GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Golf mk3 gallery => Topic started by: jimmydub on 26 January 2013, 20:51
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hi all,
just wanted to start my project thread as a record for myself and hopefully to get some tips,advise and suggestions from the huge knowledge base you guys have here on gtiforum!
there is a bit of background info on my mk3 here:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=246831.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=246831.0)
as said in that post she came with lots of paperwork including a very comprehensive service history, MOT certificates and parts receipts.
i know it's only an 8v, so performance/speed isn't such a big deal for me; none the less i'd still like her to shine and turn a few heads.
heres a pic of my inspiration and what i will be aiming for, give or take a few details ( i know its a 3 door ;))
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/mk3_golf_insp_zpsc45cfa90.jpg)
so here's a list of what i want to do:
1. Wheels: BBS RS with any luck, otherwise Lenso's.
2. Coil-overs
2a. Rear & Front spacers
3. Morette / Hella Headlights Vento front end
4. Near-side rear door (problem described below)
5. Head lining
6. Legal tints all round and matching sun visor
7. Tailgate replacement
8. Leather anni. Interior
9. Leather handbrake & gear-stick gaiters.
10. new stearing wheel
11. black lining & pillars to match rest of interior
12. Wind Deflectors
13. VR6 splitter
Eventually i may consider an exhaust sytem (soon to be getting a twin chrome backbox for time being).
everything above is a bit out of my budget at the moment but i have a few little bits i can be getting on with.
heres a few photo's of how she sits right now and the few odds n sodds i've done so far.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/front_zpsc2cb8301.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/nearside_zps877df3c6.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/back_nearside_zps000799b5.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/inside_front_zps21977ab3.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/inside_back_zpsc1236614.jpg)
the badge i had printed on the plates look like this:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/VWLOGO5mini_zpsea49eede.jpg) (http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rehab_plate_2_zpsef694fb5.gif)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/bee_sting_2_zpsda86ac78.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/bee_sting_zpse525d5d6.jpg)
the original aerial was completely shot so i had to replace both gasket and aerial.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/nearsidebackdoor_zps0681916f.jpg)
quite difficult to see in the photo but i have a crease on my nearside rear door. i guess someone left it open when reversing. it's not a major issue at all and was clearly repaired very well. the door doesn't quite sit flush around the top edge. again, not an issue, no leaking.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/drivers_side_rust_zps06c71525.jpg)
drivers side seals. 'nuff said :(
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Hello again, look forward to project unfolding
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Hello again, look forward to project unfolding
nice one mate! i've just checked out your work motor, i've seen you on the road! f**k knows where but i've seen you!
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Can't miss me really...were abouts in Essex are you, I'm always drving round the county
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Can't miss me really...were abouts in Essex are you, I'm always drving round the county
sunny sunny Thurrock mate. and today is no exception!
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Looks like a good project. Have you checked the sills and arches? Could end up doing what it had to do lol
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Looks like a good project. Have you checked the sills and arches? Could end up doing what it had to do lol
i haven't pulled anything off and checked, don't wanna go down that road if i can avoid it! felt around the inside/underside and all seems fine; there's the bit on the drivers door seal shown in the photo, a minor bit by an arch and also some bubbling on the hatch where the water collects. i'm gonna give it a proper check over when i sort some wheels and coil-overs in the coming weeks/months.
just having a read through your gti project now mate
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just a little update; only a simple job but nice touch i reckon.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/GTI_badge_1_zpsd19a7674.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/GTI_badge_2_zps3a11b0e7.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/GTI_badge_3_zpsc38d3a19.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/GTI_badge_4_zpsbdbbcf03.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/GTI_badge_5_zpsc3ce8571.jpg)
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Looks like a good project. Have you checked the sills and arches? Could end up doing what it had to do lol
i haven't pulled anything off and checked, don't wanna go down that road if i can avoid it! felt around the inside/underside and all seems fine; there's the bit on the drivers door seal shown in the photo, a minor bit by an arch and also some bubbling on the hatch where the water collects. i'm gonna give it a proper check over when i sort some wheels and coil-overs in the coming weeks/months.
just having a read through your gti project now mate
Yh I didn't plan on going all the work as it was a doner car, but thort I'd "do it up" Insted which turned out to be months of work and a full respray :laugh:. Tis worth it tho. As long as the sills are good and the rear arches are ok then no need to worry, mot welding patches don't cost loads and new wings are cheap. Looks like a tidy car and your plan for her looks sweet!
