Today I.....

A timely reply: just got in from a brief test drive and as a starter, the engine is definitely happier. It's still a little bit diesel'y, but pretty acceptable. It's miles quieter than it was which does suggest despite the ML229 / VW 502.xxx spec on the Halfords oil the PO was using, all oils aren't created equal.

Anyway: got the undertray on, sort of improved the wheels a bit, Dremel'ed the front slam panel to allow the bonnet release mechanism a modicum of sideways adjustment and got the maintenance hatch fitting snugly whilst opening without using the whole release handle's travel.

This evening took it for it's first test drive after this first batch of work.

Can certainly see the appeal, it's really endearing. I think the 1.4 gets down the road quite well. It'll only be me and the dog, so it'll never have to work hard. There's no doubt it feels its miles though, so if stays it'll need many shocks, bushes and links. There are some thoroughly downmarket dash (?) noises, more from the back and I think, some from underneath. Even so, I like it.

The big question going forward is whether I stick with this one with its big list of required improvememts, or look for a tighter and generally heathier one. Cut losses, or better the devil you know? Hmm. I'll run this for a week or two and then make a judgement. So far though, it looks well on the drive, is a fun drive and in many respects is a big improvement on the car that arrived. Glad I bought it anyway :)

I've said it before a while back now in a few thread asks, "what should i buy" and in reply to some that think they're rubbish, that a well maintained 1.4i whilst it won't break any records it's still a very capable package especially in the sport chassis, a hella of a lot of fun on the twisty stuff. The balance between handling and braking are superb, it's what makes me grin every time i drive it. ?

Can't remember the mileage on yours, 155K ? My experience of them, it's the oil changes that are crucial and of course what honey people are putting in them. A low mileage one that's had a diet of Fuch pro s ester oil will be best for longevity tightness high mileages as you know. What to do? Start looking after a high mileage car with possibly an iffy service history, not saying your is, or buy a lowish mileage one thats had lots of oil changes and start afresh with Fuch could be the way to go. ?

Maybe keep this one for the dirty jobs and buy a younger mileage one for smart stuff and on holiday etc?
 
I think it's a tub of Carbon (it's blue, I know that!). I should remember as I've not long bought a new one. About £55 but I get years and years from one tub on lots of cars. It's brilliant stuff and has a reasonable canuba content of around 35% I think. A lot of 'canuba' waxes are so low in content the description is downright misleading. Their better waxes are nearer 65%.

I believe they claim all of the ingredients are natural and if inclined, safe to eat. Why that's relevant to car paint I don't know. I'm pretty sure ICI / DuPont etc don't distil their paint products from antelope tears and lion pee, so not sure why they would benefit from edible polish. Edible or not though, it's blinking good and lasts for ages out in the weather.

?

A man who knows his onions. ?

I bought the liquid bottle quite a few years ago, i've still got it but almost run out mainly use AG, got to say it's good stuff and smells beautiful but as we know it's more about the canuba content that's important. I've looked here on ebay and could only get the liquid stuff from the states at silly postage and import duties. Think it was £14 a bottle, shame Halfords stopped selling it. I did look a few years back and Zymol products at the high end and on a par with staying is Swiss hotels. I'm going to look out for this tub you've bought sounds interesting. ?
 
?

A man who knows his onions. ?

I bought the liquid bottle quite a few years ago, i've still got it but almost run out mainly use AG, got to say it's good stuff and smells beautiful but as we know it's more about the canuba content that's important. I've looked here on ebay and could only get the liquid stuff from the states at silly postage and import duties. Think it was £14 a bottle, shame Halfords stopped selling it. I did look a few years back and Zymol products at the high end and on a par with staying is Swiss hotels. I'm going to look out for this tub you've bought sounds interesting. ?

I'm pretty sure I got my last one fro
I've bought Zymol products from this site in the past, as Rusty has indicated one pot lasts a long time (if you keep it in the fridge):

I've just looked up where I get mine: the same as you! Clean Your Car. Used them for first time a couple of months ago. Really good service, but beware: you may leave with many more products than you intended.

