Seanl's Raddo KR problem child!

[Andy-H]

The bumpers require the 4x 17mm head (IIRC) bolts removing. Don't undo the middle two though. Unplug the fogs & indicators and it just pulls out.

Make sure there is something soft underneath cos the bumper will be heavier than you think 

It's also a good time to adjust the plastic bits on the side that change the panel gap betweem the wing & bumper (mine had sagged over time)

You can just make one of them out on this pic 

[Seanl]

Sounds good, cheers Andy. 

[Seanl]

Had enough today already. Subframe bolts aren't coming off with any amount of persuasion. Breaker bar wouldn't even budge em, and kept slipping off. Couldn't get a decent angle on em, even after removing brake vent ducts, so just soaked the bolts in plus gas, and gonna wait until next next week an have another go on the ramps. Only thing reasonably positive is that I now have Luke warm heaters! Took the bypass valves off, and stuck on some copper pipe, but confirms I need a new stat. Will change that out next week as well. Some photos!

Old bypass valves out


Pipework in


A couple of engine bay shots




And the cracked paint on the wing I'm trying to replace



As you can see, they have been covered to stop the rust with some touch up paint.
That's all for now, updates as an when.

[SoundillusioN]

Hard luck.    AH well you'll sort it... is that the only rot on that wing then?... Not too bad.  Does it need replacing do you think or just some TLC?

[Seanl]

There are a couple of small rust bubble in other places that are verging on breaking through, but not too bad at all tbh. A couple of small areas of lacquer peel, but the paintwork is absolutely full of swirl marks, and paint has faded a fair amount. Don't think it's had a detai in 21 years of life. I'll give it a go first, then maybe seek out the pros if I can't get it looking reasonable. I already have a spare wing in good condition with zero rust, so that's why I'm trying to swap it out. Also got a 50mm inlet manni, but I'm only putting it on whilst I polish up my standard one, then gonna polish that up and sell it on. Its good for high end pull, but kills low down torque apparently so doesn't suit my driving style. Can't really grumble with a freebee and will fund other things. 

[Bellend]

In my experience, for some reason copper pipe seems to cut/wear into pipes over time. I think it's probably just because it doesn't have the bead so needs to be slightly tighter. You gonna get new bypass valves?

Looking good tho! 

[Seanl]

Gonna have to ask at the stealer if they are still available but probably. Don't like the thought of built up pressure in the matrix blowing scolding hot coolant all over the missus/little un/me! Couldn't find any on ECP website today when I ordered a load of stuff though. Suppose this is sort of an update then - just ordered air, cabin, oil filter,  stat and o' ring, leads, plugs, sump gasket, v belt, and some gun gum. Will pick up oil and coolant from VW before I start. Couldn't afford a new dizzy right now so that will have to wait until next month. Also ordered some BG44k injector cleaner type stuff from the bay of E all ready for later in the week. Fuel consumption is woeful atm so hopefully this sorts it all out. Can't achieve more than 22mpg indicated on mfa even driving like a granny. Could get 35 out of the golf on my commute to work. not done a brim test though, but about 20 litres lasted less than 100 miles and the guage isn't very accurate down low, it keeps rising and falling with the road so I bricked it and put another £20 in! Up to Bristol for Xmas so will get it all done before Friday when I go hopefully.

[Wayne]

On a mk2 you can convert to a mk3 matrix and then do away with the bypass valves, might be worth looking into as a long term fix.

[Seanl]

Will look into that, cheers Wayne! On another note, was told battery was on it's last legs, but it's been starting fine even through the freezing weather. Much milder this morning when I went to drop the missus to work, but that's a no go! Battery in being charged atm, but I need some batteries for the multimeter  :rolleyes:to make sure nothing is draining it, and the alternator is doing it's job. It doesn't rain, it pours!

[Seanl]

Just changed the heater matrix and f**k me, was that a job! Removed literally everything in/on the dash, but couldn't get it out as I couldn't get to the bolts the other side of the bulkhead. Turns out I didn't need to do half of it!

The Guide on the corrado forum was really vague with no pics, so googled it and followed one from vwvortex. There were no pics on there either so had to just crack on. Managed to get it out eventually though, and the hardest and most time consuming part - removing the pipe clips! f**king hate those things with a passion! I really need to invest in the proper tool! Anyway, all in all took about 6 hours with a lunch break, and a few fag and tea breaks in-between! Can't test it and bleed it though as the battery still doesn't have enough juice! Will keep it on charge overnight and try again in the morning, but think I'll have to shell out for a new one tomorrow.