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Looks like a good project. Have you checked the sills and arches? Could end up doing what it had to do lol
i haven't pulled anything off and checked, don't wanna go down that road if i can avoid it! felt around the inside/underside and all seems fine; there's the bit on the drivers door seal shown in the photo, a minor bit by an arch and also some bubbling on the hatch where the water collects. i'm gonna give it a proper check over when i sort some wheels and coil-overs in the coming weeks/months.
just having a read through your gti project now mate
Yh I didn't plan on going all the work as it was a doner car, but thort I'd "do it up" Insted which turned out to be months of work and a full respray :laugh:. Tis worth it tho. As long as the sills are good and the rear arches are ok then no need to worry, mot welding patches don't cost loads and new wings are cheap. Looks like a tidy car and your plan for her looks sweet!
cheers mate, appreciate the comments! MOT aint til April so fingers crossed all pans out well.
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No worries, just thinking of the worst,it will probably fly thru
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Can't miss me really...were abouts in Essex are you, I'm always drving round the county
sunny sunny Thurrock mate. and today is no exception!
Well that explains it then go to lakeside and A13 alot.
Gti badge looks good, what was thar yellow gunk?
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Can't miss me really...were abouts in Essex are you, I'm always drving round the county
sunny sunny Thurrock mate. and today is no exception!
Well that explains it then go to lakeside and A13 alot.
Gti badge looks good, what was thar yellow gunk?
not too surprising really, seeing as we're in the same neck of the woods. i just remember pointing you out to my mate on the road somewhere! a13 more than likely!
that yellow stuff is masking fluid; liquid latex basically.
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Hope I wasn't speeding :lipsrsealed: will keep an eye out for you when im in the area
Handy gadget.
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Hi all,
bit short on funds at the mo :sad: so haven't done much with her lately.
not much of an interesting addition, but picked up some interior bits last week, including heated leather seats; which are now fitted :smiley:
just want to say a quick thanks to forum member zdebx whose instructions were a big help. find them here:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=137790.msg1306719#msg1306719
Cleaned up really well and used nothing more than baby wipes!
drivers bolster needs a bit of attention but not that bad at all. a hell of a lot better than most i've seen and got it all for a good price.
chuffed with the rear head-rests too :cool:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/front_leather_zps9c14fe80.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/back_leather_zpsc2deada8.jpg)
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Great project and some nice updates there.. :smiley:
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Great project and some nice updates there.. :smiley:
thanks mate, appreciate you looking in!
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Great job on the gti badge fella,i really want leather now especially rear bench headrests for the executive touch :smiley:
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Always thought leather is a bit cold but i must admit that it looks really nice, might have to jump on ebay.. :smiley:
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Great job on the gti badge fella,i really want leather now especially rear bench headrests for the executive touch :smiley:
cheers mate! haha 'the exec touch' i like that! yeh definitely something about them, think they sort of enclose the interior more if that makes sense. they were practically the deciding factor on whether or not to go for the interior if im honest, as my original seats are actually in really good condition!
Always thought leather is a bit cold but i must admit that it looks really nice, might have to jump on ebay.. :smiley:
you're not wrong mate! they are heated, but take their merry old time getting warm!
cheers lads!
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so another little update...
with the interior came all matching leather door cards.
i am undecided whether or not to fit them. my existing cards are in much better shape (as were the seats to be fair), and the plastic matches the dash which i think looks a lot better up front.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0266_zpsb8b21245.jpg)
the leather ones have cleaned up OK. the speaker covers are metal, a bit dented and are gonna need re-spraying (not a big deal).
The bottoms are carpet, and very fluffy! even tidied up i don't really like the carpet, full stop. Also, the front doors have those reflectors, which definitely will have to go.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0284_zps7afd767b.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0282_zps2102ac71.jpg)
so, in a nutshell, i'm either gonna sell them on and keep what i've got OR tidy them right up and replace all the speakers.
decisions decisions...
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first things first is the fluff! Just attacked all four cards with the clippers and they came out pretty good!
