Also got the rest of underneath undersealed and rustproofed.
Tomorrow gonna drop the old engine and gearbox out and strip all the doors off.
Watch this space....
RV.
Monday, 29 April 2013
Some more Mk2 progress...the stripdown continues!
The stripdown continues, to get Oakie ready for Robbo to lay on some new paint...
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Getting stuck in...
OK, as most of the donor parts have now been sourced, it's time to get stuck into restoring the Oak Green Mk2, affectionately known as Oakie.
All brakes, suspension, exhaust currently on the car are destined for the scrapyard, to make way for newer items salvaged from Cian's donor Mk2.
Also, while everything underneath is stripped, it seems like a wise plan to rustproof and underseal every part of the car.
The plan is to have this car ready for the Limerick Classic and VW Show at the end of May, so this is gonna be a very tight timeline!
Oakie on the lift at Cookies, ready to be tackled...you've already seen the underneath in a previous post when he brought her over there to survey what needed doing.
Replacement back axle from donor Mk2, powerwashed and degreased, ready for paint.
Powerwashing twenty-odd years of crud off the underneath - not the most fun I've ever had!
The rear half of the car has been resealed with stonechip protection and rust inhibitor (heres a top tip - wear a proper mask when spraying this kind of stuff - I was sick for two days after inhaling this - on the plus side, my lungs will never rust!), nice and clean and black, to keep the NCT man happy...rear coilovers also fitted.
Rear underneath floor sealed, stonechip protected and ready to receive the replacement back axle and have the rear suspension hooked up.
OK, that's all for now - check in soon as this project's gonna move fast!
drive safe, take care,
RV.
All brakes, suspension, exhaust currently on the car are destined for the scrapyard, to make way for newer items salvaged from Cian's donor Mk2.
Also, while everything underneath is stripped, it seems like a wise plan to rustproof and underseal every part of the car.
The plan is to have this car ready for the Limerick Classic and VW Show at the end of May, so this is gonna be a very tight timeline!
Oakie on the lift at Cookies, ready to be tackled...you've already seen the underneath in a previous post when he brought her over there to survey what needed doing.
Replacement back axle from donor Mk2, powerwashed and degreased, ready for paint.
Old rear axle being removed - begone to the scrapyard!
The rear half of the car has been resealed with stonechip protection and rust inhibitor (heres a top tip - wear a proper mask when spraying this kind of stuff - I was sick for two days after inhaling this - on the plus side, my lungs will never rust!), nice and clean and black, to keep the NCT man happy...rear coilovers also fitted.
Rear underneath floor sealed, stonechip protected and ready to receive the replacement back axle and have the rear suspension hooked up.
OK, that's all for now - check in soon as this project's gonna move fast!
drive safe, take care,
RV.
Off on a trip: Gathering Golf Goodies!
Right, as the plan for the Mk2 is strictly to stay within a (meagre) budget, the first port of call was to find a suitable donor vehicle for all the major components that we were going to need.
Cian, a good mate of mine, answered the call with 'Old grey', his 1991 8valve GTi whose shell had succumbed to the dreaded tinworm.
Mechanically, she was perfect, with good engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, the works.
A date was set, an engine crane was borrowed, the van was loaded with tools and blaas, and I headed for The Peoples Republic of Cork to strip down the now shed-entombed Mk2 that was going to donate all its vital organs so that project Oakie would see tarmac again!
Cian gets stuck in, displaying his trademark maniacal grin!
Fully loaded, ready for the trip home...
The spoils of a day's pillaging safely deposited in Cookie's workshop.
Let the restoration begin!
Later,
RV.
Cian, a good mate of mine, answered the call with 'Old grey', his 1991 8valve GTi whose shell had succumbed to the dreaded tinworm.
Mechanically, she was perfect, with good engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, the works.
A date was set, an engine crane was borrowed, the van was loaded with tools and blaas, and I headed for The Peoples Republic of Cork to strip down the now shed-entombed Mk2 that was going to donate all its vital organs so that project Oakie would see tarmac again!
Cian gets stuck in, displaying his trademark maniacal grin!
Old Grey, looking very sorry for herself...
Cian's faithful companion, Murphy inspects progress after removal of the engine.
Fully loaded, ready for the trip home...
The spoils of a day's pillaging safely deposited in Cookie's workshop.
Let the restoration begin!
Later,
RV.
Saturday, 2 March 2013
What's this??? A Renault???!!! A Renault???!!!
