Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Hi there and welcome the build thread for my cabrio vr6 so far the journey has taken over a year and only now is she becoming a vr6. The car was given to me by a very good friend. All i know about the car is that it is a 1.8 1997 golf cabriolet. The car has 179k on (providing the clocks haven't been switched). The cars tax runs out at the end of the month. I do no not know any status of the current mot or previous history. I have done a check on the car and it is hpi Clear. The current faults are that the exhaust is Blowing (Ahem more like in two parts) So that will be repaired. The roof does not electronicly work. The button works but only when the key is pushed in and held. (i believe that the Ignition barrel is faulty causing that problem) There is then a noise from the motor/pump. I am going to take a look and see if maybe the rams are siezed or maybe the pump is fubar. Also the radio seems dead but it is an original vw cassette tape deck - Getting changed for a newer headunit. The Bonnet catch cable has snapped and someone has made a handy pull cord. (Pic Below).I have checked the iginition points and they are badly correded and will need changing the car also runs very rich (maybe because the fuel is not burning properly. So hopefully a good service will restore the engine back to good health. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 I have been making some changes on the car already i Have fixed the bonnet catch cable Fitted Bonnet lifters, Fitted areo wipers, Fitted wolfsburg door pins and changed the grill to my custom one. I have a 1.3 mk3 golf i can get spares from. I would like to know if the jom coilovers i brought for it would work on my 1.8 cab. Today i managed to fix the electric roof. It turned out that the pump valve was set to release air. So i turned it clockwise and bam Working roof. (When key is held in ) I assume that the fault is the igintion switch.I also spend the day cleaning the car and fitting my sub amp and cables. (even though i don't have a head unit. Found the cause of the exhaust blowing and someones dodgy bodge job that broke. Been a good day for the Cabriolet. This morning i spent fitting my new stereo ( have an issue with the remote live As i cannot find it) I then came across the issue that i had to hold the key in to get the stereo to power on and stay powered on. Then i remembered that my ignition switch is faulty so i order the part then comes 8pm im bored so out to the car and have the steering column out in 20 mins Bealieboy 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Credit for the method of removal for the steering column goes to these guys http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3445064Another busy day on the cabriolet. Started the day by giving the plastic the heat gun treatment Then on to tinting the rear lights side repeaters front indicators/reflectors. Then onto checking the rear brakes to find they are in a good order Then i removed the old middle and back boxes they were fubar. Then after speaking to my mate i took his advice and removed the passenger airbag and replaced it with another glovebox. Then on to painting stuff:) Wipers Rear view mirrors Door handles Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 A few interior parts. Then the Courior arives New middlebox Test fitting the exhaust. Fitted black plastics and wing mirrors. Painted door grips New gear gator Wing mirrors UPDATE Its been a long time since i last posted. There has been a lot going on recently. Since my last post i have made a decision on my old golf and have purchased some new parts. I have also have now started on refurbing my rear beam. Before I have also replaced the rear exhaust from cat back as it was rotted. UPDATE Been a very productive day working on my rear beam. Started off buy sourcing some parts and then working out how to get the old bushes out. My mate said burn them and i didn't have a blowtorch so i lit up the barbie After making loads of lovely burning rubber spell and a hit with my toffee hammer (Its very small) the old bushes were out. Then after cleaning up the beam and treating it with rust to metal i then primered everything. 2 hours later First and 2nd coats done now just waiting for them to dry to apply a third to beam and then paint the other side. Bealieboy 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Lots of progress the rear beam is now ready for Its new bushes and then to be rebuilt I have also replaced my suspension with coilovers on the front and set the ride height. Was a pain to remove the top mounts as the allen key parts had broken and rounded so i drilled them out. UPDATE Last night I was going through tins of spare parts and found my aluminium mirror adjusters. Today - nothing except these turned up. MINI UPDATE Well the rear beam is in the local garage having the bushes fitted. Only costing me £20 at a local VW Specalist i have now removed my airel from the wing and hid it under the scuttle panel (Ty whoever i nicked that idea from) and then the courier arrives with my new front Lights. TY Dubstar9 for hooking me up Another Mini Update: Had a call from the garage my beam is done picked it up And thismorning i got a shed off my mate so i now have somewhere to store my golf spares. Will be selling parts