VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

October 07 2019

Just less than 3 years I'm back in a mk2 and I think I've found myself a bit of a peach for them money. Not perfect, but good in the right places (i.e. the shell and paint) which as we all know is the important bit these days.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.38.06-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.45.34.jpg)

I didn't set out for another white one, but I saw this one on eBay but initially dismissed it, for reasons I'll get to, but after the listing had ended unsold I spotted it in the comments of a Facebook post and recognised it, so decided to make contact with the seller and start a conversation.

It's registered August 91 and is a genuine factory Big Bumper CE2 model. A first for me, door mirrors are in the wrong place and the wipers go the wrong way but I guess I'll just have to get used to that.

Only 128,000 miles, but despite the roof aerial and rear tinted lights (they're FIFFT not Hella) it is in fact an 8v. Major gripe of mine, a bee-sting on an 8v but again a compromise I'll learn to live with.

It has a full Miltex exhaust, It's on coil-overs, I haven't determined the brand yet, but have seen the coils are blue but the gezzer said they more mid-range than budget and to be fair the ride is decent, a lot better than I was expecting so I guess he must be right.

And as for the ride, it's also on 17" wheels, which again has surprised me as I though it would be really harsh and crashy but it's not.... or maybe I've just got used to the MK5 GTI on stiff suspension, 18" wheels with 40 profile. Either-way, I'd say it's on a par with that.

Ultraviolet interior, with no holes...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.46.31.jpg)

bolster foam is weak, but I've stripped down and padded out late spec seats before so it's on the list of jobs.

Headlining is in good order...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.47.21.jpg)

and dry inside which is great.

Clean in the areas that often aren't...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.46.21-hdr.jpg)

Factory air fed central locks, which works everywhere apart from the boot.

And standard issues of heaterbox foam hits you in the face on full blow and blows cold as you'd expect.

Thermostat needs replacing, gear linkage bushes have been done but I think the alignment could do with a tweak as 5th isn't always achievable first try.

Apart from that it's just the deep dish OMP steering wheel, fake tow strap, hella stickers and over the top Wolfsburg accessories that need to be replaced...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.46.26.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.45.55-hdr.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.46.53.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.47.03-hdr.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.47.12.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.48.14.jpg)

also the door pins, but I forgot to photo those.
And just in case there wasn't enough Wolsburg inside...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.46.05-hdr.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.45.08.jpg)

and a couple of videos the seller sent me pre-purchase.

Walk around video
https://youtu.be/SHKuRs85UH4

Underside video from pit
https://youtu.be/GG3x0fdmf74

So that's about it. Apart from the reason I nearly passed it by. Well the first reason was asking price, it was originally listed much higher than I actually paid. And I think the reason it didn't sell at that price and why I was able to knock it down, it has an "accident" recorded against. If what I'm told is true the hand brake was left off and it rolled into a tree on the rear offside quarter. The result it it has been fixed and benefited from full paint, and since most cars of this age have had some work done I thought so what if it's had some metal work, if not from an accident most have had work through rust, rot and neglect.

I scrutinized it as much as I could, under the trims and internal carpets, and could see no obvious signs of repair so happy it's been done to a very high standard so based on that I took the plunge ...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.44.48.jpg)

October 08 2019

And so it begins...

Quick fix number one: fake tow strap removed:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-08-08.17.37.jpg)

Trimsports VW Motorsports gear knob removed and up for sale already, and fitted a decent condition original golf ball that I'd purposely kept back for such an occasion:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-08-12.11.41.jpg)

On retrieving it form the drawer I noticed how grubby it was so I'm sure I'll be taking an old toothbrush to it at some point along with the rest of the required deep clean.
Already much better, the Alloy one is smaller than stock and also cold to touch which I don't like.

Another quick swap over, a tinted interior light that I'd also wisely kept back in case my next one didn't have one:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-08-12.10.46.jpg)

and out with the old white plastic one:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-08-12.11.06.jpg)

Surprising how much this caught my attention every time I looked int he rear-view mirror. I guess knowing I had a tinted one in a drawer didn't help.

And just for good measure and to give a full an complete picture of the madness, here's the Wolfsburg branded billet plunger:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-08-12.12.07.jpg)

Can't promise an update everyday, and just to confirm, these 'fixes' were done this morning before work. But I'm certainly not going to guarantee a regular Breakfast project.

The original PAS wheel came with the car so I think in the first instance I'll fit that. The horn isn't plugged in on the OMP wheel anyway and the boss must be fitted wrong as the indicators cancel in the wrong place. Being deep dish the stalks are just out of fingers reach which is also annoying. That said the OMP is a nice wheel to handle even if the styling isn't to my liking.

October 10 2019

A bit of tinkering last night. First off did this satisfying little job:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU7kf_ZpFv0[/youtube]

Now this does leave me with Crystal clear headlights, spots, indicators and side repeaters.... at least they match  :sorry, what?:
Which I'm sure most peoples opinion will be to replace. But they work and I need to think about the costs so no immediate plans to replace them all, although I did fine a genuine set of orange side repeaters in my stash. Unfortunately I've only got early bumper front orange indicator lenses.


Then took the OG steering wheel that came with the car into the house.
Mixed up a paste of washing up liquid, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar and got to work:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrdopi9_Jh0[/youtube]


It was pretty grim:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-09-21.57.55-1.jpg)

It came up great but even so I'm not 100% convinced all of the grime has gone, I might have another go.
I'll sort an after photo at some point.

I also did the golf ball gear knob but that might also need a bit more of a soak to get mint.

October 14 2019

Saturday night, while I waited for my daughter to get in from the Cinema I sat in front of the telly half watching Tron (the new one) with a bowl of soapy water and the infamous toothbrush again, and scrubbed the contents of a "Mk2 Spares" delivery that had previously arrived.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-11-13.30.02.jpg)

And true to tradition, I took said box of sparkly bits to work with me so I could sit in the car park on this drizzly lunchtime and complete this little task:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-14-13.01.26.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-14-13.01.36.jpg)

I also fitted the gear lever cover that Matt sent me, as mine was missing and changed over the fixed position grab handles for the flappy ones as they feel more GTI - even though I gather the fixed position ones were fitted at factory:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-14-13.06.36.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-16-09.12.58.jpg)

While I was climbing around the interior of the car I found a few other small interior trim bits that are missing, darn if I'd only looked properly I'm sure Matt would have included them into the box.

In other news, the name has now been chosen. Lucy
It just so happened to be the film that was on when we got home last Saturday after collecting her. I bounced it around as an idea for a while but needed some way to qualify the name. Also with the reg being PVC this sort of opened up other ideas ... then in came to me, not sure out of where, but the Lucy Liu scene from the Mel Gibson film of the 90s, Payback. Good film and if you remember it you'll know, if you haven't seen it and don't mind watch old stuff it's worth a look.

Here's one of the few Google images of that particular scene I found that was "work safe" enough to share

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3lrxpmoiWs/WERLGdvro1I/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/8ShLhpAYQJsZbFqGynGzzy5EtYZi7a87gCEw/s1600/Payback%2B4.jpg)


October 16 2019

Another quick fix this morning from something I had in my stash.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-16-08.25.50.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-16-08.25.58.jpg)


More to follow as I copy across form the old site.

October 18 2019

Just as quickie this morning, a freshly painted satin black rear badge almost ready to be fitted

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-18-09.03.31-e1571923025840.jpg)

October 24 2019

Parts have been arriving this week, such as:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-24-12.51.19.jpg)

So the full list consists of:

Hella heater matrix
Febi expansion bottle
Febi thermostat and O-ring
Topran thermostat housing
Topran blue coolant cap
Topran heater matrix hoses
10L of ready mixed G12+ Coolant

Already in the stash from previous, a load of foam sheeting and high temp adhesive. So hoping to grab some time this weekend. Although with a broken washing machine potentially taking priority and my wife's birthday looming I might have to rethink that. Anyway, for whenever I get chance to get rounds to it I'll be ready.

And to give me a head start I stared by getting the lower dash panels and console out of the way.

I found a hidden switch, still to discover what it does but I'm not going to try it till I'm safe on my driveway at home. Don't want to get stranded at work.

Also found some retro ICE crossovers:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-24-13.01.18-e1571923097320.jpg)

haven't checked out what speakers are fitted yet but a sneaky peak in the dash grills looks like some done tweets and for the first time ever I have a golf with door speakers.

There's obsolete wires in the boot so I'll be interested to see what else I find when I start digging.

And having done this before I'm getting organised this time round. Mapping screws so they go back in the right places.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-24-13.06.00-1-e1571923069434.jpg)
As you may notice not all of these are the correct screws anyway.


Note:

Just adding this here for my own future reference after a bit of a google search.

Re: the hidden button. The alarm is a TOAD and if it ever gets stuck in servicing mode, potentially after battery removal I'll need to get it out of service override mode:
• turn the ignition to ON, and leave it on
• press the override button (now I know there is one)
• the siren will double chirp to confirm exit of service override mode.
• turn the ignition back to OFF


Decoded the options, nothing groundbreaking.

X2B - National sales program Great Britain
1AF - Power brake
3FB - Spoiler roof
5JI - ?
1C1 - Antifreeze up to -25 degree celsius tolerance up to -30 degree C
4KC - Side and rear windows in tint glass
4GF - Tint glass windshield
3NB - Rear seat bench/backrest, not split
1ME - Steering wheel GTI PAS
8J1 - Hand brake/low brake fluid level warning light without inscription
8K2 - ?
8M1 - Rear window wiper and washer system with intermittent control
8BK - (Something to do with lights)
8D7 - 6 speakers (passive)
3D1 - Center console
8TD - Rear fog light for driving on the left
8WD - With front fog light
8F2 - Side turn signal lights
8U0 - Without additional instruments for distance measurement
1TB - Fuel tank vent line with gravity valve and PVC breather hose
1H1 - Load-sensitive proportioning valve


Interior code XT which is Ultraviolet so that confirms the interior fitted is the original. Not that I was in doubt, but good to know. Maybe one day I'll find some Corrado Recaros.

Ohh, Focals are excellent speakers!

I did a quick Google and the price tags look quite weighty on them, so I'll wait and see what's behind the grills in the front.
The original VW 6x4 are still clearly fitted in the parcel-shelf supports. But with the additional wiring in the boot I assume the boot contained a sub and most likely stealth shelf at some point - as the original one is uncut.

There was a rubbish media head unit fitted and as I'm not down with the kids I had no 'digital' media to connect to it, so bunged in my old Alpine, although not the CD muilt-changer yet and I have no tapes and the roof aerial is total rubbish :frustration: so on the odd occasion I get some FM reception the sound is pretty good (for a mk2).

I know we discussed on another thread a 'sensible' but adequate set up for Mk2 Audio would be nice to think I've been left with some useful goodies to keep the cost down.

This thing is in the centre console also

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-06-13.48.24-e1571930705130.jpg)

Although I'm sure it's useless/worthless without the hardware it was once connected to. But tells you a bit about the priorities of at least one of the POs.

October 25 2019

This all seems strangely familiar...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-24-22.11.45.jpg)

(Click here is you wanna see when I did this last time (http://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=30102&start=340#p255940))

But I know it'll be worth it in the end to get rid of 28 years of grime and have a fresh clean heating system...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-24-22.33.26.jpg)

October 29 2019

Here's another job I've done before...

Last time's effort: http://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=36328&p=253988&#p253988

But this time wanted to be a bit more OEM about it - or I didn't like it that last time I chose light grey foam (as that's all I had) and you could see it in the air vent. I didn't have anything darker till it dawned on me I could sacrifice a splash guard from the side of the heater box, as I had a spare and this one was a bit scruffy - there was also a chunk missing which wasn't there before so I think my dog has had a pop at it while I wasn't looking (note to self keep R A R E parts and soft furnishing out of reach - just remembered one of them eat some small bumper indicators previously, can't remember which dog 

Perfect
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-28-23.00.47-1.jpg)

a bit crude but you get the idea, I binned this one and tried again:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-28-23.06.33-1.jpg)

like so:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-28-23.02.31-1.jpg)

And trimmed around:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-28-23.09.07-1.jpg)

Full set done:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-28-23.29.47-1.jpg)



And for good measure some little videos:

https://youtu.be/tTHlDlO0bzw

https://youtu.be/CnPtUb4l92E

https://youtu.be/zuU-aga_2aQ

All clean and fresh and ready for when I complete the heater system build and refresh the dash.

And as a side comment, after finding the crossovers I can confirm there are Focal tweeters.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-25-13.58.15-1.jpg)

These will be getting some dust removal.

Not removed the door speaker grills yet, trying to limit how many small parts I put the car in for the moment. Door cards to get attention later on.

I also forgot to post up the pics the other day but here goes...

from this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-20-14.36.13-2.jpg)

to this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-20-14.40.24-2.jpg)


And yes, bought myself a snowfoam lance when I got the mk5 as it seemed the right thing to do, so obligatory photo opportunity:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-20-13.42.17-1-1.jpg)

So happy with my driveway right now:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/2019-10-20-18.16.39-2.jpg)

November 04 2019

So, after doing some preliminary work during the previous weeks, removing the lower dash panels and vents etc on the weekend I went in deep and turned the car into a bomb site:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-03-15.50.22.jpg)

To liberate this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-02-11.49.15.jpg)

And as expected:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-02-11.59.44-hdr-1.jpg)

The matrix was a Valeo one, date stamped 1991, the age of the car so fair to say it's the original so I'll be glad to get the new Hella one in there.

So all components hosed down to get rid of the worst parts of 28 years of dirt and debris before being taken inside for some attention:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-02-12.12.34.jpg)

Some arts and crafts time later, and making use of the currently empty conservatory, flaps and foam all sorted:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-03-16.17.14.jpg)

Meanwhile -

drain off this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-02-13.05.00-1.jpg)

bin off this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-10-30-21.18.42.jpg)

fit this and this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-03-15.24.46.jpg)

In the process of trying to replace the thermostat the bolt for the housing sheared off:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-03-15.54.21.jpg)

Exactly what happened to me previously, and just like last time, after trying for a short while to remove the stump I decided it's much easier to just replace the whole water pump. Only £30 ish (think it was more like £20 last time) for a Febi one from B and B components. Should arrive tomorrow and I can continue.

I want to get it back together now, but I also want to continue stripping it to check it all out inside and get it all cleaned up properly. So I'm at the pivot point. Do I fix the heating/cooling and get it back together and deal with the interior later... or do I make a bigger job of it now and keep the car off the road for the coming weeks?

Well the Mk5 is technically Carole's car so I'm on the bike full time at the moment, and it's been a wet couple of weeks, so yes, the wise move will be put it back together asap and enjoy the effective heating system.

I will be using it this time of year, although I'm not afraid to get wet on the bike so I'll split the time equally. Both will be harmed by road salt so there's no winner solution really. I'm not in a position to be precious about it. It's a car, I'm going to be driving it. But I will try to keep it clean over winter. Which may well include a good jet-wash of the under-body and arches.

Oh yeah, and the other thing I forgot to mention, whilst under it I managed to check out the coilovers finally. Disappointingly I discovered they are JOM after-all, the guy suggested they were about £270 which I thought was close to FK or AP money so I was hoping for something a bit better. So he either got ripped off, or simply got his numbers confused as JOMs can be had for more like £170 I thought.

Anyway that said, for cheap coilovers on 17" wheels, and tbf with tyres that don't have a massive amount of life left I do think the ride and handling is very very good. Not really pushed it that hard yet, and I'm sure I'll find the limits, but for now I'm on no rush to change any of it.... it'll do.

November 08 2019

Well yesterday was an odd day. Bike broke down on the way to work, so when I got home I decided to sack off the day as an impromptu day off and as it was dry and bright get the car back together.

This thing of beauty had arrived earlier in the week so I had everything I needed
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-05-20.32.55-1.jpg)

Fitted:
New Febi water pump
Tested Febi Thermostat - worked as expected so fitted with new topran housing
Fully refurbished heater box back in
New topran hoses to do away with the bypass valve
Dash back in with cleaned air pipes, refurbished vents etc.
System filled up and tested
Original steering wheel fitted back on, fairly certain the OMP deep dish wheel is fake
Carpets vacuumed as I created a big mess with all the dead foam

Sorry lack of photos, but I was busy getting it all done. But I did take these

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-07-15.37.25-e1573211216999.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-07-15.47.45-e1573211227969.jpg)

The late spec carpets are rubbish, but at least the lack of pile makes them easy to clean.

I did a few other jobs, and still have plenty left to complete but at least I have warmth in the car and transport for work again.

Excellent progress

Did the old thermostat housing remain in one piece? Always good practice to have one on standby as you did; i didnt when i changed one in 2010 lol

From previous experience I treat the housing as a single use item, if nothing else they warp so re-use is not an option. Especially with PAS in the mix, not a job I want to do too many times. It’s a right pain getting that out the way, especially as the pas pump is low down and gets all the grime, water and all the bolts seize up. Happy to report appears to be leak  free first time this time and no air lock.

Although I should have followed my previous experience and bought the new water pump to start with too.

November 19 2019

Thanks, been away for a few days - took in the Haynes and Beaulieu Motor Museums (been sticking loads of pics on my Insta @akaeddypeck) so no further updates but using the car for work and I can report it's toastie hot inside.

A little bit too much condensation building up though so I need to work back through my own guide to make sure I'm 100% dry inside as right now I fear I'm not. There will be more to follow.

November 25 2019

Few small jobs over the weekend tweaks

First, the roof areal is rubbish but looking for a quick win I bought an FM amplifier of eBay for a fiver.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jzoAAOSwGNFcdjJQ/s-l1600.jpg)
It made things better, I could pick up Radio 1 outside of work, but still had a couple of miles of radio black-out on the M5.

Needless to say i didn't use the red scotch block, I crimp fitted a bullet and plugged it into the radios blue accessory feed so it only comes on when the stereo is on.

I also bought a new (Genuine NOS Alpine) CD changer lead, since even though I kept the retro Alpine, I left the old lead in the old car as I'd trapped it under the carpet behind the heater box and was too lazy to free it.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/o04AAOSwl8Vd1YQd/s-l1600.jpg)

So the CD changer is currently in temporary residence in the first aid box caddy to testing.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-25-13.38.55.jpg)

I say temporary, because although this ended up being the permanent location in the old car. The old car didn't have stupid low profile tyres on 17" rims with cheap coil-overs! so although I've actually be surprised how smooth the ride is, it actually must be a lot more "crashy" than I realise as it's certainly not smooth enough to play a CD for long without skipping. Luckily I do a lot of motorway miles where it's mostly OK as long as I don't hit a cat's eye too hard changing lanes.

So with the heater-box complete, and now I've finished playing with the front end of the audio I finally refitted the lower dash panels and tucked away all of the alarm wiring and crossovers etc that I discovered.

Milestone, the car's just rolled over to 130k miles last week.

I also bought an adapter ring so I could fit my Italvalonti VW Motorsport wheel to the large spline momo 'type' boss. Since the original boss is small spine and I didn't want to mess around removing the large spline adapter - in case I wanted to revert back to the OE wheel.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/fkEAAOSwM0lcss32/s-l1600.jpg)

It wasn't cheap  :eh:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-22-13.02.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-25-13.38.08.jpg)

However I discovered the horn didn't work. Which made me suspicious as it used to in the old car, but since the horn didn't work on the fake OMP wheel that was on there when I got the car this got me to thinking....

But it wasn't till yesterday afternoon when I was sitting in the passenger seat as I was letting my 16 year old daughter have a drive round a local disused car park that I caught a glimpse of something from an angle I wouldn't normally have.

The cheapo eBay boss that came with the car sits about 5 mm away from the horn contact.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/2019-11-25-13.38.16.jpg)

So now I'm on the look out for a genuine large spline momo boss for not too much money. I have a spare small spline one I might need to pop up for sale to fund said purchase.

December 08 2019

The aftermarket boss has its own horn ring but it’s very poor quality. It’s very short since it was fitted with a deep dish wheel. so with a flat wheel and even with the adapter ring it’s still short and too close to the stalks. the mfa switch on the stalk could do with a bit more clearance.

I had one of these adaptor rings before to convert a momo boss when I bought a nardi wheel, that did bring it forward. Most difficult thing is it put the stalks at a further reach.

Anyway, Turned out the spare boss I have is for a bmw e30. I guess I should get that on eBay.

A decent momo boss should sort me when I get round to getting one.

I did a few other jobs this weekend that were on the list.

Previous owner had a set of Recaro seats fitted. He refitted ‘badly’ the originals before the sale. Unfortunately they we’re bolted straight through the floor. Meaning 4 holes on each side. At some point in the future I’ll weld the floor properly but for now I’ve put in some stainless coach bolts with large washers and coated in waxoil. The bolts were from some I bought to fit the beetle bumpers.

Also hooked up the seat mech and got the seats sliding back and forward as I said, fitted badly, so they weren’t previously free running. Need to get new plastic sliders and gummy bears to sort it fully though.

Undid the rear wiper lay flat mod, and put that back in it’s appropriate place.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2146-e1590499358850.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2147-e1590499366730.jpg)

Much better :thumbs:

And replaced the coolant flange on the side of the head. It started leaking after I did the heater matrix and stuff, presumably I upset it swapping the pipe work. The one I took off had been gunged up sealant.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2145-e1590499333793.jpg)


(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2144-e1590499342264.jpg)

Washer jets work now as well.

Had a look at the boot lock. As It doesn’t lock with the central locking. Wasn’t sure why, but with my son as a second pair of eyes at the back we were able to determine that the boot actuator isn’t functioning. So that’ll need further investigation.

I expect the vacuum line has come disconnected somewhere. Pull the boots at the top of the tail gate for a quick inspection of the wires / air line.

My thoughts exactly but I checked the fitting onto the actuator, the end where it joins the pump and pulled back the rubber conduits at the tailgate hinges and no sign of damage.

I would have thought if there was a leak in the system then it would affect the whole lot???


I almost forgot to add, I also checked on the door speakers and can confirm they are also Focal components and the doors are lined with Dynomat. So looks like someone put some effort into the audio. I just need to sort out the rear end.

December 09 2019

Well as luck would have it a large spline Momo boss popped up on Facebook selling page today for not too much money so I should have the steering wheel sitting nicely soon, as I said in it's current stat the stalks are too close and managed to turn the wipers on going round a bend today :lol:


Thanks both, yes I followed the CL vac line down to the T-piece near the n/s rear light cluster. The hose was firmly seated, to the extend I couldn't easily disconnect it so I decided not to disturb it. I was thinking if I disconnected I could suck and blow and see what happens ??

There's nothing obvious so like I said one for further investigation. It's a shame the house move never went ahead as I missed out on the much coveted double garage/workshop that I was due to be getting. Would be handy this time of year to get some of these jobs done rather than just be restricted to a couple hours on the weekend .... providing it's not raining.

Could it be the actuator that has failed.

That’s my guess, but need time to look into it. My plan is to pop off the hose and blow/suck, that should hopefully identify either a leak or as I expect a failed diaphragm inside the actual unit. I’m just sure if there was a leak in the system it would effect the rest of the locking but that all seems really responsive.

I’ve also been wondering if I can get a remote module to hook I to the toad alarm and trigger the master on the drivers door.

Plenty of things to tinker with and thankfully (dare I tempt fate) nothing too heavy duty so far.

December 13 2019

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-12-13-14.26.40.jpg)

Genuine Momo, large spline boss has arrived. Will be a bit deeper by the time I've added the ATWIE/Italvolanti adapter on it but should be better than the eBay Scheiße on there now.

December 14 2019

After a couple of starting failures I bought a new starter motor from Mark Carter of Classic-VW.

Cheaper than ECP and no surcharge so didn’t need to fuss about returning the old one.