Have got a bit addicted to Gyeon products, they're ace!
 
I've said it before a while back now in a few thread asks, "what should i buy" and in reply to some that think they're rubbish, that a well maintained 1.4i whilst it won't break any records it's still a very capable package especially in the sport chassis, a hella of a lot of fun on the twisty stuff. The balance between handling and braking are superb, it's what makes me grin every time i drive it. ?

Can't remember the mileage on yours, 155K ? My experience of them, it's the oil changes that are crucial and of course what honey people are putting in them. A low mileage one that's had a diet of Fuch pro s ester oil will be best for longevity tightness high mileages as you know. What to do? Start looking after a high mileage car with possibly an iffy service history, not saying your is, or buy a lowish mileage one thats had lots of oil changes and start afresh with Fuch could be the way to go. ?

Maybe keep this one for the dirty jobs and buy a younger mileage one for smart stuff and on holiday etc?

Well, a move could certainly be afoot (I've just posted the very worst Wanted ad: will probably get me chucked out ?). It's a case of balancing it all up.

In Lasi's corner: my ideal spec and colour (silver over black, SE), nice local car, Audi plates (and nice reg number), 3-previous (not bad), FSH, never painted, leather, false floor and accessories (all moveable of course), the 'better the devil you know factor', already here (saving time, miles and hassle of viewing / changing). Looks really, really bright.

But ... 158k so never going to be worth much, I'd want to do a suspension rebuild, full wheel refurb (I can DIY), fit better front bumper and probably a tighter engine. About £6-700 plus my time (50 hours?) Owes me £630 as it sits today.

I like the 1.4: much more than I thought I would. Nice and simple, pulls fine, no political issues with diesel (although I'm not adverse, I run diesels), happy with all journeys (motorway? Not tried yet).

In spirit of the thread: today I found after its first night outside the car was wringing wet inside! When I first saw it, it was during storn Dennis and both back widows were a fraction down. I wonder if the rear footwells are full of water underneath. They are certainly damp and it's been in dehumidified workshop for at least two weeks. My wet vac has long since dried out. Will pull the plugs out from underneath. If they show water I guess I'll have to try and lift the rear carpets and leave a dehumidifier in there.

Nothing shouts miserable used car more than being wet inside. Ideal is when it freezes and you have to scrape off both sides of the glass. That's a lovely way to start the day :rolleyes:
 
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Well, a move could certainly be afoot (I've just posted the very worst Wanted ad: will probably get me chucked out ?). It's a case of balancing it all up.

In Lasi's corner: my ideal spec and colour (silver over black, SE), nice local car, Audi plates (and nice reg number), 3-previous (not bad), FSH, never painted, leather, false floor and accessories (all moveable of course), the 'better the devil you know factor', already here (saving time, miles and hassle of viewing / changing). Looks really, really bright.

But ... 158k so never going to be worth much, I'd want to do a suspension rebuild, full wheel refurb (I can DIY), fit better front bumper and probably a tighter engine. About £6-700 plus my time (50 hours?) Owes me £630 as it sits today.

I like the 1.4: much more than I thought I would. Nice and simple, pulls fine, no political issues with diesel (although I'm not adverse, I run diesels), happy with all journeys (motorway? Not tried yet).

In spirit of the thread: today I found after its first night outside the car was wringing wet inside! When I first saw it, it was during storn Dennis and both back widows were a fraction down. I wonder if the rear footwells are full of water underneath. They are certainly damp and it's been in dehumidified workshop for at least two weeks. My wet vac has long since dried out. Will pull the plugs out from underneath. If they show water I guess I'll have to try and lift the rear carpets and leave a dehumidifier in there.