Right, as Cookie was so generous in letting me use his workshop, it was only fair that I pitch in to lend a hand with putting his project back together - she's a '90s Phase 2 Renault 16v hatchback.
Would you believe that many years ago, I was actually looking for one of these, and ended up buying my first VW Mk2 GTi instead, cos there were none around? Weird or what...?
He's got most of the hard work done; engine work, full respray, refurbed alloys, so now it's just a case of finding all the bits and pieces and putting her back together.
She'll be a cracking little car once completed, which won't be very much longer. Here's a few pics...
OK, that's it for now.
I promise the next post will be VW related!
Drive safe,
Laters,
RV.
Would you believe that many years ago, I was actually looking for one of these, and ended up buying my first VW Mk2 GTi instead, cos there were none around? Weird or what...?
He's got most of the hard work done; engine work, full respray, refurbed alloys, so now it's just a case of finding all the bits and pieces and putting her back together.
She'll be a cracking little car once completed, which won't be very much longer. Here's a few pics...
I promise the next post will be VW related!
Drive safe,
Laters,
RV.
Oakie takes a trip!
Right, after sitting feeling forlorn for herself all winter, it's time to get going on the Mk2 Golf GTi resto-mod.
First job was to get her to my mate Cookie's workshop, where he very generously allows me to work on my cars using his lifts, tools etc. Top man, so he is!
She's been sitting for months on four weedy Mk2 Golf space-saver spare wheels in the driveway, so some banded G60 steels were sourced from Noel, welder extraordinaire, here in Waterford. This man does some seriously good work and the workmanship is flawless - it's hard to see the quality of his work in my shitty phone pics, but don't worry; there'll be plenty of close-ups when I do a post on the refurb on these wheels in the coming months.
So...out with the A-frame and dragged her sorry ass over to Cookie's...
Gratuitous arty pic of her waiting to be rolled into the workshop...pic also shows Cookie's project Renault 19 16v and a boat. And some trees. Oh and another boat...all we're missing is some dry-ice smoke! :-)
We threw her up on the lift to check out the underneath.
First job was to get her to my mate Cookie's workshop, where he very generously allows me to work on my cars using his lifts, tools etc. Top man, so he is!
She's been sitting for months on four weedy Mk2 Golf space-saver spare wheels in the driveway, so some banded G60 steels were sourced from Noel, welder extraordinaire, here in Waterford. This man does some seriously good work and the workmanship is flawless - it's hard to see the quality of his work in my shitty phone pics, but don't worry; there'll be plenty of close-ups when I do a post on the refurb on these wheels in the coming months.
So...out with the A-frame and dragged her sorry ass over to Cookie's...
Gratuitous arty pic of her waiting to be rolled into the workshop...pic also shows Cookie's project Renault 19 16v and a boat. And some trees. Oh and another boat...all we're missing is some dry-ice smoke! :-)
We threw her up on the lift to check out the underneath.
We were delighted to find that the underneath is in excellent condition, although the rear axle, front and rear brakes, axle, wishbones etc. are all badly corroded...not to worry, me auld pal Cian has granted me free licence to pillage his old Mk2 GTi for parts, so everything I need is there and will be transplanted before the summer.
The underneath is gonna be stripped, cleaned and rustproofed, then all the replacement brakes, axle, suspension etc. are gonna be fitted - it really makes a massive difference having a donor vehicle at hand, cos every last little bit you need is there when you need it.
Really looking forward to getting stuck into this, as I haven't had a Mk2 in over two years...way too long, my friends....way too long. These are the cars that bit me with the VW bug and I'm seriously hooked on 'em.
Right, that's it for now for this car. Next time you hear about her will be the stripdown and clean-up.
Talk soon, drive safe.
Laters,
RV.
Friday, 1 March 2013
W8 Interior Light Install
Right, anyone who's into their VW's knows that we all like to stare in wonder at a nice W8 light's ambiance on a dark evening...sad bunch of bastards that we are. Ahem.
Me and electrics usually end in:
1. Tears
2. Flames
3. A combination of 1 & 2 above.
But...all is not lost. There's a wealth of helpful how-to's scattered all over t'interweb.
I asked for this info on my favourite new forum for VW T4/T5 van and camper owners/enthusiasts (check it out at www.vwt4forum.co.uk, what a friendly and helpful bunch they are!), and was directed to a SEAT forum, where someone had posted a very helpful install how-to there; I just applied the principles of the instructions to my T4, and below is my take on it, along with a few pics.
