Just thought I'd say sorry to anyone who was expecting loads of progress photos. There will be plenty of photos when the time comes but we're really still at the planning/preparation stage. The aim is to be ready for the end of Spring which gives us enough time, with luck, to be able to spend this time upfront brain storming ideas until we come up with designs we really like. As is the norm we've spent countless hours researching and discussing ideas.
So here's a quick status report:
The leather hides have now been delivered so the basic interior colour is definitely tan. We still need to finalise the designs for the door cards and parcel shelf and decide whether or not to go tan for the head lining.
The Happich rear pop-outs have also arrived in their retro box!
My brother, James, has now moved house and will be setting up his shed so he can start the mirror polishing in earnest and relative comfort.
If you need to look on eBay Germany for parts, as there's much more choice than in the UK, here is a list of translations I've noted down that should be of help. It's not exhaustive but gives you a good start. First though here are a few tips for buying from Germany.
- Not all sellers ship outside Germany, however they often seem happy to so ask before bidding.
- Not all take PaPal, unlike here German sellers are not obliged to allow PayPal payments. If not listed as a payment type it's still worth asking.
- Bank transfers, you'll normally be charged to transfer money to a foreign account. Make sure you know how much you will be charged before bidding as it may turn your bargain in to an expensive purchase. Another disadvantage is that it is harder to get your money back if anything goes wrong. Personally if I can't pay via PayPal I don't bother.
- Unless your German is a lot better than mine then you'll need to use a translator. If you're using Internet Explorer 8 select Page>Translate with Live Search from the command toolbar. If you're using a different browser then go to the Live Search page. You'll need to tell it that you're translating from German.
- If you need to ask the seller questions keep your english simple and don't use slang or abbreviations they're unlikely to understand or be unable to translate. It's not a good idea to send them the results of an online translator unless you're sure that it isn't jibberish. Send it in English, they can translate it if required.
Alternator bracket = Lichtmaschinen-Halter
Belt release wheel/pulley = Riemenspanner-Rad
Bolts = Sechskantschrauben
Bonnet = Motorhaube
Bonnet catch (top) = Motorhaubenverriegelung
Bonnet hinges = Motorhaube Scharniere / Motorhaubenscharnier
Bonnet lock (bottom) = Motorhaubenschloss
Bonnet struts (actually could be hatch struts) = Heckklappen- Dämpfer
Brake callipers = Bremssättel
Brake master cylinder = Hauptbremszylinder
Dipstick = Ölmeßstab
Distributor bracket = Zündverteiler-Halter
Distributor cap = Verteilerkappe
Door handles = Türgriffe
Door pins = Türpinne
Engine bracket = Motorträger
Engine mounts = Motorlager
Expansion tank = Ausgleichsbehälter
Filler cap = Tankdeckel
Gear knob = Schaltknauf
Grille = Kühlergrill
Handbrake = Handbremshebel
HT lead covers = Zündkerzenstecker
Hub caps = Felgendeckel
Indicator stalks = Lenkstockhebel
Instrument/dial rings = Tachoringe
Instruments = Armatur
Jubilee clips = Schlauchschellen
Mirror = Spiegel
Oil cap = Öldeckel
Oil filter bracket = Ölkühler Halter
Opening quarter window = Drehfenster
Petrol cap = Tankdeckel
Radiator = Wasserkühler
Rocker cover = Ventildeckel / Zylinder Deckel
Seal = Dichtung
Seal for opening quarter = Drehfenster Dichtung
Servo = Bremskraftverstärker
Servo bracket = Bremskraftverstärker Halter
Starter motor = Starter
Steering wheel = Sportlenkrad / Holzlenkrad
Steering wheel hub = Lenkradnabe
Sump = Ölwanne
Valve cap = Ventilkappen
Vent (air) = Lüftungsgitter
Water pump = Wasserpumpe
Wing (fender) Screw = Kotflügel Schrauben
Wiper arm = Wischerarme
Bit quiet at the minute. James is getting ready to move house which will be taking up most of his time. He'll then have his own shed to work in which will make things easier for him. He's only got a damp basement to work in at the moment which isn't pleasant or healthy to work in. Just hope he's not swapping that for a damp shed!
I'm in the process of buying and watching a few items, none to do with the engine so will probably just be stored for now. One thing I have bought is a pair of chrome bumpers which arrived late last week. Although they're repro's they're of very good quality and I managed to get them for a pretty good price too, so we're happy.
I've been working on ideas for the interior, although still not sure which direction to go. The angular shape of the car limits the options. Using a design with loads of curves is probably out, so that cuts options down by about 99%! Not been wowed by any Golf interiors and interiors from other cars are full of curves, so not a whole lot to get inspriration from. Had a couple of fairly mad ideas (mad as in wacky not the stupid slang term) but not sure whether they'll work.
Dilbert was in for a check-up today, mainly for the oil leak and knocking noise but also for a general once over before we start work on the project in earnest. The oil leak is from the camshaft oil seal and the knocking noise is from either the auxiliary drive belt pulley or shaft. So, as hoped, nothing major. Should have it back on Monday or Tuesday.
Update: The reason the cam seal failed was because it looks as though the cam had been dropped causing a bur on the end which killed the seal. Also a number of important bolts were missing, some of which explained the knocking noise.
Due to the cam seal failing, the belts had been covered in oil so they and the tensioners were replaced. I have the old receipt for the rebuild so at least I've learnt of a place to avoid and in the process found a very good, local mechanic who knows VW's inside out and also charges very reasonable rates. On the plus side he did say that, once it's remapped from it's current run-in mode, it should be a good engine. So, all in all, not massively bad news.
Whilst there to pick Dilbert up the mechanic and James managed to fix the heater that was only blowing out hot air. Turned out to be a jubilee clip was obstructing the linkage, so just needed moving around.
My first full day with the car
First full day with our new project!
First thing was to pick up a set of locking wheel nuts. Strange they weren't already fitted, perhaps the previous owner was more trusting than I am. Also picked up a fire extinguisher, just in case. My brother, James, wasted no time in giving it a good wash and wax even though it had only cleaned it a few days ago!
The oil leak that, in theory, is the rocker cover gasket seems to have got a bit worse. I think it's more likely to be a seal. There's also a knocking noise coming from somewhere, might be the water pump or possibly just a pulley. But when the engine was rebuilt all ancillaries were replaced, so needs investigating.
The Webers really need to be properly set up, now that the engine has been run in as, not surpirsingly, it's running pretty rough on the run in mapping. But, as the engine is going to be stripped down, there's no point in doing that yet.
But, so far, minor things which don't sound complicated, read expensive, to sort out.
Been searching for parts to beautify the engine and engine bay, fortunately German eBay is awash with bits for Golf's. Haven't made up a shopping list yet but can see it's going to add up pretty quickly.
Never given a car a name before, never really had a project car, but this time thought why not. As the registration starts DLB I thought Dilbert. So say hello to Dilbert!
