My 82 1.6 GTI

[Reverend Frog]

That's a very pretty car and I'm glad to hear you're keeping it original.

cheers mate - i'll be spending so much getting it working properly that i'd have no money left for modifications anyway!

[the edmundator]

for whatever reason there were a few tiny offcuts of seat material under there

There is always a strip of off cut fabric beneath the foam of all seats - not always the same fabric as used on the seats. I'm not sure why.

[Reverend Frog]

for whatever reason there were a few tiny offcuts of seat material under there

There is always a strip of off cut fabric beneath the foam of all seats - not always the same fabric as used on the seats. I'm not sure why.

there were three in this case. they are the correct type. but you're right, there was a larger fourth strip that looked more like the cloth from a CL or something. bit odd. but no complaints though!

[Reverend Frog]

Minor update:

Not much progress with this. It has decided to stop starting, has developed a headache-inducing blow from the exhaust, and is still leaking thanks to the fact i can't change the boot seal. So it's just sitting there. Sadly and annoyingly.

However, not all is lost - all being well it is going to the Phirm for a thorough going over in January, followed by a trip to Nottinghamshire for some bodywork fettling.

I also managed to source (for much further down the line) pictures of what the reg plates, dealer sticker and tax disc holder would have looked like (sad i know, but i don't see the point in having a Merc disc holder and jaguar reg plates as it has at the minute).





Plus still after a set of rear lap belts, in this style:



I also saw this for sale - good inspiration, but also makes me feel better about the money I coughed up!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C459467

[ianaudia4]

Why can't you change the boot seal Rick? I am back in London next week and more than happy to come and give you a hand.

[Reverend Frog]

Why can't you change the boot seal Rick? I am back in London next week and more than happy to come and give you a hand.

Because in my uniquely kack-handed way i rounded off the screw head trying to get the damned thing out! it wouldn't budge, needs drilled out now. But I'm in Belfast again now til the new year, thanks anyway Ian.

[ianaudia4]

Well give me a shout if you want to use my tools and garage mate.

[the edmundator]

In the meantime, a good smear of grease/Vaseline around the existing rubber won't look pretty but will keep the rain out.

[Reverend Frog]

In the meantime, a good smear of grease/Vaseline around the existing rubber won't look pretty but will keep the rain out.

There is no existing rubber ed, that's the issue, haha. Used some white tack as an extremely temporary measure

[the edmundator]

Some kind of grease will still help, I'd recommend it. Worked well on my sunroof.

[Reverend Frog]

Quick update - off to the Phirm on 3 January. hoping their routine inspection won't uncover any nasties, but it almost definitely will

[Reverend Frog]

Came home from Christmas holiday to find that the wind had blown the fence to pieces, as you can see here:



and done this to the car:

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F**K.

It can be repaired but it's more money i don't have.

Anyway, today saw me undertake an absolutely terrifying drive to the Phirm in torrential rain, with the window steaming up (blower fan not working) and the single wiper trying valiantly but failing to get all the water off the screen.

No pics from the inspection, but a few little gremlins that hitherto lay undiscovered - like welding to the axle mounting points and the fact that there is no fuel filler neck - that's right, someone has bodged something together out of a length of hosing for some reason. The rear shocks are 'the rustiest I've ever seen' according to Tim and it has coolant issues. Many more will follow... but the car got me to Hampshire - which isn't bad going at all for a car last serviced in 2002.

[ianaudia4]

Sorry to see that Rick!

[Reverend Frog]

Sorry to see that Rick!

So am I Ian!

Not having much luck with this yoke so far....

[ianaudia4]

Well give me a shout anytime mate, more than willing to give you a hand.
Hopefully Ant can sort the dents out for you.