James.

Try the ecu load relief relay.

Well after a solid couple of days with matted hair and resembling someone who's been "darn't pit". The underside is well on its way. It's fair to say that the underseal hides an absolute multitude of sins. I could see small 4/5 mm tears along the sill. The same along the rear lower apron and a break in the sealant at the front point of the rear lower arch. The rear arch had a small bubble at the base of both sides. After cleaning away 20 years of filth I kind of got carried away. I foolishly assumed that all the metal work would be in fair fettle. Fast forward an hour or so and boy had I been handed the wrong script. It's fair to say at this point I was less than happy. But it's a restoration project, so hey just part of the project. What I refer to above is the shock of seeing the underseal as being structural. I really couldn't believe my eyes. But after seeing other cars when this job has been carried out, shouldn't be surprised. I therefore urge all owners (current or prospective) to mark this on their radar. Looking at the sill, it drops away a little towards the rear. This in turn must be acting as a trap for moisture and slowly letting the dreaded red rot weave its dastardly daring dos into the doting drivers dreams. Six hours on my back and the underside rot/bad underseal has all but been cut away. I'll tackle grinding and treating it next week (Looks like the welder is going to have to make an appearance after all). But for now here's a few shots to help build the scene.

You should know they upset easily !

First spot in months. N reg silver VR6 parked on the promenade in West Kirby, Wirral. I parked practically accross the road in the 8v.

Found it at work. It was intended to make mouse mats. Had a couple of small pieces fit for the bin so thought I'd give it a go. No leaks so far (six months on) so can't have made it that bad. I'd offer to make you one, but have just broken up for seven weeks of summer holiday. Think you can get the material off ebay. Have you tried vw heritage for a spare ?

Sounds like you have a "parasitic drain". Best to buy a decent digital multimeter and have a trawl through google as there's loads of topics on how to test. I was going to suggest stereo as that's what did me a coupke of years back. Also check the rear interior boot light. Best of luck.

I made one for mine from sticky back foam. May try and reproduce some more if there's demand. So long as they're obsolete of course.

Also need a pair of front abs guides ( the bit that clips on to the suspension bolts and holds the abs wire).

Couple of more parts for the box please Chris. Little black door pin surround. Somehow I've lost one. Foam blocks from the internal trim on the boot. Here's the real test (half way down the page) : http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?46730-Carry-on-Campaign-Underside-a-go-go/page27 Needs to be in at least half decent shape. It sits against the tank and hopefully is better nick than mine. I'll probably have a few more requests before the weeks out. Thanks in advance James

I concur. You know that conversation you have, when you say to someone "buy the car that someones done all the jobs on first" ? Well that's the car ! Brilliant.

How was it going on Paul ? Is it possible to "let it down" with thinners for easier use ? Or is it brushable straight from the can. Called in at VW and they want £20 a can for the OE stuff. Looks like I'll be buying Indesa or 3M at those prices though.

Sussed it. Damn Ipads. Thanks chaps.

Martin mere wildfowl trust

Whilst were on about Vagcat. Does anyone know haw to get all the parts numbers up ? For example: http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/vw/COR/1992/76/53/845612/ it shows the exploded diagram on the left (23 parts). But the box on the right only goes up to 12 ??? And as is always the case. It's the parts not listed that I need.

Works on the mac and ipad now. Phew, that's a relief.

Tickets bought, printed off and ready for action. Fingers crossed for good weather.

I've had trouble with it recently on PCs. I'll try the mac in a bit to see if that helps.

Portent. Feel free to post the next time you've had a skinfull.

Which one do you prefer to drive ? Which one gives you the most enjoyment ? There seems to be more and more people (new and old) on here talking about values, (where's the bottom, where will they be in five years etc), which is always healthy to debate etc, but not addressing the real reason why enthusiasts buy into a certain model. Personally I prefer the drive of a Corrado to a Golf (which I find like I'm sitting at a table). Others may prefer the kudos attached to a certain model/marque. Others may even prefer to make their cars into the automotive eqivalent of a Faberge egg. Some like all of the above. If I was entering ownership again, I'd buy one that had had all the big jobs sorted and just needed a bit of personalisation. Because at the moment, even the very good cars aren't much more than the fair ones. Andys Storm being a perfect example. In summary, I see my car as my hobby. And all hobbys cost money. Just depends if you have short arms and deep pockets or not.

