Service Offered: Retrofitting Cruise Control

timmus

A2OC Donor
To all A2 owners,

I offer a cruise control retrofitting service. I only use genuine parts, meaning that the final installation looks and operates exactly as though your A2 left the factory with cruise control already fitted.

By default, I supply the 'later style' cruise control stalk. This type of stalk has two buttons on the end, as shown in the photo below. It is easy to use and highly intuitive.
IMG_1771.jpg

I also offer, on request, the 'early style' cruise control stalk. It works in exactly the same way, but has only one button on the end, with the other button integrated into the slider switch. For A2s with the Driver Information System (DIS), some people find this arrangement preferable as it avoids confusion with the buttons on the end of the wiper stalk. It is, however, less intuitive to use.
IMG_1261.jpg

I am based in Lancaster, near M6 Junction 34, though it's frequently possible to arrange fitting at alternate locations across Europe.
Please send me a message for further details.

Click the following link to see an overview of the services that I offer...

Many thanks,

Tom
 
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Remind me Tom how long does it take to install one of these??
I don’t suppose it can beat your record of installing a steering-wheel
:D
 
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Remind me Tom how long does it take to install one of these?

Not including the time it takes to make the loom, it takes a couple of hours, including the time needed to test the brake/clutch pedal switches for safety, etc.

I don’t suppose it can beat your record of installing a steering-wheel

You've lost me, Mo. When did I set a steering wheel record!? Given that this is an airbag-related job, it's not one I'm inclined to rush.

Cheers,

Tom
 
When you told me how long it took you on a steering wheel I was amazed at the record breaking time hence, Thought you might have a record timing for this job too. :) Not saying it’s rushed,far from it but I am aware from reading/seeing on the forum that you are a gentlemen who does exceeds standards and quite rightly as you said it is an airbag-related job and I guess a longer process. However long it may take I am sure people will be satisfied.

Nice1

Mo
 
Until now, I didn't realise there were two versions of the stalk. The first one definitely seems more rational.

On my old smart, it was simply a twist function to set and to accelerate, with a push button for on, off, and to set a much missed artificial speed limit for the car - very handy as it meant the foot could rest flat on the accelerator and let cruise do the work (and no need to look for another foot rest), with the ability to easily decelerate when desired.

My cruise control history is otherwise limited, but apparently some Alfas of old had the cruise cancel button on the headlining?!?
 
Until now, I didn't realise there were two versions of the stalk. The first one definitely seems more rational.

Indeed, the first of the two options is what I have in my car, and I much prefer it, simply because it is more intuitive to my mind. As previously mentioned, Audi's rationale for the second option is to avoid confusion with the buttons on the end of the DIS stalk by making the controls on the end of each stalk distinctly different in their feel/operation.

On my old smart, it was simply a twist function to set and to accelerate, with a push button for on, off, and to set a much missed artificial speed limit for the car - very handy as it meant the foot could rest flat on the accelerator and let cruise do the work (and no need to look for another foot rest), with the ability to easily decelerate when desired.

Mercedes/Smart generally integrate cruise control and a speed limiter into the same system. It's much easier to do on automatic cars, though. A speed limiter is great; you set your maximum speed to 30mph, and however you drive within the urban environment, you can't get caught speeding. Great!

Cheers,

Tom
 
Having had a few days to get acquainted with the latter stalk, it still feels counter intuitive in its operation.

My 1998 BMW's CC was integrated into the MFSW. The operation and button layout was much simpler and easily accessible. The buttons were illuminated too.

I hadn't really thought how confusing CC could be. Audi dropped the ball in this respect I believe.

On the other hand, after a few hours/days' use it is like it's always been in the car.

So glad I had it fitted and wouldn't be without it.
 
After sending a PM to Tom about availability earlier this week I managed to get booked in with him only 2 days later for him to retro fit cruise control for me.

His passion and knowledge for the A2 platform really shine through and I received lots of tips, knowledge for future servicing and plans I have, a full check over of the cars diagnostics, a very clever temp fix for my brake pad warning light! Far more than I originally imagined!

His workmanship on the retrofit was absolutely spot on, he gave a comprehensive tuition on how it works too. First class service! :)

Afterwards, while chatting, Tom mentioned that he likes to be thought of as a club member who offers services to others. I think that's a great way to describe him, it was a pleasure to have him come to my home and add a feature too Bert that will improve my commute. I am still new around here but he's a real credit to the forums, many thanks again! :)
 
His passion and knowledge for the A2 platform really shine through...

