Got round to fitting the rear brake lines:
Fitted all but one of the hard lines as I ran out of securing clips, decided that it wasn't too bad and seeing I plan to later replace the middle section brake lines that connect the front to the rear, thought I'd just leave it. Naturally, being the type of project this is, that particular hard decided to p*** fluid when pressurised so needed replacing! Decided to get all new flexi lines for the rear too so that only the regulator and the mid-sections as mentioned are left to be replaced for new items. Also finished off fitting the new rear discs, pads and bearings:
With that all done and sorted, I broke out the auto-bleeder. Love this tool, such a good investment if you want to run your own servicing:
During the bleeding process I couldn't get the system to pressurise, meaning air was trapped somewhere. I went round 3 times before I remembered the master cylinder I used has a bleed valve on it, so bled that and then immediately had perfect brakes. Also got all new rubbers for the pedals, including the accelorator, which I haven't taken a picture of but really help to refresh the feel of the car. Also had tyres fitted to the Sebrings, went for my now favourites of Avon ZV-3 in a 195 50 R15 flavour. Was worried that when fitted to the car with this choice they'd foul the arches:
Needant of worried. Even with a 20mm and 24mm wider front and rear track respectively, they sit beautifully. And so, ladies and gentleman...
After one year being on axle stands and collecting (a now thick layer) of dust and dirt, she lives and drives! Got to see the garage floor for the first time:
Need to sort those slicks out as we're moving out next week and we rent, so can't leave them like that! But grabbed another shot before taking her for a quick spin:
Comparing this to the first picture I took of here, seems like little has changed but under the shabby looking bodywork is a world of hurt, emotional turmoil but ultimate pride and joy. Cliché as f*** but I really did smile like a kid with a free ice cream the whole time I was driving her up and down the road to check I had gears and no major failures.
I didn't have a horn at first, realised after taking the boss back off that the little copper spring strip on the column wasn't making connection with the boss itself, so sorted that pretty quickly. One area left to work on now:
Got no wipers front or rear, washer or heater blower in the cabin, it the two relays numbered 72 and 19 that I need to replace. I also have an issue where the coolant level light keeps flashing despite more than enough coolant in the system, suspect it's another relay as I've seen one for sale on Heritage Parts that is for the level monitoring system, but I can't see it on my fuse board. For anyone else who is having issues with relays, this topic over on Club GTI is a god send for identifying relays by the number stamped on them:
https://www.clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/relay-numbers.166865/Just got to sort these issues out, a damn good clean up and then it's off to the MOT centre to get it back on the road fully. I intend to sell off my currently little daily run about and use the funds to get new bumpers and other bits for Hayley now, start tidying her up and making her look a lot better.