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0267_zps6fe7ba83.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0280_zps35557b99.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0279_2_zps05673443.jpg)
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them leather door cards are the ones to have!!!!!
swap the reflector out for the mk4 ones that illuminate
if you dont like the (high line) carpet door pockets they can easily be swapped for the poverty plastic ones
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swap the reflector out for the mk4 ones that illuminate
thinking maybe black smoked ones and fitting bulbs but really not sure. might just make some blank plates and carpet them.
if you dont like the (high line) carpet door pockets they can easily be swapped for the poverty plastic ones
the more i look at the carpet the less it bothers me, especially now I've given them a shave!
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Loving the leather, perhaps some leather and flocking theme? :cool:
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Loving the leather, perhaps some leather and flocking theme? :cool:
thats what i'm thinking mate. my roof lining is knackered and its proving pretty difficult to get another.
im thinking about doing the lining myself, possibly vinyl (gotta look into it further) and then get the whole lot flocked! gonna be pricey though :undecided:
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I did cover my lining myself, don't no if you saw it in my thread, but it didn't last long...so that got ripped off at the matt black roller came back out :laugh:
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nice work with the clippers.. can you do my sheep :kiss:
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I did cover my lining myself, don't no if you saw it in my thread, but it didn't last long...so that got ripped off at the matt black roller came back out :laugh:
did you do the lining in your work motor? must of missed that bit. can you link me to it so i can check out what you did.
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nice work with the clippers.. can you do my sheep :kiss:
is that a euphemism mate? haha
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nice work with the clippers.. can you do my sheep :kiss:
is that a euphemism mate? haha
it wasn't but it can be if you want.. didn't know you we're that way inclined :grin:
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nice work with the clippers.. can you do my sheep :kiss:
is that a euphemism mate? haha
it wasn't but it can be if you want.. didn't know you we're that way inclined :grin:
unless your 'sheep' is an 18 year old Brazilian girl in desperate need of assistance with her bikini line, then i'm afraid theres nothing i can do :laugh:
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nice work with the clippers.. can you do my sheep :kiss:
is that a euphemism mate? haha
it wasn't but it can be if you want.. didn't know you we're that way inclined :grin:
unless your 'sheep' is an 18 year old Brazilian girl in desperate need of assistance with her tan line, then i'm afraid theres nothing i can do :laugh:
it's fine bud her tan line is a-ok. and so is the rest... :tongue:
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swap the reflector out for the mk4 ones that illuminate
is this an easy job? would appreciate some advise on this as im thinking about doing some custom puddle lights now... :whistle:
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swap the reflector out for the mk4 ones that illuminate
is this an easy job? would appreciate some advise on this as im thinking about doing some custom puddle lights now... :whistle:
once again if anyone can help me with the above would be really appreciated.
now a little update:
decided to next attack the abc's, lining, visors and grab handles. right now i'm just testing the water with paint.
started the spare handles and visors today (thrown in when i picked up my interior), gonna finish painting and fit them tomorrow; see how they cope with daily use over the next week or two.
a few photo's:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0292_zps4a31f842.jpg)
first attempt failed straight away, where the plastic hinges you can see it rubbed off:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0293_zps376495a0.jpg)
stripped them back and gave everything a going over with fine grit:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0295_zps01f4b0b4.jpg)
masked the little hinges:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0296_zps9bbaf054.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0297_zpsd570abf0.jpg)
finished visors:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0300_zps428b8e8b.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/DSC_0301_zps51221375.jpg)
I'm using Plastikote Super Matt and Satin Clear Sealer.
left to dry for now, will update progress tomorrow :smiley:
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I did cover my lining myself, don't no if you saw it in my thread, but it didn't last long...so that got ripped off at the matt black roller came back out :laugh:
did you do the lining in your work motor? must of missed that bit. can you link me to it so i can check out what you did.
Yeah I did, tbh I would rather pay someone to cover it, i just painted the bare headlining with the same paint as the body work....sorry for the late reply
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Yeah I did, tbh I would rather pay someone to cover it, i just painted the bare headlining with the same paint as the body work....sorry for the late reply
no worries fella, and my apologies for this late reply!
well i ended up doing quite a bit of research into different materials and came up with an idea that could either be brilliant or fail miserably. unfortunately my funds are way too low right now (hence why I've been so slack on here recently) to get on with the job. i don't want to attack the headlining without going to see Ray first ;) no point pulling all the pillars out twice right?!
so watch this space, all coming soon! gotta get her through the MOT first :/
tried replacing my top mounts last week and someone was clearly far too trigger happy in the past and we couldn't get the f**k*rs undone! sheered 4 allen keys in the process. so the only option (that we can think of) is to brace the shocks inside the arches, which is obviously going to knacker them. There's no point replacing them, may as well get a set of coily's and slam the b!tch.