Nice easy job but while I was at it messing with battery cables etc I thought it was ideal opportunity to fit the mk3* battery cables I picked up years ago for the old car but never got round to it.

Another easy job and they look so much better. Cable is beefier and clamps are very neat.

*its been so long they may be mk4 ones, either way good upgrade.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-12-14-11.47.31.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-12-14-12.34.35-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-12-14-12.34.41.jpg)

December 18 2019

So, genuine MOMO boss now fitted, complete with ATWIE adapter ring:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-12-18-13.04.53.jpg)

You can see it's a fair bit deeper than the old one, more so with the extra ring on the back. So stalks are now at finger tips but not too far away and I won't keep clipping the MFA switch. The boss also seats better and the brass ring now reaches the horn - didn't test it, I was in the works car park and there were a few people going back and forward to the sandwich van.

Also looks like I'll be sticking with the 17" wheels for a while. Just ordered 4 new tyres. Tried to get some on the weekend and found out that 195/40 17 is a non stock size nearly everywhere and got quoted high prices to get some in.

So started looking for alternative wheels, thinking it would just be easier to replace the wheels and would make future tyre purchases a bit easier/cheaper. But needs must and need to be legal/safe so ordered 17s online - Went for Hankooks, not a premium tyre but general reviews seemed to be OK and they we're too expensive so that'll have to do... it's not like I track it, it's mostly a straight run along the M5.


For now I’m quite happy to keep the crystal clear headlights, spotlights and front and side indicators. They don’t offend me too much and the work. Although I do have a set of mint OE orange side repeaters I recently found in the garage. Happy that the car is generally tidy I’m not too fussed about it being OEM, but I know it wouldn’t take much to make it so further along.

Styling isn’t really a concern, priority it making it as good as I can So fixing little niggly bits and making sure everything works as it should.

December 20 2019

Getting close to 3 months of ownership now so thought I'd do a quick summary of what I've done so far:

Removed 'bling':
- Hella spotlight cover stickers
- Fake towing strap
Replaced Wolfsburg accessories for stock:
- door pins,
- window winders
- mirror adjusters
Replaced Trimpsorts VWMS gear knob with proper GTI golf ball
Replaced Wolfsburg rear emblem with genuine VW badge (painted satin black)
Replaced ash tray due to large stick on phone magnet
Cleaned and fitted OE steering wheel - see later item *
Swapped fixed grad handles with fold up ones
Fitted smoked interior delay light
Fitted missing handbrake cover
Replaced switch blank with old LED hole for good one
Plugged 8x bolt holes in floor from PO's aftermarket seats
Rebuilt bodged up seat controls for forward/back motion
Fitted retro Alpine head unit with mutli-changer
Added FM aerial booster (with little effect)
Removed unnecessary wiring and old sub controller from PO's old I.C.E set up
Reconditioned heater box with new foam and new Matrix
Cleaned and refurbished full heating pipework, new foam joints and seals on blower vent flaps
Replaced matrix hoses and removed bypass valve
New water pump
Thermostat and housing
Side coolant flange
New expansion bottle and late type cap
Fresh pre-mixed G12 coolant
New Starter motor
Fitted Mk3 battery cables
Reversed the lay-flat wiper mod to put rear wiper back in correct place
* Swapped OE steering wheel with my old VWMS Italvolanti, using new large spline Momo boss and ATWIE adapter ring
Fixed horn by doing the above as the PO's boss was rubbish
Fixed front washer jets

Jobs for Christmas break:
New tyres have been ordered online 195/40 17s are a non-stock item, will have these fitted and balanced when the arrive
Will continue to investigate central locking issue on tailgate
Maybe some cleaning and general tinkering

January 10 2020

It's Friday, it's sunny, it's lunchtime and today I'm in the mk2 not on the bike so thought I'd pop down the road to the local scrap yard - like the good old days.

They don't tend to have much that is that old anymore, or if they get in a 'classic' they leave it out front to sell as a project car - I guess they know the value now. Still a few Mk3s though.

I already have a weighted shift rod so no use for those and it seems everyone knows the usefulness of a 99 relay so those are always gone first. However I spotted a MK3.5 (a Mk3 Cabby in a Mk4 frock) obviously the vultures weren't away of the similarity so the fusebox hadn't been raided yet - managed to bag myself a 99 relay at last. Funny to think how many I'd lifted and passed on over the years to eventually find myself needing one again.

Also grabbed the springs off the seat mech as some of mine were missing.

While I was at it I also picked up a temp sensor, along with the plug and a length of wire as I was reading elsewhere the mk3 sensor can be used as a single unit to replace the separate gauge and ecu sensors on the mk2 - thought it might be handy to have.

Not a great deal more to report at the moment. Looking forward to better weather.

January 15 2020

Quick fix today.

After overhauling the coolant system I knew everything was fine but the temp gauge has continued to read low.

So if fitted a mk3 4 pin temp sender and patched in the plug. At a later date if I need to I can patch I the other 2 wires for the ECU but with no current issues I decided not to do that now.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/2020-01-15-15.40.59.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2282-e1590499565397.jpg)


January 16 2020

That reminds me, I must get a 99 relay myself!

Unfortunately the 99 relay I picked up was toast, so still on the to find/do list.

Meanwhile another little job ticked off...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-16-11.04.jpg)

Also took a look at the sticky throttle, the rubber bung which sly suggested may had been the issue looked good.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-16-11.34.jpg)

But then I noticed the alignment was a bit off for the lever arm, it looked to be too close to the heater splash guard and the cable was coming out at an angled, preventing a clean return. A quick bend and adjust and the cable lines up with the opening ... I’ll pop out later for a test drive, hopefully that’s sorted it.

I wanted to give it a clean today but the weather has other ideas.


Yep. Sticky throttle now sorted

Might be changing my job soon and theres a scrap metal yard at the end of the road. They deal with cars and builders scrap mostly.

Worked near there before and that yard has no idea of classics. In the past (3 years ago) they crushed a 5 door cl that was better nick than mine, it was in there because it wouldn't start. The excuse, its not  a GTI so not worth anything.............

I did offer a few hundred but the preferred to cube it they cubed a bay bus also that was far from a basket case.

There are a few scrap metal merchants that are just about crushed metal and the weight for £. I think the place that Shelly works at might be like that. I guess if they don't have the land hoarding cars isn't as cost effective. There are some other 'new' style yards that strip the cars so you don't go past the front counter and just buy off the shelf. Where I go is just down the road form where I work so easy to pop out on a lunch time - although I'm not always suitability dresses and have brought in oil on my shoes across the work carpet occasionally  :oops:

This one has been there 85 years - so the sign outside says - and is a proper old school scrappy, like they used to be. It's great.

Some where i have a box of 99 relays, i went through a “stage” of going to the scrappies every weekend and made a point of pulling 99 relays.

Same, 99 relays and weighted shift rods, and any cross vehicle bits and bobs - they haven't had a mk2 in for years, but the door handles, boot lock and number plate lamps etc are the same for Polos and other variants. Even the occasional old Audi. I used to have a good stash of these which could be sold off for a few quid profit to top up the build costs.


Anyway, I was excited for my drive into work this morning, with my drivers seat that didn't rock and my throttle pedal that didn't stick - I'm really loving this car.

I think gear linkage might be a job to tackle soon. I found receipts for it done in 2003 so it's not original, but could benefit from being done again. I need to try and find some solid bars again and maybe have a go at making a short shifter link. If anyone has one I'd be happy to know the measurements. Otherwise it'll just be trial and error I guess - but it's more fun than buying one.

Reading your updates makes me want to start tinkering with my mk2 Eddy but it's definitely to cold.
Great to see you back in a mk2 mate.

Great to be back in one mate.

The thing is filthy as it's on daily duty - but it was made to be used not stored in a museum is how I see it, and it's just too wet to use the bike right now

January 18 2020

Bit of cleaning done today.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-18-12.02.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-18-14.07.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-18-14.08.jpg)


February 10 2020

Latest job done, the old classic - gear linkage!

The stack of bills that came with the car show it was done in 2003, and putting that in perceptive it's still 17 years since it was done.

So some of the bits were still ok, the ball was still very much in place however the top and bottom bushes were nowhere to be found giving this effect:

[youtube]https://youtu.be/6BTRoL1Msrk[/youtube]

I wonder if they were fitted the wrong way round in the first place and dropped out the bottom?

Needless to say I bought the full kit from good old B&B components and also got myself another set of the solid bars that I put on the old one.

The usual suspect the orange bush was quite knackered:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-02-08-13.02.jpg)

Easy to push in place with my 6 tonne press, a bit overkill maybe but did the job in seconds  :confused:

The end result:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-02-08-150706.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-02-08-15.07.jpg)

And for the alignment, because I'm tight... I would have 3D printed if I had one, but I don't so I made an alignment tool from cardboard

I did a test run with paper to check the fit:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-29-12.39.jpg)

Then layered up some card:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-01-29-20.34.jpg)

And it just about held up to get everything tightened up in the right place:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/2020-02-08-12.46.jpg)

Gear selection is very slick now.



March 09 2020

Not a massive update and a month since the last one.
Over 4000 miles now clocked, with an average MPG in the mid 30s.

Everything behaving as it should.

Washed it quite intensely last week and afterwards spotted this
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.27.jpg)

Haven't had any issues with damp from the rain but I know it's not 100% dry as I get a little bit of internal condensation. This was obviously a result of rigorous pressure washing, but first look will be the bonnet release cable grommet.

Also did the world a favor and finally got rid of the unnecessary marketing

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.28.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.30.jpg)

after:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14-32.jpg)

and this cliche

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.32.jpg)

but forgot the after photo.

I did however add this little fellow

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.51.jpg)

My daughter bought me the sticker along with some other bits and pieces from Bristol Volksfest about 4 or 5 years ago, never got round to (didn't really want to  :roll:  ) put it on the old car but it feels like it's a little step towards making the car mine (and my family's).

C L E A N . . .

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-14.52.jpg)

And for the first time in history I was first to arrive at the Bristol Meet, was also the only VW

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/2020-03-06-19.11.28-1.jpg)

But with the clock changing this month hope April onwards might pick up again.

May 06 2020

6 months of ownership and I finally have a boot that locks. It wasn’t anything I’ve publicised before as I didn’t want to advertise the fact.

I had mentioned the CL wasn’t working on the boot. But they key also wouldn’t turn.


I removed and dismantled the lock, but the aluminium barrel was so badly corroded it was fixed solids. Over 2 hours in the ultrasonic bath and things started to look hopeful but still jammed.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2775.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2776.jpg)

I pumped it full of maintenance spray then add heat. I thought I might be able to boil the oil out and clear out some of the crud but the barrel was so badly corroded it basically crumbled.


Thankfully I picked up a spare a while back, and had already managed to retumble the lock to match my key. It’s just not a CL one.

So now at least I can lock the boot with a key.

I tested the CL, the actuator is fine so there must be a break in the tube. No rush to resolve as I’d need to find a new CL boot lock but at least I’ve diagnosed and glad I didn’t rush into buying a new actuator when I thought it was that.

Fantastic car. Coming along very nicely.
Great colour  8)

And bringing things up to date since lockdown began.

I'm working from home so suspected I wouldn't need the car so it was placed on SORN at the end of March to save me a few quid. But working from home meant no travel time, and with lighter evenings I was able to start a few tinker jobs.

I started by removing the seats to fix them. The foam was pretty bad but thankfully the cloth hadn't gone through.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/2020-04-20-20.52.59-e1587543294730.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/2020-04-20-20.53.03-e1587543276288.jpg)

but I've fixed seats like these before so wasn't put off.

Next bit was a clean, previously I stripped the covers and put them through the washing machine but I thought I'd go a bit gentler on these and opted for the paddling pool.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/2020-04-21-14.02.13-hdr-e1587483149709.jpg)

They came up OK.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/2020-04-21-14.15.15-hdr-e1587543144704.jpg)

With the seats out I decided I wanted to fit heated seat pads, so ordered a kit off Amazon.

Meanwhile, while I waited for the delivery I cracked on with the repair.

Starting with a steam clean of the foam.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2614.jpg)

I've seen this used on various TV shows to 'freshen' up old foam, so I cracked out the wallpaper stripper with the small attachment. I tried to do a video but didn't work well but it's fascinating. The foam expands and reforms to its original shape. Afterwards it feel much softer and more flexible.

Next was a case of stuffing the caping hole with foam bits and building up the surface. Last time I did this I used foam carpet underlay and it worked out great, I still had some so did the same again.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2625-e1590501273716.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2623-e1590501296499.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2622-e1590501306479.jpg)

The backs were in better condition, but I still decided to cover the bolsters with some thin skrim foam, this time I turned to some foam back material I had left over from doing the headlining on the BMW e30.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2640-e1590501188658.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2639-e1590501201187.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2633-e1590501251807.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2642-e1590501169641.jpg)

And before the foam went back on the frame a did a little bit more to bulk up the bolster and reduce the chance of it tearing in future by protecting the metal rods.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2638-e1590501210236.jpg)

By now the heat pads had arrived.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-04-29-16.50.50-e1590491540530.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2634-e1590501240745.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2624-e1590501286381.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_2637-e1590501222783.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-04-29-18.48.06-e1590491531718.jpg)

Before the seats went in it made sense to clean the carpets, and as the seats were already out it made sense to remove the carpets to do this.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-18.45.51-e1590491774120.jpg)

Previously I've used my George Wet & Dry Vac, but I'd seen other people say a pressure worked well

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-01-11.53.14-e1590492036363.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.39.59-e1590492023783.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.40.08-hdr-e1590492005666.jpg)

Honest opinion, I think using a bit more effort and using the George would give better results, but they're clean.

Now, here's the thing. The previous owner had some other seats fitted at some point and had bolted them through the floor leaving holes in the carpet, 8 in total.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.46.00-e1590491849553.jpg)

Trimming a bit of carpet from up behind the heater box I was able to get some donor material and started to cut out the damaged areas.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.43.14-e1590491972639.jpg)

With a matching square of new carpet

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.43.19-e1590491953175.jpg)

and some tape on the back

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.43.58-e1590491913585.jpg)

I had a good enough fix that wouldn't be obvious at first glance

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-12.54.26-1-e1590491817441.jpg)

so I continued with the rest

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-13.11.04-e1590491805566.jpg)

Before long the cleaned carpets (and mats) were re-fitted, including the wiring loom for the heated seats

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-19.31.25-e1590491743384.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-19.31.22-e1590491753547.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-20.14.30-e1590491723319.jpg)

I was able to get a nice dash shot before the seats went in

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-20.19.18-e1590491710629.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-20.51.10-e1590491669848.jpg)

The loom for the heated seats was easy enough to follow the instructions and switch, although not OEM style, fits well in the aperture and with the seats on the number lights red

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-04-30-12.15.37-e1590491615558.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-04-30-12.15.06-e1590491659975.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-13.58.02-hdr-e1590491794817.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-05-20.49.52-e1590491680807.jpg)

and the symbol lights with the dash illumination, although currently blue and on my switch the R doesn't illuminate. I've contacted the seller and have a new switch on the way, so when I have a spare I'll open it up and change the LEDs to green.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-05-02-18.44.28-e1590491783651.jpg)

Great write up... there's that much stuff being transferred over from the old site at the moment I'm missing the new posts among them.

Might give the heated seats a go on the daughters Citigo, look very professional... Keep us posted on how they work.

 

How long do the seats take to warm up?

Might have to wait for winter for the proper test results, but on a trial could feel it warming up pretty quick. I'd say they're as effective as the stock ones in my Mk5 although it's just the flats of the base and back, I think the stock set up on later cars includes the bolsters. I'm eager to find out how much control the 5 position roller switch has, I know a lot of these kits just have a high/low rocker.

Nice seats Tim

I used a hosepipe to clean my sponge base and the "horsehair" seat back, amazing how much dirt came out. I forgot to use the steamer to plump the foam back up tho.
I note you have used duck-type tape to secure the foam, assume there aren't any problems with the glue melting in our roasting hot summers?

I need to finish the heated seat install in mine and will be putting new soundproofing under the carpet since some of it is missing after previous waterleaks into the car.

I used duct tape previous and seemed to work fine. The seats I fixed like this before went into JetpackJimmy's car which he had for a number of years. It's really just to hold everything in place during fitment. Once the covers are back on there's not really anywhere for anything to go. I just didn't want the foam peeling back as I pulled the covers on as it's quite a tight fit. For the heat pads I used a bit of very high temp upholstery spray to keep them in place, although that didn't stick very well on the horsehair back panel.

Been a bit quiet recently ?

Been a bit quiet recently ?

Not driven since March and still SORN due to lockdown. Working from home so no reason to go anywhere. So nothing done since fitting the interior back in.

Enjoyed the read, great work and lovely example you have there. Liked what you did with your seats, my drivers one is a bit wrecked but I really need new covers as as they are holed and sadly wrecked from behind where the previous chap cut them to get at the mechanisms.

Sorry to report it's been very quiet here. 3 weeks from now will see a year of ownership, but what a year. It's like 2020 the year that never happened. I know we've all been effected by Covid-19 in different ways, for me well I've been working from home and therefore have no reason for transport. The Mk2 has been SORN since end of March, in the first few weeks of April it was moved around the driveway till it was eventually parked on up out the way on the garden making space for skips we've had due to building work, as seen here when my AMAZING shed was delivered in July.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-07-30-12.58.35-hdr.jpg)

So there is sat, looking more and more sorry for itself.

On the weekend I thought time to move it, and perhaps cut the grass  :-\

But I was met with a pool of water in the drivers footwell and a totally flat battery, which in turn caused the Alarm to totally spaz out and repeatedly try trigger the central locking pump.

Battery out on on charge, pleased to report the charger returned a GOOD status when fully charged. I have one of those fancy ones that can do a full recovery cycle.

Anyway, out came the George wet vac to suck up the puddle and on to investigate the cause. I 99% certain it's not the sunroof and I suspected the bonnet cable grommet as tbf I've seen a drip of water on the plastic foot rest bit before now.

So out came the scuttle  and ECU cover and the George came into it's own again vacuuming up all the rubbish and dead leaves  :o

Looking a bit pitiful, like the rest of the car:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-09-09-10.57.25.jpg)

And for some odd reason most of my loom is missing a cover.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-09-09-10.57.23.jpg)

I think that at some point in the past it was wrapped in cloth loom tape which has rotted, perished and disintegrated away to dust.

Not to Damiens standard, as this was an emergency water leak repair not a full on detailing session, but out with the parafin, a brush and some rags  and a bit of a clean up went on. Along with some windscreen sealant around the grommet and finally some new loom tape.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-09-09-13.18.38.jpg)

Happy with that result and after a bit of clean up the other side and along the rest of the scuttle I thought I'd best check the door membrane.

The remains of the factory membrane was still there, but not doing a very adequate job.

Sorry, forgot to do many pics, but here's mid progress with a new inner flap added before the final plastic sheet over the whole thing:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-09-09-14.20.11-hdr.jpg)

When I came to do the passenger side, I found the membrane had been replace very badly before and also this door used to be red.

Then the cable for the window winder snapped!

This has now arrived so this job can continue...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/2020-09-12-11.35.51.jpg)

who knows, maybe I'll drive it again one day.  :(

I feel your pain!
Mine has been sat in the garage since lockdown, SORNed.
Been promising myself when September hits, I'll stick some tax on it and take it out.
Now Mini-Monkey has arrived, I just can't find the opportunity to use it!

Been promising myself when September hits, I'll stick some tax on it and take it out.

I did that coming up to the start of July then August and now September but I still have no reason to drive it other than wanting to. And with Carole still without a job, she was made laid off at the start of this as it was a new job and missed out on the Furlough scheme, so we're tight on cash so not really in a position to tax a car for the sake of it. MOT was extended from June to December but to be fair I'm wondering if I'll even need it then. It might stay off the road and think about recommissioning it next spring. Hopefully the last skip will be removed in a couple of weeks so at least I can get it off the grass and onto the solid driveway soon.

Definitely a strange year... little incentive to do much car wise , mine has only been out and around the block three times since last September, half tempted to sell him but many now think no standard Mk2 is worth much more than 8k ....glad your updates have started again ..Might go get the cover off again

I envy the space on your front drive Tim... We can fit 3-4 cars on ours but they have to be in "tandem"...and I'm the only one who is bothered about sorting them out! 4 people 5 cars (yes i know it's greedy but it wasn't quite as I planned it!)

Just reading your update about the flat battery made me remember throwing my keys in the garden and losing the alarm fob.. Later I came to regret it. I left my lights on at work, the battery drained and the alarm was going off! Ended-up yanking the alarm out!

Yes it’s a decent size driveway, There was a triangle of garden where the Mk5 is parked but I dug that out at start of lockdown which has added more pace. Looking to get the driveway redone sometime, it’s rough concrete so hope to get rid of the grass and get the kerb dropped further across. Need to leave a gap in front of the garage for motorbike access though. But plenty of space for more vehicles :-) shame it’s quite a steep slope.

I wouldn't trust myself with a resurfaced drive! I could almost guarantee there would be a fluid leak!
Ours is tarmac and has the tell-tale traces of oil drips from under the car engines plus the axle stand impressions - need to get some with flat feet !
Given a year without any leaks the weather cleans it up nicely :)

Just taking another looksee at your door membrane.
I've bought those milky clear rubble bags and cut them so that they fold out to a big enough size to cover the whole door. I've also fed the cabling up through the membrane rather than down. ie any water then travels down the wire and stays in the door rather than down the cable and behind the door card...if you get what I mean? i always wondered why our house aerial cable had a loop in it feeding up into the house...that's the reason.

Ohh do like a shed... you realise having a white MK2 and a shed now means you're officially middle aged.

If you haven't already, get a dehumidifier... Cheapy ones work just fine, no need to go overboard.

If like me you were new to them (in sheds) I think you'll be surprised just how much water they suck up.

Everythings been bone dry now for the last 2 x years.

Slight down side - I was emptying mine every 4-5 days, think it's about a 1.5 litre capacity tank.

Easy fix is to plumb in a drain off tube that runs to the outside -

(https://lirp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/1af6dd8a/dms3rep/multi/opt/dehum1-960w.jpg)

(https://lirp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/1af6dd8a/dms3rep/multi/opt/dehum-960w.jpg)

(https://lirp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/1af6dd8a/dms3rep/multi/opt/dehum2-960w.jpg) 

Just a quickie, didn't take long to fit the new window mech.
And then I completed the door membrane on this side.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/doormembrane.jpg)

I remembered I had some butyl cord for this job and it was what Lukybabes used on one of his how-to posts. Made a much easier and less messy job than the drivers side.

However it would also seem by not touching the car for months, I have now completely missed the benefit of summer this year and now it's getting dark by 7:00pm but just about managed to get this job completed (almost) and the door card back on.

Screwed in the lock plunger and noticed I'd forgot the little surround trim, found it in the dark, unscrewed the plunger and the rod dropped below the door card. It was too dark now, so just locked up and went inside the house.

Still haven't re-fitted the battery after the positive charge, not run up the car, not moved it and still haven't cut the grass.

In other news, we had the quote for getting the driveway done.  ::)  so that won't be happening for another few years I expect!

Ok so it's only a small thing but my Apline headunit has never been fitted properly, so I've finally got round to buying what I hope to be the correct cage.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_3530.jpg)

I've got some LEDs on back order for the instrument cluster so I won't be fitting it yet as it will need to come out again if I do.

Might not seem like a lot, but a step in the right direction at long last on the weekend.
Whilst I had the tools out, replacing the wiper motor in the mk5 (again) I thought it was time to refit the battery, that had been on charge.

