So she's now been in my possession for just over 24 hours. Most people would spend a honey moon period just enjoying the car and getting to know it. Me, well, lets start with this:
Made some interesting noises when driving along with more than just me in the car. But logically, before sorting any faults out, modifications are needed. Starters, an air filter:
Noticed that I have a coolant leak from the expansion tank:
Then I began preparing the new exhaust, first by scrapping off all the labels:
Then sanding the whole thing to rough up the surfaces ready for paint:
Washed with soapy water to really clean it up as best I can:
And onto spray painting with exhaust paint:
The finished result:
In between layers of paint, decided to fix some of the smaller niggles in the cabin. First, fitted a parcel shelf as the car didn't come with one:
Bonnet release handle wasn't screwed in, so sorted that:
Fixed some loose trim on the dash, but no point in taking pictures as it looks the same as when I started, but definitely stopped most of the rattles now which is awesome. Also fitted my GTI golf ball gear knob and put a cable tie in place to stop the gaiter slipping down the shaft:
Then decided to attack the current exhaust just so I can drive it without fear of loosing it. Cable tied around the handbrake cable which is never a good idea:
The hanger point has rusted off so I used 2 jubilee clips to secure it back into position:
It revealed that this exhaust is blowing a fair bit, but there is an MOT advisory for that anyway so I wasn't shocked. Also an advisory for a missing clamp but that'll be negated when I fit the new one. Also on the advisory was a missing seat belt in the rear and the near side head lamp is corroded inside, so I shall look at cleaning them out and if I need to replacing with clear, crystal ones. Other jobs to do next weekend are to fit the 3 door interior from the previous car as these are in really good condition and the front seats currently fitted are 5 door ones. Also, the rear door cards have 6x9 speakers cut into them so they've got to go. Also re-using the gear linkage I re-conditioned from before:
Luckily I never fitted the main shifter rod so that's all unused. While I do the exhaust I'll also do the linkage as without the exhaust in the way life will be much easier. Also, although it'll be some time yet, I have these wheels to replace the current ones:
Almost exactly the same except they are 5x100, ready for the wide track conversion. For now, I think I'm going to keep it really simple in terms of bodywork, delete the door mouldings and possible fit early arches (1984-1987) as these will allow for the wider track but don't have the door mouldings so keeps it clean. Also going to replace the grill with an all black one to delete the red GTI trim, may put chrome trim on instead to compliment the bumpers but undecided. The Kamei kit will happen, but not for a while as I want a slightly different look for a while. Going to also fit a mk1 splitter and the Zender rear spoiler just for some extra eye candy.
At the very end of today, I also took delivery of a PB engine bottom end and camshaft. I'm looking to get the head and manifolds gas flowed and ported and the carburettor worked on (a local specialist says I can re-jet the Pierberg 2E2 carburettor) so decided to have some fun with the rather charming EZ engine. Truth be told, may hold off the 1.8T swap for a while as I really loved the proper old school feel of the EZ and the 020 gearbox. But as you've probably guessed by now, I have a habit of changing my mind!
Edit: This is my 1000th post on the forum after nearly 8 years of membership!