Just a small update! Most of the front end is being replaced
- Front panel replacementStarted to prep my replacement front panel (the bottom edge of the grill wont sit properly into the original, it seems a bit chewed up). Its been rubbed back and Kurust'd, so is pretty much ready for primer and satin black paint.
The panel itself came off a H plate golf i found on top of an old corolla, which was on top of a transit, at our local breakers yard... it was fun getting it off!
- Solid front engine mount/front crossmembersMy new solid front engine VR6 engine mount has arrived. Its designed for taking the mk3 VR6 engine on the conventional mk2 crossmember.
My crossmember has a mk3 inner section welded in. I wasnt happy with it so the hunt was on for a new mk2 crossmember to accept the new mount. WELL... I've gone and bought the WRONG front crossmember, low and behold mk2 golfs have 2 cross members, one which supports the radiator and one for the engine mount. I didnt realise this until i received the new engine mount. I'd already put a lick of paint on that (wrong) crossmember, as although new, it was a bit marked.
Been on the phone to the breakers today and theyve ripped the correct one out for me, but will probably need prepping and a lick of paint.
- New front big bumperThe OE bumper is falling apart, the outer shell has come away from the inner metal work. Plus its badly stonechipped. I bought a pattern bumper and to be fair it looks very good.
Collected it from being painted today, looks shiney!!!!
The only problem is the bloody paint suppliers damaged the fuel filler flap, its now needs some paint touching up and the tab has disappeared for the central locking solenoid. The flap wont lock now
- Replacement quad lamp GTI grillI bought a pattern grill probably over a month ago, and havent bothered to fit it due to front panel issues as above. The quality isnt great (unlike the bumper), but it will do for now.
- Upgraded headlamp loomMy headlamps are shocking. I mean, dangerously terrible. The main loom gets 12v (after i replaced some burnt out wiring) but i want to take the strain away from the main loom.
Following the guide on matey-matey (
http://www.matey-matey.com/uprated_headlight_wiring.shtml) i picked up these parts from work:
I'm tailoring the wiring to suit the engine bay, so i've drawn up a diagram with all the wiring lengths etc
:
I'll be using new H4 connectors instead of chopping up the OE loom. That way I can remove it if neccessary without leaving any permanent damage. Also i've allowed for upgrading the dip
and main beam including the spot lights.
I did toy with the idea of HIDs, or even modifying the OE lamps with projector units (
http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/002518-068.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shcomp). Saw this on an eastern european mk2 but typically i cant find the thread
