Hi all, my name is Jonny. Iâm an apprentice for a well-knownaerospace company. Iâve been around on the forums for a while nowbut been quiet and not got a right lot done. My previous car was a mk4anniversary rep. carried out all the work myself
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/SAM_0867.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/SAM_0867.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I sold this in November and bought myself an A3 2.0tdi 3 door in grey, withevery intention of doing nothing to it at all⦠that lasted about 2 weeks [/FONT][FONT=Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings]J[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]firstly was to take the horrible wood trim out. I bought myself a full set ofpiano black trims and played about with vinyl wrapping them.
[IMG][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0232.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0232.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0151.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0151.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]In the end I preferred the standard black.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0150.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0150.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Might look into getting them done in real carbon at somepoint. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Next thing I did was to de badge and de wiper the rear. Looksso much better
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/098.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/098.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Early February I had a few troubles with the cars electricswhich turned out to be the alternator and the battery so changed both of theseand everything was working a treat again.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]In February I ended up buying a set of 19âspeedlines, theirET48 8.5J. Ideally I would have liked a staggered set up with a 9J ET 41 butthat will be for a later date. Until then Iâve bought myself a set of 8mmspacers.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/010.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/010.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next big purchase I had was air ride in April. I bought a 2 way electric firestone kit.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/041.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/041.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I started with making the gauge mound up. I wanted them tobe as subtle and as OEM as possible and decided that I wanted to mount them inthe ash tray. I havenât seen anyone else do the same on an 8p. Probably hasbeen done though. Not the easiest ofjobs as it was tight in there and not allot of room to play about with. Apologies for the iPhone pictures[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I bought myself a new ashtray
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/059.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/059.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]this is how I wanted it too look
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/060.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/060.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]so I took it to pieces
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/061.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/061.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Cut the bottom out
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/062.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/062.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Glued everything into position with a hot glue gun
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/071.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/071.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/070.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/070.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Then used a lot of body filler to smooth everything in
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/072.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/072.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]This is as far as I got with the gauges before I needed themto fit the air ride so they need finishing of[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]The tank was a bit shabby and had scratches all over it, so Iflatted it down [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/074.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/074.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Re-sprayed in a satin black and mounted in the boot where I wantedit to sit.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/075.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/075.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]My spare wheel well was only a space saver so unfortunately itwould fit completely hidden under the floor, so I decided to cut a slot out ofthe floor to show half the tank through
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/076.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/076.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]And this is how the boot looked when it was all puttogether.
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next problem I faced was the front struts. The kit I hadpurchased was a 50mm strut and I needed a 55mm. (I had realised this before I boughtthem it was just they were so cheap).
The options I had for this was to go to Rayvern and pay through the nose forsome 55mm struts and mount the bags on them or what I came up with was to gethold of a pair of the 50 â 55mm shims like the ones found on the JOM bluelinecoilover kits and mount them to the struts.
I picked up a second hand set of the JOM coilovers, took the shims out and soldthe kit on for double what I paid, Result!
The shims did take a bit of reworking to make them fit. I had to cut backaround 25mm from the top and file the inside radius of the lip on the bottom ofthem to ensure they would go around the strut and close tight when bolted intothe hub. [IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/082.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/082.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]A bit of effort but worth it for the saving. And this iswhat they looked like fully built up.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/085.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/085.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next step was to sort the rear mounting plates. The guy Ihad bought them of had mullered the edge that needed welding on to the car withhis welding. It had burnt through the metal in places and he had hacked at themwith an angle grinder to get them off.
Canât see very well in the photo
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/081.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/081.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]So I cut them off and grinded them back.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/080.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/080.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I couldnât find any steel that was the same diameter internallyand externally so I had to get a larger piece milled down on a lathe at workbut it worked a treat.
I hired out a workshop for the weekend to put the kit on. Iâm not a mechanic byany stretch but I managed eventually after 2 very long days to get the kit on. Biggestball ache I had was getting the standard struts out of the hub. But after 3hours of hammering and swearing they were out.
And hereâs how it sits for now.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/088.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/088.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/096.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/096.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/093.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/093.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Iâm going to play about with how it is for a while just to ironout the problems. Since disconnecting the battery to weld the rear struts theunlock button on my key fob has stopped working? And I canât get the bags todump (something to do with the wring or plumbing) ill figure it out. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri] Hopefully should finishof the gauges this week and the wheels should be on very soon. Iâll get some proper photos with the DSLR then.
plans for the future are lamin x frontlights (light tint headlights, yellow fogs) LED all lights, sort paintwork out,machine polish, polish / clean exhaust tips and maybe 06 -08 plate slineconversion. Iâll keep you posted. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][B]
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[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/SAM_0867.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/SAM_0867.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/IMG_1818.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/IMG_1818.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I sold this in November and bought myself an A3 2.0tdi 3 door in grey, withevery intention of doing nothing to it at all⦠that lasted about 2 weeks [/FONT][FONT=Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings]J[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]firstly was to take the horrible wood trim out. I bought myself a full set ofpiano black trims and played about with vinyl wrapping them.