Judith: You're right. In hindsight I should have blasted it all off first but then again, this time last year I was "only going to clean the front end up". Couple of hours should see the rest cleaned off so not the end of the world. Alan: You're really pushing on with the mechanics and always great to hear of another Corrado in the hands of a real enthusiast. And yes you're right, holidays are for Oscar and I to utilise. I tinker with the cars when the little man is at his Nans. Though he is showing an increased automotive interest on a daily basis recently, the beach, airport, tennis and swimming take precidence on our days together. Back to the rear bushes. Did you see mine when I removed them (pictures on previous page) ? Both were cracked in half ! It went someway to prove that all moving parts should be checked and/or replaced at regular intervals. Kip: I always get the feeling you wouldn't be happy unless you're up to your boots under a Corrado. That's not a bad thing in my world. I'll check in next week with another snap or two. Thanks all.

You sleeping in the garage at the moment ? You'd think so with all this work you're putting in. Good show.

Well, the old chap is ready for a bit of summer 8v lovin'. So over the last twelve months (can't believe I've had it just over twelve months) I've amassed some parts that were on my radar for change, along with parts that are past their best. Yes I'm waiting for the "Always OE" brigade to chirp up, but to be honest, I find these parts perfectly acceptable for the kind of mileage the car covers (3K P/A). I also drive like Miss Daisy so expect these to hold up well enough. That and the fact the Campaign is also sipping gently from my wallet as well. So tonight on the conveyor belt we have : Timing belt kit - Continental Front and rear discs - Pagid Front and rear pads - Pagid Front suspension struts - Sachs Front bump stops - Febi Front ARB bushes - Febi Front Drop links - Febi Front ball joints - Febi A cuddly toy Oil - Valvoline Oil filter - VAG Air Filter - Mann Fuel filter - VAG Coolant I'm going to get from Tatton park. As last year I got G12++ for £5 a bottle. And whilst we're on about Tatton Park, it looks like the 8V will be reprasentin' this year. Have been tickling away and plan a bit more detailing in the coming weeks. This week i got whizzed off with condition of the body plastics. I've tried all sorts to bring them back to life: Heat gun Auto Glym Meguiars Peanut butter (smooth) Groundnut oil But they'd stay (kind of) black for a day or so. Then trip back into the grey dullness I came to see daily. So on sunday, I masked them all up (Ariel base, side strips and door handles). Keyed them with a scotch pad and dusted them over with primer and good old satin black spray paint. They're now better than ever and hopefully should stay black a darn sight longer. Whilst on a roll, I switched my attention inside. I found all my old Cerwin Vega speakers in the garage a few weeks back, so decided to put it all back in. Thanks to a second hand shelf from Adam, I peeled back the cover and installed some 6x9 speakers. They're really well hidden and sound a lot better. Time will tell if I start to sag though. Upfront I also installed the direct replacement speakers. The small tweeters I decided to install into the upper door triangle of trim. They weren't for sticking on, so half an hour with a hole saw and a bit of trim jiggery pokery and hey presto, they look almost OE now. Can't have a daily without quality sound now can you !

Started on the underside last week by taking off all the fuel lines/clips/heat shields etc. Looking to track down any hidden rot and broken underseal. What a bloody awful job it is. Every time I look at the car I end up filthy. Crawling round under the car, covered in filthy water like a rodent aint' my cup of tea if I'm honest. certainly don't want to be doing this job again any time soon so best to do it once and do it right then. Going to give the existing schutz a new top coat. It's going to need dabbing in here and there. so best to do it all so it looks right I say. Anyhoo here's a couple of quick snaps. Not much to say but should have more updates soon as I start summer holidays on Friday. Back of the net !

Beltin mon. I finish on friday for seven weeks so should be able to spare a couple of hours. Give us a shout when you touch down in Appley Vegas. Eric: Show pass arrived today. Many thanks. Looking at getting there for 8am.

That's a little belter. Like the wheels and good to see it has leather as well. Looking forward to further updates.