Pistolpete's Mars Red Mk1 GTi restoration

Rear axle rebuilt with new eibach anti-roll bar (had a good wrestle with this getting it fitted), powerflex bushes and Goodridge Phantom stainless brake lines.  New genuine rear axle bolt assemblies and the mounts were zinc plated (inc the wee handbrake cable spring clips).  All set to the correct angle and mounts torqued up.  Obviously new wheel cylinders, Automec brake pipe kit and brake shoe assemblies as well.





Very pleased with how this all looks now its rebuilt.

That looks the job!

I bought a plating kit some time ago, but to be honest I was a bit reluctant to use it as there are some pretty nasty chemicals involved.  Anyway, decided to get it all set up and give it a go.  Ordered some additional protective gear and took my time and read the instructions again and again to make sure I didn't do something stupid.

This is the full set-up for yellow zinc plating.



And my first attempt on the oil cooler bolts/washers, as well as the big washer for the anti-gravity valve.  The process seems to work pretty well, and the end result is definitely down to the original standard of finish on each part (i.e. the big washer was not perfect when it went in).



Hopefully I can get this even better as things progress.  My dad has a power supply I can use, so that will be for the next batch.

Nice one! It's something I've thought about buying before. I need to get to that point of my resto first though! lol

Back again, slow progress but now re-assembling.

New Automec cunifer brake lines run in with new brake force regulator, and the fuel tank installed with refurbished tank straps and all new fasteners.

I'm at a decision point next, as I am soon to re-fit the rear axle and start running the fuel lines from the tank up to the front of the car.

I have already bought a set of Crazyquiff's stainless braided flexi fuel lines, however I'm wondering if I would be better to fit replacement hard lines whilst I have the shell stripped?  I see Classic VW sell a steel line kit now.  Might keep it more original looking.  Just wondering if anyone else has gone this route, or should I just fit the braided lines and be done with it?

I have got a set of the stainless braided lines from Crazyquiffs but in the end I used 8mm cunifer (may be wrong on the size but its the same as the original lines) and made my own up copying the originals but you will need access to a flaring tool that will accept the pipe diameter. I bought new unions for mine but you could re-plate the originals and use them.

The reasons I went cunifer was that I was worried that the braiding on the Crazyquiff lines would eventually rub through the under seal since they are too big to fit in rubber grommets and that I wouldn't have problems with rusty fuel lines in the future.

You've done so much work so far Pete I'd be inclined to fit hard fuel lines too

So I've decided to stick with the stainless braided fuel lines.  Mk1 Autohaus do stainless steel pipe replacements but won't ship to UK, and the others from here are manufactured in copper or mild steel which wouldn't be my preference.

So more progress this morning, I've now got the rear axle installed.







 

New pipework installed for the breather and gravity valve.  Also made up a new bracket for the gravity valve.  Amazing how well the foam gravity valve holder has lasted after all these years.





That's it for now, next stages are to complete the brake pipe connections at the rear, hook up the rear brake compensator valve, handbrake cables to fit, filler neck (waiting on the correct size of stainless hose clips) and then start installing the fuel pump, accumulator and hoses up to the front.

Looks awesome man.. good work.

Reg Kevin


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Tidy Tidy Tidy

Wow that looks amazing underneath Pete  

Pleased to report that I've finally finished the rear end.  I've reinstated the original Bosch fuel pump along with correct foam holder and CQ stainless brackets for both the pump and accumulator.  I've also run in new CQ stainless braided fuel lines.



Had a real struggle getting the fuel tank filler hose fitted, but got there in the end.  Refurbished accumulator glass bead blasted and painted in Eastwood Detail Gray.



I did unfortunately have one of the fuel line securing lugs shear off, so I'll need to sort that to get it properly secured (any suggestions for the best option here please?).



And I have used DEI Floor Tunnel Heat Shielding for the underside where the exhaust runs.  If I'm honest, not the easiest stuff to get right as it didn't cut too well, but it seems to stick very well with the adhesive backing and forms the shape quite well.



So essentially the rear underside is complete except for fitting the wheels, which I will leave til the end.  Next is the front….steering rack, brake linkage, front suspension etc etc.  Will be nice to have a rolling shell again.  I just checked the date of the first photo when I stripped the shell…..1st Feb 2014 !!!!



 

Looks fantastic. Great work!   

Looks amazing.

looks amazing,

you don't want to hear it but just make a new lug

make the smallest hole in it for a single spot weld and touch it up, i really can't think of anything else as it would just look a bodge

Looks bloody brilliant mate!!
Makes my efforts look really poor.
I've been trying to get mine done for the best part of 20 years so don't fret over a couple of years!!

Looks bloody brilliant mate!!
Makes my efforts look really poor.
I've been trying to get mine done for the best part of 20 years so don't fret over a couple of years!!

amazing work mate…..different league this build is….