soon all money made buys my cabrio a new roof Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Today I got As far as fitting the beam. Was a pain to fit had to loosen off one of the brackets to the bodywork. I had to remove it to get the beam off but it's now 2mm to one side. Looks like the garage will be looking at that when they did the camber. Also have made plans that next year if money is better I will be buying a gti to break and get the engine and gearbox reconed. I will then get the front and rear subframes shot blasted. Powder coated and new rubbers fitted. The cabrio will then be resprayed and fitted with all new coolant system and fitted with waterless coolant along with a killer glass pipe. Then air ride if funds allow but until then it stays as it is but with rust free wings. BIG UPDATE Ive been a busy bee today it started with me fitting rear breaks back on and renewing the rear brake lines. Then on to fixing the exhaust back on and with all the hangers. Then was a big job making it so i can jack the car up with a single jack instead of having to use several.The car now sits like this. NEARLY READY FOR MOT I have now started stickerbombing my spare petrol flap Current progress Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Today i decided to raise the car a little bit more for the Mot and ease of access whilst i work on the car. While doing this i decided to fix the rust patches forming in my rear arches. So i rubbed down the patches treated them several times then primered and painted them black ( this is for protection until i get colour matched paint ) I then fitted my Stickerbombed petrol flap Then on to sorting out my dodgy window switch - Turns out its not the switch and that one of the pins in a connector was corroded. I still had to get the whole door loom out to find this out but its fixed now Also today i noticed this is glued to the outside of the passenger side of my car What is it? and if i remove it do you think my roof may leak or something? I am also planning something for this Hood For the cabrio:) Another Update I decided to use some of the paint and primer i have and recolour my Door trims Will also be doing the black parts on front and black bumpers. First Coat After drying for an hour i gave them another coat In the morning i will rub them down with 1200 wnd and then start coating them black.UPDATE Postie turned up:) Part for golf was here:) part is wrong and doesn't Fit Old is top the new(USED) part is bottom. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 First coat of black after being sanded with 2000 WND Ive messed up my photos but after many light coats and just been lacquered. Here is pics of my new hydro dipping tank and my work on the bumpers My hydro dipping tank Bumpers strippped apart. Rear bumper damage Front Bumper damage First few light coats of primer My ruff fillering. Will rub it down tomorrow and paint black plastics black. Morning it's currently 9:45 am and I've already given my bumper black plastics 2 coats of black paint rubbed down my filler on painted front and rear bumper pieces. I'm about to make a start on practicing this hydro dipping process. Pics will be uploaded later when I am on my computer. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Pics from today Rubbed down the filler. Painting my bumpers First coat Rub strips fitted to the car First attempt at hydro dipping Just after dipping - Too much activator just after dipping - was better left too much angle on entry so decal stretched. i have also done the main part of xbox casing. will post pics once dried washed and lacquered.more pics of the xbox casing just waiting for it to dry just done this and it looks awsome I think i have the hang of this hydrodipping now. Been a bit quiet whilst i was getting some work in. i have been on the lookout for some parts which i now have. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 I then got some money and brought some parts. All this packaging for this then the rest of the parts I also had a new brake pressure regulator ordered and had turned up. fitted Old air filter new air filter Old Fuel filter and the fuel that came from it :/ I also gave the car an oil change and have found 2 wings in a good condition. I have also had an insurance quote that is actually affordable and all my mods are delcared and cost nil as they do not change the Hp. The Last Big UPDATE Well it has been a big journey for me and the cabrio and it has nearly come to a suceessfull end and the cabrio will soon be terrorising the streets of south east kent very soon. I have a few tatty bits to get sorted over time and then when funds permit i will be upgrading to 5 stud 2.0 GTI 16v. For the moment i will continue to run my 1.8 adz lump and box until insurance drops. Now time for the latest to happen.... Removed discs and callipers after a local mobile mechanic and an air gun. Next was removing the old wings in place for the replacements. Finally got round to getting my new discs fitted. