Help with my ignorance Re coilovers!

[Tom H]

OK, few questions here guys, please bare with me and thanks in advance!

ok...so...Basically the old 8v is on the way out, so it's being replaced - and I've found a VR6 in lovely, pretty much fully standard condition that all being well I shall be snapping up some time soon but:

1. Will the coilovers off my 3 door 8v be suitable for a 5 door VR6?

2. I don't know a lot about the coilovers I have: They were on it when I bought it, and I don't know how long they have been fitted for or what make they are. All I know is that when I sent it for it's first service the bloke told me they were a good set and as far as he could tell had been fitted by someone who knew what they were doing. With that in mind do you think they're even worth keeping or is there a decent chance they're close to knackered anyway?

3. As you can tell I'm far from expert here! You think I'll be able to remove them myself, and if I do will a scrappy come and take a car that's basically a shell sitting on axle stands?

4. Any other advice you think I might be needing here?!

[Horney]

1. Will the coilovers off my 3 door 8v be suitable for a 5 door VR6? Yes they'll fit BUT the spring rates may be a wrong as the VR is heavier up front than a standard GTI.

2. I don't know a lot about the coilovers I have: They were on it when I bought it, and I don't know how long they have been fitted for or what make they are. All I know is that when I sent it for it's first service the bloke told me they were a good set and as far as he could tell had been fitted by someone who knew what they were doing. With that in mind do you think they're even worth keeping or is there a decent chance they're close to knackered anyway? If they ain't broke don't chuck em. Take em off, clean them up and have a look. If they're not leaking oil or gas and are still adustable and providing a good ride n your current car then it's all good.

3. As you can tell I'm far from expert here! You think I'll be able to remove them myself, and if I do will a scrappy come and take a car that's basically a shell sitting on axle stands? Removal is pretty easy butyou may need a 7mm hex key and McPherson tool for the slotted nut. It's really only a case of about 4 bolts and a bit of wiggling. If you do keep them bung the VR setup on the 8v so the scrapman can still roll it away. Job's a goodun.

4. Any other advice you think I might be needing here?! Yes, DO IT!

Nick

[Tom H]

Thanks Man,

but as usual this has lead to further questions! Ha ha

Removal is pretty easy butyou may need a 7mm hex key and McPherson tool for the slotted nut. It's really only a case of about 4 bolts and a bit of wiggling. If you do keep them bung the VR setup on the 8v so the scrapman can still roll it away. Job's a goodun.

If I do this is fitting them easy enough then. See plan A was to remove them from the old - the store them for a moonth or 2 while I get saving, buy new wheels and then send the car for a service and have the coilies and new wheels fitted at the same time. So I was planning the run the VR on it's current set up for a while, am I likely to cock it up if I try it myself - especially keeping in mind it'd probably all need to be done in 1 day, and with only 1 off road parking space!

Oh and how would I find out if I need new springs, would this be a matter of looking at them after they've been removed?

Cheers again - I'm sure our paths will cross and when they do i owe ya a beer!

[filthy]

Scrap man won't have a problem with the car having no struts- I've done it many times, they just drag the car onto the truck, or grab it with a hiab- job done!

[Guy]

Tom - what condition is the 8v in? is it worth stripping it?

[Tom H]

Opps, sorry let this get away from me!

Guy,

Basically it's a CAT D write off where a fat spanish truck decided to change lanes and never mind that I was there first! The whole rear 1/4 has been flattened, but mechanically it's fine. Thing is T and T both run out in June, and it'll need a new windscreen to get though the test, and 3 tyres are only just this side of legal, so they'll be adviseries too. And who knows what else!! Also it leaks a bit of oil and had a few other nigling problems (sun roof motor gone, passenger windows sticks etc. sort of this you'd sort in a weekend if you weren't planning to break the car soon!)

I'm thinking a CAT D write off 8V, with no tax or test and a huge dent in the back - Id be lucky to get a couple of hundred for it, and even if I pay to put an MOT on it I doubt it'll add as much value as I'd have to spend. So I reckon I'll be better off having the shiney bits off and either move 'em over or try to sell 'em seperatly.

Plus I bought the VR6 now  (well agreed to, money will actually change hands on Saturday) so I've lost all love for the 8v! ha ha

I gave this some though - I figure at least 1 scrappy near me must have a hoist of some kind - otherwise how do they remove burnt out cars and such, so yeah - i guess you're right filthy - thanks