Magnum comes in a high or low tone. Or it used to.

[AlanP]

Mr ArBrMD,

We seem to be missing the all-important first impressions piece!

Welcome.

Alan

[ArBrMD]

Dear AlanP,

I do not have my plates yet... I think you can understand I am very close to a mental break down at the moment.
The mix of adrenaline, boosted alfa male hormones and inability to drive it make it very difficult to function at work...
2 days already..

[ArBrMD]

Congratulations! That is a lovely looking car. In answer to your questions:

Just in case you haven't seen it, I think this is a video of your car being "enjoyed"

Indeed
that rev limiter had its work cut out that day

[K20A2]

Congratulations

Regarding 2 and 3 and if you do not want to drill holes into your dash board this might be useful:

https://www.ariel.club/forum/viewtopic. ... 19#p297019

As smartphoneholder I meanwhile use "SP connect" and installed it to all our vehicles (bicycles, motobike, scooter, daily cars and Atom)
Unfortunately only available for some phones.
Looks expensive from the first view, but more or less creative persons could manufacture all needed holders by themselves from the base set. So the very expensive special holders are not needed.
Once installed it is a very comfortable system.

[K20A2]

Former modified standard phone holder

[Steve Gibson]

If you want to really explore fixing phones, cameras or weird new devices, have a look at:

https://www.ram-mount.co.uk

Obviously that's the UK site.

Very well constructed and very modular.

[CliveJ]

For an inexpensive phone mount, which is waterproof (in theory), I got this -