James.

I couldn’t find the version without a centre section (There’s only one part number on partslink and all other sites) so what we’ve done is switch out the filter to the (later) plastic ended version, as opposed to the earlier metal capped version. Here’s where I bought the later (superseded) part: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325408091268?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=UYc4-p3_T3y&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=tk0ke1M_QYS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Sorry should have included a picture: This is the one I have: This is the only one I can find new : Both on the same part number. I rolled the dice on it, hoping the centre section could be removed. Nope 🙄. Anyone switched over the filter and cap to the later style ?

The mists of time have clouded my memory. My oil filter cap has a crack in it, so was going to switch it out (92 VR6). Trouble is, I can’t find one. All I can find are the later ones (same part number, thanks VAG 🙄). So my question is, can I use the later cap and later filter in an early (1992) housing ?

In the mean time, we’ll struggle on with old technology hoping for the best. A lot like us and our cars 😉

Have you checked the voltage output at the horn end ?

I got some of the replacement white clips from classic parts Germany a few years ago, but may be worth a look, as they may still be available. Two steps forward, and one step back (it’s the Corrado dance). 🙂

B/W, you still got the blackberry VR ?

James at Corrado graveyard is a great chap to deal with and has lots of spares. He’s on FB 🙂.

You and me both. It’s not perfect, but like you say it’s back on the road. And that’s what counts and is making me smile right now 😁. Hopefully (if time allows) I’ll be able to get it to a couple of shows/meets in 2024.

Loving it 🙂

Thanks. I’ve got the leaks under control, so I’m happy to have a go at the aircon over Winter. Listen out for the knock on your DM door 😉

I think it was when the forum changed hands and had to be re-built. I kept all mine in an archive and re-installed them recently, which was a pain, time consuming and I’m sure some are mixed up, but it’s the only place I have a record of the work completed to my car. Just something to do on a rainy afternoon. Quite enjoyed it. Lot’s of memories. Good and bad 🙂

Having given the old girl around 8 weeks of running in, I thought I’d update the thread. I must admit that I was very nervous at first. Fully expectant of a breakdown (or two). I didn’t have to wait long before our first technical issue though. An all too obvious rumble emanating from the front corner meant that the wheel bearing was shot. I imagine that when I brushed the wing/wheel with the other car a while back, it opened up the bearing to the outside elements. Ordered a new SKF unit and had it pressed in c/o John at JJs garage Wigan. Surprisingly a pleasurable (and straightforward) experience when all the bolts/nuts are new (ish). Tightened up a few hoses to stop a few leaks, but continue to have issue with the gear selector. So far I’ve managed to get it in a position where I can get reverse and 5th, UNTIL the gearbox/engine gets warm and then I either lose reverse or release is difficult. I’ll persevere, either that or continue to push it out if parking spaces for the foreseeable. The last couple of weeks have sashayed more confidence into my Sunday afternoon sojourns. The unusually warm weather has seen us beginning to re-establish enjoyment of the big old lump. I have a local loop that extends through the country roads via Southport and back and as such opening up “the taps” and the sunroof. I re-built the sunroof fully back in 2009 but had issue with the sunroof frame fouling the rubber strip that retains the headlining. Not a problem, I’ll remove the strip and reassess. Fast forward a week and after a brief run in the warm weather, the headlining detached and opened up like a black parachute above my head. Hanging down like a sad old bin bag, I decided to take it all apart and make another go of improving the sunroof and its associated parts. First job was to drop the headling. I thought I’d done with taking the car apart by now 🙄. Peeled back (with relative ease) the old fabric. For the purpose of restoration rather than replacement I opted to clean it up. Safely stored all the other components away. Here’s what I‘d found the last time I repaired it. And whilst I made adjustments to allow it easier movement, the swage line in the frame seemed to be the offending element. Deciding the best course of action would be to reduce the height of the outer lip, I set about doing just that. I used a gauge to obtain a uniform thickness, but the two small rivets toward the front edge became the deciding factor in how much to remove (3mm if anyone’s interested). I used a microfibre cloth, moistened with a little white spirit to remove any sticky residue. Left overnight, I returned to the outdoors and re-connected the cleaned fabric to its structural support. The new profile once sanded, cleaned and re-upholstered. All back in and looking presentable once more. Oh, and the best bit… it rolls back and forth with little resistance. And that’s where we’re up to. Had a chat with the bodyshop to have the small paint issues corrected next month. Fingers crossed that todays warm weather carries on and I can get a drive chalked up later in the week. Sunroof rolled back of course 😎.

I’ve run Rainsports for about 10 years on the 8v. Last year changed to Vredsteins in a 205 45 16 variant on the rear of the 8v and am very happy with them ( will go the same way for the fronts in due course ). Toyo TR1 were fitted when I bought it 13 years ago and switched out as they were not only awful but downright dangerous.

Hopefully a job you won’t need to do again for a while. And the body colour looks great underneath. Kudos 🫡

I use Lancaster. Agreed value and about £160 a year.

Keen to hear if they’ll do a gear knob (also need the handbrake handle). Let us know what they say. Wheel looks brill 😎

Congrats on the pass. I swear that washing the car doubles as a rain dance round here. Every time 🙄. And mileage, meh. They’re fun to be around wether moving or stationary. I did 1506 miles since the last mot… 12 years ago.

Chalk me up for a set please (with the clips). I'll put them on the 8V in Autumn with new blades. PM me payment details.

Thanks. I've just added the magazine articles, but will add the write up to the opening page as well 🙂

Thanks for the info Dox. Looking over the GOV blog regarding the history of electronic access to MOTs, it appears 2015 was the first time the public were given open access to MOT history of any vehicle. Although the certification was digitised from 2005. So that ties in with the theory of it being laid up from before 2005. That'll be some good varnish in the fuel pipes by now 🙁. I did manage to locate a write up from Issue 1 of "The Sprinter":

Just a little bump for new information and a question. Recently read a thread on social media that an owner was approached by the "elusive Lady in Ipswich". Now, I know that it's believed she owns the ex Chris De Bono car. Its registration mark was K2 CKD. So I ran the number through the Gov MOT checker and the following info popped up. I'm confused. Could anyone offer any reason why this would show up as it is ? Here's the only picture I have of the car: I remember seeing an advert for the car in an old copy of "The Sprinter". Does anyone have a copy they'd care to share please ?

Not much. You'll need a low range torque wrench. 7nm for the assembly to wiper shaft 15nm for the wiper arm to wiper shaft

Certainly will Thanks. It's been a long road. Damn right. Checked the Gov MOT site this morning and got all giddy. Busy with work over the next few days, so will pick it up early next week (once the radio and wiring behind the dashboard is all reverted to OE spec).

So after a false start, this happened... Very happy to say the least. 12 and a half years after I last drove it, It now has a full bill of health. The wiring for the radio is the last of the mechanical jobs to be completed in the next couple of days (for this year at least). Then there's all those knocks and scratches that have accumulated over the last 12 years to be rectified, and I'll be collecting air con parts for replacement over winter. But overall, it means I can head out and drive the damn thing. Which after all , is why we buy them in the first place 🙂.