Fitted the battery and she started up just fine  :)) so moved the old girl off the grass where she's sat for the past few months due to having ongoing work in the house and having skips on the driveway.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/2020-10-03-12.13.17-hdr.jpg)

Leaving her previous resting place like so:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/2020-10-03-12.05.03.jpg)

The brakes were all a bit stuck on, but free'd up easy enough. And thankfully no puddles inside.

Also got my Chinese delivery ahead of the predicted 6 week wait, so ready for the next job.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/2020-09-30-16.04.14-1.jpg)

Still working from home so no need to start using it yet, although I am thinking it's time to start getting it ready fo the road again.

Oh, and almost forgot to say, today October 5th marks 1 year of ownership. Shame the last six months has been so uneventful, but keeps the miles of I suppose.

Love what you've been doing with this! It would also appear our interiors were cut from the same cloth! Yours is the second time I have seen this trim, after mine. Haha
https://imgur.com/y9RNw23

Lunchtime updates are back on the menu!

When I went to check on the car the other day I noticed the dreaded damp footwell:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_3603.jpg)

This was slightly upsetting as I'd just done the membranes and sealed the bonnet release cable thinking I'd solved this.

But before I could tackle that I had another issue, when I finished off the passenger door membrane in the dark I made a boo-boo at the last stage of screwing on the lock plunger, I pushed the metal rod below the door card. And since then the passenger door has been stuck in the locked position.

So I had to get the door card off with the door shut.  :o

Luckily, I found with the seat pushed and flipped all the way forward I could just about get a screwdriver to the screws with a bit of an angle on. Phew, just about got away with that.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_3604.jpg)

So having done this a few times now it didn't take long to whip the carpets out.

in removing the lower dash panel I noticed the foam on the back was damp:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_3606.jpg)

And with the carpet out I saw this mess:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_3607.jpg)

And with a deeper dive:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_3608.jpg)

Well as 'luck' would have it, while I was doing this is started to rain.

https://youtu.be/AO5Yr-WWIdQ

Whilst watching the drip a second drip could my attention.

Now to find the source. Nothing seems to be obvious in the scuttle area so I think I'm going to need to start removing stuff.

Not sure when I'll get chance to follow up but at least the carpet is out and drying and I can monitor the puddle.

Didn’t someone right a guide on leaks ?? nice to have the lunchtime updates back, alls well, the world returning to normal

I had a similar issue with a leak on the passenger side but that was because water was getting under the scuttle tray and dripping through the fresh air vent when the car was nose-up on the drive. It didn't happen if I parked the other way round! Your leak must be coming through a hole on the drivers side but I can only assume the route is through the wiring loom. Has the grommet/seal become dislodged or has someone drilled a hole for a wire without using a grommet? It seems you only need a small hole in the wrong contour and the water will find it and play havoc. Good luck. It isn't the best weather for drying stuff out.

I also made a faux pas with the internal lock button but was lucky enough to be able to screw the plastic lock plunger on the threaded wire without having to take the door panel off. Removing the small plastic surround helped since the wire is held in a guide if you know what I mean?

So I've been battling with this water leak for a while. And yes I wrote the guide but it would appear I have to update it.
I'm still not 100% I've got to the bottom of it, but here's the latest from my most recent few lunchtimes:

Following the previous update I chucked a bit more gunge around the bonnet release grommet and the bitumen panel under the ECU.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/bung.jpg)

But this clearly wasn't enough.
There was still water the following day.

So happy at least the carpets were out and nothing was going to get ruined I took this to the next level, dash out:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/1335bdc8-0a85-42de-a6c9-0d87835d9735.jpg)

My lunchtime involved, making and eating lunch and giving the dogs a quick walk leaving me about 20 mins, so there.. if anyone is concerned about dash removal it's can be done in 20 mins. So when it comes to the heater box I still say dash out, even though you don't need to, is the best option.

Back on topic, with the dash out nothing was obvious and my time was up.

So the following lunch time I removed the wadding from the bulkhead area and took out the fusebox and fusebox bracket and started to get some clarity:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/34a399a6-05ff-43f6-8d4e-b36e565834e9.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/f704c41b-c7de-4492-8d03-ea52b4f68941.jpg)

I poured water over the top of the car and wasn't able to see anything coming in which was annoying but with rust stained lines I'm fairly certain this is the issue.

Skip a day:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/d2db27bb-7a53-43e3-b1f3-488e0134cc48.jpg)

I didn't have my phone with me to start with, so I miss scraping off the bitumen pad, I used a heat gun and paint scraper and it came up no bother.

I also didn't take pics, but I can assure you I did treat the rust before moving on.

And finally all cleaned up, primed, seam sealer (lots of it) and painted:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/36d69f29-e5f2-4f4c-a2b9-75b6cf02f4ef.jpg)

So everything crossed.

Oh and in other news, I bought. New Alpine stereo. The same series as what I had just better condition but what I failed to spot as the ad didn't show it working was the illumination was orange. I didn't give it a thought as most Alpine are green, but they did do orange versions. I should have realised when the seller said they had it in their Audi.

Anyway, being compatible I swapped over the illumination panel in the face plate.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/cadcd07e-d72d-4f38-91e6-5d34ccd12798.jpg)

I so hope I have sorted this water leak as I can't wait to get the dash back in and get the new one fitted properly.

Here's my old one, but now orange:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/67a4ec28-160a-4204-8122-910f9bc9cfb5.jpg)

looks quite cool actually.

Major undertaking, hope it works...

I quite like that colour scheme.

Also, can't wait for the next installment, to see if the fix has worked!

Piccies like this are gold... you can explain something in writing all day long, but seeing it in front of you is so much better.

Had been wrestling with whether or not to take my own dash out to do the heater foam while the rest of the interiors out. You've sort of decided it for me now and answered my questions

Been reading the other recent threads of people doing theirs and I've no doubt mines probably in need of it too after 30+ years.

If you read back you'll see I took the dash out to do my heater when I got the car. I didn't fully remove the dash as the wiring loom was still connected and whoever fitted the alarm had run some of it though the dash support arms. And the dash speakers were also fully hardwired with no plugs on the end. This time round I had to bite that bullet and get the dash completely out of the way. Anyway, I was pleased to report a year on, or whenever I did it, the foam is still nicely attached to the heater flaps.

Everything will be getting a good clean and the cabling sorted, especially for the radio before it goes back. I've got LED bulbs for the instrument cluster, as I forgot to check those when I had it apart before and put it back without the MFA illuminating.

I might also re-route the aerial cable, it currently goes down the C pillar and under the floor, this makes it too short so there's an extension. I gather a factory bee-sting lead is routed along the headlining and down the A pillar. This should allow me to remove the join with a more direct and shorter path and with the cable along the roof line might help to improve radio signal.

I currently have the scuttle covered with a sheet of plastic, and luckily we've had no more rain. I want to give it as long as possible to cure so I won't be pouring water to test it just yet. I don't think there will be any further updates for a few days now. I'll just wait and let nature take it's course.

I think If I'd had a little more time on my hands, or a dry garage to work in I would consider practicing my welding and cover this panel once and for all.

What wasn't shown in the pictures, the panel that goes under the ECU (this is a blank as LHD cars would have the fresh air fan there) only appears to be sealed with a line of wax and a sheet of bitumen over the top, obviously both of these materials are prone to drying out, getting hard and brittle. So I guess that's why it was able to leak, although I'm still not sure why there is so much water in that area, poor design of the ECU cover I guess.

Also I've peeled back the windscreen rubber from both sides, there's no sign of corrosion I'm pleased to report.

Oh and in other news, I bought. New Alpine stereo. The same series as what I had just better condition but what I failed to spot as the ad didn't show it working was the illumination was orange. I didn't give it a thought as most Alpine are green, but they did do orange versions. I should have realised when the seller said they had it in their Audi.

Anyway, being compatible I swapped over the illumination panel in the face plate.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/cadcd07e-d72d-4f38-91e6-5d34ccd12798.jpg)

I so hope I have sorted this water leak as I can't wait to get the dash back in and get the new one fitted properly.

Here's my old one, but now orange:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/67a4ec28-160a-4204-8122-910f9bc9cfb5.jpg)

looks quite cool actually.

It does actually look very cool with the orange illumination so will send a pic when it is installed and show how it looks against the rest of the green dash illumination.  I might still grab a green front from eBay just in case I grow tired of the orange :D  One thing I seem to have found out is that the designation at the end determines the colour R is green illumination and RM is orange illumination

A while back you may remember I bought some LED bulbs for the instrument cluster. Well since I have the cluster out and not much else is going on at the moment I thought I'd fit them ready. Only to find the cheap Chinese rubbish I bought are indeed rubbish!

It's quite tricky to do a close up pic, and the white is over exposed (iphone 6s camera clearly ain't that good at macro) but hopefully you can see the moulding of the white LED bulb holder doesn't include a tab at the top like the OE blank one, which meant although the bulb would fit there was nothing much securing them in place and they'd most like drop out if I went over a bump.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/bulbs.jpg)

So I set to work popping out the old bulbs and the new LEDs from their holders ...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/bulbs-all.jpg)

... band transferring the LEDs into the OE black holders. A fairly simple and satisfying job.

I just hope they work when refitting and I need to remember to check before I finish installing all the trim.

Although one of my three bulbs was a slightly different design and wouldn't work so well but I had a couple more spares available that did work.

The pack of ten cost peanuts meaning I now have 7 spare LED, already with resistors and ready to be unsoldered from the tabs ready for reuse in the rest of the dash switches. I mean, I may as well, I can't do much else with them.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/mk2-golf-speedo-clocks.jpg)

I did also drag my old spare 140 speedo out of a storage box. It's from a CE1 cluster but RubJonny has assured me it'll work in CE2, so I was considering the swap over, but on reflection the original cluster is in good condition and has never been opened before so I'm not decided yet if it's worth the hassle. Plus I'd need to match the miles, else I'd ben sticking an extra 10k on the car and we don't want that do we.

Has the leak gone for good? I now have a leak in the driver's footwell..arrgh!
Today I used  a paint brush and some soapy water to remove muck and debris in the scuttle before my hands went numb with the cold. Pehaps I'll be able to investigate further at the weekend.
Did you say the LHD fresh air aperture is just covered by sticky bitumen pad, nothing else? I have some new stuff I can use.

Has the leak gone for good? I now have a leak in the driver's footwell..arrgh!
Today I used  a paint brush and some soapy water to remove muck and debris in the scuttle before my hands went numb with the cold. Pehaps I'll be able to investigate further at the weekend.
Did you say the LHD fresh air aperture is just covered by sticky bitumen pad, nothing else? I have some new stuff I can use.

There’s a metal plate with tabs. You can see it as the pink thing in one of the previous pics. It’s sealed with wax that had gone hard and brittle and covered with a bitumen pad.

No, my leak hasn’t gone but is greatly reduced. Haven’t had much time for it lately but thinking I’ll take another look at the door membrane. I did it in a bit of a hurry. If it’s not that I fear it might be a windscreen out job.

OKies. I'll investigate further.
It isn't the best weather to be unearthing a leak!...wet yes cold NO!
I had the heated windscreen fitted the other week and I requested they use the sealant I got from Ricky Evans since its important not to let moisture get to the membrane. The fitters didn't mention any issues. Prior to it being fitted I noticed rust bubbling in the bottom drivers side corner of the screen, peeled the rubber back scraped the paint off treated and fortunately no hole.
I'll remove the scuttle cover completely and make use of the watering can!

Not the biggest of updates, but one thing that needed fixing was the sunroof deflector lifter arm. The head was completely rusted away on the right hand side and the arm was 'cleverly' connected to the deflector with a web of cable ties.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/8c43ff5e-25ce-448d-9e4b-0bdcb12424d1_1_105_c-e1609759435702.jpg)
Sorry for the poor pic

I was lucky enough to find a stainless steel one months back in a scrap yard, but only the left hand side (not the side I really needed), so since then I've been on the look out for a single right hand side one for not too much money.

After drawing a blank with Matt Palmer of Mk2Spares (he said he'd sort me out but never got back to me) I'd been watching on eBay and finally found one that was still expansive as buy now or offer and I gave an offer within what I was willing to pay. It arrived Christmas eve.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/6ac3b75e-e730-4f79-864a-db5785312810_1_105_c.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/6b83926c-1110-4c07-8539-f37a0c4d4f9b_1_105_c.jpg)

Still battling the water leak, I've had to re-visit the door membrane as I did that in a bit of a rush. If not that then I'm going to have to consider taking the screen out and potentially removing the wing to check the bottom of the A-pillar.

Haven't got around to checking my own, so not familiar yet with whatever set-up VW used on the MK2, however after battling with the 205's I now know their solution inside out... I'd imagine there may be similarities - how many ways can there be to provide sunroof drainage!

Plastic pipes might be causing a problem at that corner, either at the tray itself or further down?

One of the Pugs was twisted badly, seems to have been from new too plus a previous owner had also been tinkering meaning the front ones weren't exiting where they should have been.

Luckily the metal work was all solid but you could see (only when the head lining was off) just how they could easily fail over time... not designed to last for 30+ years.

 

Haven't spent enough time looking at the leak into the drivers footwell on mine however the soundproofing covering the firewalll is saturated and the indicators have stopped working! Must make an effort to fix. I'm hoping its an obvious issue in the scuttle area.
I haven't checked the sunroof drains for a while but not sure how water would get into the cabin since I thought the drain tubes exit further down and outside of the inner wing. I currently have the A pillar covers off so hopefully I can check for obvious leaks down the A pillar.
I really don't want to remove the dash again its just too miserable out there!

I had a very similar experience with Matt Palmer too, twice.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that picture really does look like it's coming from the windscreen. :(
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/34a399a6-05ff-43f6-8d4e-b36e565834e9.jpg)

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that picture really does look like it's coming from the windscreen. :(

Yeah, I'm fairly certain it must be too. Just not really the weather to be dealing with it outside. Been thinking about getting a cover and just leaving it till spring.
And this isn't an aged rust stain, I have seen drips of fresh water here so if defo where it's coming in. :-(

both palmer and Moss have been shocking at getting back to me, but they are the only guys breaking vast amounts of cars from what i understand

I redid drivers door membrane, dried out car with dehumidifier for a couple of days. Checked this morning and car is still bone dry. We’ve had a bit of rain past couple days.

Forecast is rain all week so I’ll know for certain by next weekend.

As for the windscreen, I ran a bead of black window sealeant under the seal. After chatting with a mate that worked for dovercourt vw in the 90s he said that’s what they always did as secondary measure whenever refitting windscreens. And I trust his experience 100%.

So while there may be a small issue under the seal this might get me through till better weather.

If however it’s wet again next weekend I’ll get a cover and leave it till I can get the screen out at a later date.

Hope that's fixed it Tim.
Had a go with mine today. Removed the scuttle cover, then the ECU to check the state of the LHD fresh air cover and everything looked fine. Used a paint brush to loosen debris and gave it a hoover followed by a coating of Bilt Hambler clear wax. Gave the windscreen a dowsing of water an nowt was coming through into the cabin.
Poked a bike brake csble down the sunroof drain and it seemed OK execpt for a "stop" circa the bottom of tha A pillar. Pushed some spare aerial cable down and managed to get the cable past the "gunk". Rinsed with some water from the watrring can and that seems to be passing through fine. Noted minor traces of water by the front inner door seal so not sure where that is coming from!
Bought myself a £20 Beldray 700w fan heater from Argos to dry the interior out. Seems to be doing the biz!

Another EddyPeck life hack being repeated....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/doorcard-1.jpg)

and some sticking down of lifting edges:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/doorcard-2.jpg)

Thankfully the card is not too bad, so still has some decent shape along the bottom edge so once it has a few coats on varnish on it it should be pretty solid.

In other news, the leak is ongoing - not that I've put much time into it - so 100% has to be under the windscreen seal. I've got some time booked off in a few weeks so hoping I can get to the bottom of it and put the car back together.

...you wouldn't get your mits on that many clothes pegs for long if it was summer....!

Sorry to hear you still have the leak. So do I.
The annoying thing with mine is that it isn't obvious. Had a hose pipe running water on the car roof but can't find an obvious leak. I do know that the horizontal underside of the bulkhead is wet but no drips so that could be condensation.
...edit think it is condensation because the underside of the pedal box mount is also damp but can't see how the moisture would drip there.
What a pita.

What's that goo around your speaker??

What's that goo around your speaker??

it's the back of a load of dynomat. The inside of the doors have been done with it and enthusiastically wrapped into the speaker pods. It was a nightmare to separate the door card from the doors because of it. lol

I always thought the enclosure of a speaker should have a little less sound deadening?
Is that going to be impeding the performance of the speaker?

I always thought the enclosure of a speaker should have a little less sound deadening?
Is that going to be impeding the performance of the speaker?

Not sure, sounded good as it was but logic tells me it's reducing the available space for free flowing air, so it's possible they could sound better. I may pick it off at some point, but it's horrible sticky stuff and stuck quite strong. 

Yeah, the back of Dynamat is super sticky!
I don't envy that task!

It's been a while, but I've just had some time off work so had chance to catch up on some well overdue maintenance.

To summarise, the car has been off the road now for almost a year since I've been working from home since last March due to COVID. Being left and neglected has taken its toll and I've been suffering with damp carpets. After ruling out every other option I was left convinced the bottom of the screen area could be rotten.

And damp over winter hasn't just effected the interior:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3914.jpg)

Firstly I needed to get the screen out to check the state of the metal underneath, to do this I needed the car in the dry so I had to reconfigure the garage and temporarily re-home mine and my sons motorbikes.

In over 11 years of living in this house it's only the 2nd time a car has been in the garage.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3960.jpg)

It's a very small garage, so OK for storage but not really suitable for working. Anyway, I started to slowly work my way around the windscreen seal and was about a quarter the way round when it cracked from behind the mirror  :'(

I shan't dwell on that, but continued to remove it carefully to avoid it shattering.

The plus side was that on removal no big hole was found and I wasn't going to spend the rest of my week cutting, welding and painting like I thought I would.

To be honest, this is the best windscreen aperture I've ever seen on one:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3959.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3958.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3957.jpg)

Even around the drain:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3952.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3956.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3955.jpg)

The blue/green stuff is this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3942.jpg)

Like Kurust but cheaper and I thought if it's good enough for the Land Rover guys it'll be good enough for me. I think it takes longer to go off than Kurust, but that might just be the cold weather.


Anyway, with the area all cleaned up and treated, I needed to source a new screen. £77.50 from Heritage, so I checked with Mark Carter of Classic-VW and he said he dosen't bother stocking them just uses National Windscreens. Thinking that was not such a bad idea as I didn't have to take on the responsibility of fitting and risk a potential break again.

So I made a call and booked a slot for next day. I was also able to chose a sun-strip so went with Green (blue was available also). I got them to supply a new seal but when the fitter arrived he said the old seal was perfectly good so reused it.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3964.jpg)


So back to the leak, if water isn't coming in from the screen then where? I checked the inner wing, and was surprised to find original wings, that had never been removed. So I decided not to remove, but inspected and felt around the bits I couldn't see.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3937.jpg)

Cleaned up, rust treated a few spots (on the whole all very good) and Waxoyled before refitting the liner.

The worse area was this spot on the chassis leg under the air filter
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3940.jpg)

I checked the underside of the scuttle, to make sure where the drain goes is going back into the bulk-head side and not into the cabin. Again all good so cleaned, treated and Waxoyled. Sorry, a bit lacking with the pics.... was just busy tinkering away.

All areas checked and double checked, cleaned and sealed, resealed the bonnet cable again.... etc.

You'll also notice I took out the wiper motor and linkage for better access, so while they were off, I turned this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3982.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3981.jpg)

Into this:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3994.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3993.jpg)

I also took the opportunity to re-wrap the loom. The old tape has turned to dust, and where it is still remaining it pretty much disintegrates on touch.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3963.jpg)

All of the loom in the scuttle is done and most of the bay before I ran out of tape.


To confirm the progress I gave the car a good wash, a 3 stage foam power wash....

With no sign of water following the wash I took the gamble and started to put the insides back together.

Underlay and carpets:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3969.jpg)

And eventually dash, including fitting my new replacement Alpine and SWG console I bought for the old one but never got round to fitting.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3973.jpg)

Gotta love finding previous owner 'fixes' ...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3967.jpg)

I discovered on the re-fit that I actually have a CE1 light switch fitted.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3972.jpg)

Now I know this can be a fire hazard but I think the issue is fitting a CE2 switch in a CE1 car, thankfully the other way round is fine. I'm just missing the pin for Dim/Dip which I unplugged anyway, and the dash illumination ... I do have dash illumination but it's always been crazy dim, so I guess the switch is being bypassed in some way. New CE2 switch on order.


Test fit of the dials, of course I have "TIM" gauges rather than the predictable VDO ...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3995.jpg)

... yet to know if they work and they need to come back out for a lick of paint.

And by midweeks a big box arrived from Germany

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_3975.jpg)

No more pics I'm afraid.

But also, brakes cleaned up and handbrake free'ed - was stuck after sitting for so long.

I re-routed the roof aerial lead as that went down the C pillar and a long the floor and needed an extension. Reception was poor, so it now goes along the roof and down the A pillar as it would have if VW had fitted, the extension is not needed and hopefully will improve radio with the wire being higher up.

I went to replace the inner spot lamp as one is chipped, I bought what I was told was drivers side off eBay months ago, turned out was passenger side so I had to refit the broken one. But good to fins out the grill has all clips in good order.

I also replace the flooded bumper indicator and broken side repeater.

The big AUTODOC box contained service items, this is the first service in my ownership, I only had it 4 or 5 months before COVID hit and the PO had assured me it had been serviced, paperwork to confirm so I didn't worry about it back then.

Fuel filter.
Mobil oil and oil filter - I've never known a filter fitted so tightly.
Sump plug had gasket sealant on, I had a spare.
Air filter, looked quite clean in line with the PO's statement about servicing.

Next I changed the Dizzy cap, rotor and leads (didn't do plugs they were out of stock, to be done some other time)
And it's at this point I ran into trouble as it now runs rough.

I refitted all the old stuff and it's still miss-firing. So further investigation required on that.

Also in the box was cam belt kit. But I didn't want to throw that into the mix yet till it's running right again.
I've also had to order a brake bias valve as mine was seized solid. Previous MOT advisories picked up on it being stiff, so I'm sure it won't pass another. So it will be a few more weeks before I present for MOT. Hoping to get it sorted through March and Taxed fro April, which will be a whole year since I first SORNed it.

Looking good Tim....That could could have been a good excuse for a heated screen!...but it's surprising how much the price increases when VAT, delivery, fitting and the wiring are added  :D

Great progress, how is Autodoc, post brexit?

So what made you decide on Tim gauges???

I did look at heated screens but they've gone up a lot in price to what they were a few years ago. I couldn't justify it, also couldn't keep the car in the garage indefinitely, it was only a temporary home. Couldn't fault the service from National Windscreens, because of poor mobile signal and GPS where I live it took longer to process the payment than it took the guy to fit the screen.

The Autodoc order took 12 days from order to delivery, but I placed the order on a Friday so might not have been picked till Monday.
Comparing the price with ECP, Autodoc was £93, ECP was about £170 after entering the promo code. Wasn't exactly like for like due to availability of brands. I ordered on the App, which gives more favourable prices and promos, I got a free shipping deal saving about £9.

After I placed the order someone mentioned I might be hit with extra tax at customs which was a concern, but arrived tracked parcel from Royal Mail with nothing more to worry about. Because of this I've used them again to order the Brake Bias Valve I need as it was £35 delivered compared to £50 being the cheapest I could find from any other source.

Oh, and 'TIM' gauges obviously just because I wanted to see my name on then  :D and compared to VDO it was a sensible financial move. I know I'll have no trouble with the volts as I used it temporarily in the Beetle but yet to see the others working.

