Project EUD (2001 Jaipur Red TDI AMF)

[2work]

Silicone is better as tethers can crack or break. Just carry a small disposable knife to cut the silicone if needed

Evening Graham,

It’s been a while since we chatted Sir, hope all is well.

Yes I’ll take that on board as wasn’t too keen on a tether to be honest. Having a jacking point cover coming loose and flapping around could possibly damage the coachwork on the side parts, silicone it is as the 3M VHB tape clearly hasn’t lasted as well as I thought it would.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Hello all.

Thought I’d share a few pictures of the jacking point cover rejuvenation progress. Earlier this morning the finish looked almost acceptable to fit:

Although this item sits well away from eye level I still wasn’t too keen on the poor finish (orange peel) which was entirely expected for such a rushed job to be honest.

I therefore got the paper out ready for some wet sanding. The picture below is after starting at 1200 grit (wet) and then went on through 1500, 2000 and 2500 grit.

Unfortunately I forgot to get a picture after each pass of the various grits I used.

After 2 cutting sessions of G3 compound over only 5 minutes the result looked absolutely spot on and ready to place back on the vehicle. Here’s the finished item that’ll be safely held on with a few blobs of silicone when the rain clouds ease off:

Wasn’t overly bothered about making the inside any more presentable than it currently is. Orange peel removed to a very good finish for such a quick repair which I probably should have taken a bit longer to ensure it was perfect.

I cannot believe the results of this rapid transformation and that it 24 hours ago it looked like this:

Hopefully have this adhered on soon enough to restore the appearance of this lovely looking project.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Afternoon all,

As my attention has more been focussed on another Jaipur Red A2 recently I thought it right to tackle something on this one.

Some of you will recall I paired a new set of rear PDC sensors…:

Which stood out like a sore thumb:

Only last week see Steve @A2Steve selling an aged set of Jaipur Red rear PDC sensors. These were quickly obtained for me by David @devans (thank you very much) whilst I was away and offline.

Here’s the difference between 2 recently painted sensors and 2 aged sensors:

I’m sure you can work out which 2 were painted years ago and which 2 I painted a couple of mo the ago.

Just been out to fit them but gave up attempting to reach the outer 2 sensors. My un-child like hands-arms just couldn’t manage the task. I’ll possibly try to access these outer 2 sensors another time after removing the rear wheel arch liners. If not then it’ll no doubt be a rear bumper off job which I’d rather avoid as I know the fool who fitted the Votex kit and probably used far too much TigerSeal on the Votex rear valance that wraps around the rear arch. Here’s the process look though:

Blend in much better don’t they. Nothing is ever easy is it!

Not tested the sensors yet but will do that later on after the bucket and sponge has been out for this little beauty!

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Hello all,

Anyone who has followed this thread from the very beginning will know that it didn’t take me long to add an A6 armrest to the glorious example of an A2 but I still wanted to go a stage further…

Prior to the joint A6 armrest venture with Paul @depronman I was supplied with the necessary files from Duncan @DuncanA2 to reproduce the A1 armrest bracket and 3D printed plastic trim items. These were what was used as the foundation of what Paul still has available today which are already in many an A2.

The main reason why the A6 C5 armrest was chosen over the A1 armrest was due to its availability and pricing. Time has moved on and since then and I’ve been fortunate enough to obtain an A1 armrest in immaculate condition for a very reasonable price:

After a quick pass of AutoGlym rubber and vinyl product the armrest looked almost brand new.

With this item secured and on the way from Poland (to keep delivery costs down this was purchased by a friend in Poland and handed their family member who transits our shores as part of his job) I needed to get the bracket files laser cut and welded up along with the plastic trim files printed. A friend (thank you Neil) was able to help with this and have since had then items delivered to me.

Here’s the

Brackets after printing and welding:

Look rather nice don’t they. Very happy with what was provided as they look nice and strong and have been cleaned up after the welding brilliantly.

More on the next post.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Me again,

Continuing with the A1 armrest from above.