[IMG][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0232.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0232.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0151.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0151.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]In the end I preferred the standard black.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0150.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/IMG_0150.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Might look into getting them done in real carbon at somepoint. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Next thing I did was to de badge and de wiper the rear. Looksso much better
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/098.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/098.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Early February I had a few troubles with the cars electricswhich turned out to be the alternator and the battery so changed both of theseand everything was working a treat again.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]In February I ended up buying a set of 19âspeedlines, theirET48 8.5J. Ideally I would have liked a staggered set up with a 9J ET 41 butthat will be for a later date. Until then Iâve bought myself a set of 8mmspacers.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/010.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/010.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next big purchase I had was air ride in April. I bought a 2 way electric firestone kit.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/041.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/041.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I started with making the gauge mound up. I wanted them tobe as subtle and as OEM as possible and decided that I wanted to mount them inthe ash tray. I havenât seen anyone else do the same on an 8p. Probably hasbeen done though. Not the easiest ofjobs as it was tight in there and not allot of room to play about with. Apologies for the iPhone pictures[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I bought myself a new ashtray
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/059.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/059.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]this is how I wanted it too look
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/060.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/060.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]so I took it to pieces
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/061.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/061.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Cut the bottom out
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/062.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/062.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Glued everything into position with a hot glue gun
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/071.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/071.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/070.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/070.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Then used a lot of body filler to smooth everything in
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/072.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/072.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]This is as far as I got with the gauges before I needed themto fit the air ride so they need finishing of[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]The tank was a bit shabby and had scratches all over it, so Iflatted it down [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/074.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/074.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Re-sprayed in a satin black and mounted in the boot where I wantedit to sit.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/075.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/075.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]My spare wheel well was only a space saver so unfortunately itwould fit completely hidden under the floor, so I decided to cut a slot out ofthe floor to show half the tank through
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/076.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/076.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]And this is how the boot looked when it was all puttogether.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/083.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/083.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next problem I faced was the front struts. The kit I hadpurchased was a 50mm strut and I needed a 55mm. (I had realised this before I boughtthem it was just they were so cheap).
The options I had for this was to go to Rayvern and pay through the nose forsome 55mm struts and mount the bags on them or what I came up with was to gethold of a pair of the 50 â 55mm shims like the ones found on the JOM bluelinecoilover kits and mount them to the struts.
I picked up a second hand set of the JOM coilovers, took the shims out and soldthe kit on for double what I paid, Result!
The shims did take a bit of reworking to make them fit. I had to cut backaround 25mm from the top and file the inside radius of the lip on the bottom ofthem to ensure they would go around the strut and close tight when bolted intothe hub. [IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/082.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/082.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]A bit of effort but worth it for the saving. And this iswhat they looked like fully built up.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/085.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/085.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The next step was to sort the rear mounting plates. The guy Ihad bought them of had mullered the edge that needed welding on to the car withhis welding. It had burnt through the metal in places and he had hacked at themwith an angle grinder to get them off.
Canât see very well in the photo
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/081.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/081.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]So I cut them off and grinded them back.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/080.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/080.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]I couldnât find any steel that was the same diameter internallyand externally so I had to get a larger piece milled down on a lathe at workbut it worked a treat.
I hired out a workshop for the weekend to put the kit on. Iâm not a mechanic byany stretch but I managed eventually after 2 very long days to get the kit on. Biggestball ache I had was getting the standard struts out of the hub. But after 3hours of hammering and swearing they were out.
And hereâs how it sits for now.
[IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/088.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/088.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/096.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/096.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][URL="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/093.jpg%5b/IMG"][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz163/jonnyb289/cars/093.jpg[/IMG[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/URL][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]Iâm going to play about with how it is for a while just to ironout the problems. Since disconnecting the battery to weld the rear struts theunlock button on my key fob has stopped working? And I canât get the bags todump (something to do with the wring or plumbing) ill figure it out. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri] Hopefully should finishof the gauges this week and the wheels should be on very soon. Iâll get some proper photos with the DSLR then.
plans for the future are lamin x frontlights (light tint headlights, yellow fogs) LED all lights, sort paintwork out,machine polish, polish / clean exhaust tips and maybe 06 -08 plate slineconversion. Iâll keep you posted. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][B]
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You whopper!