It's nice to take pleasure from the simple things too, I found a spare festoon bulb of the right size in my stash. I now have a working glove locker light.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_4001.jpg)

In other news, 14.4 volts at the battery whilst on tick-over, albeit a very lumpy tick-over.

I feel it must be timing related although I fail to see how I moved the dizzy. I'll dig out my timing light when I get some time. I still have the cam belt to fit. Bit nervous, I've never done one by myself before, but I'd still like to get it running right before I do this just so I can rule out me introducing any more issues.

Also it's rained here yesterday and overnight. Carpets are still dry so far.... continuing to cross my fingers.

Interesting you mention Autodoc... I'm after a few bits'n'pieces at the moment and they pop up regularly when searching / trying to track stuff down.

Price wise they initially seem pretty competitive and do include UK VAT in their prices so you know where you are with that, but as you say there's the additional and unknown customs charges to factor in... could end up being very costly.

Odd you didn't get charged, maybe they're randomly selecting ones to check and slipped through this time?

Couriers are charging differing amounts if they have to process packages for the sender, RM are £8.00 on top of whatever you owe Her Majesty, some of the others are more again.

Core charge items like starters and alternators that have to be returned are potentially another headache... who pays the import charges when sending them back into the EU?

Autodoc don't pay the return postage, (which is unlikely to be cheap for such heavyitems) but if import taxes also fall to the buyer costs could quickly spiral.

If possible can you keep us posted on how buying from Autodoc goes, specially the import / customs side of things... you read lots of differeing opinions but it'd be very interesting to hear from someone who's actually doing it?

Just a small update....

My cheap CE2 light switch finally arrived form China
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_4034.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_4036.jpg)

TBF ... it looks pretty good. I thought the one fitted in my car must have been a cheap aftermarket switch as the surface was shiny and not lightly textured like OEM switches, but to my surprise it was a genuine VW part so I guess it's just been worn shiny over 30+ years of use. Obviously not original to the car, but must have been replaced at some point by someone that didn't know there was different kinds.

In other news, we've had some pretty appalling weather this past week, the car appears to still be dry which is great. Haven't had chance to look at my running/timing issue but the battery is now out and on charge.

Brake bias valve has arrived from Autodoc along with an exhaust rubber, so a few parts building up ready for the next wave of activity.

Does look the part, you'd be none the wiser without the original to compare to.

Did I read somewhere recently the older style are a potential fire risk?

Have you built up the courage to do the cam belt?

I'm seriously thinking of having a stab at it, plenty of write ups seem to say it's straight forward but hard not to be daunted.

Access is good at the moment with the other bits having been taken off nearby, seems a shame not to take advantage.

There's a 'real' mechanic near to me, might get him to give things the once over afterwards if I do.

Checked all the timing marks and everything's spot on, which is just as well as the distributor is seized in solid.

Been using penetrant for a week and you can see it's soaking through in places, but still won't budge.

Ideally would like to resolve this now, even it's hopefully not needed in the near future there's no predicting further down the line when it'll become a problem.

Have you built up the courage to do the cam belt?

I'm seriously thinking of having a stab at it, plenty of write ups seem to say it's straight forward but hard not to be daunted.

Access is good at the moment with the other bits having been taken off nearby, seems a shame not to take advantage.

There's a 'real' mechanic near to me, might get him to give things the once over afterwards if I do.

Checked all the timing marks and everything's spot on, which is just as well as the distributor is seized in solid.

Been using penetrant for a week and you can see it's soaking through in places, but still won't budge.

Ideally would like to resolve this now, even it's hopefully not needed in the near future there's no predicting further down the line when it'll become a problem.

Wouldn’t go there myself which doesn’t necessarily make it difficult ... someone suggested to me once that you get a Stanley knife and cut the old belt in half all the way around... remove the outer half and you slide the new belt on before cutting the old half off... it seemed sensible to me but I am not allowed near tools

Have you built up the courage to do the cam belt?

Funny you should say that, open on my desk is my Haynes manual at that exact page.

I've read it a few times and I'm quite scared. The words don't seem to make much sense, maybe would be more so if I had it in front of me. Perhaps my dyslexic brain would be better off finding a YouTube video and learn but seeing not reading.

It's stupid some of the things I have done yet I don't have the confidence with this.
I just don't get it, if I don't move it why do I need to worry about timing marks?

As for the cut in half method, I watched Fuzz do that on an episode of Car S.O.S. I have been thinking along those lines. Then change the tensioner after.

The problem still is it's not running right, so I need to get that sorted before I do the next thing otherwise I'll never know if I've done the belt right. I may have just moved the dizzy, giving the dizzy cap lips a whack (they were tight) but I just haven't had the time.

We've ordered new flooring for the hall and stairs so I have a deadline to get all the painting complete first, so that's priority at the moment. Still working from home, that's been a year as of last week. So still no real need (other than personal want) to get the car done.

Cam belts aren't too bad, as long as you're methodical.
Make sure then engine is times before removal, the tensioner is correct and you wind it over by hand a few times, you can't go too far wrong.

Though I understand your feeling, my first time, I think I turned over the engine about 20 times and was terrified for a day or two after.

How do mere mortals get this off (not my piccy)?

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PM4AAOSwiOpe9gWO/s-l1600.jpg)

Read else where the 4 x bolts that hold the first pulley to it are inserted into the 4 x threaded holes that are now exposed when it's removed, presumably thereby pushing it towards you and off the shaft?

The large central nut doesn't need to be touched?

The theory is sound, though I've only ever removed the four bolts and gave it a tap with a soft face hammer, usually pops off without too much hassle.

Well it's off now, took a bit more than a tap though... likely been on for a long time.

With the lower cover also off there's marks evident from at least one previous belt change and they still line up which is reassuring.

The logic of cutting the belt in half sounds is very clever, I can see how that'd go some way towards not inadvertently upsetting the timing.

Noticed today the penetrating oil is disappearing a little more quickly and uniformly... fingers crossed another week might get it loose.

If Lucy's was able to be moved by tapping it, I'm very envious!

I had a mate do the cam belt on the old one, he came round my house.... couldn't get that pulley off so drove it into work to get the big tools out. Not sure how he did it in the end but it's that kind of thing that worries me.

Cam belt on an 8v is a doddle, got it down to 20 mins if bolts are all free, while the idea of cutting the belt is doable I would always change the tensioner as it's usually that that causes snapped belts due to seizing.

Tippex is your friend, just mark up the 3 pulleys slacken  tensioner and slip belt off, new tensioner on the only pulley that really moves is the dizzy one but if it's marked up it's easy to line back up, slip belt on in the correct rotation of arrows i.e clockwise.

You can use a special tool on the tensioner to rotate it on it's cam but I usually just use an alley key and twist, it doesn't have to be that tight because when torqued up you want to be able to twist the cambelt 90 degrees, if you can't it's too tight.

Rotate the engine a couple of times by hand and recheck timing marks, job done.

How do mere mortals get this off (not my piccy)?

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PM4AAOSwiOpe9gWO/s-l1600.jpg)

Read else where the 4 x bolts that hold the first pulley to it are inserted into the 4 x threaded holes that are now exposed when it's removed, presumably thereby pushing it towards you and off the shaft?

The large central nut doesn't need to be touched?

A bit late to respond to this..
Use a Hub Puller (https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-craft-reversible-gear-puller-4-100mm-/12510?tc=NT8&ds_kid=92700046638549236&ds_rl=1243318&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=CjwKCAjw6fCCBhBNEiwAem5SO3_-5UPRsJsaDn8dqqblrxNSjIPEqQXNdWjN7Bd_pzdE-aqkWYaI8RoCqVAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). The space is very restricted due to the chassis rail and I'd suggest tightening the fingers so that it holds in place whilst you line it up. Fingers being at 10 seconds past 10 to 6ish on a clock face.
When I replaced mine for an ABF ribbed belt I marked-up with tip-ex, then found there is a dimple in the toothed crank pulley meaning it only goes one way.

Cheers wasn't the worst to get off but a puller would've been useful. Starting to build up some tools as I go along, for when I have to repeat some of these jobs again further down the line.

It's odd the holes being non-symmetrical, I would've thought it could affect the pulleys balance as it turns, but presumably either not or they've compensated somehow. Wonder why it was made only to go on a certain way?

The 3 x bolts are a peculiar size too... M8x37, again must be for a reason!

For more information on where I'm at right now, I started this topic: https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?topic=710.0
But in short, after the service the car wasn't running right. I swapped back the leads, cap etc. and still no difference.

I haven't had any time since my week off at the end of Feb, we had a fitting date for a new floor so I've been against the deadline to complete decorating. Anyway the floor is fitted and although I have some more DIY to do, I thought I'd grab half hour as I'm so frustrated I didn't get it all done and ready for MOT in my time off.

So today in classic lunchbreak style I swapped back the old fuel filter (as this actually seemed like the quickest and simplest thing to try) in a hope that the new filter was in some way faulty and restricting fuel flow. Unfortunately refitting the old fuel filter (Lucky I hadn't chucked it)  made no difference and the car is still miss-firing. With that making no difference I put the new filter back on while the car was still jacked up. So looks like I will need to follow some further diagnostic investigation. I hate that side of mechanics, I like removing old stuff and bolting back on shiny new stuff to fix problems, but when it goes wrong I get a bit lost.

So to do so I can get it in for an MOT and hopefully back on the road:
Get it running!!
Fit brake bias valve
Rebuild rear callipers
Fit exhaust rubber
Fit cam belt
Reconnect hand brake warning light - Hasn't worked since I put the carpet and dash back in, I think I've left something unplugged hopefully I can find a wire.

Well how stupid do I feel? on the other hand I'm glad it's sorted.

Adapting Monkey's advice, as he said pull a lead and start it, repeat 4 times till all leads are checked. Well with it running I just pulled a lead and put it back, and pulled the next and so on.

Pulling 1 and then 2 made it run worse but when I got to 3 it made no difference... but then when I pulled 4, also no difference.
So even though I'd convinced myself I'd double and triple checked the firing order I simply had 3 and 4 the wrong way round  ::)

The car is now purring as expected.

So with a bit of time left to kill I investigated the handbrake light. I didn't remember unplugging it at the lever end, but I removed the cover to check. Confirming that was connected I looked to the plug on the back of the bulb, and with a multimeter no power at the plug. So then to investigate the random spare plug I had pulled down to the console area. This was in fact the handbrake plug and I'd put the wrong plug on the back of the bulb. Not sure where the other one is supposed to go, I don't seem to be missing any functions.

So just the brake bias valve, getting the handbrake function up to scratch and fitting an exhaust rubber and I can book in for MOT   :D

Tell you what, bet you won't be making that mistake again!

Well for those of you still here, I suppose I owe you an update. As another years seems to be rolling by and with the National Meet looming I had another push to get her MOT ready.

Looking at previous MOT advisories I'd seen the Brake Bias Valve being stiff was a reoccurrence. And after over a year of sitting idle the brakes were in quite poor shape, surface rust and sticking handbrake. And I can confirm the brake bias wasn't going to be moving for anyone, that was well and truly solid.

So after a bit of spannering...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_4264.jpg)

Being on my own at the time I had to get inventive as a one man brake bleeding machine....
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_4298.jpg)

Whilst under the car I noticed a spot where the sealant was peeling back, so I cleaned that up, brushed on some rust converter and once gone off sprayed on a bit of waxoyl. Didn't spot anything too bad.

So tool the plunge and booked in the MOT.

MOT day: Thursday 27 May.

Dropped off at 8am, and left with them. The MOT slot was 11:00.
By 2pm I hadn't heard so looked it up online and was met with a nasty fail, it's public knowledge on the Gov site so I've nothing to hide. This is what I'm dealing with:


Repair immediately (major defects):
1. Nearside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))
2. Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))
3. Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))
4. Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength arch, currently filler and tissue paper (5.3.6 (a) (i))
5. Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired arch, plate has been tacked on in a few spots now peeling off (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
6. Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
7. Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
8. Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated both (1.1.12 (b) (ii))
9. Rear Wheel bearing has slight play both (5.1.3 (a) (i))
10. Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement top mount (5.3.4 (a) (i))
11. Coolant leak thermostat housing area ()
12. Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both (5.3.4 (a) (i))
13. Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn axle bushes will need replacing soon (5.3.4 (a) (i))
14. General corrosion to underside of vehicle unable to fully inspect due to side skirts and under sealing

I think it reads worse than it is, a rear calliper clean up, set headlight aim, and change the spark plugs and give it a good blast will sort out the emissions. Allowable CO is 3.5 and it was 3.52.

But a couple of nasty bits of welding by the sounds of it to sort out some previous bodges. I think they must have poked quite hard into a suspect area as I certainly wasn't aware of this.

The rest of the advisories are nothing too concerning.

My plan is to get it up on some stand and get all the plastics off and really see what I'm dealing with. My fear is once I start pulling at it, the repair might end up a lot bigger as these things usually do.

What a bummer, Hope you can sort it quickly . Vinnie hasn’t been Motd for since July 2019 and needs doing not  looking forward to it

Bit of a gutter, first MOT in my ownership. It had only been done a few moths before I picked up the car. All seemed well. I'm aware the car has history, but was happy it was priced accordingly and on the face of it the repairs I could see looked like they'd been done OK.

I only used it for about 4 or 5 months before COVID hit and it's been off the road since, I'm surprised it's got that bad from just sitting there, so makes me question the validity of the previous MOT/MOTs. Oh well.... watch this space (or maybe watch the parts and breaking section ;-) )

What we you saying to me about ignorance being bliss??

Seriously though, bit of a bummer, but aside from the bodge, it's not too bad a sheet.
You just need someone to do a proper repair for you.
From how it reads and the fact you've never seen it, I'm thinking its inner arch, so any half decent welder should be able to sort that for you without too much trouble.

That's a shame. Are you going to share some pics?Hopefully you can get a welder to repair without having too much dismantling to do. Hope it isn't as bad as you fear.
When I asked my mobile welder to sort what I thought was a bit of rear arch crustyness it turned out to be worse than I hoped. However if you can get a good quality repair which blends well then at least you are putting money into an appreciating asset rather than a modern eurobox which will be depreciating at least £100pm and most likely many times more.

Well due to more pressing jobs, patio laying and the like, the best i managed over the 3 day bank holiday weekend was to get it on stands and take a look. It's a start I suppose, and at least I'm not guessing anymore.

And thankfully, it's not as bad as they made out, at least not on the face of it, I know rust holes can get bigger when you start cleaning them up. Anyway, here's the previous repair on the nearside, front of inner arch.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4325.jpg)

I might just wire wheel it and if it looks solid stitch weld the existing plate. I'll know more once I get the under-seal off.

And the offside, same place....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4322.jpg)

No attempt at a patch here, just stuffed with cardboard. I'm not even sure if there was any filler involved, or the MOT station chipped it all away. But lashings of under-seal was hiding this little gem.

A good poke all around and it seems to be fairly limited to the mouse house size hole. So a good clean up and a patch similar to the other side and I should be good to go. And I'm happy that's within my ability as a welder, so I'll be taking this on myself. so if anything catches on fire it'll be on me this time.

Thankfully the weather seems to be on our side so I'll see if I can get a few evenings on it. Watch this space....

Hey, that's not too bad at all (and rather typical locations for a mk2)

The odd thing is, the amount of effort needed to hide the bodges, it would have been easier just to repair it properly!

A few pics from last night, I was hoping to make a bit more progress and update later on, but looks like it'll be raining this evening so doubt I'll do anything more.

The bodges continue. I was aware the black on the rear bumper had been painted with truck bed liner (or something) but this was not what I was expecting.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4376.jpg)

A hidden screw that had been filled and painted over. Not sure why the side bracket was in place and the bumper fit didn't seem to be effected after I'd cut through it.

After lifting the bumper away I worked out why it weighed so much...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4380.jpg)

A hacked up tow bar. and a bodged up repair on the skin. Not anything I can afford to replace yet, but I will keep my eyes open for a rear bumper with bar and brackets. Shout if you know of one!

Anyway, some good news...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4378.jpg)

Don't think I've ever seen such a clean rear end! now I know this has had a repair so it's not as old as the rest of the car, but straight and true which is reassuring at least.

Much the same for the arch

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4377.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4379.jpg)

A bit of tiger seal to help the trim, but all the rivets were there so not sure why. But one thing it has done is kept the lower lip of the trim off the paint, which I'm sure aids drainage so perhaps it's not such a silly idea.

Sill looks good, but seem to have forgot a pic.

Other side.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4386.jpg)

not awful!

But a bit of crust on the lower rear corner.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4387.jpg)

But this is shocking!!!  :o

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4381.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4382.jpg)

But I think I can clean it up and finish it off, no need to strip it back and redo it at this point.

Stay tuned for the next instalment.

Bit of good and a bit of bad.... could have been much worse though .. and you will know it’s been done and good. That bumper though !!!!!

I can't understand why someone would go to the trouble of prepping an area, making up the patch, tacking it on, but then just stop, it literally takes minutes to complete the weld from that point!

Also, would it have killed them to wait a little while and paint the repair properly??!

Well I've managed to grab the odd hour here and there, and have made some good progress, still plenty more to do but I thought it was time for an update.

I poked this (nearside rear arch rear corner):

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4399.jpg)

I started grinding back to find clean metal, and found filler (offside rear arch front corner):

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4392.jpg)

So I ground back more and ended up with holes larger than initially expected. Pics here show freshly applied rust converter, has the blue goo:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4397.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4395.jpg)

So I ordered these:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4407.jpg)

Mocked up this (using the roof panel from the one I broke previously - I knew keeping a large sheet of metal would come in handy):

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4414.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4415.jpg)

Not pretty, but solid and happy with that as my first ever real life attempt at welding:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4423.jpg)

and after a good grind and splash of protection:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4430.jpg)

too nervous to do the outer repair panel just yet I switched to the other side for a bit more practice on 'hidden' metal before going for body work.

So cleaning back that previously added patch, see last post, I decided it was crap so cut away to start again:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4440.jpg)

More roof panel, to this:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4441.jpg)

and finally this:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4451.jpg)

Now, that other hole I poked.... got bigger:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4442.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4446.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4448.jpg)

To finally this:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4470.jpg)

So my next job is back to the driver side to tacked the front of the arch, also the rear corner looks like it has some filler in it, so I guess I should really poke that one too.

In other news:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4458.jpg)
The bumper mount on the body had been cut down, because the mount on the bumper was broken and had been bodged, so I bought both of these to fix it.

The bumper mount is genuine and actually bought from long time 'friend' of the forum and eBay seller x4mgs153-mk2 because he was actually the cheapest  :o

The mount to go on the body is aftermarket but the two slot together really well so I'm hoping the bumper will fit well once fixed.

And finally, for when that day comes that I finally get to drive it again, my son didn't know what to get me for my birthday so I said I wanted new speakers for the rear, as the fronts were decent but the rears original. I was going to get some JBL but when it came to it they were out of stock so I ended up spending a bit more for these. Hopefully they'll be worth the extra.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4454.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4455.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_4456.jpg)

I know shelf support 4x6 are never going to pump out the bass, but they should at least provide a bit more sound to the rear.

Wow! Typical rust job, always ends up growing, good work tackling all that yourself though.

I love Rockford stuff, especially their power series.

Well done you… one small step for man …

I am definitely going to learn how to weld... under no illusion it's a hard skill to master, but can't help think of all the jobs I could do without relying on others.

I'm getting into my own car much deeper than originally planned and it's thrown up a few areas that'd be better sorted now before they become an issue.

Was going to try and make the patches from sheet steel rather than pay for pressed pattern parts then only use small portions of them.

Be keen to see more updates.

 

I am definitely going to learn how to weld... under no illusion it's a hard skill to master, but can't help think of all the jobs I could do without relying on others.

I'm getting into my own car much deeper than originally planned and it's thrown up a few areas that'd be better sorted now before they become an issue.

Was going to try and make the patches from sheet steel rather than pay for pressed pattern parts then only use small portions of them.

Be keen to see more updates.

 

Welding is an art form, I learned it when I was 17 and love welding but don't get the chance to do any these days, if you nee any advice hit me up, best to try on an old piece of metal and try and do a nice bead.

I always think welding is like golf, easy to start, impossible to master!

Got some time off soon so hopefully crack on with the rest of the welding, but as a little side project I've been working on trying to make the best of the knackered rear bumper. It's never going to be perfect but until a responsibly priced one comes up local it'll have to do.

So the black of the bumper had previously been painted and I noticed some stress cracking in the paint. I forgot to get any before pics but I started to chase out the cracks with a dremmel.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4490.jpg)

and fill

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4491.jpg)

and flat back

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4538.jpg)

to which I discovered the true depth of the repair, anyway as said already it'll have to do.

So I dealt with a few other bits and flatted the whole of the painted black part

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4540.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4541.jpg)

Replaced the bodged bracket

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4572.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4573.jpg)

prepped..... and finally found a use for IKEA instructions

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4575.jpg)

and emptied a spray can of black texture bumper paint onto it.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4582.jpg)

I'm not 100% happy with it, was very hard to spray and I'm thinking (since I have a compressor and paint gun) I might had been better off buying a litre of paint rather than using the aerosol. But we'll see how it looks once it's dried off and the paint has calmed down. It'll pass a 10 yard inspection at least, and hopefully will fit better with the new bracket.

Think you're being harsh... looks spot-on, what brand of textured paint did you go for?

The new bracket also looks perfect, it's something on my to do list - pointers on which one to get?

I put the question out to the Facebook massive and got mixed answers, but ultimately this one had more than a few hands up against it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302261524788

But I expect they’re all quite similar.

Very interested as to what you think about the eventual finish.

As seems to be the trend at the moment very little to update you with.

Outcome of the bumper....
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_4621.jpg)

Not bad, but the finish is a bit too rough/sharp IMO. Maybe the spray distance was a bit far or the coverage not thick enough but as mentioned before it was really hard to spray from the tin, the nozzle kept clogging and would have been better through a gun I'm sure. It'll do, and maybe it will soften a little over time, after a few washes and with a bit of bumper gel built up on it. The bumper is basically scrap, but I just wanted to make the best of it till I was able to replace but it it was a keeper I might be tempted to slightly sand back and respray with satin black.

In other news, I had a couple days off (booked off for the National that didn't happen so had a Friday and Monday going spare) so thought ideal time to get the last of the welding done, after all the weather was fine, if not a bit too hot.

So nice and early Friday morning I get all set up...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/14f3863d-1209-4366-9017-c0efe1f3e7ff.jpg)

Only to discover I'm out of gas!!!! I must have left the bottle open and had a leak, as I'm sure I haven't used that much.

Also stranded at home with no useable car, so no option to do anything about it.
So a few days later I manage to get some Gas and the following Friday get a few hours spare so think I'd at least make a start, only to find my regulator is shot, obviously why the leak and no gas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwx5DOcbNZk

So again no progress, and currently waiting on a new regulator. The new one has gauges which the old one didn't so will hopefully tell me a bit more about what's going on.

Anyway, with a few hours spare and no chance to weld I thought I'd make a start on a few other jobs.

Fitted new spark plugs and leads, one at a time so no fear of muddling them up this time. Battery is out for welding, so haven't tested yet.

Also fitted new front brake hoses both sides, new exhaust rubbers as the old were very saggy.

Anyway, after reviewing the MOT advisory list, and knowing I'll have to resubmit for a full MOT since I'm way past the 10 day retest I thought I'd try and knock a few off so they don't turn into new fails next time.

So placed my 3rd order with AUTODOC, went for the easy option of complete front wishbones with bushes and balljoints fitted (cuz I have enough on my plate). And although not listed, thought it was easier to just replace, ARB mounts and links joints and Track Rod Ends. Also ordered rear beam bushes. I held off on new discs all round, they have surface rust from sitting for well over a year now, but I'm happy they are solid and that will clean off. It won't matter if it takes a couple of weeks to arrive, I'm sure I'll still have the parts before I'm ready to fit.