Here’s the last picture of the unpainted brackets I’ll show:

Before I could consider adding these to the Jaipur Red fleet I felt they needed a bit of colour. I didn’t want to achieve a perfect paint job with these and wanted them more of a factory looking finish whereby the paint was only a few mist coats (after primer of course) and now clear coat/lacquer just like the paintwork beneath the carpets etc. here’s what one of them looks like after 3-4 light coats on top of the primer:

Think you’ll agree I’ve just about achieved the factory finish similar to our covered interior painted areas. I’m very happy with the result. This was done with the half tin of Jaipur Red I had left from last years PDC sensor painting. Painting this type of item that isn’t necessarily on show could be deemed as overkill but the OCD strand in me is calmed knowing that it’s done.

Next up was to check the plastic trim panels for fitment. Running out of room for pictures so will continue on the next post…

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Hello again,

Continuing from the previous post…

Let’s have a look at the 3D printed plastic trim panels that I’ve got ready for a few coats of Volico Soul paint and primer:

They look splendid don’t they. Really thick and strong and actually quite smooth. I’ve since wet sanded them up to 800 grip and applied a few coats of primer. They’ll have another round of wet sanding before applying the Volico Soul. The primer was on my done earlier today so will add a few pictures of them after the primer has cured and I’ve sanded them.

Here’s the printed trims placed together ahead of wet sanding:

Before I’m able to reveal the final pictures of these all together and fitted, let’s have a look at the pictures that Duncan shared a few years ago of what produced by our friends in Germany:

That’s all for now folks. More to follow once I’ve got the primed plastics sanded then painted which will quickly be followed by full installation.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[johnyfartbox]

Excellent Tom, I can see that a heck of a lot of work and diligence as gone into getting the results.
Well done.

 

[rasA2]

wow impressive! Excellent work now I see what that whole is for behind the handbrake, its meant to be!

 

[2work]

Excellent Tom, I can see that a heck of a lot of work and diligence as gone into getting the results.
Well done.

Evening John,

Yes it’s been a bit of unnecessary work to be honest as there is nothing wrong with the A6 armrest currently fitted. I just really wanted a different look within the interior and you know I like to be a little different, haha.

wow impressive! Excellent work now I see what that whole is for behind the handbrake, it’s meant to be!

Evening,

Thank you yet again for the kind words. If you’re looking for something similar without going to the effort then I’ll of course have a Soul Black A6 C5 armrest and associated bracket available soon as I can get this new arrangement installed. PM me if you’re interested as I’m sure we can sort something out.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Sorry I’m back again,

Most of you will know that I can be impatient sometimes and just want to proceed with the task at hand.

4-5 hours should be long enough for the primed printed trims to be handled so have just been out to the garage to check the results of the lunchtime paint job.

Here’s the plastics which will be wet sanded down later on or tomorrow (or in a minute lol):

Not a bad finish actually as there is plenty of dust particles floating around the garage from a massive clear out over the weekend and only swept it all out early this morning ahead of starting work.

I did say a few lines above that I’m impatient, yes I decided to wet sanded the parts mid-post ready for painting (still damp on some corners but are dry now):

I’m going to say I’ll do it tomorrow but we all know I’ll probably start in the next half hour haha.

Cannot wait to finally have an A1 armrest fitted. I’m already I’m on the hunt for a second reasonably priced armrest as have the painted bracket and primed plastics for the Project EYV A2.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[simon martyn]

There is only one comment that seems right Tom. Wow!!!!!!

 

[2work]

Morning Simon,

Thank you very much Sir. It’s hopefully going to look spot on when fitted. I of course painted the primed plastics last night in Volico Soul product. I’ll pop out to the garage at lunchtime to. Ring them indoors for some pictures. Fingers crossed the finish is good enough for this A2. I know the colour match is great but needs a few days for it to darken as it is visibly more of a very dark grey when freshly painted. I remember this from painting a Rear Cup Holder. After a week or 2 the Soul Volico finish darkened and matched perfectly.

