James.

Welcome also. Over the past eighteen months there's been a surge of new North west based Corrado owners, so you're never too far away from help or advice. We're touching distance to Wigan and fingers crossed will be making the short journey over to the north west meet. Make sure you pop along. But in the mean time, some words and pictures would be great. All the best, James

I'd read somewhere about you waxing lyrical about b4 dampers Paul. I was going to stay OE (boge/sachs). But if they're as good as you say, I may jump ship. I'll probably change my mind another half dozen times before I buy anything though. I'm a rotter for that. Thanks once again, James

Well the lowered 8v lasted about five months. What with the dozen or so tall speed bumps on the road into school, I'd already destroyed a front splitter and was sick of all the chelsea tractor/eurobox drivers hurtling up behind me, when I slowed down. Put the original springs on yesterday, with the intention to replace the tired front struts in a few weeks, along with the new wheels and tyres. But sweet lord I forgot how comfortable it was before. On an other side, I managed to replace the rear spoiler mounting brackets that had snapped when I removed them. The gentleman breaker that is StueyB, fixed me up good and proper, and now water is a little less keen on finding its way into my boot. I used to hate working on the spoiler mechanism, but I've rebuilt it so often that it's not quite as bad now. There's no way I'll say it's easy, as it's a real awkward pig dog of a job. But let's just say it doesn't fill me with un-holy dread like it once did. On the upgrade front, I strode man-fully into the house yesterday, proclaiming ( to those who care to listen ) that "My car is buzzing" ! Yes we think your car is whizzer as well James, the less than enthusiastic room replied. No no no, You mis-understand my proclamation. I've fitted a lights on buzzer ! No longer shall I fear returning to said automotive device, caught between the fear/jubilation paradox of a "did I switch my lights off before I left the car". The buzzer is only a cheapy. Procured from I know not where, but installed with fervour into the door opening and light switch. The last buzzer I installed, I wired into the interior light. But due to technical restrictions and the lack of work ethic, I plumped for the door. I'd prefer to pong. But I long since discovered Old spice.

What would be the turn around time on such a project ?

I've got a football game in Wigan at 2:30, so hopefully will be able to attend for the first hour. Will only know the exact dates/times on the Friday before though. Jay, Are you bringing your VCDS with you ? (Could do with a scan).

As good as new Andy. Everytime I check in on your updates, the attention to detail bar gets raised one notch higher. I'll need an oxygen pack if it goes any higher. Well done. On a side note. Could you not display your car with a discreet sale card on show ? Just a thought.

This was bugging the life out of me so had to find it before it kept me awake all night: http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?45555-pics-of-my-new-car I can sleep soundly now.

That makes sense, as the man in Bristol bought it from a chap in Halifax. He can't have had it longer than twelve months then. If I can remember the chaps details on here, then be sure I'll forward them on. Let me know if you have any joy in your quest. all the best, James

When did your ownership begin and end then ? I sold it early summer 2006. It ended up in Morcambe for a couple of years. Poor lad seemed to have everything go wrong with it all at once (I had to replace the starter motor the week I sold it !). I nearly bought it back, as it was for sale at Tatton Park in the cars for sale section. Didn't bother as he clearly hadn't kept it up to (ahem) my standards. The lad who bought it after that was on here briefly (about 2 years ago). He was based in Bristol. I've had a trawl through all my old posts, but as the forum was archived a while back, finding old posts is quite a challenge. After that, the trail goes cold. Don't ever remember seeing it for sale, and it was too good for a breaker, so maybe it's languishing about somewhere, un-loved. Or maybe it's being really enjoyed by someone who doesn't frequent this ere' establishment. Either way, It would be great to see old Les again. Thanks for the kind words on the Campaign. I plan to finish it this year. But I've said that before...

Is that original paint ? As it looks very good if it is.

Just before I read through the posts I thought " hmmm, all that needs now is a factory grill with a nice bright VW badge sat up front". Either way, looks good from here.

That's the puppy. I agree, it compliments the interior very well indeed and has a very good quality output. Downloaded a wiring diagram from the net. Looked like the terminals behind the stereo needed shuffleing around to be constant live. Stuck my old JVC unit in ( which is neither up to much or looks right) when I bought the car from you. Another of those jobs that dropped down the list !!! Talking of jobs. Still need to : Replace a couple of ABS sensors. Change the front splitter. Put the original springs back on. Buy tyres and change the wheels over. It never ends does it. Good to hear you're tackling some more involved jobs Jake. That's the only way to keep older cars on the road, if enthusiasts roll their sleeves up. Still, you're only a young lad (unlike this old plodder) so there's loads of time for you to learn new skills. You making it to any shows this year ?

Similar to RW1. Can't edit old posts due to the text box being greyed out. Same with "go advance". Privacy is present at base of the page. Though took a few attempts to open. Tried on the mac and ipad and both the same.

Thanks for sharing. I'll have a gander later.

Looks stealth in matt black. Bits fall off and break. It's what cars do. Welcome and what's next ?

You did hhwwaaahttt ? Ahh well you must have your reasons. Guess someone else will get the benefit of the Genesis.