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 After replacing the discs i proceded to bleed the brakes to find the drivers caliper had a broken bleed nipple - had to find some 2nd hand callipers - managed to get some on ebay jsut waiting for them. On to removing the rusty wings The following Day... Putting these on.. Then this arrived.. Long jump to painted wings Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 After a few coats of Clear coat i have rebuilt the car Just need to G3 the wings in a few days. My badge fitted. Exhaust tip to cover the rubbish looking pipe. Final photos. Now just awaiting the new calipers to turn up then to fit them bleed the brakes remove tools from car clean and do pre MOT checks and the wait for my insurance money. Get insured - Mot'd and then Taxed. Should be on the road in beginning of october Thank you for reading. Had a few fun days of driving the cabrio even was suppriesd when my mates said its a piece of crap and then i took them for a ride with the roof down and let them both take a small drive round the block and then they loved it. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Im nearing my first 100 miles which £20 has got me. I also got some off driveway pics and here they are - needs a clean btw. UPDATE: Its been a few months since ive been on the road. Nearing 6 months, In this time not much has changed but it has. The interior is still original, the exterior is a little different and the engine has had a little bit of tlc. The journey through the last 6 months has had a few hitches but my face always has a smile when i am driving the car no matter what the weather. A while after driving the car i felt some wobble on the front end. I realised it was the front suspension top mounts So i ordered some of ebay and changed them... After less than 20 mile of town driving, I heard a bang this had happened... This caused damage to the hood 0/WP_20140131_002.jpg I then contacted citizens advice bureau and was told that i could claim a consequential loss against the seller. However i cannot be asked to deal with the hassle of claiming for the damages to my car so i did not. I have also Changed the wheels to my new alloy's (need Refurbishing) I then painted my front fog covers and tinted my repeaters a little bit more. I then brought a sticker and a seccond hand side pillar trim off ebay, The trim had a crack that i planned to fix and then fit to the car. I then gave the engine a little clean and fixed the leaking rocker cover gasket. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 I then got linked a Lovely roof material on ebay (Thanks Dubstar9) I then purchased the roof and with dubstars help over the computer for a week or so i then thought i knew enough to change the material.... Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 I then sprayed my debadged grill the same colour as the carAnother Update I decided to finish what i started and fitted my rear window.Today i started cleaning the bay. I had to paint the battery tray where it is as 2 of the bolts are seized and have been rounded off previously. Whilst i am in the bay i am going to clean the visible areas of the everything and paint stuff where needed. The coolant looks far too red if you ask me? Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 These parts have been removed and will be cleaned with a wire wool brush on a pillar drill and then painted if needed. Today i woke up and deciced i was going to fix my curb damaged wheels and paint my calipers. There is a lot of pictures and the process was very long I will be painting the wheels white in a few days time. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 The Rest of the Wheel refurb images. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 MASSIVE UPDATE Its been a while since i fitted the roof and such. Ive done some miles on the car and replaced things and fixed them as they broke. I also have done the following ... Painted Dash Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Led Switches Had a breakdown:( the cause was and a clutch cable - Which was replaced with a mannual cable. Show pics Start of Wraping Fittament Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 New wheels next day Bam Then A week later New clutch More Wrapping Show Prep Thanks Maguires Even More Wrapping MY Hoodie Arrived Stickers Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 MY car at apex festival Its the one on the left Finally got my full stainless steel exhaust and fitted it and my gosh i love the noise of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPq0Ci6FDI8&feature=youtu.be Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Here is some images of the car with the grey wrap. I lent the car to a friend and it came back and didnt drive in a straight line so i decided VR time. I started stripping the car and polishing a spare vr inlet i had. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 A Few weeks has passed and i have continued work on the cabrio again. I am stripping the car inside completly and going to be smoothing the bay and painting it. I will be continuing the cleaning and painting of the bay tomorrow and will be fitting the engine next weekend Progress of today so far. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Starting to get there but lots of work to do still. Link to post Share on other sites
Treva1990 17 Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 (edited) More bay pics. http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o496/treva199 Edited March 2, 2015 by Treva1990 Link to post Share on other sites
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