Unless anyone can advise otherwise????
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Will be watching,
Good luck with the MOT
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Yeah I did, tbh I would rather pay someone to cover it, i just painted the bare headlining with the same paint as the body work....sorry for the late reply
Oil filter chain wrench around top mount cup. Will work.
no worries fella, and my apologies for this late reply!
well i ended up doing quite a bit of research into different materials and came up with an idea that could either be brilliant or fail miserably. unfortunately my funds are way too low right now (hence why I've been so slack on here recently) to get on with the job. i don't want to attack the headlining without going to see Ray first ;) no point pulling all the pillars out twice right?!
so watch this space, all coming soon! gotta get her through the MOT first :/
tried replacing my top mounts last week and someone was clearly far too trigger happy in the past and we couldn't get the f**k*rs undone! sheered 4 allen keys in the process. so the only option (that we can think of) is to brace the shocks inside the arches, which is obviously going to knacker them. There's no point replacing them, may as well get a set of coily's and slam the b!tch.
Unless anyone can advise otherwise????
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An impact gun will spin the top nuts off in about 5 seconds... Either get a garage to do it and slip them a fiver, or you can get an awesome 240v Clarke one from machine mart.
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An impact gun will spin the top nuts off in about 5 seconds... Either get a garage to do it and slip them a fiver, or you can get an awesome 240v Clarke one from machine mart.
this is exactly what i did, and yes, 5 seconds... probably less.
so, a bit of a delayed update but none the less....
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/lowered_01_zps4d264506.jpg)
and how she used to sit:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/nearside_half_size_zps768daebe.jpg)
She flew through the MOT! 3 minor advisories, i was made up. so the work commenced...
I went for the budget JOM's after getting some advise from some forum members. I've had a proper nightmare with these coily's, which is still on going! i have no intention of writing up a 'how to' but i will post you a few pics and problems that i came up against.
In a nutshell, the rears went on one weekend, the fronts went on the following weekend, and the whole lot got stripped, readjusted and put back on the third weekend! (with lots of f**king around most nights, after work, in the dark :/). during this whole debacle, heres a couple of guides i found particularly useful:
http://jettajunkie.com/vw-jetta/showthread.php?10567-MK3-Jetta-Golf-How-To-Install-Rear-Coilovers (http://jettajunkie.com/vw-jetta/showthread.php?10567-MK3-Jetta-Golf-How-To-Install-Rear-Coilovers)
http://joshlasko.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/diy-walkthrough-vw-mk3-golf-front-raceland-coilover-install/ (http://joshlasko.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/diy-walkthrough-vw-mk3-golf-front-raceland-coilover-install/)
As mentioned before we couldn't get the front top mounts un-done so we attacked the rears first.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/a1941e9a-91a1-4efd-bd34-a7656611c09d_zps36c8226d.jpg)
everything went well, it was an easy job and that was weekend one out of the way. now she just looked like a dog dragging her arse.
immediately following install, there was a horrific rasping noise. thought they just needed time to bed in so let it be. it didnt go away, far from it. worked out it was the plastic 'washer' (excuse my ignorance) rubbing up and down the thread:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/washer_rubbing_zpsbb1fdf80.jpg)
so the plan was to correct this problem in weekend two, whilst fitting the fronts. but inevitably the front end wasn't without its problems and the day vanished, along with my temper.
none the less all four coilys were on for a week which gave me a good idea of what i needed to do to get them right and what the ride was going to be like.
roll on weekend three, up at the crack of dawn, stripped the lot off and started all over again.
the problem with the rear nearside was easily diagnosed, i'd assembled the top mount incorrectly. i'll explain with this diagram:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rear_assembly_zpsc4a467cc.jpg)
I got 16 and 17 the wrong way round.
so for what its worth, here's how to assemble both ends:
Rear:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/top_mount_assembly_rear_zps9a1159b1.jpg)
Front:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/top_mount_assembly_front_zpsaa2e1b46.jpg)
If i've got either of these wrong please let me know! haha!
