Hi Michael. You, like Scott, are a Gent! I am amazed by everyone's generosity.
I didn't end up buying leads or a meter today, as I couldn't find any I thought would be long enough (my garage is accessed by a very narrow one-way service lane on a slope - had visions of trying to push the Z out no my own and it rolling down into a telephone pole), but have actually just realised that I am retarded and there is a fairly simple way of getting close enough with normal length leads.
I bought my first house last year, practically derelict and having never really done much work on houses. Went in with boundless confidence and enthusiasm then opened the front door on the first day and thought "Dear God what I have I done here and where the hell do I start!?". Think I have been in same sort of harumph today re the Z and not thinking straight. Anyway, figured the house out and got that done, will get this done.
So, having gotten over my little harumph I am going to head out tomorrow morning to the big Sunday market / car boot at Exeter Livestock Market and buy some leads and a multi-meter, (there's usually plenty of this sort of stuff there) or failing that Halfords, as even if I did borrow them on this occasion it's something I should have anyway.
I am terrible at accepting offers of generosity and hate putting people out; however, I really would love another Z owner's input (not to mention someone competent at mechanics) into my car and where I should start with it. I was hoping to be able drive it over to you so it wouldn't be putting you out too much! But yes, if you do fancy laughing at my foolishness and incompetence at some point, tomorrow or any weekday evening or weekend that suits you best, then I would be extremely grateful. But please don't go too far out of your way. I can offer tea and a rock solid IOU.
Apologies for the essay!