Today I.....

Today I...............well actually it was Sunday but I have only just found time for this post.

Visited timmus to see if could help me find a 5p piece that had dropped down the side of the seat!

1591086554700.png


We didn't find any money but decided to fit Bose and rear bumper with OEM parking sensors at the same time.

1591086756296.png


Tom did an outstanding job (as always) and, along with many others, have no problem in recommending his work and really do applaud his attention to detail.

For my part I had already removed most of the interior trim but was also a dab hand in making a tent for Tom to carry on working in the heat.

1591087033338.png
 
in9999 said:
Today I...............well actually it was Sunday but I have only just found time for this post.

Visited timmus to see if could help me find a 5p piece that had dropped down the side of the seat!

View attachment 65237

We didn't find any money but decided to fit Bose and rear bumper with OEM parking sensors at the same time.

View attachment 65239

Tom did an outstanding job (as always) and, along with many others, have no problem in recommending his work and really do applaud his attention to detail.

For my part I had already removed most of the interior trim but was also a dab hand in making a tent for Tom to carry on working in the heat.

View attachment 65240
Click to expand...
When we visited Tom he found £1 coin, brilliant we thought only to discover it was an old one ?
 
Today I got the good news that Flipper has passed his mot with flying colours and no advisories, good going for a 17yr old car with 170k under his belt I thought ? I've just taxed him again so after a couple of months of driving a dull as dishwater 90 Tdi while he was off the road getting a few wee jobs done then fitting the Votex that's him officially back on the road ready for summer :cool:


100088748_1637166863119043_73979926910337024_n.jpg
 
I decided to tackle the OS front headlamp, the one with that slightly cloudy look that contrasted with the crystal clear NS light unit. I'd read about what grades of paper to use and what UV sealant but was having trouble getting hold of them.
So I did a Google of Auto Express group reviews of headlamp restoration kit and one they reviewed well was only £10. Armor All Headlight Restoration Kit. In stock at Halfords. It was far too hot at first. So I waited. I even read the instructions!
There are three packs inside. Pack 1 is to dissolve the degraded lacquer. You have to work quickly as it's done highly volatile solvent. It sort of dissolved the lacquer but not totally. 3-5 minutes working time is all you get and then it's gone especially in this heat.. I should have mentioned that I'd used that blue masking tape to mark off around the lamp. I could use the other Pack 1 (one for each light) but I decided to resort to some fine wet and dry. 1500 grit just a small piece. Lots of water. The whole lamp was looking soft focus and not like it would be good to use ever again.
I then used a bit of CIF, then done 2500 grit polishing cloth and it was smooth but dull.
Polish the glass dry with lint-free cloth and onto the finale. Pack 2 is a cloth impregnated with UV sealant lacquer. Wipe on in smooth horizontal lines and suddenly the lamp is looking as good as the left hand perfect lamp. Cloth 2 is normally enough for both lenses. It says avoid water and allow up to three hours to dry.
I'm really impressed. It have me the confidence to do the job in an evening. I'm not sure how it would have turned out if I'd used just the Packet 1 solvent, without wet and dry paper. But, for something that is the size of a small envelope I think it's a good solution. No need for power drills.
I'll add a picture once I work out how to do that.

SEE BELOW - It didn't finish as well as I hoped. Grrr.
 
Last edited:
..got a first test of speaker mounts for the front doors to the point where I can test fit them. They're not going to work for the drivers I want to use (non-standard) but they might work for 165mm standard drivers with small(er) magnets. I know how to make them now, too, with the base layers in HDPE and then plywood. Might make a small run for sale, but I need to check 165s fit first. Should work well with Eton POW and PRS (their magnets are a good 40mm smaller), Hertz and B2 seem also to fit. Will check if there's interest.