I removed my A- and B-pillar trim panels, along with passenger side A-pillar grab handle (affectionately known here in Ireland as the 'Oh Jaysus handle', if you happen to be a nervous passenger). This allowed me to drop the cab headliner to get at the standard interior light wiring plug. NOTE: Prise out the interior light and unplug it before you pull down the headliner, otherwise you risk breaking wires and will end up doing a lot of swearing and head-scratching trying to figure out why your sexy new W8 light has no power!
OK, below is a rough guide to wiring and where each wire goes on the plug/loom that should be supplied with the W8 light - it's got 6 wire positions. NOTE: I used a light unit for a vehicle not equipped with a sunroof, so wire positions 2 and 6 are left empty/unconnected. Where a number of colour wire options are written, means that your wires connected to your existing light could be any of these, dependent on your vehicle's make and model.
You'll also need to run one new wire from a switched live source, so that your downlighter LEDs have a feed when your ignition's turned on; I used the black/yellow wire at the back of my T4 headlight switch.
Oh, just one more thing, as Columbo used to say,,,please excuse my shitty handwriting!
So it's time to bite the bullet and snip the old plug off...steady now...this may be good time to stop for a coffee/smoke/valium to steel your nerves...I assume of course that you've disconnected the positive terminal on your vehicle's battery before you did anything, didn't you...didn't you? If not, DO IT NOW!
Pic below shows original wires with plug cut off and new wire run from headlight switch.
Pic below shows routing of new wire to headlight switch through roof strengthening panel to A-pillar.
Pic below shows the new W8 plug/loom connected to the original rooflight wiring. Also includes visual sign of approval from my son who helped with the install. For a 12 year old, he's got more savvy and practical ability than a lot of grown men that I've worked with over the years. Good man, Dylan!
Pic below shows new W8 test fitted and connected to power supply(reconnect your battery for this, then disconnect again) to make sure everything works and nothing catches fire! Dylan again shows his approval!
OK, it got dark, it got cold, and we were working outdoors. So it's time to put everything back together.
As we're turning this T4 into a campervan, I took the opportunity of having the cab headliner out to insulate and soundproof the ceiling of the cab.
Unfortunately, I forgot to photograph the soundproofing before we stuck on the Thermawrap insulation, which is the recommended insulation for this type of conversion, as it's inexpensive and easy to work with. If any of you are interested, we used Flashband as soundproofing, rolled onto the bare metal of the underside of the cab roof with a decorators seam-roller to help adhesion. Again, this is a tried-and-tested method and is recommended by many van converters.
Here's a gratuitous shot of the W8 light, shining in the dark....ehhhhh....shinily!
Final pic below shows the final install, along with Dylan's obligatory approval. I must also mention that while the headliner was out, I called down to Brian and Nicky Lacey in Happy Campers in Wexford, possibly two of the most friendly, helpful (and bloody talkative! LOL) guys you could ever meet, where they re-upholstered the headliner in sexy stretchy new Anthracite material, the same stuff I'll be doing the complete rear van interior in, which again will be supplied by Happy Campers. I can't recommend the lads or their work highly enough, check 'em out on www.happycampers.ie. You won't be disappointed.
OK, that's all for now. I hope this has been of some use for you. It proves that even the most electrically-inept (Me!) can finish a straight-forward enough task without disaster.
Right folks, talk soon.
Drive safe,
RV.
Me and electrics usually end in:
1. Tears
2. Flames
3. A combination of 1 & 2 above.
But...all is not lost. There's a wealth of helpful how-to's scattered all over t'interweb.
I asked for this info on my favourite new forum for VW T4/T5 van and camper owners/enthusiasts (check it out at www.vwt4forum.co.uk, what a friendly and helpful bunch they are!), and was directed to a SEAT forum, where someone had posted a very helpful install how-to there; I just applied the principles of the instructions to my T4, and below is my take on it, along with a few pics.
I removed my A- and B-pillar trim panels, along with passenger side A-pillar grab handle (affectionately known here in Ireland as the 'Oh Jaysus handle', if you happen to be a nervous passenger). This allowed me to drop the cab headliner to get at the standard interior light wiring plug. NOTE: Prise out the interior light and unplug it before you pull down the headliner, otherwise you risk breaking wires and will end up doing a lot of swearing and head-scratching trying to figure out why your sexy new W8 light has no power!