Oh, I also added a new central locking compatible boot lock (see previous) as AUTODOC sent me a £5 voucher, but I had to spend over £90 and the above list came in just under.

The bumper looks excellent, you've done an amazing job on it.

I did mine with textured truck bed liner and you're right, the initial finish is quite severe compared to the original and rough to the touch. I found a very gentle wipe (long strokes all in the one direction) with a fine scotch-brite material progressively toned it down and smoothed the finish.

Keep us updated on the welding, I'm determined to get into it at some point and posts like this are gold to me.

I don't want to sound like a Victor Meldrew about this but I can see you on the drive welding the car I assume, how public is the road and do people walk past, especially kids, last thing you want is someone knocking on your door because their kid has a bad dose of arceye while being fascinated at the spark of the welding, just a thought.

Only reason I say it is when I started in welding at 16 the first day I stood there and watched what was going on only to find a few hours later that I was in awful pain like sand being thrown in my eyes, it is a lesson you only need to learn once!!

It’s a fair comment and there is a primary school at the end of my road, but I’ve never been out on it at school time. And I normally park the other car across in front to give me a bit of a shield I also have some large bits of hardboard I prop up around me. I do it as it stops the wind from blowing the gas I wasn’t really doing it from the point of view of others but I’ll certainly bare it I’m mind. I do generally stop if people walk buy, it’s a very quiet area so that’s not often but I do it to be courteous in the same way I stop the pressure washer if someone goes by when I’m cleaning etc.

New welding gas regulator arrived and didn't fit, looked like it should be thread pitch is slightly out. Not sure if it's bad manufacture or just for a different type of bottle. New one ordered from elsewhere while I battle with eBay for the return. But another week lost, new one won't arrive till Friday at the earliest. And my wife is getting very stroppy about the car on stands on the driveway still.

The welding saga continues, 2nd regulator arrived, British made, BS marked etc. Fits well.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4654.jpg)

So since then I've had 2 evening sessions, sorry pics are a bit lacking. Was just eager to get it done in fading light and wasn't focused on taking photos.

But first off, here's my blockade arrangement, 1. so I'm not shooting sparks at the other car, 2. to give a bit of wind protection, 3. to deter onlookers.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4659.jpg)

It works, and I have the theory if it's windy so the card blows over it's probably too windy to be welding outside.

Anyway, the first session was the rear corner, I only took these (poor quality) pics part way through:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4656.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4657.jpg)


I did get this finished and the outer panel on.

Second session was the front corner of the rear arch, again a bit light on the pics, but I did get this one.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4670.jpg)

You can't really see a lot as I was loosing light, but with a slap of filler over the join (still to be sanded) and some paint protection to cover the bare metal...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4674.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4673.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4672.jpg)

All welding is now complete, I can move on with the next stage.

Meanwhile. I started to apply Forever Black to the plastics, here's a half done pic of a sill cover:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4650.jpg)

I know my welding isn't excellent, but I'm learning and what I'm putting in seems to be adequate. Over the years I've paid for welding to be done, on my old one for example which I know has since had to be redone and I also had that place that set fire to my Beetle, so I'd rather take this on myself than let anyone else do it.

It might need doing again in years to come but hopefully I'll be more experienced by then so it's no big deal.

Best way to learn is to get stuck in.
Remember what you weren't happy with and correct it for next time.

Just a shame it won't be in time for Volksfest

You'll need to be careful some porch pirate doesn't think you've just been delivered by Amazon and they've carried you half way down the road before you realise.

Great work as usual,... credit where it's due, well impressed at you tackling this yourself.

Still plodding along slowly whenever I get chance to grab a bit of time. But a day off last week and a bit of time over the weekend has pushed things forward quite well.

Thursday I took the front bumper and arches off, and was pleased things weren't too bad.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4692.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4693.jpg)

Scabs dealt with, wire-wheeled and rust treated.

So after some very hillbilly masking, and keeping an eye on some ropey looking rain clouds ....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4694.jpg)

We have paint !!!!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4696.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4698.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4699.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4701.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4702.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4703.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4704.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4705.jpg)

The (fake) raptor might not be a very OEM approach but it's all behind the trims and will hopefully delay any future issues.
I'm happy with how it looks and even though I masked it was just for overspray and I'm happy with how I've mostly blended the finish.

With the front bumper off though I did however discover a weeping radiator, but thankfully they're not expensive so no messing around, a new one ordered off eBay should arrive later this week.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4708.jpg)

In a further session on the weekend I managed to remove the old wishbones, ready for replacements with all new bushes. Although I do have a very stuck track rod end. I didn't need to replace it but decided I'd just do everything and I wouldn't have to worry for a few years. I've separated from the hub carrier no problem, I even split it without damaging the rubber - I think that's a first for me. But it's solid on the lock nut.

Oh, and the new wishbones didn't come with replacement bolt collars so I've had to buy them separately. I've got some more cleaning and Forever Black to do but other than that awaiting on delivery of the extra items so that'll be it till the remaining parts arrive.

Great progress... know what you mean about how slowly jobs can get done, it becomes overwhelming at times.

Bizarre too, looking a near identical car to your own and doing the same work / recognising everything.

The textured stone chip, what brand is it - the finish is what I'd like in places?

Do you need a compressor to apply it, that'd rule it out for me unfortunately?

Here’s what I got.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mipa-TINTABLE-Protector-Tough-Truck-Bed-Liner-Coating-KIT-1L-Gun-NOT-Raptor-/183749759831?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

The tintable is supposed to have body colour added to it, but asking around I was told is was creamy white so thought it would be ok on its own. Wasn’t worried about colour match as it’s all behind trims.

But actually it’s quite translucent so didn’t cover the repairs, especially as the primer I used was quite dark. So I had to rush to Halfords and buy a load of tins of alpine white. I but actually it’s covered well and only got away with using 2 tins. But Halfords prices I could have probably got a 1 litre of white and tinted it properly. Anyway results are ok and yes you do need a compressor.

Would hiring one for the weekend be an option?

Lookin good Tim...the Golf looks well too!
I was going to suggest applying heat to the steering arm nuts, that was what worked on mine. I did think that the thread was reverse/different on one side to the other can't remember which side tho.

But first off, here's my blockade arrangement, 1. so I'm not shooting sparks at the other car, 2. to give a bit of wind protection, 3. to deter onlookers.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_4659.jpg)

It works, and I have the theory if it's windy so the card blows over it's probably too windy to be welding outside.

I picked up a welding curtain for not many pennies for this purpose, still not used yet though

Just me being pedantic, wanted to keep that rippled effect on the lower parts.

None of the areas being done will hopefully ever be seen again, behind trim etc. so not really a problem.

Not doing very much either and couldn't justify hiring a compressor or even buying a litre of the stone chip for that matter.

Great work!

Missed an important birthday, Monday was 30 years to the day since Lucy was first registered.

Just a baby

Just a baby

I know, odd it's it. Seems like an age ago I celebrated 30 years with the previous one. It's strange having cars from both ends of the production run.

Can't believe how time has flown and now I'm battling against early sun sets again.

Managed an hour the other night, and fitted both new control arms and arb bushes by torchlight.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/img_4978.jpg)

Double checked my work in daylight a few days later when I got chance, and finally got that stuck TRE undone with the aid of a Giant stilsons wrench and a 5lb lump hammer.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/img_4989.jpg)

Also took the old Rad out, as a leek was seen from in a previous post. Well this is the other side so it was certainly all set to give up on me.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/img_4990.jpg)

New rad fitted

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/img_4988.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/img_4987.jpg)

And I'm sorry to show off the rusty, grotty parts, but no I'm not sending off for blasting and powder coating, not this time round at least.

What rad. did you go for?

I've a Hella somewhere, bought about 10 years ago when I first started tinkering, little did I know then what I know now or else I'd have left well alone. Had another quick look recently and they all seem to be the same one, just branded differently or am I just being cynical.

(Glad you've relented and carried on posting)

Have recently had tie rods and ball joints replaced and now wonder about the merits of having front wheels aligned. I’m trying to track down (see what I did there) someone who is familiar with MK2s and will adjust wheels with correct camber/toe in values.

Eddypeck: Since you have just gone down this road recently will you align wheels yourself or do you know someone locally you trust to do it properly? Also, is it possible to align Golf GTi rear wheels?

I will be taking it to get tracking done once it’s passed the MOT. I think the only place local that can do it it the Kwik Fit on the industrial estate. Even Elite tyres send you there for tracking, they don’t do it themselves.

Sort answer there is no rear adjustment for 4 wheel alignment (I don’t think anyway) long answer I think you can tweak the rear with shim plates etc and there’s some adjustments of the axel via the beam mounts. But I don’t think it’s necessary to get into that.

I usually use Elite for the MOTs, there used to be an old VW guy there that was always sympathetic but he’s moved on now and the new guy seems to be a bit over enthusiastic with failures and he’s obsessed with surface rust, but is equally as dissatisfied if a vehicle has underseal so it’s a no win situation. He’s flagged advisories on both the Mk5 and my daughters Fiesta for under body rust and I’ve looked they are both really clean vehicles for the age. I’m thinking I’ll try InterPro for the MOT when I’m ready. The Mk5 is due soon so perhaps that can be my trial vehicle to see how lenient they are. I think that’s going to need an exhaust and they are a Longlife dealer, they did the exhaust on my old BMW E30.

Radiator was just some unbranded thing off eBay, nothing special. Liked to be just as well made as anything I else.

Bought a Mahle on Amazon for the MK1 recently, to put away as it was on sale for a ridiculously low price.

Identical to the Hella of 10 years ago, though I think they both now belong the same parts group.

They're each 'mechanically jointed'  - read that as being as cheaply made as possible, but if they work then no harm in that and keeps running costs down.

The 205 had an 'Ordonez' in when I got it, but was weeping slightly.

Tried to get a replacement but while the company still exist they don't make that particular one any longer.

Local garage tracked down an old stock 'Valeo' for me but when they picked it up it turned out to be an 'Ordonez' in their packaging

It's a heavy steel body with bass core, weighs a massive amount.

Stupidly ditched the original before I realised they can be re-cored and even grotty ones are worth a few quid because of it.

Was checking through Autodoc's MK2 offerings and the spec. / dimensions of all but one are nigh on identical, seems to bear out that they're likely all the same one.

Coincidentially or not the exception is the 'Valeo', it's described as aluminium manufacture and not the mechanically jointed of the others... be interesting to know if it is different in any (better) way.

And as you can see I could propably benefit from a new expansion botle return hose. I'm not fussed about maintaning the pink fleck as I know that's the onging quest for certain people ;-).

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/screenshot-2021-10-05-at-09.04.18.png)

2 Years ago today!!! 2 years, but I only drove it for 5 months before pulling it off the road and putting it on SORN when covid struck and I started to work from home.  ::)

Ahhh, look at that wee face - Happy anniversary by the way!

Sorry to everyone expecting in update sooner, I mentioned elsewhere I'd done some work over the weekend, yet it's Thursday and I'm only just getting the pics up.

Anyway, arches, sill trims and the repaired rear bumper on:
 
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/img_5023.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/img_5024.jpg)

And here's the clever bit, in line with what I did on the old one I used plastic screw clips to fit the arches rather than rivets.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/img_5025.jpg)

These clips were bigger than the ones I'd used previously but the benefit is the head is bigger and I think they are a bit more secure. As a result I did have to drill out the holes a bit, but I knew I was going to be using these so I did that, rust treated and primed before I applied the paint at the previous stage.

This means the trims are all removable if I so decide and there's no metal on metal like with rivets.

I also removed, cleaned and refitted the coolant flange, with a smidge of gasket sealant. Since one of my advisories was a slight coolant leak from that area. Topped up the coolant, following the new rad and I ran up the car - all seems well!

Although the fuel pump under the car started making a sucking noise, I think my tank has finally run dry. At least I hope it was just the sound of the pump sucking air and not the fuel pump on the way out.

I was parked up with very little fuel way back when. It's been moved around the driveway a few times and been started and ran.

And on a previous evening, when it was not too dark to see but dark enough to help I aligned the headlights using the brick wall it's pointing towards.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/img_5018.jpg)

So the only thing remaining on my MOT fail/advisory list that I still need to worry about is now the CO2 levels.

I also want to do the cam belt, so the reason I've left off the front bumper and arch liners and kept in on stands as this gives me a bit more access. I'll need to take a fuel can up to the petrol station but thankfully the panic buying is over so hopefully I won't get judged as 'one of them'.

I'm sure I'll be back on the road soon, I'm back in the office now a couple days a week and with the winter coming I might be reluctant to take the bike all the time.

Great little tip with the arches, I think I'll copy that one!

Great update and that is a good tip on the plastic screws for the arches. Where did you get them from? I am about to install plastic arches on the mk3 and will want to take them off the mk2 semi regularly to check or clean.

Great update and that is a good tip on the plastic screws for the arches. Where did you get them from? I am about to install plastic arches on the mk3 and will want to take them off the mk2 semi regularly to check or clean.

First time round I bought then from Halfords, they are smaller and go in the rivet sized holes without the need to open them out. Although they stick out more than theres. But when I bought them you used to get at least a dozen in the packet, now you only 4 so it's not a cost effective product as they are a few quid a pack.

But based that my previous purchase an my build thread at the time an old club member that lives locally, but no longer owns a mk2 (but we've stayed in touch) bought this bulk bag of about 100 fixings off eBay from China, when the arrived he found they were too large and didn't use them. Knowing I was doing this job again he said I was welcome to have them.

I think it's something like these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170935610114?hash=item27cc8e6b02:g:M2gAAOSwyvBhFm4N but there's lots of different options if you search "plastic trim screws".

These are the ones I used before from Halfords
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/2014-06-06125308_zpsec020fcd.jpg)

Excellent thank you - that is definitely the route I will go as I think it is worth taking them off and cleaning every so often.

Nice repair there too - mines just been done like that today too!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/mk2-golf-gti-alpine-white-big-bumper.jpg)

Finally all back togther and down form the axel stands.
Just needs a little tune up to lower the CO2 then I can get it booked in for the next MOT.... or almost.

Rear offsidge handbrake is still binding. I freed up the caliper previously but sitting unused for a while hasn't done it any favours so it clearly needs another look.

Have you given it a wash too?
Looks very shiny!

Just good lighting! It hasn't been washed in ages and is covered in fallout from all the grinding/cutting/welding.  That black dot on the wing is a bit of leaf caught in a cobweb just below the side repeater.

The paint feels like sandpaper so will need a good wash/clay/cut/polish/wax. I only cleaned around the arches, sills and wing tips before the trims went back on so there was no dirt trapped behind. I did half heartidly clean the wheels before they were fitted so I think the shiny lips help with the illusion.

I would imagine the grinding has sent hot metal particles onto the paint work and damaged the surface that's why its rough to the touch.
scs

I would imagine the grinding has sent hot metal particles onto the paint work and damaged the surface that's why its rough to the touch.
scs

Nothing a bit of t-cut won't sort out. The small bits I've done come have been very sucessful, there are no serious spark burns just metal 'dust' combined with the fact it hasn't been washed properly in almost 2 years.

Re: The rear caliper and sticking handbrake.

The piston moves freely and the pads slide in the carrier, so the main caliper operation is fine.

The issue it the handbrake lever on the back of the caliper. Pulling the handbrake on the cable operates the handbrake as expected, but releasing the handbrake the lever on the caliper doesn't move freely to release the handbrake. A turn of the wheel will release the pads from the disc surface and allow the wheel to spin.
There is a spring on the lever to help with the return but it appears the spring is not strong enough. You can physically push the lever back to the 'home' position with your finger so it's not like it takes a big effort.

Anyway, I've found out the following information so I will be trying this:

- Whip out the 10mm bolt near the handbrake lever on the caliper, This is the bolt the spring wraps onto. Then you can prise the lever up, it'll only move a little way but it might be enough.

(https://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk2/images/golf-mk2-160.png)

- You will find the spindle is all rusty and horrid, use a thin piece of sandpaper/dremel/wirewool or whatever it takes, try to work some oil into where the lever swivels i also spray some spray grease in there.

- Keep doing that until its free. Not sure what's involved in being able to remove the lever and spindle completely.

Now here's the intersting bit I found out, and the answer I was looking for, based on my comment above about the spring not being strong enough:

- late 80s ford granada spring are indentical but a touch stronger, around £2.50* from ford

* not sure how old the post was but found a pair on eBay for £6.50.

(https://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk2/images/golf-mk2-153.png)

I know the long term recomended solution is to fit, mk3, Mk4 or polo calipers. But if I can simply get this handbrake to release nicley with a bit of labour and a few quid spent it'll do me for now.

Interesting. I do find my MK3 rear calipers a bit "sticky" but not as bad as the MK2s I had.
I would suggest using penetrating oil first since that will find its way down the handbrake actuator. Then when it is moving freely applying oil should help further followed by gease to stop the crud getting back in.
While you are at it you could do the Polo axle upgrade too!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/mk2-golf-gti-alpine-white-big-bumper.jpg)

Finally all back togther and down form the axel stands.
Just needs a little tune up to lower the CO2 then I can get it booked in for the next MOT.... or almost.

Rear offsidge handbrake is still binding. I freed up the caliper previously but sitting unused for a while hasn't done it any favours so it clearly needs another look.

If there is no fluid coming out then the problem is muck getting in. As your investigation and others comments some oil and a new spring will help but the fix is s full strip down. If you do strip down please post loads of pictures, I can’t remember how to put mine back together.

2am this morning was woken by the dogs barking, at pretty much the same time my son came in and said there’s someone checking out my car. His room is on the front of the house, when he heard the dogs he noticed the security lights were also on so looked out. By the time I got to the window I just caught view of the heels disappearing round a corner.

Hopefully just some inquisitive lads passing by that wanted a closer look at a cool car, either way with the dogs, lights and twitching curtains they decided not to hang about. If it’s anything more sinister hopefully that was enough for them to not return.

It’s boxed in on the drive so it’s not going anywhere, plus it’s out of petrol currently.

But either way I’ll be setting up the night cam my daughter got me last year to watch our resident hedgehog and I’ll set the alarm which hasn’t been on for fear of flat battery and false alarms while it’s been laid up.

Makes you think though.

It does indeed mate,
That's why I bought one of those Vodafone Curve trackers.
Maybe you should think about it too, only £30 and then £3/month subscription.

Take the steering wheel off plus 1 x wheel and if you have them, 1 x locking wheel bolt on the hub to slow them down if they bring their own.

Not fool proof but the harder you make it the better.

Not tow proof but I have a cheap toggle switch hidden in the car, isolates the fuel pump simple but they won’t be looking for simple

Roll on the Spring and hopefully we will be using ours a lot more.  Let hope we get some shows early next year and finally the annual meet back on track.  What a nightmare 2020-2021 has been.

Not tow proof but I have a cheap toggle switch hidden in the car, isolates the fuel pump simple but they won’t be looking for simple

I have exactly that too, they will be searching for complex but be beaten by simple.

I'm tow proof too, no wheels for years.

Quote from: Damien.wrl on October 31, 2021, 10:56:50 AM

Not tow proof but I have a cheap toggle switch hidden in the car, isolates the fuel pump simple but they won’t be looking for simple

I have exactly that too, they will be searching for complex but be beaten by simple.

I'm tow proof too, no wheels for years.

I see your no wheels, and raise you no wheels, brakes, subframe, rear beam or running gear of any kind!

The last two things on my MOT failure/advisory list were CO2 levels and a sticking handbrake.

When doing a Google deep dive on calliper advice (other than simply replacing) I found an archived forum post on Club GTI from 2010 suggesting Ford Granada (1985-95) uses the same callipers but the handbrake return springs are beefier!

And after purchasing a pair for less than £6 delivered I can confirm this is in fact true.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5079.jpg)

So whilst not a solution on it's own it should help.

I did need to remove the calliper and free up the handbrake mech more, I also needed to wind back the piston again and start again on the setting. But the end result was a working handbrake that releases itself when I put the lever down.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5081.jpg)

A bit tricky to fit, but after getting the hang of it on one, the fitting was a little easier on the other side.

The other thing then was the emissions.

So I borrowed this machine of FinalD (ex-cub member).

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5078.jpg)

I read through Rubjonnys tune up guide, but it was a bit over complex for me. But I got the gist, take a baseline setting in open air to calibrate the machine. Then shove the probe up a pipe and turn the allen key screw on top of the MAF till the number is lower.

For some reason you set the machine at 2% in open air, when I first put the probe in I was reading 5+ so if I've understood this correctly I have a reading of just over 1% now. ??

Oh, and the final thing.

A test fit on these:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5089.jpg)

The bezels need to be repainted but I just wanted to get them in. Haven't fitted the senders in the bay yet but all the wiring is in place. They're wired up to ignition live and illuminate with light on - as demonstrated, but not ideal taking the photo on daylight.

MOT booked for Friday - fingers cross that doesn't mean I'll be spending next weekend fixing more stuff!

The seller'll be wondering why he's suddenly having a run on spring sales... maybe worth a sticky in the tech. section (it it's not already there)?

Any info. your car gives you is important but I think oil pres. / temp and volts like yours are what I found myself checking most often when out in the 205.

Apart from looking great and suiting the car, connects you to it on a different level from modern machinery... everyone should maybe consider extra gauges.

The tester you used is the next one up from the basic Gunson for CO only I got, but I think that function is the same on both, you'd need to check as I'm not sure? The professional also looks to go to 2 x decimal points, mine's just the one.

Before I committed to one I found this online manual and when I was looking again today found another for FinalD's I'd not seen before.

Basic (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1482901/Gunson-Gastester-G4125.html)

Professional (https://docs.rs-online.com/716a/0900766b80031046.pdf)

If the CO part is the same then in a nutshell you have do the following -

Calibrate it before use by leaving it in the open air by setting to 2.0%.

It's not recommended you disturb it after calibration, so ideally site it where you intend to test (out of any exhaust gases).

I found it can take up to 20 mins to finally settle down and you'll probably need to re-adjust it back to the 2% periodically until it becomes a steady reading.

Warm the engine up to running temp (so the fan has kicked in at least once) and ensure it's idling RPM is what it should be, then insert the probe quite far up into the pipe.

There'll be a lag of 15+ seconds as the machine catches up and again after each / every adjustment you then make.

There's a stated +/- 0.5% error disclaimer but I found mine to be more or less exactly right (matched MOT testers reading), but that'll probably vary from machine to machine and until you know for sure it'll have to be factored in to your final readings to be on the safe side.

I found tiny adjustments of the screw on the 205 was all that was needed once you had reached the ball park CO level you were after, don't expect complete or even quarter turns. If the fan kicks in again while adjusting you'll have to wait until it goes off before continuing.

When your desired CO reading is reached and has been steady for a few minutes you remove the probe (again don't move the box / keep it out of any exhaust gases) then leave the machine on until it settles (in theory) back to the 2% it was initially calibrated to.

I found it would seldom do that, usually 0.1 or 0.2 above or below.

Take that difference and the potential +/- 0.5% error range and combined together you should get your (best / worst) final CO.

You also need to let it run post test so it can purge in readiness of its next use.

Assuming your 3.15 was obtained doing the above and the worst case of the machine being a full +0.5% out, it could potentially take you just over the limit.

The 205 runs a very similar set up to the MK2 but I don't yet know enough about the Golfs to appreciate any differences.

The 205's ideal CO is considered to be 1.5% (between 1 an 2 is acceptable) so plenty of scope for testing machine error not to result in a fail.

If you could at least get it to sub 3.0% would give you breathing space.

Good luck today!

It’s a PASS - whoop whoop.