His workmanship on the retrofit was absolutely spot on, he gave a comprehensive tuition on how it works too. First class service! :) ...

I am still new around here but he's a real credit to the forums, many thanks again! :)

Many, many thanks for your kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and I'm delighted that you're so happy with my work. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the future. :)

Cheers,

Tom
 
When I eventually buy an A2 I've already noted Tom/Timmus to ask to retrofit cruise control.

Thanks Sunsurfer. I hope you manage to find an A2 that suits your needs and desires. We're not too far apart, so arranging a cruise control installation ought to be fairly simple. :)

How much do you charge timmus and do you need dis to have cruise control.

Hi JustJust. I prefer to keep prices off the forum as I've otherwise got to remember where I've written what should prices change. As such, I'll send you a PM. You do not have to have DIS to have cruise control; these options are completely independent of each other, though I'm happy to retrofit both should you wish.

Tim, could you reply to my PM please?

I've just responded to your PM, Sciroccorrado. Apologies for the delay; the last few days have been busy busy!! Great username, by the way. :)

Cheers,

Tom
 
Thanks Sunsurfer. I hope you manage to find an A2 that suits your needs and desires. We're not too far apart, so arranging a cruise control installation ought to be fairly simple. :)



Hi JustJust. I prefer to keep prices off the forum as I've otherwise got to remember where I've written what should prices change. As such, I'll send you a PM. You do not have to have DIS to have cruise control; these options are completely independent of each other, though I'm happy to retrofit both should you wish.



I've just responded to your PM, Sciroccorrado. Apologies for the delay; the last few days have been busy busy!! Great username, by the way. :)

Cheers,

Tom

Lol - Thanks Tom, it comes from my two great loves ;) I am/was the Coupe King at one point. I've had 13x Sciroccos and 3 Corrados (including the near-mythical Campaign model)
 
Do you sell the stalk itself with wires? You are really far away...

Distance isn't usually a problem. I do 'retrofitting tours' where I visit lots of A2s owners. I've recently been to Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark and I am about to go to Norway. I am, of course, willing to fly to Ukraine, but it's perhaps a little expensive for a single cruise control retrofit.

I offer a complete service and do not just sell the parts, as these are available online. I definitely recommend buying a genuine Audi control stalk; the third-party (Chinese) copies are rubbish. If the stalk seems cheap, it won't be genuine. Many retailers think that anything for a Mk4 Golf will also be correct for the A2. As such, many cruise control kits available online (which claim to be for the A2) have the correct stalk but an incorrect wiring loom.

If you own a 1.2 TDI, be aware that the engine management unit does not have any software for cruise control - the ECU software must be upgraded.

Cheers,

Tom
 
Distance isn't usually a problem. I do 'retrofitting tours' where I visit lots of A2s owners. I've recently been to Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark and I am about to go to Norway. I am, of course, willing to fly to Ukraine, but it's perhaps a little expensive for a single cruise control retrofit.

I offer a complete service and do not just sell the parts, as these are available online. I definitely recommend buying a genuine Audi control stalk; the third-party (Chinese) copies are rubbish. If the stalk seems cheap, it won't be genuine. Many retailers think that anything for a Mk4 Golf will also be correct for the A2. As such, many cruise control kits available online (which claim to be for the A2) have the correct stalk but an incorrect wiring loom.

If you own a 1.2 TDI, be aware that the engine management unit does not have any software for cruise control - the ECU software must be upgraded.

Cheers,

Tom
Hmm, maybe I should plan a range of retrofitting activities then, I have a friend with A2 who wants to install a cruise control and the heated seats. Can you PM me with your rates considering travel and approximate time-frame? Thank you!
 
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Sometimes I won't get asked to do a particular upgrade for absolutely ages and then suddenly loads of people will ask for the same upgrade all at once. About a year ago, this happened with multifunction steering wheels; I hadn't fitted one for ages and then ended up doing 4 or 5 within a few weeks.
However, cruise control remains eternally popular. A number of weeks ago now, I ended up doing 8 cruise control installations in 5 days! I suspect that's a record I'll never beat...

Stalk.jpg


Column.jpg


VCDS.jpg


I'm currently working in the York/Leeds/Sheffield area should anyone desire this upgrade.

Cheers,

Tom
 
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