1.4 SE Project AZ by Miniswift

Due to starting very early today, I took rest of the day off to work on A2.
Both front door restrictors(not sure the name) were to replace but I thought I will start with the passenger side door since making a lot of noise.

Looks to be original and thinking it might have been pop riveted on the machinism from the factory.
IMG_2667.jpg


Then I started to work on the driverside.
Someone else has been there as 1 screw is missing from door card... not good sign!
IMG_2666.jpg


Then to my horror! Be hold a lot of grease!
They are Teflon wheels so I'm sure they don't need any grease!?

Anyway, my job is done and i shall wait for a bottom hinge to arrive to replace for now.

Cheers
Atchi
 
Last edited:
Yesterday, I took out my eldest for a driving lesson.
She did well in hard conditions and thought we need to put petrol in.
Put petrol in, the car doesn't start.
I have replaced to a new battery, so it should be OK... Last time I checked, alternator was charging OK.
Then again, I had a flushing engine check light but no way of reading on Friday...

I have checked battery condition and it says OK. When you turn a key, it doesn't even try to engage a starter motor.
Well, I better call AA then.

When an AA man came, I told him it's a new battery but starter motor is not even engaging.

Cut long story short, previous owner fitted a new starter motor and lost a secure clip from the plug, so it came loose.
I need this clip now!

To add a insult, my alternator has pcked in. So flushing engine check light was telling me my alternator has died!
Good job I got one I bought bewfore ready!
 
So,
I changed my alternator but still saying 12.55v at my battery.
Should it be more? Or should I Waite and see as may be alternator brushes needs to bed in?
 
Hi,
I took my girl out in the car today.
I can hear exhaust starting to blow where I saw rust then fatigue crack. I have started to buy material to make a new back box.
45 degree bend and straight piece.... cut to length and waiting for a 4" silencer and it will be straight through exhaust in 1.75".
This is the connection bit to the middle section after CAT.
IMG_2701.jpg


I see standard OEM tail pipe is facing down but I only have a Maniflow upswept. so I might have to cut a bit of the bumper to clear.
 
Where can I buy a spare key from?
The car only came with 1 key so if anyone knows where I can buy, very much appriciated1
 
miniswift said:
Where can I buy a spare key from?
The car only came with 1 key so if anyone knows where I can buy, very much appriciated1
Click to expand...
It is critically important to buy a second key that matches your CCCU. The best thing to do is split your current key fob in half as though replacing it's battery and post a picture of the part number. I may be able to help you.

Andy
 
So, I'm making my back box in stainless steel tubing and I would like to have people's opinion.
It is a 1.75" straight through exhaust and not sure do I got for boy/girl racer look by upswept or down swept!

Me bing a young at heart, tell me this.
IMG_2717.jpg

But this is for my girls and I'm sure they don't want unwanted attention.
So for my girls I think this down swept version might be better.
IMG_2718.jpg


I will polish my pigeon poo weld before fitting with hunger brackets welded on, first!
 
miniswift said:
So, I'm making my back box in stainless steel tubing and I would like to have people's opinion.
It is a 1.75" straight through exhaust and not sure do I got for boy/girl racer look by upswept or down swept!

Me bing a young at heart, tell me this.
View attachment 89352
But this is for my girls and I'm sure they don't want unwanted attention.
So for my girls I think this down swept version might be better.
View attachment 89353

I will polish my pigeon poo weld before fitting with hunger brackets welded on, first!
Click to expand...
Hi miniswift ,
I would go for the down swept option as this will clear any moisture out from the system ,
Cheers
Keith
 
Not worry about water(acid) in there.
My girls Revs so hard all of water inside will get blown away!
I just think that by fitting downwards, I don't need to cut lower part of bumper.
 
Hi,
I'm hoping to fit aftermarket stereo in my car.
It has 7.5" screen which hold and can put away easily but when it is out, it will make cup holder not usable.

Is there any way of moving climate control and pocket up by one all of them to make space for my stereo to go in?
 
miniswift said:
Hi,
I'm hoping to fit aftermarket stereo in my car.
It has 7.5" screen which hold and can put away easily but when it is out, it will make cup holder not usable.

Is there any way of moving climate control and pocket up by one all of them to make space for my stereo to go in?
Click to expand...
You need to change the entire dash from single din to double din. Absolutely doable but not a small job. It’s the type of thing that unless you know the interior of an A2 well is definitely best left to @timmus imo.
 
Hi,
I don't think I will bother with Stereo at the moment.
It didn't have AppleCarplay.

Meanwhile, I have fitted an arm rest which was given to me about 4 years ago to fit in my Mini project.
IMG_2733.jpg

It doesn't look too bad. When i was driving for more than 1 hour on the motor way, I was not sure where I should put my left arm to be compforable.
 
Last night, I went out for a drive and my brand new battery was again getting flat.

So I decided to take a look at main engine earth point.
I tried to spray WD40 but I wasn't getting good access....

So I used 3/8" drive ratchet to try to loosen off..... tight then full turn! You guessed snapped fastener!
IMG_2774.jpg

As you can see it is badly corroded.
I have now fitted to other chassis leg and I get 13.8volts at idle speed.
I count as a success!
 
I was hoping to rebuild this current enigne as it likes oil as much as I care to fill every week. But my mechanic tells me you can't buy parts to rebuild with. So before Christmas, I managed to buy 18k miles 1.4 A2 enigne.
As I only know the history of engine from the breaker yard which gave me reg number and checked MOT so it's good!
So I bought cambelt kits and new clutch kit.
I will be helping(get in the way!?) my mechanic so I can learn bit about A2 as this is THE newest car I will be working on.

I will keep you informed.

Cheers
Atchi
 
  • Like
Reactions: mtl
Today, I have changed A2 alloy wheels to Audi A3 Pepper pots with 185/60-15".
My better half drive VW Polo and buying same size tyres(all season Vredestein) so that I can take front tyres off Polo and fit to back of A2.
IMG_3020.jpg


After fitting wheels, I can confirm that speedo read closer to true speed from a SatNav.
I painted those alloys using a tin spray so it is a 10 footer!

The ride is better now over the bamps!
 
This weekend, I have made and fitted stainless steel twin box exhaust.

OEM had few splits and holes here and there.
Tis is after 6 hours of modding and fitting!
IMG_3144.jpg


It sounds very much like a boy racer, then again this is for my girls so it is girl racer now!

Cheers
Atchi
 
miniswift said:
This weekend, I have made and fitted stainless steel twin box exhaust.

OEM had few splits and holes here and there.
Tis is after 6 hours of modding and fitting!
View attachment 92669

It sounds very much like a boy racer, then again this is for my girls so it is girl racer now!

Cheers
Atchi
Click to expand...
Nice welds, great job. I expect you'll be asked for photo from the back when on the ground too. Don't see many with stainless exhaust work on here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top