- Bret
 
JulesW said:
I decided to tackle the OS front headlamp, the one with that slightly cloudy look that contrasted with the crystal clear NS light unit. I'd read about what grades of paper to use and what UV sealant but was having trouble getting hold of them.
So I did a Google of Auto Express group reviews of headlamp restoration kit and one they reviewed well was only £10. Armor All Headlight Restoration Kit. In stock at Halfords. It was far too hot at first. So I waited. I even read the instructions!
There are three packs inside. Pack 1 is to dissolve the degraded lacquer. You have to work quickly as it's done highly volatile solvent. It sort of dissolved the lacquer but not totally. 3-5 minutes working time is all you get and then it's gone especially in this heat.. I should have mentioned that I'd used that blue masking tape to mark off around the lamp. I could use the other Pack 1 (one for each light) but I decided to resort to some fine wet and dry. 1500 grit just a small piece. Lots of water. The whole lamp was looking soft focus and not like it would be good to use ever again.
I then used a bit of CIF, then done 2500 grit polishing cloth and it was smooth but dull.
Polish the glass dry with lint-free cloth and onto the finale. Pack 2 is a cloth impregnated with UV sealant lacquer. Wipe on in smooth horizontal lines and suddenly the lamp is looking as good as the left hand perfect lamp. Cloth 2 is normally enough for both lenses. It says avoid water and allow up to three hours to dry.
I'm really impressed. It have me the confidence to do the job in an evening. I'm not sure how it would have turned out if I'd used just the Packet 1 solvent, without wet and dry paper. But, for something that is the size of a small envelope I think it's a good solution. No need for power drills.
I'll add a picture once I work out how to do that.
Click to expand...
Well done, always good to read the fine details of a job at whatever level.

To add a picture, make sure the cursor is at the point in the post where you want it and click the 'button' that looks like a view of a distant mountain (to the left of the smiley face) in the menu bar at the top of the post you are composing and then follow any prompts.

If it fails to upload it is probably too big (max. 3 MBNA) and you will have to downsize it first. Ask if you need help with this.

Andy
 
Andrew said:
Well done, always good to read the fine details of a job at whatever level.

To add a picture, make sure the cursor is at the point in the post where you want it and click the 'button' that looks like a view of a distant mountain (to the left of the smiley face) in the menu bar at the top of the post you are composing and then follow any prompts.

If it fails to upload it is probably too big (max. 3 MBNA) and you will have to downsize it first. Ask if you need help with this.

Andy
Click to expand...
I have had to curb my optimism for the product TBH. Part of the lens is a bit cloudy this morning. Perhaps I didn't get all the lacquer off. I will look at it again soon and update with pics. The cloth impregnated with UV resistant lacquer is a good idea in itself.
 
Today I...

...spent about 5 hours catching up on PMs. When I'm busy or otherwise engaged, I can get a bit behind with deserved replies. However, I also planted a Voss' Laburnum. My garden only has space for one tree, otherwise I'll block the coastal view that my house offers. Of course, when you can only have one tree, it needs to be chosen carefully. The laburnum is native to the mountains of southern Europe, so holds appeal for me on that basis alone, but its display of flowers is just spectacular. Mine is currently 2m tall and has a trunk that's barely wider than my thumb, so it'll take many years before it looks as good as the pair in the photo below.

1591195543055.png


I appreciate this is actually a car enthusiast's club, but I know there are many keen gardeners among us!

Cheers,

Tom
 
Last edited:
A couple of Year's ago we had a Laburnum here which got blown down and died. I really liked it and tried to get a replacement earlier this Year. I couldn't source one anywhere and was told by several nurseries that they couldn't obtain stock. I had to leave things then, because of this awful virus. You're photo has showed me what I'm missing! Oh well, there's always next Year!

David
 
DJ 190 said:
A couple of Year's ago we had a Laburnum here which got blown down and died. I really liked it and tried to get a replacement earlier this Year. I couldn't source one anywhere and was told by several nurseries that they couldn't obtain stock. I had to leave things then, because of this awful virus. You're photo has showed me what I'm missing! Oh well, there's always next Year!
Click to expand...
I confess that I do worry about its exposed position for the very reason you explain, David. The beauty of a coastal location comes with the dangers of strong winds. Having spent about £50 on this tree, I am a little concerned that my investment will be ruined by a storm, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.
I bought mine from www.ornamental-trees.co.uk. It arrived in excellent condition, with a large stake to keep it stable whilst it gets its roots down. Go on, treat yourself. :)
 
timmus said:
Today I... planted a Voss' Laburnum.
Click to expand...
Our laburnum does not look like it's going to flower this year. I think it got hit by a late frost and drought since there has been so little rain. The flower buds just look pale and dried out.
Take care of yours, if it is just planted it will need kept well watered as it's roots won't get far into the surrounding soil for a couple of years.
 
Today I may have reached my limit. In the last 5 months and with hardly any driving being done, due to lockdown but before that as I waited on parts etc, the following is the list of repairs:

new battery
new rear brake lines, brake pistons and shoes
new clutch
second hand MYP gearbox (old box was crunchy everywhere but particularly in third and the tower was in bits)
new red leather interior, not essential but hey I spotted it in a scrap yard when getting the MYP gearbox.

then on the way for MOT the alternator pulley disintegrated taking the auxiliary belt with it so...
alternator rebuilt: check, twice, first time the pulley wasn't as true as it should have been.
new auxiliary belt tensioner:
new auxiliary belt.