Lunchtime should reveal how it looks today though. Not sure when I’ll have time to remove/lift the centre console to fit though. Maybe this weekend.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[dj_efk]

Interesting - my 3D printed A6 armrest plastics have never fitted perfectly - the rear seat rubs on them when folded & pivoted fully forward: This has resulted in the finish becoming scruffy.

I will watch this with interest Tom: I was planning to attempt to dismantle and shave the plastics slightly before repainting. I do like the A6 armrest very much but the A1 version looks smaller and therefore slightly more suited visually to the A2.

It would be interesting for you to compare the two in terms of positioning, function and whether the A1 version is less obstructive to handbrake operation - The A6 armrest I find is noticeable in this regard, albeit is tolerable.

 

[2work]

Interesting - my 3D printed A6 armrest plastics have never fitted perfectly - the rear seat rubs on them when folded & pivoted fully forward: This has resulted in the finish becoming scruffy.

I will watch this with interest Tom: I was planning to attempt to dismantle and shave the plastics slightly before repainting. I do like the A6 armrest very much but the A1 version looks smaller and therefore slightly more suited visually to the A2.

It would be interesting for you to compare the two in terms of positioning, function and whether the A1 version is less obstructive to handbrake operation - The A6 armrest I find is noticeable in this regard, albeit is tolerable.

Morning David,

I must admit I was never able to get the A6 armrest printed plastics looking spot on so went in a different direction in the end with a leather boot wrapped around the bracket. Looked quite good but always wished for the premium looking finish that Duncan showed us all those years ago.

I’ll have it all fitted and will report my findings. Never noticed the rear seat rubbing previously though but they’re rarely removed these day. I’ll get some picture of the seats stood up to show you if you issue still exists with my new arrangement. More to follow once fitted.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Morning all,

Apologies for not coming back to you yesterday with pictures of the Volico Soul painted printed plastics, a busy day here and just run out of time.

Here they are:

Another busy couple of days here so will hopefully have the new A1 arrangement fitted over the weekend. My fingers are crossed that the holes in the A6 bracket are identically located to the A1 bracket for a simplified installation.

The finish is spot on and any blemishes you see is just dust in the kitchen as just cleaning the sideboards down.

The colour has already darkened but not compared it to the factory finished A1 armrest trims. If the colour match is unsightly then I can always paint the factory A1 trims as plenty of Soul Volico left.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[johnyfartbox]

Outstanding work Tom.
Like you said, the trims on the armrest can always be matched.

 

[2work]

Outstanding work Tom.
Like you said, the trims on the armrest can always be matched.

Thank you John,

I’ve still not found time to fit the new armrest but starting to itch to get this done now. The weather is nice outside and so may have to get the tools out after dinner this evening.

I’ll try to remember to get before Dir and after pictures to show the difference between the 2 armrests.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Hello all,

Another good day here at 2work Towers, MOT day! I’m pleased to reveal that this stunner passed with ease but unfortunately did pick up an advisory:

Quite annoyed at myself as this was picked up last year and totally forgot to rectify it, the amount of time I’ve spent on the underside of this vehicle could have resulted in a completely clean report if I had remembered and put in an additional half hours tinkering. Not the end of the world though I suppose.

A matching pair of track rod ends are now on order to replace them both so that should keep that area of the inspection clear for many years.

Guess I should treat my aluminium friend to something!

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[rasA2]

always nice to have a advisory free MOT glad its nothing too bad... are they still giving out paper MOTs heard they are stopping this?

 

[2work]

always nice to have a advisory free MOT glad its nothing too bad... are they still giving out paper MOTs heard they are stopping this?

Morning,

Yes nothing serious and can be resolved in 30 minutes of tinkering followed by having the tracking checked.

I wasn’t aware that hard copy MOT certificates were being stopped but it makes sense, so many other services have been paper free for years it seems a logical step. After looking up online about this though, it seems that as of the end of this month (29th of April 2024) you will no longer receive a hard copy certificate and it will now be available online. Everyday is a school day is t it!

Kind regards,

Tom