Nothing shouts miserable used car more than being wet inside. Ideal is when it freezes and you have to scrape off both sides of the glass. That's a lovely way to start the day :rolleyes:

I can relate, mine was soaking when I bought it, then the mould started.
Previous owner had added buytl strips to the rear lights and drilled a hole in the boot plastic floor, but still no fix!
I suspected as others have pointed out the vent seals behind the rear bumper - sure enough have a look at what I found.
Nice channel for the water to enter. I put 2 new vents on and sealed up with mastic. See how that goes.

Old vent with saggy seal
vent_seal.jpg


New vents:
new_vents.jpg
 
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You can see why I'll need a front bumper (or get repairing / painting!) :rolleyes:

Alloys need a refurb when you see them 'live', but overall she's a straight little thing. Just needs quite a bit doing to bring up to scratch.

I do love these in silver though and it's nearly a bob-on match to my V70 so they'll look well on the drive together.
 
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Fitted a TRW nearside front ARB drop link. Hopefully that'll be a whole lot of noises removed for my £16 to Euro's. I did notice the ARB bushes were quite soft. I'll leave them for now while I decide what the actual plan for the car is.

Meanwhile just pottering around locally in it whilst I shake it down.
 
Today I refurbished 18off check straps, a goods day work,
Started with a metre length of brass bar and converted that into rollers, a CNC lathe makes this soooooooo much easier, every roller within 0.0005" of each other on diameter and within 0.001" on length
Found that cutting with a very slow (drip drip drip) of coolant kept all the brass chips togther and didn't s**t up the lathe any where near as much as cutting dry.
Next off to the parts washer, which was making little impact until a heated up the cleaning fluid, an old kettle to heat up a couple of kettle fulls of fluid makes all the difference, a scrub with an old tooth brush and they come up like new.
Then stripped them all down, replaced the rollers and rivets with stainless steel bolts and nylocs nuts, lubricated everything and re assembled.

Anyone in need of check straps I have plenty of stock :)

Oh and for good measure I refurbished one hook style and one aero style wiper arm, they are drying in the garage now after 3 coats of 2K satin black, so I am back upto two stock of each wiper arm at the moment

I'm good to you good folks :)

Cheers,
Paul

Paul. You are a good man for providing this service for the pennies you charge and I’m glad that you are here - along with the other legends on this forum - to make A2 ownership so much easier.

I actually really enjoy watching machinists on Yourube (TOT, Ave) and find it very rewarding but it certainly looks like skilled work.

Thumbs up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I found the aforementioned ARB drop link didn't cure the noises from the front so more investigations to follow.

On other hand, having had a few more miles in Lasi today, have discovered I really, really like A2's. These are my first miles in one having fancied them since new. I should have started earlier.

Anyway, making up for lost time as today also bought a TDi ying to my petrol's yang. Collection Sunday all being well, might do an actual thread on that one (it's a sort of project) as smeared the Lasi story just about all over the shop :rolleyes:
 
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Today I refurbished 18off check straps, a goods day work,
Started with a metre length of brass bar and converted that into rollers, a CNC lathe makes this soooooooo much easier, every roller within 0.0005" of each other on diameter and within 0.001" on length
Found that cutting with a very slow (drip drip drip) of coolant kept all the brass chips togther and didn't s**t up the lathe any where near as much as cutting dry.
Next off to the parts washer, which was making little impact until a heated up the cleaning fluid, an old kettle to heat up a couple of kettle fulls of fluid makes all the difference, a scrub with an old tooth brush and they come up like new.
Then stripped them all down, replaced the rollers and rivets with stainless steel bolts and nylocs nuts, lubricated everything and re assembled.