And while we're here we decided we may as well do a cambelt change, it was due in 10000 miles and the car was standing still for a year. And while doing the belt, seeing as we are at 197k decided to do the oil chain too. So..
oil chain changed, timing belt and water pump replaced: twice. first kit (not VAG) failed within a few miles. One of the pulleys started running rough making noise. Got a kit from VW this time. On it goes. Grand.

Decide to clean intake manifold. Notice turbo is on way out. This explains the lack of low end torque I'd say I'd been experiencing for a good while. No place chancing the turbo going and ruining my newly chained and belted engine so
turbo rebuilt: along with new oil lines and assorted bolts.

Result! engine is very smooth over 1400 rpm thanks to new chain and belt and turbo and neutered EGR valve I guess but below 1400 theres quite a bit of vibration. So on to the engine mounts:

new dogbone torque bar mount thingy: improvement but still not great.

And now a little aside: then the MYP gearbox died. It had sounded a little rattly accelerating in 5th and 6th only. but alas after only another 50 miles, it seems a bearing is gone. Particularly rattly under acceleration in 5th and 6th but now noticeable on idle in neutral (rattle disappears by dipping clutch.) Out of warranty as it was a second hand part (only 10 days warranty). So, on we go:
New PTU gearbox ordered: getting fitted on Friday. 30 day warranty! Risky getting another second hand box but it was same price as fixing the MYP.

back to the engine vibration at low revs:
new gearbox side engine-mount (the one for a polo ordered: check)

but this is where Ive finally run out of patience: right side engine mount. just the rubber bit stuck to a bit of metal. only available from Audi it seems and it's £228. hmmmmmmmm.

Time for a beer!
 
nick4tl said:
Today I may have reached my limit. In the last 5 months and with hardly any driving being done, due to lockdown but before that as I waited on parts etc, the following is the list of repairs:

new battery
new rear brake lines, brake pistons and shoes
new clutch
second hand MYP gearbox (old box was crunchy everywhere but particularly in third and the tower was in bits)
new red leather interior, not essential but hey I spotted it in a scrap yard when getting the MYP gearbox.

then on the way for MOT the alternator pulley disintegrated taking the auxiliary belt with it so...
alternator rebuilt: check, twice, first time the pulley wasn't as true as it should have been.
new auxiliary belt tensioner:
new auxiliary belt.

And while we're here we decided we may as well do a cambelt change, it was due in 10000 miles and the car was standing still for a year. And while doing the belt, seeing as we are at 197k decided to do the oil chain too. So..
oil chain changed, timing belt and water pump replaced: twice. first kit (not VAG) failed within a few miles. One of the pulleys started running rough making noise. Got a kit from VW this time. On it goes. Grand.

Decide to clean intake manifold. Notice turbo is on way out. This explains the lack of low end torque I'd say I'd been experiencing for a good while. No place chancing the turbo going and ruining my newly chained and belted engine so
turbo rebuilt: along with new oil lines and assorted bolts.

Result! engine is very smooth over 1400 rpm thanks to new chain and belt and turbo and neutered EGR valve I guess but below 1400 theres quite a bit of vibration. So on to the engine mounts:

new dogbone torque bar mount thingy: improvement but still not great.

And now a little aside: then the MYP gearbox died. It had sounded a little rattly accelerating in 5th and 6th only. but alas after only another 50 miles, it seems a bearing is gone. Particularly rattly under acceleration in 5th and 6th but now noticeable on idle in neutral (rattle disappears by dipping clutch.) Out of warranty as it was a second hand part (only 10 days warranty). So, on we go:
New PTU gearbox ordered: getting fitted on Friday. 30 day warranty! Risky getting another second hand box but it was same price as fixing the MYP.

back to the engine vibration at low revs:
new gearbox side engine-mount (the one for a polo ordered: check)

but this is where Ive finally run out of patience: right side engine mount. just the rubber bit stuck to a bit of metal. only available from Audi it seems and it's £228. hmmmmmmmm.

Time for a beer!
Click to expand...

What’s the part number for this mount?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
DJ 190 said:
Just don't be telling me to jump off a cliff!
Click to expand...
Not at all! I actually got mine delivered from Ornamental Trees free of carriage, because it was included in somebody else's larger order, so a good deal. Now that you've bought a laburnum having decided you missed your lost one, I'm pleased I decided to mention something so unrelated to A2s. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top