In my opinion, getting the assembly right is the battle won; fitting the coily's is actually childs play.
initially i had her proper slammed, but the ride was pretty bloody awful. so the second time around i raised her a bit and am relatively happy with the ride/height ratio. my main pitfall is not knowing where to measure to and from. so there was a hell of a lot of faffing.
basically, right or wrong, i took my measurement from the locker nut to the base of the thread. on the front its 56mm, and on the back its 82mm. now i dont know if such a big difference is good or bad, but i do know the measurement between arch and wheel, both front and back, pretty much matches.
the measurement:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/measurement_zps7b885b3e.jpg)
__________________________________________________________________
NOW FOR THE ON-GOING NIGHTMARE...
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/geometry_zps91553146.jpg)
As you can see I took her in for 'hawkeye' alignment.
they toed in both fronts. the rears are obviously fixed, so apparently they cant do anything about the misalignment there. the positive camber and negative caster up front they also can't do anything about apparently.
So this is where i really need some advise from the forum. before fitting the coilys i had no issue with alignment. now i have, shes tracking to the left, pretty bad too (imo). i watched the guy sit the wheel straight and toe both sides in, but shes still pulling to the left; exactly as was before i paid them £36 quid for the pleasure.
They told me there must be a underlying problem, but like i say, there was no problem before i fitted the coilys.
is there a way i can sort this myself?
should all the coily's be sitting at the same height?
if so, how do i get the most accurate measurement?
how can i make sure each corner is mirroring the opposite? again, how do i get the ride height measurement? as i know this will affect the steering as well.
if i could just correct this tracking problem i'd be happy as Larry. my mate reckons the only way to do it is take it in for full four wheel alignment, but if im gonna do that, i might as well have just paid someone to do the whole lot.
If anyone can lend some help or advise it would be hugely appreciated.
thanks all
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As far as your trackings concerned, i had issues with pulling to the left due to track rods showing unequal threads/measurements on each side, so even if tracking measurements show true on tracking equipment. The steering rack overall length from centre to track rod end can still be unequal causing pulling one way or the other! Mine had even had the steering wheel moved to rectify it in the past, in the end all of which was found out after changing to coilovers... Its usually down to poor tracking adjustments or track rod/end replacement in the past! Other than that check ball joints, bushes, issues with top mounts from fitment of coilovers, or any damage to lower arms, subframe or track rods. On the coilover measuring thread issue i just measure threads showing below spring and adjusters with a tape measure and make sure theyre roughly equal side to side. As youve done, doesnt make a difference if measurements differ front to back generally its just looks and handling characteristics, wont do any damage. Hope this helps, if you can understand half of it? Lol :smiley:
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On the coilover measuring thread issue i just measure threads showing below spring and adjusters with a tape measure and make sure theyre roughly equal side to side. As youve done, doesnt make a difference if measurements differ front to back generally its just looks and handling characteristics, wont do any damage. Hope this helps, if you can understand half of it? Lol :smiley:
thanks a lot bud and yeh it does all make sense! this is exactly how i measured but i just dont know how that measurement relates to the overall ride height. so say the thread shows 52mm from locker nut to base of thread, what does that 52mm mean once the wheels are back on and shes sitting on the tarmac... measuring anywhere on the body to the ground is pointless and means nothing right. so surely the only real measurement would be from ground to subframe? and that is a measurement i cant even get without having a pit to get under the motor!
As far as your trackings concerned, i had issues with pulling to the left due to track rods showing unequal threads/measurements on each side, so even if tracking measurements show true on tracking equipment. The steering rack overall length from centre to track rod end can still be unequal causing pulling one way or the other! Mine had even had the steering wheel moved to rectify it in the past, in the end all of which was found out after changing to coilovers... Its usually down to poor tracking adjustments or track rod/end replacement in the past! Other than that check ball joints, bushes, issues with top mounts from fitment of coilovers, or any damage to lower arms, subframe or track rods.
again all this makes sense, but just sounds like stuff im not gonna be able to diagnose on my own. Ive spoken to a 'reputable' garage locally (the last one was F1 auto centre, against my better judgement!) who said they will take a look and adjust what they can adjust.
So F1 told me all they can do is toe it in and that cost me £36 for the pleasure. car is exactly the same as before. so if i take it to this other place, who want £72 for 'full wheel alignment', whos to say they wont do exactly as F1 did??? and then im still in exactly the same position i am now, £107 lighter, and then gotta take it to someone else to diagnose the problem! although like i say, this other garage are meant to be good.... ugh.
I dont know what to do, but i do know i aint got a clue how to fix it myself haha! ive done everything in my power and googled the f**k out of google...