OK, below is a rough guide to wiring and where each wire goes on the plug/loom that should be supplied with the W8 light - it's got 6 wire positions. NOTE: I used a light unit for a vehicle not equipped with a sunroof, so wire positions 2 and 6 are left empty/unconnected. Where a number of colour wire options are written, means that your wires connected to your existing light could be any of these, dependent on your vehicle's make and model.
You'll also need to run one new wire from a switched live source, so that your downlighter LEDs have a feed when your ignition's turned on; I used the black/yellow wire at the back of my T4 headlight switch.
Oh, just one more thing, as Columbo used to say,,,please excuse my shitty handwriting!
So it's time to bite the bullet and snip the old plug off...steady now...this may be good time to stop for a coffee/smoke/valium to steel your nerves...I assume of course that you've disconnected the positive terminal on your vehicle's battery before you did anything, didn't you...didn't you? If not, DO IT NOW!
Pic below shows original wires with plug cut off and new wire run from headlight switch.
Pic below shows routing of new wire to headlight switch through roof strengthening panel to A-pillar.
Next pic below shows size difference between original interior roof-light and new replacement W8 light. There is a lot of trimming to be done; remove the metal surround on the hole in your headliner and take your time: trial fit, trim, trial fit, trim some more. Take your time, or you'll end up trimming away too much of the hardboard material and your new light won't stay in place,
Pic below shows the new W8 plug/loom connected to the original rooflight wiring. Also includes visual sign of approval from my son who helped with the install. For a 12 year old, he's got more savvy and practical ability than a lot of grown men that I've worked with over the years. Good man, Dylan!
Pic below shows new W8 test fitted and connected to power supply(reconnect your battery for this, then disconnect again) to make sure everything works and nothing catches fire! Dylan again shows his approval!
OK, it got dark, it got cold, and we were working outdoors. So it's time to put everything back together.
As we're turning this T4 into a campervan, I took the opportunity of having the cab headliner out to insulate and soundproof the ceiling of the cab.
Unfortunately, I forgot to photograph the soundproofing before we stuck on the Thermawrap insulation, which is the recommended insulation for this type of conversion, as it's inexpensive and easy to work with. If any of you are interested, we used Flashband as soundproofing, rolled onto the bare metal of the underside of the cab roof with a decorators seam-roller to help adhesion. Again, this is a tried-and-tested method and is recommended by many van converters.
Here's a gratuitous shot of the W8 light, shining in the dark....ehhhhh....shinily!
OK, that's all for now. I hope this has been of some use for you. It proves that even the most electrically-inept (Me!) can finish a straight-forward enough task without disaster.
Right folks, talk soon.
Drive safe,
RV.
Long time, no see!
OK, OK, I know it's been awhile, so I'll throw a few posts up together...
Changed work patterns have wreaked havoc on my VW schedule!
Here's where the situation lies...the Corrado G60 is gone to a new home, The B4 Passat TDI is gone to a new home, the two Mk1 5door shells have gone to new homes (one sold, one given away as a gesture of goodwill to build up some good karma for myself...it's a nice feeling to do something for someone with no self-agenda, from time to time), Loretta the Jetta is gone to a new home, and the Mk3 Golf diesel variant is on it's way out of the drive pretty soon.
Why? Cos too many projects means fuck-all substantial gets done with any of them, despite you spending as much free time as you can spare on them.
So here's the plan.
Two projects left.
Two target dates set.
2013 is gonna be a busy one, my friends!
Project 1: T4 Transporter campervan conversion.
Project 2: Mk2 Golf GTi restoration/modification......let's call it 'resto-mod', cos I'm a lazy fuc.....typist.
Shall we get started?
Changed work patterns have wreaked havoc on my VW schedule!
Here's where the situation lies...the Corrado G60 is gone to a new home, The B4 Passat TDI is gone to a new home, the two Mk1 5door shells have gone to new homes (one sold, one given away as a gesture of goodwill to build up some good karma for myself...it's a nice feeling to do something for someone with no self-agenda, from time to time), Loretta the Jetta is gone to a new home, and the Mk3 Golf diesel variant is on it's way out of the drive pretty soon.
Why? Cos too many projects means fuck-all substantial gets done with any of them, despite you spending as much free time as you can spare on them.
So here's the plan.
Two projects left.
Two target dates set.
2013 is gonna be a busy one, my friends!
Project 1: T4 Transporter campervan conversion.
Project 2: Mk2 Golf GTi restoration/modification......let's call it 'resto-mod', cos I'm a lazy fuc.....typist.
Shall we get started?
 |
| What's that big oily metallic bit at the front with all the wires and hoses stickin' out of it??!! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)