The Black Pearl

So then I looked at the front end...
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The sum total of all the front arch liner, headlamp and bumper fixings:
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Comparing old beams with new:
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With one end lined up...
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It needed a little creative thinking and gentle assistance to refit:
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That's better!
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Then I found some more horrors :(
Somebody has made a mess of lifting the front end in the past. She's going to need two new sill covers, nothing else I can do but the damage appears superficial.
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The sill covers are a very common issue. Usually courtesy of tyre fitters. As long as it hasn’t bent the floor then it’s only cosmetic and a relatively easy fix.
 
Blimey, you're sure about calling her Pearl? "Magic" seems to be performed by the looks of the damage here and there.

Oh well, you're getting things fixed, if you keep up this pace it will be shining in no time! ?.
 
There's a fair bit of luck getting used up here but a black cat did cross my path yesterday so I'll go with that!
I want this car sorted asap, its not supposed to be a project (like every other car I have owned, bar the Allroad but that was a special case)
She is definitely "The Black Pearl" in a Captain Jack Sparrow sort of way.
"what a car needs vs what it is..." etc
 
Most of what you’re finding is common unfortunately. Our black one had the bent rear crash bar and both sills broken in exactly the same way, the sheet metal on the floor was also bent like yours. Oh, and the abs loom was also bodged. All sorted now but things you can do without. Ours was only 500 quid, so all expected, but it’s becoming a really nice car now. I do think you’re better buying something like this than spending far more for a sorted one, at least you now know it’s don’t properly.
Ian
 
I'm just glad its within my skill set. I was a Meccano and Lego kid. This car would have been beyond unaffordable to us when it was new, its just a shame when people seem incapable of taking care of things or actually giving a s### in their job :(
Ironically, this was exactly the conversation I had with the lad I bought the car from. Buy well, look after stuff and it wont cost you in the long run.
 
Sachs HD rear springs (996 940) arrived after three weeks... £49 for the pair was a bargain but drop-shipped from Poland which the seller didn't declare and their comms were terrible.
BNC-Europe in Bedford are taking a lot of flak right now, you have been warned.
At least the parts arrived in the end, I have everything else for the job.
 
Last three services were at Berry's Garage in Colwyn Bay. Anyone know of them?
I know them very well...literally round the corner to me, I don't use them.
Bizarre as I don't recognise the car, and I know most of them round here...must have missed it. have you got the address of the former owner and I can have a word to see if I can get some details off him/her. Inbox me the details to save sticking it all over the tinternet.
 
There's a fair bit of luck getting used up here but a black cat did cross my path yesterday so I'll go with that!
I want this car sorted asap, its not supposed to be a project (like every other car I have owned, bar the Allroad but that was a special case)
She is definitely "The Black Pearl" in a Captain Jack Sparrow sort of way.
"what a car needs vs what it is..." etc
I called mine Jack, as in Black Jack as it was a gamble when I bought it...so the name stuck! I'm intrigued as to where it was from in the Bay.....
 
It changed hands after that and went to Maidstone Kent, then ended up with the small-time trader I bought it from in West Midlands.
Anyway, here's a big ? for oemvwshop.com for their 7 working days delivery from Czech Republic.
One brand new spare wheel retaining bracket and hold-down knob:
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Big thanks to Erlingtheelder for the replacement steering wheel, its 1000% better than the one on the car.
Airbag clip fun for me at the weekend...
 
Spare all fitted, to mark the position I just lowered the floor covering and then gave it a good thump with my fist, it left a precise witness. Then used a cone drill to reduce any chance of snagging the carpet.
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Tested the fuel filler and with the new switch, the flap motor works just fine (rapid retract, count to 5, motor returns) but... the flap doesnt pop out as it unlocks.
Should there be a little spring in the surround or something? The flap has its hinge spring.
 
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