Full update a bit later.

Bet you're over the moon.... How did the emissions work out in the end?

Just in time to take it off the road for the winter! :))



Congrats though

Bet you're over the moon.... How did the emissions work out in the end?

Yes, very pleased. I wasn't at all confident and was expecting another fail of something stupid I'd missed or if my welding wasn't good enough.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/vw-mk2-golf-gti-big-bumper-alpine-white-mot.jpg)

But to confirm I took it InterPro for the MOT, a different place than previously since I hadn't been happy with the number of the pedantic advisories picked up by my usual place - not just on my mk2, but the mk5 last year and also my dauguters car.

The Mk5 has just been through an MOT with InterPro, and they're a Longlife exhaust outlet and the Mk5 has just had a full custom S/S system from them also, so they are back in favour. I had stopped using InterPro as they dragged their heels so much when they had my old K-jet in.

So I managed a pass with just 3 advisories, 1 & 2 pitted brake discs (front and rear). I knew this, they've been covered in surface rust for the almost 2 years of non-use. I did consider fitting new but I'd quite like to upgrade the front and rear so decided I'll stick with them for now and accept the inevtiable advisory - a few hard braking sessions on the drive up to the test managed to clean them pretty good as I knew it would.

The 3rd note was rusty rear beam. It's in better condition than most I've seen but still suffering. No mentinon of the bushes as an advisory, but at least now I can plan at some point in the future to restore the rear beam and go for the Polo hub upgrade with new discs. That'll sort the rear, and 16v for the front if I manage to source some hubs etc.

As for the emissions.  They forgot to give me the little print out and I didn't check before leaving so I don't know,  so must have been ok to pass (unless they didn't test it).

On my run this morning everything was fine, ran well and recorded close to 40 mpg  - went just over on the motorway but dropped to a lower average after getting caught in some traffic later.

Just in time to take it off the road for the winter! :))



Congrats though

You know I won't be doint that! I'm in the office today so my first proper chance at a drive.  30+ miles in winter weather, fog and drizzle.

Heater, rear dimister, lights (including fog lights front and rear) and wipers all work as they should.

And I'm so pleased with the heated seats - it seems like a age ago I installed them but this is the first time other than a test sit, that I've driven since they were fitted. Very effective.


Having had all the suspension apart and fitted new TRE I knew it needed tracking set up so I booked this to be done along with the MOT. unfortunately the lock nuts were siezed, again I knew this from the trouble I had doing the ends, so I did have to pay a couple hours labour but rather them than me, I'd already done my bit and had the bruises to show it.

And Road Tax is crazy expensive!!! It's been on SORN since March 2020 - almost £300. Need to get out in in now and make sure I'm getting my monies worth.

Will be good to see a well smart friend in Tesco car park now.

Re InterPro: Very keen to see to my silencer needs but positively belligerent when trying to get them to look at car for any mechanical/engine work. It seems car too old for them to take on? In the end I shied away from some cam work and ECU mapping/chip stuff. Car nifty enough with 99 octane, upgraded ht leads, iridium plugs, free flow intake filter and trusty heavy right foot.

Will flash you this time!

Shame about the CO reading, would've been useful to know how accuate FinalD's tester was, specially if you'd access to it for the next time.

They're a little time consuming to set up properly, but with patience easy to get the hang of and so much less hassle than an unnecessary fail.

I was reading elsewhere about changing out the brake compensator valve and it being recommended the system is re-balanced afterwards (if that's the correct term?) - your brakes were obviously OK, did you do any setting up post change? 

Re InterPro:

On the trading estate, at the back? they specialise in old stuff, mostly Ford and VW. There was a Splitty parked out front when I dropped mine off. So your car is not too old for them to take on.

However I would say, they are can be a bit awkward and they drag their heels on long term projects.

My old 86 GTI went in with fueling issues. they had it for about 6 months in the end and if cost me a couple of grand. Was running amazing when it came out though. Most of the cost was having the entire fuel injection system reconditioned due to water contamination. A long story that was well documented on the old forum.  They only charged me a few days labour in all that time, so I'm sure they didn't charge me for every hour they were working on it, which is great, but it also shows they didn't spend that much time on it, in between waiting on parts etc, they would dip in and out when they had chance.

The problem that I see, someone like me takes car in for an MOT and asks them to set the tracking, MOT is fine but they come to the tracking and find the lock nuts seized, they then spend the next 2 hours on it.

Now those 2 hours were not schedlued in at the start of the day and no doubt they had to take someone away from a long term job so they could get my car in and out same day, they then get my money that day.  Whereas the guy that's booked his car in for a larger job (i.e. me a few years back) dosen't get the dedicated time on it that it needs, they'd rather get paid multiple times for lots of small jobs than invest the time for the big wins. That's my take on it anyway, and the only way I could explain how they work.

If you take the car in with 'there's something not right' or 'can you look at this' they know it could take hours and they might not find the issue, most garages are the same these days. And with modern stuff they just plug it in and start replacing the parts the computer tells them too till the code clear. With old cars they have to spend time diagnosing - say they spend 3 hours but can't find the problem, would you want to give them a couple hundred pounds? I'd say that would be their reluctance. And often with old cars an issue can be a number of things, for example a vac leak. Simple, you find the rubber hose, replace it, but still not fixed the issue 100%, no.... all the rubber is the same age, chances are there's more than one bit that's perished.

I thought about asking them to set up my car on the Dyno, I know they'd do a great job. Perhaps another day.

 

Shame about the CO reading, would've been useful to know how accuate FinalD's tester was, specially if you'd access to it for the next time.

They're a little time consuming to set up properly, but with patience easy to get the hang of and so much less hassle than an unnecessary fail.

I was reading elsewhere about changing out the brake compensator valve and it being recommended the system is re-balanced afterwards (if that's the correct term?) - your brakes were obviously OK, did you do any setting up post change? 

FinalD has offered his service so I think I'll have to invite him over so we can take another pop at it when the weather is warmer. I have a collection of his tools to return also ;-)

The brake compensator valve was easy enough to replace, I just bleed through everything thourougly after. I did have issues with the handbrake one side, but after resetting the piston and cleaning the lever spindle it sorted itself out. No issues reported so I gather the brakes were blanced OK.

Still working from home most days, but since the MOT pass I've been in the office 3 days so I've taken the Golf each time for the 30 mile each way journey.
Totally loving the Heated Seats I fitted at the start of lock down 2020 as this is the first time I've had chance to use them.
I still need to fit my new rear speakers but I discovered the holes don't quite line up so I need to think about that.

Car is filthy, but who cares!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/golf-work.jpg)

Best looking car in the carpark

Best looking car in the carpark

Certainly is, also the smallest lol

And Road Tax is crazy expensive!!! It's been on SORN since March 2020 - almost £300. Need to get out in in now and make sure I'm getting my monies worth.

Both the Golf and Skoda Octy road tax are £200+ pa so I pay monthly. It certainly removes the annual hit to the bank account for little extra expense.

Great news about the MOT. It isn't the time of the year to be doing major "fettling" on the drive.

So the weekend gave me chance for a little tinker.

First off the Speakers I got for my birthday back in the summer.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/8d3148b4-9496-42a1-ae3b-e4a707866093.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/ed49ad59-a89e-47db-afad-3fa00638f47c.jpg)

Unfortunately I discovered they were not a direct fit. The hole didn't quite line up so I had to think of my options.

The first possibly was to drill out the holes in the speaker frames a little. They were literally half a millimetre out.
But I would still have a potential issue of the tweeter height, as it pokes above the main cone quite a bit more than I expected.

So I decided to go for the second option and make a spacer.

This took me back to the 90s, when I remember constructing MDF kick plates for 6.5" component speakers for my Escort Van, along with a full install in boxed off wheel arches. Ok, so I wasn't going quite that far....

It started Friday night in my chilly (and very messy) shed, which as of last week now has lights and power  :D
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5153.jpg)

And shortly after gave me two identical panels.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5152.jpg)

and after a trial fit...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5149.jpg)

I worked out I needed to countersink the fixing, and I also gave them a squirt of paint.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5155.jpg)

Pretty impressed with that.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5156.jpg)

Saturday allowed me to fit in the car, with the shelves out I was also able to peak behind the turret covers and was pleased to confirm no signs of rust around the turret on this car. I forgot to get pics though.

Very pleased with the sound, I mean they're still only little 6x4 so it's never going to be great. I don't know if going for these speakers was worth the extra cost and inconvenience that I wouldn't have had I got some direct fit 'Kickers' or other generic brand of eBay. But heyho, I have Rockford Fosgate, which combined with the Focal components set up in the front means I now have the most acceptable sound without going beyond the default installation. A small sub would be ideal but this is good enough for now.


Which lead me onto the next task, starting the clean.

The car hasn't had a proper clean in a very long time. And the storm has brought a lot of moss and crap off the roof of the house.
This is what the car was like up close:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5160.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5161.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5162.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5163.jpg)

In progress:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5164.jpg)

... and done:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/img_5165.jpg)

I was fast loosing light, and it's far from complete. The whole car needs some serious paint correction now but at least that process has started, even if I just focus on a panel at a time I'll eventually get round the whole car.

Focal and Rockford are two of my favourite ICE (yes, I used the term ICE!) manufacturers.
I'll always get them if possible.

Nice to see the car cleaning pics, must admit, I do watch the Car Cleaning Guru on youtube, it's strangely addictive!

Now the driveway has been extended the Golf has it's own parking spot and isn't boxed in by any other cars....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/32185c95-abe3-4c63-9f34-9e53d9d9bdb3.jpg)

Which means when a late night pop to the supermarket is required I can just go ....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/b0da1b1f-a671-4498-9780-1d31d7064d8d.jpg)


I've also got round to fitting the oil pressure sender, it's a VDO sender and TIM gauge and I wasn't sure it was going to work but it seems to, I'll keep an eye on it as I'm not sure what to expect as healthy readings.
 
https://youtu.be/mXnZzULT5zs

Just need to get the oil temp sorted now, but for now I have that on the MFA anyway.

... and I know they're a bit scruffy, the gauges will be coming back out for paint, also as they are straight on the visibility from the drivers position is not ideal. I've been having a play with some CAD software.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/3d-bezel.jpg)

https://youtu.be/GlO5q4E8J0o

I might just have to talk nicely to someone with a 3D printer.  ;)

I'm sure I can help you there :)

Drop me a message with the STL/DWG file and I can look into printing it.
Not fired up the printer in weeks, be good to start making stuff again!

Don't you just love this time of year?

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/img_5344.jpg)

Washed yesterday?

Washed yesterday?

Nope! No time, I'll try and give it a quick swill off prior to the February Bristol Meet.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/img_5427.jpg)

Oil temp is now connected and working. For now, I've just used the original sender so I no longer have temp on the MFA/ I tried to piggyback the connectors but it didn't work, I didn't expect it to as I'd heard that it wouldn't. The MFA is probably more useful given the current position of the gauges and limited visibility.

What would actually be more useful is upside down gauges like the classic Smiths ones!
(https://www.limora.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/2/62803.jpg)

But if I fine-tune the 3D print and ask Monkey nicely maybe one day I'll get this finished and paint the bezels too.

You may also notice the 12v USB in the lighter socket. It actually doubles as a Bluetooth FM sender. As mentioned previously my radio reception is rubbish since some fool previous owner decided to fit a 16v style roof aerial and the wing hole has been filled. So I can't get any radio, I don't own any tapes anymore - something I regret but ho-hum! so the 6 disc in the boot is my only music and sometimes it gets a bit boring and I forget to changed the discs over.

On first try it works really well, was easy to set up and is more discrete than many of them. If anyone is interested the link is here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Q82LRDK

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BDaMUWgzL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)
Although it seems to have gone up in the past few days I only paid £12 for it.

I've been using it to stream BBC sounds or Apple Music alongside Google maps on the phone, and it dips the music, but doesn't cut out all the way and announces the direction instructions. I guess that's my phone doing that bit. But it's really good. I haven't used the hands-free call bit but I suspect it'll be rubbish due to the position of the inbuilt mike and the fact it's down by my gearstick. might be better in a standard console. My phone goes into DND when driving automatically so I'm not likely to get disturbed by a phone call anyway.
 

I did actually print a first version off, it's still in the cabinet. :)

I did actually print a first version off, it's still in the cabinet. :)

Just need you to pop along to the Bristol meet now  8) Next one Friday March 4th.

have you already had someone printing your gaugepanel (see reply 170) for you ?
plus you need a set of clips (https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?topic=942.msg7152#msg7152) for the washer wiring ?

i see (reply 171), monkey printed it for you.

how does it look like, when it is mounted ? would bee nice to see :-)

If you look back to my posts last summer you'll see I made the best of a fairly substandard rear bumper. Anyway, I saw an opportunity pop up on fb so I made a buy!

A bargain genuine rear bumper with iron and brackets, that cost half as much again to get it shipped from Scotland, but still I've been looking for a while and they don't come up very often these days and when they do they're either knackered or massively overpriced.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/img_5466.jpg)

There were a few issues with shipping as the first courier booked failed to show, but credit to the seller he stuck with it and shipped via Paisley Freight in the end.

A little bit of a tidy up needed, but it's just a flakey surface, the metal is all solid:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/img_5469.jpg)
Nothing that can't be sorted with a wire wheel and some chassis paint.

And obviously, it'll need painting so the odd scuff is not a problem:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/img_5470.jpg)

The black part is OK too, but not perfect. The texture paint I used on my current bumper came out OK so I'm yet undecided if I should restore that part too when I get round to painting or keep the original surface, scars and all, for an authentic look.

Anyway, I have other projects to deal with first, need to do some work on my bike so nothing will happen with this anytime soon but at least I know I've now sourced a decent bumper. And it weighs next to nothing compared to that tow bar one I have. It'll be good to lose those extra kilos off the rear end.

I see all the wedges are missing. Was surprised to see how much they are new from VW Heritage. Maybe another candidate for 3D printing.

I see all the wedges are missing. Was surprised to see how much they are new from VW Heritage. Maybe another candidate for 3D printing.

wedges?

I was missing two from the front bumper, they push into some of the plastic tangs of the plastic bumper skin that protrudes back through holes in metal cross member. Think the idea is they spread the plastic out and hold it in place, have serrated sides to lock themselves in place.

Andy's right, not cheap for all they are. Got mine at Heritage in the end (191807153) as they were the cheapest.

Found someone 3D'ing them but they were asking more for the copies than the real thing.

Might have misremembered, but might be on Thingverse already, maybe another Monkey project?

No. 13... four needed according to 7Zap.

Mislead you a bit, unfortunately the 3d ones I remembered are in Germany - Doesn't post to the UK, but at 20 Euro for 10 of them would've been better value and done both bumpers with some to spare.

eBay.de (https://www.ebay.de/itm/164880217055?hash=item2663a073df:g:QQkAAOSw2gJgjtnn#shpCntId)

(https://volkswagen.7zap.com/ImgsWatermark/images//Bilder/110/110140000.png)

Gotcha, I wondered if that was what it was going to be. Thanks

You can "economize" like I did and insert them alternately only you would know!

I removed my rear bumper to install a towbar. To re-attach the bumper bar to the plastic outer I laid the outer on a a multi folded sheet on the lawn so it didn't get damaged and stood on the bar whilst encouraging the plastic clips through the holes in the bar. Annoyingly they have a habit of popping out as you move from one side to the other.

And here's a photo just because  O:)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/vw-golf-mk2-3-door-alpine-white-big-bumper.jpeg)

The best reason of all.

Personally, I think you should paint the car to match the bumper!

Also, find me an STL and I'll print the bumper bits out for you.

Not a lot has been going on, just been using the car.

Met up with my old car (the one on the right) at the Bristol meet at the start of June.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/21739c80-b082-4458-a0a2-35d322539df4.jpg)

I've been using the car for the commute when I go into work. Unfortunately you have to book parking spots via an app and don't get to choose where you're allocated and it seems I'm regularly given a spot under the trees, so it's lots of sap as well as poop  :'(

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/img_5807.jpg)

So with that in mind, and the amount of contamination (rusty dust spots) all over the paint from the cutting, grinding and welding I did last year....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/contamination.jpeg)

... and with the National Meet looming. I've started the paint correction process.

The temperatures have clearly been building up in my garage, as I discovered my clay bar has melted...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/img_6236.jpg)

I managed to pick out a big enough lump to work with.

One issue though, I used my sunroof the other day. Certainly this first time this year and since I didn't get the car back on the road till the end of last year I don't think it's been used since getting the car.

It's hard to show in the pics, but I've got a scuff so need to look at the alignment.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/img_6240.jpg)

Which is a shame as shut it sits really nice and I know on my old one the sunroof seemed to sit a fraction lower than the roof line. Perhaps this is why. I'll see if I polish it some more if I can reduce it further. I didn't get a before shot but this was after doing some work on it.

What about an after shot of the paint correction?
I love seeing the clean ones!

What about an after shot of the paint correction?
I love seeing the clean ones!

It's the start of a long ongoing process, but hoping to have gone over the whole car by the National for the reveal - that said, I should* be at the Bristol meet next Friday, Caffeine and Machine on the 5th and potentially Queen Square meet on the 10th so there's some opportunity to see work in progress.

* I say 'should' I have to take Carole to the airport at 4am Saturday morning, so not sure if my going out on Friday night will go down too well as I'll probably need to do her packing  :o

For anyone on the fb groups you'll have no doubt seen a Mk2 meet at Caffeine and Machine went ahead this week. Well I happened to have the day off and my family were away so an ideal opportunity to indulge myself.

It was an hour and a half away so normally I wouldn't probably have gone. I had planned to take the day to continue decontamination of the paintwork, but one thing led to another with jobs around the house so before I knew it I had about an hour before I needed to leave if I wanted to get there at the start and bag a good spot. So a quick bucket of soapy water was in order but I did leave time to finish one little job.

When I had all the trims off I FOREVER BLACKed them, but I never did the rub strips as they didn't come off. I didn't want to get any on the paint, so masked up.....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6312-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6313-1.jpg)

Then I hit the road... arriving dead on 5 o'clock. The official start time, and I'd seen strict messages not to arrive before, but on entry found already a decent number of Mk2's already on the site.

My original parking spot

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6315-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6371-2.jpg)

But after a straggling non-mk2 (Actually as McLaren) moved off I asked the stewards if I could move and they were happy to allow it.

So here's my image dump.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6352-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6318-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6319-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6320-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6321-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6322-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6323-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6324-1.jpg)

In the overflow carpark....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6326-1.jpg)

and around the grounds...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6328-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6330-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6334-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6336-2.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6338-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6339-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6340-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6341-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6343-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6345-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6346-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6348-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6350-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6356-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6358-1.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6360-1.jpg)

I was there! I don't know you by sight to say hello but your mk2 looked very nice 👌🏻

Properly gutted I couldn't make this one, looked like a great meet and your eventual parking spot was pretty sweet!

So yes, I made it to the National Meet.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/63b3adff-3903-4c07-9c09-8d660e672006.jpeg)

I won't duplicate all my pics here as I've made a Facebook album, it's public so you don't think you have to have a Facebook account to view it so feel free to have a look:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=710306705&set=a.10158261398021706

Yes, I put the car round the track on Saturday and yes, I put it in the show'n'shine on Sunday.

And by some fluke I bagged the fastest lap trophy in the class of unmodified (engine-wise) GTI. To be fair it was a small category as MOST were modified  :))  but I'm happy to take the win.

Waiting on Chris Eyre to publish the prize-giving pics, and to get my times back.
I'm eager to compare my times with 2016, which was the last time I had a mk2 at the National Meet, my old 8v k-jet.

And no, it's no surprise that I didn't win anything on the Sunday, I was just there for the show numbers.

But some of you may have noticed a slight difference to the appearance of the car, so I feel an explanation is in order.

1. Between 2002 and 2009 I was a self-employed graphic designer, as a spin-off of this I also started doing point of sale, van and shop graphics and invested in some vinyl cutting equipment. When I eventually sold off all the gear I had a load of half rolls of vinyl left so I cut a random selection of brand graphics in various colours for bikes and cars. I originally did the Animal (surf brand) stuff for a mate that had a bay window camper. They've been stashed in my loft ever since.

2. I collect 90's Animal watches, this goes back to the 90s when I used to jet-ski so I am/was into surf brands like this.

3. There's a crack in my rear bumper, due to it being a patched-up tow bar bumper. As a temporary measure it occurred to me I could get down one of the big Animal vinyls and chuck it over the crack until I get round to getting my replacement bumper painted.

4. The idea grew and I thought it might be cool to use the decals elsewhere over the car.

5. At Caffeine and Machine I watched multiple people pass by my car without giving it a second look compared with all the real fancy ones there.

So the thought brewed and, what the hell, let's chuck some of those stickers on and make my car a bit more unique and recognisable, so it stands out a bit more. So Thursday night I was crawling around the loft digging out my old cuts, and looking for all my application tools and I started 'weeding' the various sheets.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/44f1df39-2e17-4e1d-8a67-d8744718ae15.jpeg)

And in the true fashion of last-minute National Meet prep, Friday morning, literally an hour before I was due to set off I started working out what I wanted to use and where. I didn't put everything on, but thought I used what I had to good effect. You may notice however, I never ended putting anything on the bumper so the crack is still visible if you look.

I'm undecided if I'm keeping any, some, all fitted, but for now they can stay on.

I was also toying with the idea of fitting my white Italvolanti wheel, but decided against it and I think I'll pop it up for sale at some point.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6433.jpg)

So on my return home, my wife asked me to pop to the local shops, so here I am, still rocking the track number
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_6517.jpg)


Oh and I've also uploaded my in car footage of my laps.
https://www.youtube.com/user/AKAeddypeck/videos

Credit to Ben Winch https://www.facebook.com/ben.winch.18, he sent me these pics from the National Meet.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/295180725_626060975339504_7628498528401107203_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/295223946_1250490939086902_3584980095673454116_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/295934818_551543703328590_7630682139495518228_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296023803_419618276887215_8111884217354485651_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296138140_412662470842859_4159865212983001717_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296143963_629429398601805_3156475299668360712_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296147484_766626761200829_2912266198346319387_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296178928_578255333740260_5844775740156607287_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296196359_622252239138230_9152679104100441459_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296220046_608847804003202_6129111700131944936_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296252664_9313466662057246_4226952526806570018_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296304853_420872946675467_5191126898531098540_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296398666_597920208654076_7812047500408218121_n.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/296489902_5433673626697232_5978972430195077875_n.jpg)

I've got my lap times now, and it appears I had 12 runs in total, but I only recorded 10 on my fake Go-Pro (or No-Pro as I call it).
I was aware of one lap that I forgot to record, which is a shame as I had a passenger and we had an absolute hoot on that one, but it looks like there was another I missed too.

That's made it a little tricky to tie up the videos with the lap times, but I think this might be the video of my winning, fastest lap.

https://youtu.be/IaWmGqiKNsM

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/295457364_610749450386331_9004377262669528460_n.jpg)

Great photos and well done on the trophy 🏆 it was nice to meet you and your son 👍🏻

Well done mate! I recon the Animal stickers made your car faster!!

Stolen from Shelly's post, but good meet-up at the regular Bristol event.

(https://i.ibb.co/Kzp3rXW/FC354427-D056-40-A2-AD0-A-C38-FA02-AF413.jpg)

Looking forward to next month already, and late last night I did a bit of an unplanned eBay purchase. So all being well, there might be a bit of a transformation for the next time.

late Sunday night I did one of those impulse eBay purchases  ::) we've all been there I'm sure.

And as a result Tuesday night I was heading off on a road trip resulting once again in proof of how versatile a Mk2 Golf is...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6554.jpg)

And in case you can't tell, what's in there is a pair of these.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6559.jpg)

Along with a 60/40 rear bench.