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I spose if you wanted the overall height drop amount, you could calculate how much shorter the coilovers are against your old shocks and springs with both built up side by side, giving you a lowering figure like you get when purchasing lowering springs? If you have time and patience its easy enough to check/adjust tracking to straight ahead position, you just have to count/measure the threads shown by eye or measure with a tape or verniers, and adjust until even in length both sides. If they already appear to match in length, either your steering wheels off centre, easy peasey to move and an excuse to buy a new one :tongue:. Or you have an under lying fault with your suspension/steering. Any good garage in the know, should be able to give you the answers you need, and unfortunately from what ive heard im not surprised your having issues after going into an f1 place. Id happily have a look at it for you if you were close by :smiley:
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I spose if you wanted the overall height drop amount, you could calculate how much shorter the coilovers are against your old shocks and springs with both built up side by side, giving you a lowering figure like you get when purchasing lowering springs?
i thought about this too but they will dampen differently right, so side by side when off will be totally different to when fitted?
If you have time and patience its easy enough to check/adjust tracking to straight ahead position, you just have to count/measure the threads shown by eye or measure with a tape or verniers, and adjust until even in length both sides.
maybe i should get under the motor and count the threads like you say, can't hurt. they were toed in the the hawkeye though so should be right.
If they already appear to match in length, either your steering wheels off centre, easy peasey to move and an excuse to buy a new one :tongue:. Or you have an under lying fault with your suspension/steering. Any good garage in the know, should be able to give you the answers you need, and unfortunately from what ive heard im not surprised your having issues after going into an f1 place. Id happily have a look at it for you if you were close by :smiley:
thanks for the offer mate! i think my only options now really is get under n check the track rods like you say, then try dropping the front right by a couple of mm, maybe adjusting the ride height slightly that side will bring the steering back to center (a mate was telling me about a skyline he used to have which did the same thing when he fitted coilys and he lowered the opposite side slightly and job done apparently).
following all that im just gonna have to lump it, pull out the credit card and take it to the other (reputable) garage and see what they say.
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So it's been a while but here's an update for what its worth...
R.E. the coily issues, they're gone. replaced with standard struts and apex springs. this has been a much better option in the long run but still not without its problems; and of course not as pleasing to the eye but i decided to compromise because she is my daily and theres a lot of speed bumps round my way and even more pot holes.
my top mounts are still suffering so am thinking about going for Powerflex bushes, any opinions on this greatly appreciated.
this happened a couple of times...
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/bald_zpsa51c3db5.jpg)
AND IF ANYONE HAS USED MY COILOVER 'GUIDE' FOR REFERENCE, I'D GET YOUR MOTOR BACK IN THE AIR IF I WAS YOU BECAUSE ITS WRONG.
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Recent editions since my last update include:
some sh*t Audi pepper pots i had to settle for, customized slightly by myself.
wind deflectors
rear Votex mud flaps
VR6 splitter (not in the photo below)
colour coded spoiler
Head unit
and a engine bay splash guard for the coming months
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/audi_caps_zps218f3d33.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/shiny_zpsf5fb4bcf.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/shiny2_zpsd4ce1922.jpg)
also been working on this:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rocker_0_zps96f7e00e.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rocker_1_zps06d2dcf3.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rocker_2_zps73e59e68.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/rocker_3_zpsdb981b8d.jpg)
And this:
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/boot_zps8841a2a2.jpg)
other bits in storage awaiting installation include:
vento front end (painting required :/)
Sounds (currently planning boot install and sub box building)
Black Highline ABC's
Black roof lining
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other bits in storage awaiting installation include:
vento front end (painting required :/)
Sounds (currently planning boot install and sub box building)
Black Highline ABC's
Black roof lining
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Loving it mate big thumbs up
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Loving it mate big thumbs up
nice one thanks for looking in! Haven't updated this for a long time, have been overseas and also a lot of the work done on her has been mechanical and not very interesting!
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No probs hopefully you get it sorted and I see it at some shows this year bud
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(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/montage_01_zpsxja7tw7s.jpg)
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terrible photo but just having a play about
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/interior_zpsl3amjr7z.jpg)
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Long day, but we did well...
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/belts_pumps_zpsjubhfb29.jpg)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/jimmerehab/VW/water_pump_zpswvyiatta.jpg)
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Good luck .. just got my first mk3 golf .. just to start with its going to take months just to get it clean!!!