Hey there stranger. Hope you're well ? I'll keep my eye out for an eight valve if you like. I always like to keep a look out for a potential low mileage example replacement, but as you say, they're either dog rough or the other side of the world. Spotted a red one a while ago. Just not keen on standard red. But I did see nice a one lady owner "Ice grey violet" some months back on the Autotrader. Down side it was on the south coast and a similar mileage on the clock as mine. There's got to be a good one left somewhere ? Give me a shout when you're about for brews etc.

Busy weekend on the eight valve has been had. The Boot: I bought and swapped a damaged drivers door and front passenger wing last summer. Fortunately sourced in Sherry pearl. Whilst buying these I noticed a 3cm hole in the rear boot. Just under the rear screen. It's been letting water in and misting up the interior windows over winter. So I bought the matching boot at the same time. Cleaned it up and left it in the corner of the garage, which it's where it's stood for the last six months. I'd been putting it off and putting it off because I knew it would be a nightmare to do. So this weekend, I got up early and waded in. First off was disconnecting the loom. I didn't, but I'd advise removing the c post covers to do this job. Then it was a case of having another pair of hands to hold the boot open. I removed the struts then unbolted the 4 bolts that hold the boot on. The two boots were stood next to each other (because believe me, it's easier than working above your head) and transfered the parts over: Trim, locking mechanism, spoiler, lighting, wiper, struts. I checked the spoiler mech over, but seeing as I had rebuilt/greased it last summer, iit didn't need much work. By and far the most frustrating part was removing the internal spoiler brackets. They're a plastic bracket, with a brass threaded insert. The outer cover is then bolted into them. Unfortunately VW in they're infinite wisdom decided to add threadlock to the bolts. This results in (most of the time) the brackets breaking. And yes you guessed it, they're obsolete. Cue StueyB to step in and sell me a good one. I've had dealings with the number plate plinth removal before. A short warming of the lower tape with a heat gun and an easing off with a blunt knife saw it removed with little stress. The boot/roof securing bolts were a pain to align, but with a good slice of patience and a second (essential) pair of hands, we were victorous. All the trim was fitted (with extra anti squeak felt) and lastly the lights were lined up. I'll have my friend run his mop over it shortly but in the mean time I'm very happy. Took a full day (stopping for brews and chats). Interior light was playing up. Sourced the problem to a corroded contact (door switch). Removed, cleaned and bada bing. I see the light once more. Blower had been making a small bit of noise. Probably wouldn't bother anyone else. But seeing as I like my cabin to be squeak/rattle free, it had to be fixed. Removed the blower from under the glove box and gave it a light oiling. A small amount of coaxing and tweeking but it's still too noisy for me. Better find a new one then. Finally re-fitted the Sony stereo that came with the car. It's a better unit than the one I was used to,. Along with the fact that it doesn't stick out like a silver sore thumb anymore. Just needed the power switching around so that it didn't lose all its radio presets. Was a bit of a faff but I took my time and it worked out well. As most of you know. A usual rusty grot spot is under/around the rear number plate light. The old boot was no exception. But the new one was pretty good. To try and "nip in the bud" and future tin worm, I cleaned up the small amount of rust there was (around the bolt holes), and gave it a little brush with Zinga. I'll paint it in a couple of weeks when it's a bit warmer (he says hopefully). The last step was to replace the light housing/cover. Problem was that the black foam seal was well past it. rock hard and crusted up with rust/old paint I thought I'd better get a new one. looking closely at the old one, I thought "Hey, I can make one of those". So I obtained some black foam and set to work. Using the old one as a template. Fitted it up and it's all looking really good. To top it off, gave the eight valve a quick clean and super res polish. Ready to be thrust back into duty on Monday morning. All in all a very productive weekend. Finished just in time for me to put my feet up with a nice ale and a couple of LPs.

What time ?

Thanks for the update. Handy to know that other models fit that well.

Speaking from personal experiences: VR6: Urban (based on 20 minute drive from cold) 23/27 mpg Motorway (based on a 45 minute journey at 60 mph) 35/40 mpg 8v Urban as above - 28/32 Motorway as above - 42/47 That's just my cars, but there's many other factors to consider when evaluating potential mpg. Out of interest, have you driven any of the models ?

Being a cyclist, I take it they're titanium parts. Seriously, I hope you're feeling better as every day passes Paul. All the very best, James

I'd replace the mechanism. To do this, I'd remove the motor and if memory serves me well, remove the mechanism by sliding it towards the fully open position. If I can remember, there's a latch that stops it from coming out. Be carefull installing/removing the new part, as there's four little sliding feet that are really delicate. It's a couple of years since i re-built mine, so I may have missed some detail out.

A nice flourish there Andy. Once the nice weather (finally) arrives, I think you'll see more interest. The start of the show season should help as well. That usually kick starts peoples car interests off. Have you seen the indoor classic car show to be held near the Trafford centre ? I missed it last year, but plan to be there this year: http://www.classicshowsuk.co.uk/carshoweventsinformation/carshow_date.asp?id=336 See if you can get your car in the show. ---------- Post added at 4:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 4:20 PM ---------- Blimey !

It makes me shudder to think that someone could neglect their car so much to let that happen. What will you do to get them right ? Grind back the rough edges and fill the holes ?