Anyone in need of check straps I have plenty of stock :)

Oh and for good measure I refurbished one hook style and one aero style wiper arm, they are drying in the garage now after 3 coats of 2K satin black, so I am back upto two stock of each wiper arm at the moment

I'm good to you good folks :)

Cheers,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Just bought a 1.6FSI Sport and a few jobs need doing, including driver’s side check strap, it‘s clanking away just like on the video I viewed on this forum. Do you still only do exchange or can these be ordered off the shelf? Will take one if so. Feel free to PM me.
Cheers
James
 
Hi Paul,
Just bought a 1.6FSI Sport and a few jobs need doing, including driver’s side check strap, it‘s clanking away just like on the video I viewed on this forum. Do you still only do exchange or can these be ordered off the shelf? Will take one if so. Feel free to PM me.
Cheers
James
PM incoming
 
Having thoroughly enjoyed my first few days of A2 ownership, a bit of driving but mostly a properly OCD valet of the interior - very satisfying! - I received a bit of a reality check today. I’d booked the car in at Wheelbase in Hersham last week following a pre-purchase engineer’s inspection which picked up a few things, and so today I took her in to have an expert eye cast over them. I was impressed with the service and (apparent) knowledge they demonstrated, they seem to know their A2s (thanks to @QuatroA2 for the recommendation). But I’m looking at a fairly hefty bill for a few fixes over the next few weeks - none mega-urgent but a couple serious enough to be MOT failures when it comes around. Nothing I should be too surprised by really, but a welcome to the world of running a high-mileage motor. Top of the list were split covers on the steering rack ball joints - they’re recommending replacing the track arms at the same time (seems sensible given the horror stories I’ve read here), replacing the front suspension top mountings, which have been making a few noises, one of the handbrake cables has seized, and a suspected selector tower causing some changes being rather obstructive.
Kudos to Wheelbase, I’d have confidence in their work after today’s experience, and their quotes for these jobs look very fair given what I’ve read on here. Just gonna have to suck it up...
 
Sorry to hear, but you seem pragmatic about it, I just hope the cost is bearable. With the family history invested in said car, it may well help ease the financial loss somewhat. As with many of us, heart over head many times over, so let the enjoyment of ownership and the club membership that accompanies it be a positive focus for you. Good luck.

Having thoroughly enjoyed my first few days of A2 ownership, a bit of driving but mostly a properly OCD valet of the interior - very satisfying! - I received a bit of a reality check today. I’d booked the car in at Wheelbase in Hersham last week following a pre-purchase engineer’s inspection which picked up a few things, and so today I took her in to have an expert eye cast over them. I was impressed with the service and (apparent) knowledge they demonstrated, they seem to know their A2s (thanks to @QuatroA2 for the recommendation). But I’m looking at a fairly hefty bill for a few fixes over the next few weeks - none mega-urgent but a couple serious enough to be MOT failures when it comes around. Nothing I should be too surprised by really, but a welcome to the world of running a high-mileage motor. Top of the list were split covers on the steering rack ball joints - they’re recommending replacing the track arms at the same time (seems sensible given the horror stories I’ve read here), replacing the front suspension top mountings, which have been making a few noises, one of the handbrake cables has seized, and a suspected selector tower causing some changes being rather obstructive.
Kudos to Wheelbase, I’d have confidence in their work after today’s experience, and their quotes for these jobs look very fair given what I’ve read on here. Just gonna have to suck it up...
 
Sorry to hear, but you seem pragmatic about it, I just hope the cost is bearable. With the family history invested in said car, it may well help ease the financial loss somewhat. As with many of us, heart over head many times over, so let the enjoyment of ownership and the club membership that accompanies it be a positive focus for you. Good luck.

For sure it was an emotional purchase to a degree and might have baulked at the mileage had it been any other car. Yes I did gulp a bit when I read the report but not that much of a surprise in the cold light of day and I had some contingency. I’m not deterred!
 
if the track arms are cast then just replace the boots assuming the joints are still OK, if pressed steel arms then replace with cast arms, or are you talking about the track rod end on the steering rack, if so these are screw on screw off and should be replaced if the boots are split
Top pivots if creaking should be changed before they break springs, also consider replacing the front struts if they have not been changed before and also the rear shocks when funds have recovered B4's are nice OEM std
hand brake cable - have the pair replaced Tower bearing, again have this done when funds are available, they don't tend to pack in, just go notchy

Paul
 
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