Yes, it's a set of leather recaros, heated, and already on mk2 bases!

Those of you zooming in, might spot they're Colour Concept seats, and as far as I can tell they're originally black (I know they did black on black) and not re-dyed as most of these seem to be bright colours.

Also, it turns out they're from a Colour concept 6n Polo, not a Mk3 Golf. I only just found out they did a colour concept Polo!
The guy I bought them off had them fitted in a mk2f Polo, so he's already had the bases narrowed, and looking at how they've done it it's been done in a really clever way and not bodged at all.

Being Polo ones I think they're a little smaller, than MK3 Golf ones, they don't have the bit plastic surround on the base and they sit a bit lower too, so should be perfect in a mk2.

As mentioned, they also came with back seats, again they'd already been modified for an earlier polo, not sure yet how I might fit them as they are separate base and back, so the base flips forward and the back lays flat, unlike Mk2 rear that rolls forward. I've been looking at the fitment and it might mean I need to visit a scrap yard and try and get a few extra brackets.

I'll place them in and see how they compare with the width, and if I think I can fit them I'll have a go otherwise I'll just stick with the fronts.

Once I've got the steam cleaner to them and applied some conditioner I hope to be updating soon with some fitted pics.

I always wanted a set of colour concept seats. Everyime I look into a set my car normally decides something else needs attention 😅

I'm interested to see how you get the rears to fit. I sat round your home made fire the other month so I'm sure the welding skills will come in handy here!

Mk3 Golf rear hinges should fit, weld to body, may have to extend the locating bars each side to click into the mk2 retaining points, the base should just fit in as there are more holes in the body already

Speaking of welding, well it hasn't been as simple as fit and forget with these seats. I noticed the driver's side right-hand bolster, although not worn was a bit floppy. Not knowing how these seats are constructed I thought something might have come unhooked or unbolted so I stripped them down.

And found this
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6561.jpg)

But luckily, with the welder at hand this was fixed in no time, and although not obvious under the leather the foam was a bit distressed so I took the opportunity to pack it out a bit and repair the foam.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6564.jpg)

Sorry forgot to take pics of the re-welded rail, I was just eager to get it back together.

I then wasted some time making a small link loom so I could connect the seat plug to my aftermarket heated seat set up without having to hack either the seat connectors or the fitted loom.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6588.jpg)

I say wasted time as I realised I used the wrong plugs and have female to female ends. Now, who doesn't love a bit of girl-on-girl action? but on this occasion, there was no happy ending so now I have to try and source the correct plugs.

But I think I can cope without heated seats for now, so I just cracked on and got them fitted.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/img_6590.jpg)

who doesn't love a bit of girl-on-girl action?

(https://c.tenor.com/ae0EzMINaU8AAAAC/hot-fuzz-girl-on-girl.gif)

Made it out the September Bristol meet

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/img_6631.jpg)

On the way home, the car gave a little swerve and I heard a clunk! I nursed it home OK but the steering felt out.

So Saturday morning it was up on stands again so I could investigate and this is why it's important to have a good check-over after hammering it around a track - clearly, I ignored such advice and just carried on driving it.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/img_6632.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/img_6634.jpg)

 :o

You may remember I fitted all new bushes and control arms a while back. I still had the old control arms in the garage, I didn't want to chuck them as they were original and thought I might restore them one day. Anyway, one still had the ball joint in so I was able to get replacement bolts and I also swapped out the retaining plate.

I was worried the captive nut might had gone on the big bolt, but tightening it up slowly there was no issue, so it's all back together fine now.

While it was jacked up it gave me a chance to have a good pre-MOT check over. And I'm happy to report all seems well, CV and steering boots are often the ones that catch me out. General corrosion is at a minimum, but I squirted a bit of rust treatment around here and there where needed.

One thing I did spot though was this

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/img_6635.jpg)

Which was a bit of a surprise as it was one of the first jobs I did when I got the car, even though that's almost 3 years now but the car was off the road for at least half of that time when covid work from home came in. It looks melted so again I assume it's a result of the track action at the National Meet.

Anyway, thankfully I had some spares

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/img_6636.jpg)

Including some spare bushes so that's all sorted now too.

One thing I think I forgot to say at the time, I picked up an adjustable short-shifter at the National Meet. I fitted it track side at the time but it was set to a conservative halfway. Since I had all this apart again I've now refitted it with it extended to the full extent. I'll be interested to see how it goes.

Wow that's crazy how loose your subframe and ball joints have got. I'll definitely get under mine for a spanner check now!

Have you seen the relay shaft balls gas n gears make? Well worth the expense if you can get one made

Have you seen the relay shaft balls gas n gears make? Well worth the expense if you can get one made

I have seen them. I already have solid metal rods replacing the plastic end ones which definitely improved feel but having a better ball solution here would be good.

And I was worried when my steering pinch bolt came loose for the second time. I got the local VW specialist to apply some threadlock . Did you use any threadlock on the subframe bolt?

The heated seats are now wired in and working. The benefits of an OEM installation is the heat pads are on the bolsters too and not just the base and back flats. And since it’s nice deep bolsters on this you can really feel the wrap around warmth …. ‘Mmmmm toastie.

If I ever do an aftermarket install again I might look to get extra pads for the sides. I think the way the pads are wired you can cut them so an extra set would split to do the bolsters.

I obviously still have the aftermarket loom and dash switch but it honestly doesn’t bother me enough to worry about getting an original loom and switch.

Good catch with the subframe, that could have been very nasty!

3 years ago today I collected this. I seem to have it in my head that I haven't had to do that much to it, but looking back through the tread I guess I've done a fair bit.

15 pages worth at least!! :))

15 pages worth at least!! :))

Exactly, I had 150 pages in that amount of time on the previous one  ;D

That said, it was a bit more active on here back then
So a lot more audience participation. 8)

Quote from: Monkey on October 05, 2022, 03:15:09 PM

15 pages worth at least!! :))

Exactly, I had 150 pages in that amount of time on the previous one  ;D

That said, it was a bit more active on here back then
So a lot more audience participation. 8)

So many lunchtime lessons

MOT day  :o

I doubt very much it'll pass as it is.

I'm planning a brake overhaul, parts arrived from Autodoc yesterday, so too late to do anything with them, although that's my fault I've been wanting to tackle this for ages so could have got ahead of the MOT, although I've been busy with the Mk5.

So I'm suspecting a heavy failure on the brake system. But I've chucked it in any way to see if there's anything else I don't know about to tackle at the same time.

Everything crossed for nothing too serious.

Well???

Well???

A fail as I thought, but nothing unexpected which is a bonus.

Failures:
Rear brake operation, rear discs, rear beam

Advisories:
Rear brake pipe, front discs pitted

I picked up a rear beam off Eddie Low a few weeks back, I have 16v hubs waiting to go on and as mentioned I have an Autodoc package just arrived. So I have everything I need, I just need time to crack on. A nice unit like yours would be a bonus but I'll just have to make do with the driveway.

The car could be off the road for a few weeks, I'm away this weekend so I can't even start straight away. But the main thing is there were no nasty surprises, so it's a win in my book. 

Hope the weather's kind for the next few weeks then. Although it could never be as grim and cold as living on top of one of the many hills "up North" 😅
Maybe you should get it tested next summer so if subsequent work is needed the weather would likely to be more favourable?
What's wrong with the rear beam?
Maybe it's time to fit Polo rear stubbies with the advantage of separate discs. Appreciate it ups the repair budget!

So here's what the last couple of weeks consists of.

Painted up the 16v callipers and carriers.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_7023.jpg)

I had a lot of thought about the colour but in the end, decided the classic red would suit a GTI well.

The front hubs are painted up, but no pic yet.

Some fancy discs have been ordered along with some other stuff. More to come on that later.

Here's the donor rear beam I picked up
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0035.jpg)

The donor beam had fairly new discs and bearings so I thought no need to remove any of that. The backing plates are a bit bent so I'll need to try and beat those straight in situ.
I jet-washed it to remove any loose stuff, but overall it's in pretty good condition.
And it wasn't actually too difficult to knock out the first bush.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0105.jpg)

The second bush took a bit more effort, but is out now. To be fair it probably required the same amount of effort, it's just by the second one I was getting tired.

Now, I know most people in this situation seem to be sending parts off for powder coating, but as ever I'm trying to keep the costs under control. So I found some paint by JCB that is straight to metal, has an inbuilt rust converter, and as a bonus is heat resistant to 260°C (you may notice I've put some on the hub part of the rear discs. It has a black semi-gloss finish and actually brushes on really well. It's not a show car, it's a hard-working (not every) daily, so I'm hoping this is going to be OK. My personal opinion is Powder Coating can be problematic, the hard coating can easily chip and water can get in under the coating. I know I won't be able to reach all parts once the beam is re-fitted, but I will at least be able to get under the car and touch up the exposed parts if needed.

So, here's a fun picture. This is the bush of the current beam fitted to the car.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0109.jpg)

After a few hours on Saturday afternoon, I managed to get the culprit out before I lost light.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0110.jpg)

Yep, that's definitely past it's best
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0111.jpg)

As well as the beam itself the mounting area was flagged up in the MOT.
I was eager to get the underseal off and see what I was dealing with.
The weather Sunday was shocking here, with continual drizzle and occasional downpours but by 3pm the rain had died down and I wanted to get a look, else I knew it would have troubled me for the next week.

After cracking out the angle grinder with the wire wheel of death fitted the picture looked like this.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0112.jpg)

Which I have to say I was quite pleased about, I know it could have been much worse and I was glad it was far enough away from the beam mount itself so no reason to disturb that.

Impatience got the better of me, so made a masking tape template, which I transferred to a pizza box I got out of the recycling. I grabbed the last of my old roof-cut panel which has served well for welding practice and cut patches over the past few years, and wheeled out the welder.

After a first pass, I had this
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_0115.jpg)

Sorry about the pic, was hard to focus under the car and I was losing the light.

There are clearly a few holes to fill on the second pass with the welder, I had the power up too high at the start, doh! But It was 4pm now and getting too dark to continue. So I gave it a quick squirt of paint to protect it till I get a chance to finish off.

I think I need to buy a decent work lamp so I don't waste the evenings, as long as it's not raining too. Once the welding is finished I can at least continue most of the build up in the shed in the dry until it's ready to refit.

Nice 👌

Awesome work.
Had to that very same patch on the red one.

Bit of a non-update, but just placing this here as I found it and thought it might be useful one day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwCAb1bVr7w

I haven't made any progress with the rear seats yet. My 2 options were

• modify the car to take the mk3/Polo rear seats or
• strip the seats and try and put the foam and covers on the mk2 frames

I have stripped the seats and have picked up a spare mk2 rear bench, but this looks harder than I first thought to line things up nicely and make a good job of it, without saggy seats. So using the Polo frames and fitting the seats properly would be my preference. But since I didn't take the seats from the car myself I didn't get a chance to grab the brackets. So I'd need to look for someone doing body cuts of a mk3 or Polo. I'm sure Matt or Brendon would be able to help out.

As for the other stuff, I've not really progressed. I've ordered some parts and new tools, and am mostly waiting on deliveries. It's not the ideal time of year so the car is still sat on stands on the drive.

Finally, the update you've all been waiting for.... or maybe not. But a small step in the right direction at least.

First off, early Christmas present to my self:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0167.jpg)

For some reason, maybe because I like to make hard work for myself, I wanted to stick with OE bushes. Or maybe it's because I bought them previously without thinking it through, and didn't want them to go to waste, even though this kit cost the same as decent poly bushes. Either way, I now have a hand press, pull kit that I can also use with my press.

I started with the tricky side, the side with the brake bias bracket. Even with the extension bit removed the bracket in the beam was a pain in the ass, and totally in the way. I got the majority of the bush in like so...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0169.jpg)

But being directly on the bush I couldn't get it finally home without fear of putting too much force onto the rubber part of the bush.

I eventually got the bush home, with the correct 8mm exposed.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0186.jpg)

The other side was a breeze, as I was able to put a large socket type thingy over it.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0181.jpg)

You might notice a bit of rusty metal in between. This is my secret weapon. I cut the head off the old bush and hollowed out the rubber, then flipped it over to cater for the staggered surface of the new bush.

Tidy!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0183.jpg)

Finally, Job done!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_0187.jpg)

Next to build up the brakes and lines, then the challenge of actually getting it back on the car.... on the driveway, in the snow ???

That's a lovely Christmas present!

Also, standard bushes? You must be glutton for punishment!!

That's a lovely Christmas present!

Also, standard bushes? You must be glutton for punishment!!

Standard Febi, bushes were about £13 from Autodoc against £80-90 for decent poly. At the time of ordering I wasn't really thinking about how I would fit them.

Anyway they're in now so should be fit and forget, and if they last another 30 years like the original ones then I think they'll outlast the car.

And I did all OE rubber bushes up front. With the combo of cheap coilovers and 40 profile tyres on 17" rims the last thing I want is stiffer mounts.

Yeah, they should now last the life of the car.

I've only once looked at standard rear beam bushes, then decided to send them back and get poly! ;D

Well I think this has been the longest gap in my updates ever, and the reason is quite simple there hadn't really been anything to update.... till now.

As before, leading up to Christmas I completed building up the beam.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0205.jpg)

Then over Christmas we went away so nothing got done. And then my wife and daughter got COVID quite bad.
In early Jan I had to prioritise some decorating, the rest of Jan was a washout.

Finally in Feb I got some time to fit the beam.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0379.jpg)

And as you may remember, when I got the beam I was pleased it had decent and fairly new discs with good bearings already on it so  (apart from some surface rust) I didn't need to do anything about those.

Now here's the massive dumb moment, after all that time with the beam in the shed, painting and fitting it up, I even painted the disc lips with some VHT paint. But it wasn't until it was on the car that I stood back and noticed the blindingly obvious error.

It's only bloody FIVE stud  :o

The other faff, I had no pictures of, was when I dropped the old beam I left the flexi-hoses on the car. When I came to remove them for fitting of the new beam the brake pipe ferrule nuts were very rusty, stuck and easily rounding. I had no choice but to hacksaw the joint. I was hoping I could get new nuts fitted so took them to the local shop but they said I needed a few inches of pipe for the tool to work. So I opted to let them make up new hard lines for both sides, from the bias to the beam.

I was a bit gutted, since I'd managed to save all the hard pipes on the beam so decided not to spend £60 odd on a brake pipe kit, which would of allowed me to have done all new pipes. I then ended up paying £55 to get just 2 made, oh well.

So I was able to go ahead and fit the new pipe work, but had a further delay as I had to wait on an order for new rear discs and bearings.

I also couldn't continue with the fronts as I'd forgotten to undo the main spindle nut on the front before lifting it and disconnecting the brakes so I needed it back on the floor to undo those.

Cut to the following week.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0381.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0382.jpg)

I was then able to switch to the front. Going from this...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0380.jpg)

To this...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0393.jpg)

Another little job I started, was to tackle my gnarly wheels. Going from this...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0370.jpg)

To this...
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0371.jpg)

I bought a small air DA with a massive selection of abrasive pads.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0368.jpg)

Only on will done, and still need to prep and paint etc. But I just wanted to try the tool and see if I was able to do it.

Really happy with the results.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0372.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0369.jpg)

And that now brings us right up to date.
With brushing off the snow and taking it for it's MOT.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_0435.jpg)



And I've just had the call it passed.  ;D 
So I'm road legal again, I'll get it Taxed and get back out there.

Still plenty of jobs to do, so the rolling project continues.

Bring back the lunchtime updates

Great update, I did laugh when you mentioned the 5x100 discs!!

Funny how you don't spot the obvious. Back on the road in time for winter.

Nice work Tim. Working on a gravel driveway in the dark is a nightmare, I have to do the same thing. I can't imagine manhandling the ream beam was a fun job, did you manage on your own?

Nice work Tim. Working on a gravel driveway in the dark is a nightmare, I have to do the same thing. I can't imagine manhandling the ream beam was a fun job, did you manage on your own?

Yep all by myself, just worked logically and took it steady. Lifted the beam a bit slid in some blocks of wood to raise it a bit at a time and keep it level.

So, I feel it's time to come clean.

A month ago I had a little (that could have been quite major) incident that was purely my fault and was a really really stupid to the extent where there has been a mix of emotions from anger at myself and massive embarrassment - hence why I've been quiet till now.

Picture the scene, the night before the MOT, it's cold and dark outside, but I decide I'm not 100% happy with the previous brake bleed so decide to pop out and have another go at the bleed. Jacking up and removing each wheel. Bleeding each corner refitting the wheel and dropping down off the jack.

Pleased the job was done, put the tools and torch away and went in to get cleaned up and warm.

Read the above again and you might spot what's coming.

The morning comes and I take the car for the MOT a 1/2 mile up the road and get the pass. Later on for the sake of wanting to drive it I pop to the shops and nip around to see my dad, who happened to be out anyway.

Then the car sits on the drive for another week or so. It's been pee-ing down with rain, I've been working from home, I've had no need to use the car.

Then it gets to the point I'm going back into the office. So decided I'll take the car now it's legal again. The 30 mile motorway trip see's no issues. But leaving work I go down a road that is totally destroyed with potholes. My skinny profile tyres and crappy coilovers do me no favours. Worth noting the week after they start resurfacing this road - that's how bad it was.

I get to the motorway and after a couple of miles rapidly develop a wobble and knock!

I'm along side a joining slip road so can't get across to the hard shoulder straight away, but I cross the on lane and get off, but not before the car drops to the ground!  :o

In that moment I think I know what's happened and I fully expect to see my wheel overtake me and bounce off down the carriageway but nothing.

So I get out and see this...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_0482.jpg)

As the wheel was still there my first thought was I'd snapped a driveshaft or lost the centre not (I did tighten that one).
But then see the issue, I've lost my wheel bolts, but since the car is low and the wheels quite tucked I've caught the wheel in the arch.  ::)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_0483.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_0486.jpg)

So going back to the opening paragraph.
- I tightened the wheel bolts with the wheels in the air, but forgot retighten once the car was back on the ground.
- I then didn't do a proper shake down test ride, which was just plain stupid considering how much I've had apart.
- Given the time frame from doing the work to using the car I sort of forgot where I'd got too and took it for granted I had done the above.
- I can't blame the pot holes as clearly my wheel bolts were not at torque, but the potholed road was certainly a contributing factor. I guess it had loosened a couple of bolts so once I hit the motorway there was too much stress on the remaining bolt(s).
- I'm lucky it wasn't worse and thankful I was able to get off the road quickly, although had I been able to get off immediately I may had still caught it with at least one bolt left before it dropped.

What really surprised me was from how quick it went from being OK to being very NOT OK! I guess one bolt was holding fast, until it wasn't  ???

So now I guess you're wondering about the damage!

I had to wait for the AA guy, and we got the car jacked up and the space save on. Borrowing a wheel bolt form the other 3 wheels.

Seeing a space saver compared to my 17's was ridiculous. I attempted to drive but it was clear something was rubbing, catching but I wasn't sure at that point if it was just the simple fact of bigger brakes. I know they're only native 16v brakes not g60 but I didn't know if 16v's came with a 15" space saver???

So I got the tow home and the next day I was able to investigate.

It was just the splash pate that was clipping the inside of the space saver as it went round as it had been bent. Easy enough to bed that back into place.

The inside of the alloy wheel had been scored but otherwise seemed undamaged, and was still holding air so not cracked or anything. 
Everything else seemed ok. although I'd lost my spigot ring so was difficult to centre the wheel. I decided to swap the back wheel onto the front and ordered a set of new spigot rings. And I had some spare wheel bolts (although I'm down one locking one now).

They arrived and I was able to take the car out to the Bristol meet (where again I was too ashamed to say anything).
On taking the car for a longer drive I noticed I had a bit of wobble around 55 mph so I suspected I may have warped one of the new discs.

Looking back at my order I stuck the same pair of discs in my Autodoc basket and waited for the best discount day, once it got down to 41% off I hit buy. And if you've seen my other post that was Monday. The discs arrived today and I've just fitted them on my lunchbreak.

I went for a quick blast on the local dual carriage way and the wobble has gone so fingers crossed I'm all good now.
Lessons learned, and nobody died and my actions didn't impact anyone else.

This has come as a real confidence killer, but I'm sure given time I'll build back the bond with the car.

And if you've seen me asking about elsewhere then you'll understand this is what's triggered me to look for replacement wheels, just incase there was damage. But I still can't justify the cost and everything seems to be OK so I'll hang in there for now.

Fair play, takes a lot of guts to admit to something like that!
But everyone makes mistakes, the key is to learn from them.
I made that same mistake when I was 19, very similar result, but it was on a back road.
Either way, I have ALWAYS tightened my wheel bolts up to FT ever since.

As for your confidence, time will get that back.
Maybe buy a paint pen and mark up bolts as you torque them down.
Can't really do it to the wheel bolts, but it'll give you reassurance when you second guess yourself next time and it's good practice.

You are not alone here I had a wheel off on an mgb a friend came around and distracted me and I failed to tighten the bolts. about 2 miles out on the next trip the back of the car dropped and I saw the wheel disappear across a field.

No one was harmed which is the main thing mate. Lesson learned!

No one was harmed which is the main thing mate. Lesson learned!

Wouldn't say that, his pride took a battering!

Well it's spring cleaning time and littering up my shed has been a set of leather rear seats from a Polo that I got last summer.

They're 60/40 split from a 6n, and had been screwed onto 2f frames and unlike an old Golf, where the bench rolls up they're split base and back like more modern cars where the base flips forward and the back folds down into the space where the base previously was.

So all of the was greatly different to a Mk2 rear bench and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to work it out. I had pondered this previously and got nowhere.

Anyway, back to wanting to tidy of the shed I decide it was time to make progress.

Sorry, I forgot the before and during pics. But with a bit of dedication, and the help of a stanly knife, and a needle and thread I managed to manipulate the foam and covers onto a one piece Golf rear bench.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0652.jpg)

Even though I'm still not a big fan of leather, I have to say I'm happy with this:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0653.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0654.jpg)

I still need to get a steamer on it to tease out some of the storage indentations, but it's in there and it works.

I'll cut a bit of board for the back and cover it, as currently this isn't pretty, but it'll do

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/9bb835e2-004b-4876-aaa0-eba7ab8a40bd.jpg)

I can now chuck out the polo seat frames and the old Mk2 foam and upholstery from the donor bench, which gets a lot of junk out the shed.  I do however have a full Ultraviolet interior that is in the shed, which ideally needs stashing somewhere else - or selling.
I don't want to sell, as I'm still not 100% convinced on the leather, even though I like the Recaros. But I recently had someone asking, which got me thinking. Ideally I want to store in case I ever want to change it back, but getting the space back and making some money would be nice too.
 

They're lovely seats mate. Do you have head rest for the rear? Occasionally I sensible priced colour concept fronts but they're always miles away! I also need to start clearing stuff, it's amazing how quickly ot all accumulates

Nice little uplift, bet the Recaros are comfy!

Do you have leather headrests? That would be uncommon

They're lovely seats mate. Do you have head rest for the rear? Occasionally I sensible priced colour concept fronts but they're always miles away! I also need to start clearing stuff, it's amazing how quickly ot all accumulates

I found these in deepest darkest forest of dean, so a bit of a trek to back of beyond but not too far away. I did a big loop home after work from Cheltenham to Bristol via Wales. But yeah, they were a great price for what they are. I had been keeping an eye out for some nice seats, ideally Recaros on eBay but most of the knackered ones we're big bucks and you just know you'll be looking at £500-1000 for a retrim. I wouldn't have gone for leather but I couldn't say no for the price. Thinking, once I've got them if I ever want them retrimmed at least I could. Edd, with the Monza has recently bought the same seats and had them re-trimmed. IF he's at the Bristol meet tonight I'll see if he has them fitted yet.

