daves16v

Don't want to pay that much, thanks anyway.

Both sides required, must be original VAG items, surface condition not important as they'll be blasted and coated. Thanks Dave

Popped into my local post office today for car tax, handed over my documents, the chap behind the counter looked through them and said "oooo very nice". Just what I needed as the car is now legal and ready.

I'm now the proud owner of a 12 month MOT certificate! Only 2 advisories - both front wishbones bushes looking tired but I plan to change them for R32 items anyway. I'm more pleased this time as I've refurbed the rear beam, bushes, brakes, bearings etc and done most of the work myself so pretty chuffed. Just Tax to pay for now.

Thanks for the comments. Andy, it's not quite perfect but it's good enough for me and I like to think I'm quite particular. I could probably help with making up the repair pieces.

Whilst I was in body repairing mode I noticed a few other bits at the back that needed minor attention so whipped the bumper off and got them sorted. This revealed some rust on the bumper iron, there was no way that was going back on in that state. Blast and powder coat followed with Stainless bolts throughout and I had large washers very neatly Tig welded to the M10 bolts to match the originals. Just need to bleed the brakes for the MOT tomorrow, then TAX and it's back on the road.

Very happy to say the arch repairs are all done. So the process went - 1. Remove paint and underseal 2. Cut out all severe rust 3. Treat surface rust 4. Make cardboard templates 5. Make steel repair pieces against cardboard templates 6. Weld in-place 7. Smooth welds 8. Fill all remaining gaps 9. Smooth filler 10. Etch prime 11. Apply VAG original underseal to match existing 12. Smooth the above to match existing 13. Mask and paint using VAG paint 14. Apply VAG laquer The result I'm very happy with and I've saved me a load of cash. I've constructed the steel repair pieces to match the original and I think I've achieved that rather well. Only thing I haven't done yet is cavity wax inside which will be done today. Pics are a little dark so you can't see the detail too well, I've brightened them as far as I can.

David, thanks for that matey, I'll have a play with it.

Yeah I did consider it but I wouldn't know where to start with a plain old html page, cheers for the advice.

I wanted to advertise my parts in a simple way but the sig would only allow a certain amount of characters which amounted to about 2 items when I'd allowed for the link and name. So the pdf would link back to the forum and I could advertise any number of parts. Not much on the pdf at the moment - it's a work in progress.

Thanks David, just what I wanted to hear. Seriously mate I'm not fussed, I need to do a quality repair so I'm fine with it.

Picked up the seam sealer today - £18.54

Good luck, I'll be watching this as I want to do it soon.

Thanks David, I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow for a price.

Can't seem to find Redstripe anywhere, what about U-POL Greystripe at Halfords?

Thanks guys but if its the same stuff under the wheel arch then its about 3mm thick in places especially where I need to coat. Lasermark picked a bottle of this up from the dealer, seems very thin for building up to the required thickness.

Does anyone know if the stonechip guard that is applied to the sills and under arch is available from VAG or can recommend any other? I've seen the hammerite stuff from halfords and also heard of Shultz but need something that doesn't need a special gun. Is there a brush on product available? It won't be applied to the outside of the sill so as long as I can get it to look close-ish to the original that would be good. Thanks

The pump usually runs with the ignition on only and you should still hear a new pump working. Pull the plug off and give it a 12v supply.

Agreed - total dedication.

Loving the rims, nice and simple.

If the driver door unlocks from the passenger side and also using the alarm fob then the central locking system is ok. Seeing as the problem started with the handle swap then my money is on the second handle also being faulty.

My paint arrived today and is as described on the website, quick delivery too.

Just got a good discount for being a member of the CCGB this morning on a quote from Footman James for my VR - £228. Very happy with that, they're going to send the details through the post so will double check everything first.

Thanks for the offer but I've found some local to me.

Haha, yes I've considered it but would want to get hold of a set to copy rather than pull mine off.