Jim

One thing I would be interested to see is what the guides that protect the bonnet cable where it runs between the two release latches and across the front of the radiator, look like? They're apparently obsolete. I read a guide somewhere just saying to use a segment of the old bonnet cable sheathing. Does anyone have a picture of what this stuff is actually meant to look like? It's part number '24' on the attached diagram.. My cable is now running right across the top of the radiator so I worry that the constant heat cycling on it will cause it to weaken over time.

Absolutely. The club was stuck with that really dated Yahoo eGroup mailing list thing. Andi offered to stand up a forum for the club, for free, just as someone who was a Corrado enthusiast and who wanted to help make them more accessible and he was rudely shot down. Spite can be a wonderful motivator - and ultimately it's cost the club as in terms of general daily activity, it's always been in the shadow of this place.

If they don't come through, I ordered two when I just did my bonnet cable (just as they were cheap and postage was quite steep). Happy to hook you up with the spare one for what it cost me.

I would be surprised if this is the reason. During periods when not using my VR very much I always pull the battery, which can be off for weeks at a time. And when I reconnect it, it drives honestly the same as it does if I've left the battery connected between drives. Could be down to the coolant sensor for the ECU, though I'm not sure if that's in play right from cold - I think it is. Might be reading an incorrect value and not fuelling the car correctly - this would also explain the black smoke (possibly running rich?)

VW Heritage have them in stock currently, on their eBay site: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CORRADO-Nipple-for-Bonnet-Cable-535823555-/182142165147?hash=item2a6884e09b:g:Z4gAAOSwbPxXQXs6

Fitted this evening. Relatively easy job, and now my bonnet release action is super smooth! Cheers!

Spent a couple of hours installing a new bonnet cable (thanks easypops) along with a new trumpet thingy for the far end of the cable from VW Heritage. Actually was a pretty easy job but just took extra time as I decided to replace the cable outer as well as the inner, and also removed the front lights just so I could actually release the bonnet in the event the cable didn't work the first time I pulled it all shut :) Pleased to say it works perfectly and the bonnet release lever action is suuuuuppper smooth now :)

Thing is I do love these cars. So the reason I get irate at the high prices, is because they're not prices being determined by enthusiasts based on the effort that they've put into a car they've cherished for years - they're just traders rocking up and looking to make a large profit off the back of the efforts of others. I just hate seeing people trying to take advantage of other people! But maybe I should just shut up as it only benefits the rest of us. I just find it hard to drill that notion into my head!

Pretty sure I've read that something like WD40 is quite good at removing sticky adhesive residue from paint. Alternatively could try like a bug / tar remover spray such as those made by Autoglym?

I did - looked good! Need to compare your height measurements to mine I think.

Yeah they seem pretty decent. Ride isn't as hard or crashy as I expected either - it's softer sprung than my Fiesta ST! Need to have another go at raising the height of mine - definitely too low!

That's a good point - I mean just because someone has paid that price for the car, doesn't actually mean it's worth it.

Also had flashing coolant light from pattern part (GSF) coolant bottles. Think I went through two in fact before getting an OE one and, low and behold, it was fine! Like you say it could very well be just the oil cooler / heat exchanger - so certainly worth checking / swapping. Is it a 2.0 16v?

Not to try and suggest the worst case scenario but oil in the water could also be a sign of the head gasket going / gone :(

Congratulations John - great to see such a heavily modified car getting the recognition it deserves. There's certainly a place for the stunning original cars, but have to hand it to yourself for taking a Corrado to such an incredible extreme.

Wow nearly double. Ludicrous.

Did the OP ever let on how much these jokers actually paid for the car?

It's the predictability of it all that gets to me really. Not sure whether to laugh or cry. What did I say not one or two pages back? And seriously - anyone who pays that for a Corrado needs their head examining.

How many Corrado's were there?

All such options were discussed in the past but decided against - I don't entirely remember the reasons why. The forum is now under a new owner - the problem is I think he has plans longer term to try and monetise the forum himself so his objectives may be at odds with the CCGB's. The problem is ultimately by one merging with the other, ownership / control becomes lost - and I don't believe either party would want that. I just don't see an easy way of amalgamating the clubs.

They're actually available new from VW Classic Parts for just 86 euro per wheel - probably cheaper to buy NEW than to refurbish to be honest though shipping them from Germany might be a bit pricey. *edit* £332 delivered. OK so not cheaper than a refurb but brand new! Hmm...

Was just planning to come for the day but had a hangar for the club display.. I guess I wouldn't be able to get onto the display? Sorry - my screw up. I should have read the letter - just put it aside and forgot about it :(

Heh - appreciate the feedback / thoughts. It's all helpful in us shaping how we go forward. I'd like to try and organise a little Midlands get together at some point as I think there's quite a few of us around the area.

I just read the letter that came with my display hangar and apparently I needed to buy tickets in advance. Oh well, guess that writes that off for me :( Didn't even give a second thought to tickets and just assumed I could buy on the day.

Well I'd normally go to Stealth for most jobs as they're not miles away but they're normally pretty busy and I didn't have the time so just went local. Oh well.