BidRado

Thanks, guys. Any other feedback out there?

Chaps, I need a replacement nearside rear caliper, as handbrake arm on the current one isn't releasing (had similar problem with a Golf GTI years ago, that one could be free'd up). Grateful for any experience-based feedback on quality of the various recon units available. Discovered only reconditioned calipers are available, £88 at VW dealer (ha ha!, but 2 yr warranty), £45 + VAT from GSF with Club discount (but by firms I've never heard of (Dan Brakes and UBD? - and neither trace-able online), £46 + VAT from Webbs, a well-known local Factors (unit by Brake Engineering - a UK firm I can find online, been reconditioning calipers etc. for 25 yrs, sound credible, 1 yr warranty). On each price I've taken off the £30 or so surchage for the old unit. My gut feel is to go for the Brake Engineering one. Any views? Separately, I'm also looking at fitting coilovers to do a modest lowering (30-40mm - you should count the sleeping policemen round here!). Likely to go with FK or KW units. Any advice on cutting down the chin spoiler, to reduce grounding? Or are shallower ones available? Cheers Bid

Hmm, sounds nifty if tricky to do. Haven't heard of that before - how about trimming it in alcantara (colour to suit)? On the wood dash front, I saw one on a M-reg Rado at the Stanford Hall show at the w/e, on the club stand, and am now definitely having second thoughts!

IHI, See you're interested in a flocked dash - "Also liking the idea of a flocked dash" - what is? How about a nice green stained wood veneer? See other thread. Don't be put off by the Luddites who prefer plastic or burnt wood (i.e. carbon)!

Hmm, thanks chaps; I need to do some more research to resolve the way forward - would have preferred to see 1-2 installs on C's. A blue-stained look still appeals - to match with a part-leather re-trim. Will look at some Jag/TVR catalogues (if it's good enough for them..). Other priorities first though: lowered suspension; re-line the bonnet; top strut brace; sort roof channels or de-seam (?). Anyone tried a Cali-surf Woody look - a nice stick-on wood frame round the hatch?! (OK now I am winding...!)

Well, I knew this would provoke a response - glad to see there's a few open minds out there! Am still undecided and it's not a wind-up. Just surprised to be breaking virtually new ground - realise v.few, if any, German cars have ever done wood well - inc. any around currently - Merc, Maybach inc. Rover - give over! How limited an approach would that be!! Let's get those creative juices flowing..! Am inclined towards a stained wood if poss, either black or a dark blue to link with the body colour. Don't know any sources though. Ref. 33Hz - early I think - slider heater controls. I can tell you're tempted - how about a 2-person group buy? Ref. Zippy - back of a Rado! - nice idea, are you related to Houdini? - that can't be your photo.. Keep it coming folks (except Zippy..).

Am thinking of doing a wood dash, perhaps with matching other interior trim surrounds on handles, switches etc. Latter may be OTT? Likely part-leather/suede/alcantara trim too? Emulating some of the better Brit-car interiors...(heresy?!) Does anyone know of a good veneer kit for doing this and any good examples out there - any pics? Quite open on type of wood , with/w/o staining. Have heard of some naff sounding stick-on kits which I'd avoid - would like to do a decent job of it so it sits in well! Has anyone had a pattern made for the C (I saww the thread on carbon dash ideas) - might need to then source splinter-proof veneer. I currently have a completely standard grey cloth and plastic dash interior in an Aqua Blue Pearl 16v, '92 K - all vgc. So blank canvas at the minute. Idea, views?

Cheers, chaps; very helpful. Looking forward to ditching the current Bacofoil and gaffer tape combo currently holding the degrading foam to the lid.

Would like to know the answer to Rich's question too. Is the Dynamat material that Kev H. mentions "silver finish"? Even if not, roughly what's the cost and where best sourced? Presumably have to cut to fit? Thx