Having tidied up a host of wiring issues behind the dash of the GTI (it appears to have had two different alarm systems installed in its life in addition to the stock immobiliser), it was time to refit it today. All went well until it came to putting the glove box back in place when... Continue Reading →

Spent almost the whole weekend working on the two cars. Both are now in bits without their respective dashboards, the GTI needed a new section putting in the dash which is now done. It just needs the new head unit wiring in and some general tidying up and securing to cure the mystery rattle from... Continue Reading →

Managed to source the rear washer bottle and pump from a 205 GTI for the Rallye. Still on the look out for a Citroen AX single wiper setup for it too, but they're a little harder to find. Have managed to find a headlining for the GTI, but it's in Reading, which is a lot... Continue Reading →

Not any progress to report really. I seem to be waiting for lots of parts to arrive. Trip to Halfords this morning has produced a set of ratchet axle stands to go with the standard set I already have, as well as some cabling connectors, replacement taillight bulbs, high temperature paint and some Loctite Instant... Continue Reading →

The steel wheels are back from powdercoating. Apparently they took 6 hours to strip and blast clean - a set of four normally takes 2 hours max. In any case they're now have a shiny white durable finish and are shod with some Contis. I went for the EcoContact 3s in 185/60s in the end.

I've sourced a steering column surround which I'm expecting any day to tidy up this part of the car. It's due a service, so I ordered 5 litres of Motul Synthentic 10w 40, a new oil filter and some Iridium plugs taking advantage of a special deal from Opie Oils ticks off a large number... Continue Reading →

I have been looking at getting some new tyres for the steelies. They take a 175/60/R14 tyre so there's some options. Michelin don't do anything in that exact dimension. They offer offer both the Pilot Exalto and Energy Saver tyres in 185/60, but the consensus between those that have tried them is that they're a... Continue Reading →

So having had a few plans in mind going forward with the Rallye, I've been on the look out for various essential parts. Then this came on the market at a fantastic price and the economics of buying it as a donor car just made sense. So there's now a 106 GTI in the stable... Continue Reading →

Didn't have much time to work on the car this weekend, but did get the steel wheels cleaned up so I can see what state they're in. The initial prospects didn't look great, rusty wheels, covered in mud and filth (and copper grease). I'd heard great things about people using Cillit Bang to clean wheels... Continue Reading →

Ended up in Wakefield during the week to pick up a set of Michelin Sport steel wheels. These were the original rims on which the Rallyes rolled out of the factory. They're lighter than most alloys, tough as old boots and come in white, or err, white* (*rust optional). At present they're about £47 each... Continue Reading →