Nice little uplift, bet the Recaros are comfy!

Yeah, they're good. Have a sit in tonight if you're there.

Do you have leather headrests? That would be uncommon

Unfortunately not. I'm on the look out for some though. It might be I find something from an other car with poles of the same width. I'd like to find something smaller as they're back seats. Although I've seen some for sale that are the correct Polo ones which are quite cheap, but in cloth trim. I could probably cover them myself, I'm far from a pro, but quite handy with a sewing machine. Even if I used vinyl it would be convincing enough for anyone looking through the window. It's not like anyone ever sits in the back.

So, I found some rear headrests

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0665.jpg)

But to get them I had to do a bit of thinking. Finding some original Polo Colour Concept headrest was unlikely so I trawled through eBay with quite a general search. Now it seems the going rate for leather headrests tend to be about £40-£50 each.

But I found these, they're actually from a 2004 Audi A4 cabriolet. I asked the seller to send some measurements and what he came back with matched what I needed to I took a punt on it. £23 posted for the pair! I can live with that.

Bargain!

Look good , Think original rear headrests had a different stem angle and I suppose you had the old issue of not being able to fold the seat flat ?

On the weekend I finally made it to my first Queen Square breakfast meet, at a place just 2 miles down the road at Eastwood Park.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0670.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0671.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0672.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0673.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0674.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0675.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0676.jpg)

The nest couple of pics I stole of facebook that other people had posted of my car

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0677.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0678.jpg)

And with that done, and keeping lunchtimes alive....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0683.jpg)

today it was time for the stickers to come off.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0684.jpg)

That’s better , but you knew I would say that

...growing older, no longer "The Animal".
Looks cleaner without the stickers. But it's your car and stickers are easy to remove/change  :D

It was only ever intended to be a temporary bit of fun for last year’s National meet. I wanted a way to distinguish mine from other white ones going round the track. I know there’s quite a few white ones.

And it great to be able to play around with easily reversed mods.

But it is nice to see it uncluttered again, I was getting a little bored.

Personally, I think you need to get a load of 'No Fear' stickers for this year!

Personally, I think you need to get a load of 'No Fear' stickers for this year!

Well this year we're celebrating 30 years of Volksfest and the theme is all things 90s  8)

(https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.7537c6d16e722da7ed249c42d6f766ff?rik=OfTaJmTPtgQtlQ&riu=http%3a%2f%2f3.bp.blogspot.com%2f-gWFZKzRaRVw%2fTbLREsRZtdI%2fAAAAAAAAAEI%2f8obMFkiw-SI%2fs1600%2fNO_FEAR_BEST_2.jpg&ehk=Rsmur3O6FVeHOnP0Ebysrb2AKZJuf76UXBJyKDP3nRM%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0)

I do love summer evenings when you can get stuff done, without lying on the floor in the wet with a torch!
So last night I took advantage and did the oil and filter change.

First big win, ages back I picked up some metal ramps dirt cheap. But I've never been able to get a car onto them... too low at the front. But I cut up a wooden beam I had left over from the removal of our conservatory. And was able to get the car in the air without the hassle of jacks and stands. Which was nice. I now also have the benefit of being able to drive on to these for extra lift to get a jack under when needed.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0717.jpg)

So simple, yet effective.

As usual I was focused on the job in hand and taking pics was not a priority, but in my last Autodoc order I added an oil filter tool. Long story, after a dog bite to my hand many years back (some of you may remember)  and I've lost quite a bit of the strength in my grip. if I can't get a filter undone I usually go oldschool and hammer a screwdriver through the side but his worked really well (Maybe the filter wasn't too tight anyway) but it was great to have a less messy solution.

(https://cdn.autodoc.de/thumb?id=13636394&m=0&n=0&lng=en&ccf=94077840)

Oil and filter done.  8)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0715.jpg)

I also replace by Aux and Power steering belts. Way overdue, if you've ever been there when I arrive or leave the Bristol meets you'll know I've had the 'squeel' for far too long. The PAS belt was a pain in the ass as always.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0714.jpg)

I also popped in this bad boy

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0711.jpg)

A lifetime Pipercross panel filter
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0712.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0713.jpg)

I've left it dry for now, I wasn't 100% sure if I should oil or not. I do have a K&N clean and oil kit as my bike has a K&N oiled filter.

Oh and you may have noticed from the pic of the oil carton a little thing I picked up a while back.

A battery cover. Had this ages now but I don't think I've mentioned it before. I know some people get excited about this kind of thing, but until my engine bay is pristine (which will be never) I don't think it makes that much difference, but it does make a handy shelf  :-\

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0716.jpg)

And finally, this arrived

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0710.jpg)

I'm sure you can guess, next update imminent.

Good idea with the ramps. I have some that I don't use so will be stealing your idea!
I want to say you're meant to oil those filters. Mine is K&N bit I have a pipercross clean/oil kit.
I am curious to know what's in the big box. A headliner?

Well the bank holiday proved fruitful.

Yes it was a headliner in the big box, purchased from Headliner World. Myrtleltd was the other seller on eBay and I wasn't sure what one to go with. After reading some reviews and seeing some facebook posts there didn't seem to be much in it. But after chatting to @Monkey at the Bristol meet and seeing his I at least had 1 first hand review to go by.

So Saturday I took it on.

The old headlining fabric was only being held up by the trim so once I removed the C pillar covers and the rear strip this is what I was looking at.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0718.jpg)

I went from fully installed to completely out in 45 mins, which I thought was pretty good going. I had joked about doing in and out in a lunch time and to be fair I wouldn't have been far off.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0719.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0720.jpg)

Pleased to see a lack of surface rust on the inside of the roof skin, this was way better than when I dropped the liner out of my 86, 10 years ago. I got the panel out in one piece, this is the 3rd or 4th time doing them in Golfs. Although the last time I did it was quite a while ago 7 or 8 years I'm sure.

Now, what I was surprised was how brittle and crumbly the backboard was. I know people always say this and I just thought they were being heavy handed, as that wasn't my previous experience. Not to this extent anyway, but this was really fragile. So either, the last 7+ years these things have really degraded and come to the end of their natural lifespan. Or it's another early late thing, I've only done pre-90s cars before. Like the carpets and other areas of the late cars I wonder if VW made them even cheaper on later cars?

Either way, another 45 mins and it was in
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0721.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0722.jpg)

Where the real time was taken was the little tweaks. The grab handle holes were OK, a few twists with a screwdriver and I was able to get the screw lined up, apart from rear drivers side one. That was a good few millimetres out of alignment.

I had two attempts at the sunroof handle surround thing as I messed up the first go. But I was able to use the centre cut out of the sunroof so didn't need to eat into the spare bits supplied for the other stuff. But I'm still not happy as it's foam backed and too thick for the sunroof handle to spin. I know over time this will leave a circular mark. I've been wondering if I can pack it out with washers. Else I'll have to get some matching fabric that isn't foam backed.

I also have a problem where I can't get the rear view mirror to fit properly, the GRP backboard is too think and I can't get it to snap into place firmly.

I haven't done the sunroof panel yet. And to be honest I'm not sure I can be bothered. It doesn't show up too bad as a miss match and the panel is in good condition.

Sunday I had some family/home time which allowed me to get back at it on Monday.

Starting with the petrol wiff I get from time to time. I think it's been getting worse, either that or driving around in traffic in warm weather with the window open has just made me notice it more.

So, a few bits out of the way to reveal the injectors.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0725.jpg)

And one at a time I replaced the seals

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0726.jpg)

I must had been under the impression there were 3 seals per unit, as I bought 12 not 8. But I guess it's good to have spares.

I also found this

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0728.jpg)

Which I fixed up with some solder and re-wrapped it.

and this

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0729.jpg)

which I cut back an inch to clean pipe and refitted, but on my to do list is to source and fit some new fuel line. But I need to know I'm putting good stuff on, this has lasted over 30 years and I'm well aware the new stuff might only last a tenth of that.

I made a note of the milage, for my service record. Still fairly low, the Mk5 has now over taken this.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0730.jpg)


Not the prettiest of engine bays, but fingers crossed it's not a less smelly one.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0732.jpg)

And in other news, it popped up on Facebook that I got papped at the Queen Square meet the other week.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0733.jpg)
Credit to Lime Jelly Photography (https://www.facebook.com/limejellyphotography)

What makes this pic even better is it just so happened to catch me in the background chatting. I'm sure the photographer would have had no idea that was my car.

I want to say you're meant to oil those filters. Mine is K&N bit I have a pipercross clean/oil kit.

I fired off a quick email to Pipercross for some confirmation, here's the reply.

Many thanks for the email.

The PP52 is an impregnated filter meaning it is oiled, this is vital to the air intake system as it improves the airflow but not only these captures smaller particles which can cause harm to your engine.

Once you clean this filter every service or 10,000 miles we would strongly recommend re-oiling this again.

So in short, it's oiled from factory, so fit and forget till the next service  8)

When your rear badge, with broken clip that's been glued on for the past 4 years starts to come loose and you have to think of a solution.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0757.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0758.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0759.jpg)

Headlining looks great, this is definitely something I want to buy. Mine fell down ages ago and I DIY'd using acoustic carpet.
Lucky you spotted that fuel pipe. Mine must be at least  3 years old now, based on others finding I should probably inspect them again!

A  r|a|r|e  pic of me and the Golf that my daughter offered to take as we were heading back to camp at Bristol Volksfest this past weekend.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_1200.jpg)

Going back a few posts, I put this up...

I'll cut a bit of board for the back and cover it, as currently this isn't pretty, but it'll do

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/9bb835e2-004b-4876-aaa0-eba7ab8a40bd.jpg)

... well a little more progress made.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0843.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0844.jpg)

Having packed for Volksfest, and since done a tip run one thing that has been a pain is the rear headrests. I have to remove them to fold the seats down as as the tubes aren't fixed they move about a bit and pull up. So I've put a beam across the back of the seats (forgot that pic) and have fixed the headrest brackets in place. And as I said I would have cut a board for the back.

I'm yet to cover it as you can see. At some point I'll get some carpet/fabric but for now I just painted it black. As mentioned above I still use it for tip runs.... which did get a comment from a guy in a new Polo  8) so it's never going to be a show winner. It's just my transport and it'll do for me.

Excuse the blanket, it's for when I take the dogs out. And now the headrests are more solid I should now be able to fix the dog guard I have when needed.

Great night at Caffeine & Machine last night.
It's a fair old trek for me, but worth the effort once a year I'd say.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/img_0866.jpg)

Gutted I missed this one, looks like it was a great meet.

It was good to see you mate. Love your interior too, definitely on my wants list for future

Saturday saw me enter in the local carnival car show.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_0911.jpg)

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_0924.jpg)

It was an all types, eclectic mix of classic, American and modern sports cars. Plus the epic C5.
There were a few small huddles of club cars. I have about 40 odd pics but didn't put them all up.

I was invited along by the local Yodel delivery driver, that's a funny story.
But one main reason for going, I could enter the car for £10, and that would include entry for myself and 1 passenger. Otherwise tickets were £15 each, so it was a no brainer.

It's quite unlike me not to be active here. But, not much has happened with the car and I've been busy with changes at work etc. There's also been a few health priorities in the family, but we're all good now.

So that leaves me with 4 months' worth of updates.

As mentioned elsewhere I got a car cover for my birthday in June. What I didn't mention, was to fit the cover successfully I needed to unscrew the bee sting aerial. This was found to be in poor condition and I broke it in the process.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0941.jpg)

Not sure if the paint has just discoloured, or if it was masked off when painted. There was no lip so I guess the former. Eitherway, being an aftermarket fit the hole was round and small, no the factory square fit.

Which was kind of annoying as I had a spare from the aerial I'd just removed from the mk5 as I'd fitted a DAB/GPS sharkfin for the new stereo. But the hole was way too small and I didn't want to have to butcher the roof further.

Looking at replacements most had the same large hollow fitting and box nut arrangement. That is until I found an exact copy of what I'd just removed in Halfords, a thin spindle and nut job.

Another couple or jobs prior to the national meet was to refit my sill cover that the AA guy wrecked after my previous rescue.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0959.jpg)

And to fit a little extra I picked up off Eddie the same time I got the rear beam.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0962.jpg)

No idea if it helped.

Which leads us up to National Meet...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0967.jpg)

Note the packed wellies.

Testing out the new table for camping...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0970.jpg)

And some other pics....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0972.jpg)

Managed to get the fire lit on Friday, but unfortunately, rain prevented the usual social activities on Saturday night.

Whatever it is that Ian is looking at is anyone's guess
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0975.jpg)

Ready for race day
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_0993.jpg)

Unfortunately no trophy this year, but I've uploaded my track vids here:
https://www.youtube.com/@AKAeddypeck/videos (https://www.youtube.com/@AKAeddypeck/videos)

I did find out I was only a tenth of a second off the best time for my class though which was a bit of a gutter. Especially since my engine is a stock 8v with no performance mods whilst others do have a few subtle tweaks onboard.

August saw a decent turnout at the Bristol meet:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1055.jpg)

Daily duties, I had to do a tip run:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1122.jpg)

I have been working from home loads, so the car has gone for weeks at a time unused just coming out for the Birstol meets. September was a corker:

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1144.jpg)

And of course, September saw the MK2OC at Silverstone  8) meaning a very early start for me

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1179.jpg)




 8)

Oh, and you may have noticed the eyebrow spoiler appear. This is something I decided last year at the National I wanted to add for the authentic 90's look. But I also decided I just wanted it plain black, unpainted plastic. I managed to find 2x NOS ones, the first one I got off Matt Palmer, but it was a bit scuffed (which would be fine if I was going to paint it). The second one I got from Craig, who used to have the Pearl Grey 20v. He was clearing out his parts so I got it off him when I took his 16v hubs and brakes. Maybe not everyone's taste, but like all my styling mods, easily removed if I change my mind.

October started with another First Friday pub meet, again a not a bad turnout considering we're heading into the winter months. We do try and keep these running all year, with only January skipped.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1290.jpeg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1291.jpeg)

This slight difference this time, is I was able to grab a lift...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/img_1292.jpeg)

With my insurance due at the start of the month, I was able to take the opportunity to get Jacob added as a provisional and the meet just happened to coincide with his day off  :))

That's great! Have you got his first car sorted yet?

That's great! Have you got his first car sorted yet?

I did see a 1.6 Driver appear on FB market place, only across the bridge in Newport. 1 owner since new, Full service history, owner now too old and daughter selling. It was mint. and the best part was the reg was J74 PVC and it was only £1500  :o

Obviously, daughter had no idea what she was selling, thinking it was just her dads old car no one would want. Sadly it disappeared in no time at all. So someone either snapped it up or tipped her off. But just imagine!  8)

I should also say, if you scroll back to the post where I did the injector seals. I have now replaced that bit of dodgy fuel hose. After getting back from Silverstone there was a strong smell of fuel again. And a visible damp patch below the injector rail  :o

Already??!

I also found this

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_0729.jpg)

which I cut back an inch to clean pipe and refitted, but on my to do list.

I was a temp fix. But what I've done is essentially another temp fix as I used a small length of R6 fuel pipe I had hanging around from when I did the Beetle. I later found out R6 was crap and R9 not much better, and that it's the 100% biofuel stuff which is the one to go for.

Some of you may have seen this shared on Facebook, but a few weeks back I finally got around to fitting the RightClick (https://rclick.co.uk/shop/index.php?id_product=173&controller=product) remote locking kit my son got me for Christmas.

https://youtube.com/shorts/sIPkJASWyF4?feature=share

As I already had factory Central Locking I just piggy-backed the master actuator onto the existing driver door lock and let this trigger the rest of the locks using the existing air-fed system.

I then took the key blank supplied to the local independent key guy who was happy to cut this for £6. I've heard a lot of places refuse to cut blanks they don't supply.

Sorry, no other pics, It started to rain while fitting and I just wanted to get the door membrane back on and get it all back together.


More up-to-date, I got a mate at work to do a 3D print of a design I made,

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/img_1420.jpg)

It needs a bit of fettling, but it's a step in the right direction and will angle the gauges up. Currently, they're in a flat panel and it's difficult to see looking down on them from the driving position.

The final update for now, a little job completed this lunchtime....

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/img_1423.jpg)

I've replaced the old and failing, original pink-flecked expansion bottle return hose. And rather than have it trailing across the bay as is normal I thought I'd try and run it around the outside of the bay.

I don't know why more people don't do this? Hopefully, I won't find the answer to that by some kind of failure. But I ran the engine up to temp till the thermostat opened, the coolant flowed and the fan cut in. Everything seemed to be fine.

I don't usually show pics of my engine bay as it's not particularly pretty.

Out early on a drizzly Sunday morning to visit my mate Ben at his shop in Tewksbury for a Retro car meet.

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/img_1473.jpg)
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/img_1454.jpg)

I've posted more about the day out here (https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?topic=1955.msg12775).

Looking back at 2023, and I know it's not over yet, but what a year for me.
I think this has been my most active in shows and meets ever and it's been great.

The monthly Bristol meets kicked off in February and run every month (except January).
In May I went to my first Queen Square Bristol Meet at Eastwood Park.
June was a cracking Bristol Volksfest and Caffeine and Machine.
July started with a car show at the local carnival,
and obviously the OC National Meet at the end of July.
August was a really good turn out for the Bristol meet.
German Car Festival in September was possibly my furthest outing and certainly my earliest start.
And I've just been to Retro-Sect in November.
There will be one more Bristol meet, Friday 1st December and I think that should be me done.

Unlike many, I won't be putting the car away for winter. It's still my transport and in December I start a new job where I'll be going into the office more regularly so daily duties will actually be daily and not just every now and then.

How's your year been?

Oooh a red E30, must have made you take a peek… love the pink black hose delete btw…

How is it 4 months since my last update? To think these used to be almost daily back in the day  :o

Well as I mentioned last time, I started a new job in December and it's been full steam ahead. I've hardly been on here, and haven't even been on socials much.

The Golf spends most of its life parked up under a cover now.
I'm back on the bike as daily transport, all weathers as the traffic is horrendous. I've only taken the Golf in a few times.

The new workplace is only 10 miles away, the shortest commute I've ever had, one of the times I went in the car it took me 55 mins  ::) But loving the job which is the main thing. Plus I now work in the motor trade (loosely connected).

So, what's been going on you say?

Well we've had out bathroom done, and to try and save a few quid we opted to not have a skip and dispose of our own waste... so many many tip runs...

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/img_1579.jpeg)

After that she needed a very deep clean, I spent the best part of a day on this and the wife's Mk5. Sadly I only took this one pic:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/img_1688.jpeg)

And while I was in this area I did an old-school mod, linking up the dummy fog light on the passenger side, not that I expect to drive in much fog. I did consider hooking them up to the brake  :o another mod from back in the day iirc.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/img_1687.jpeg)

Which took me up to MOT day:
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/img_1694.jpeg)

The astute among you may recognise this is the same place that set fire to the Beetle.  :(
Regardless of that, I had stopped using them as the old MOT tester started getting super picky, but then I discovered a mate (known through this club and Mk2 ownership) was the new MOT tester.

And happy to report a PASS, with a couple of sensible advisories.

You may also notice some snow on the cars around! Couldn't believe it when I looked out the window on MOT morning.

The final update, and long overdue. But Ben sent me through the pics he took at the National meet last July.

As you can see, wet!

(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/img_1669.jpeg)

Glad to hear the new job is going well!

Good that you have a sensible MOT guy now, I've just lost mine.

The weekend didn’t quite go to plan.

It started well, I nipped up the rear wheel bearings, and did a few other tidy up jobs after seeing the car on the ramp at MOT time.

But then I did my cambelt, first time doing it solo. And I’ve been apprehensive, but after talking with people and watching YouTube video etc I thought I’d take it on.

It all seemed to go ok, but afterwards my biggest fear was realised as the car wouldn’t run.

I tore it down again, double and triple checked, also got my son involved to help me go over everything again.

And to the best of our ability, everything seemed fine.

Running through diagnostics and backtracking everything I did, I did remove the spark plugs to make turning the engine by hand easier.

I wanted to check I hadn’t messed up the firing order, but then I discovered a broken spark plug. And remembered I did drop one when I took it out.

My son also pulled the end off one of the leads, so not sure if that was a sign it was deteriorating or just him being heavy handed and pulling from the cable not the end.

So now I’m stuck with a stranded car, awaiting eBay orders to come in this week for plugs, leads, cap and rotor.

And until I’ve replaced all of that I have no way of knowing if I messed up the cam belt …. Not such a happy Easter bunny right now.

That does suck, but think how much you'd be saving over having a garage to do it.
Also, not many garages know how to do old school cars nowadays.

Also, also, you can test the cam belt, turn the engine over by hand, if it:
A Spins freely
B Comes back to the timing marks
You're all good. Just make sure things like the tensioner is torqued up properly.

Also, also, also with the new parts the car will be service ready for the national meet!

The good news I got the cam belt right after all. New plugs, leads, rotor and cap and I’m all good. Must have been that busted plug. Just got nervous as it was after the belt change.

Sweet!

Was hoping to make it to the Bristol meet Friday, had the Corrado fuelled up and everything.
But the boy wasn't well, so we had to pass on it.

OK, so now the dust has settled I can do a bit more of an update.

Here's the dodgy plug. It was only by pulling the lead off and finding the rod part stuck in the HT cap, else I might never had known. With it pushed back in, the plug looked normal.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/image2.jpeg)

I did plugs, leads, car etc when I recommissioned the car after the COVID lay-up, so about 3 years but only 4000 odd miles.
But it was on my list to do this year as part of general maintenance anyway.

The original cam belt
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/image3.jpeg)

No idea how long that's been in there, I haven't done it before in my ownership, which is getting towards 4.5 years now. I think I remember seeing a bill for it in the paperwork when I got the car.

The last time it was done it looks like someone was a bit heavy-handed with the pulley bolts
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/image0.jpeg)

The good old Irwin tools to the rescue
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/image1.jpeg)

But I was never going to be able to torque it back down. So I ordered 4x genuine bolts, but also needed to wait for those to be delivered.

I also fitted all new belt covers and fixed the alternator bracket while I was in the area.

And for anyone with Power Steering, you'll know how much of a nightmare it is to adjust. Well, hopefully, that's all freed up now if I need to make any further adjustments. A squealing belt has plagued me for quite a while.

New cam belt and tensioner fitted, and miles and date written on the inside of the belt cover.
(https://eddypeck.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/image4.jpeg)

I still have a list of jobs to do, and a box of new parts ready to fit.

Glad to hear you the timing belt was successful. Oh yeah national meet will be coming round before you know it. I maybe should start preparing as I move very slowly 😂 I've lost my tent and sold my t5 so need to make some sleeping arrangements

I had a couple of broken sparkplugs when I changed them last year. Never had an issue before.

@ianmac86 maybe you can order a seat from Matt @MK2 Spares on a sale or return basis for the national?
My Facebook marketplace s/h tent wasn't a great place to be last year with all that rain!

138k? Barely run in!!

@AndyBa haha yeah and sleep under the stars 😂 that mk2 bench was surprising comfy! I will have to see if I can find my tent if not I will be on marketplace too!

138k? Barely run in!!

I know right, it’s great granddaughter, the mk5 has just caught up and overtaken.
I think that’s at around 140k now.

… I've lost my tent and sold my t5 so need to make some sleeping arrangements

Even when you had a tent you had no tent pegs  :'(

@AndyBa haha yeah and sleep under the stars 😂 that mk2 bench was surprising comfy! I will have to see if I can find my tent if not I will be on marketplace too!

Just saying, a hotel room is probably cheaper than a tent...comes with a toilet and shower too!