Joined
·
78 Posts
Well, here we go...
I decided to treat myself to my first t4 during summer 2009. I spent the following months searching for a decent base vehicle, and couldnt believe how quick the market for these was moving! During my hunt I saw quite a few dissapear off the market in a matter of minutes. I was starting to get fed up with looking at overpriced sheds, but I kept on going and after the best part of a year, my hard work finally paid off...
I actually wanted a 102bhp lwb to begin with, but after a plenty of digging on here I realised that with a bit of a tickle the 88 can easily exceed that, and when a longnose 2003 888 Special X-pack with one previous owner (a plumbing company) popped up on the trader one morning, I snapped it up!
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First job was to remove all the signwriting, I cheekily roped the girlfriend in to help, as you do... The standard coloured vinyl came off without too much stress, but the white reflective stuff took ALOT of work. I ended up using a combination boiling water/hot air gun, a sharp plastic scraper and plenty of adhesive remover! Hopefully never again!
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Next I got stuck in to the somewhat flat paintwork. I wanted to try and avoid a respray (for the time being at least). So I went to work with the G3 and the mop. It took alot of cutting, especially as the signwriting & graphics had actually sunk into the paint.
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After alot of sweat and elbow grease, and a driveway covered in blue paint, it actually started to come back alright...
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Next thing was to get the cambelt, tensioners and waterpump replaced. (Standard procedure when I buy a new motor!) choosing original VAG parts from the local stealer.
I initially fancied having a go at it myself, until I started reading up on what the job involves. So, after a cup of tea and a read of the manual, I picked up the phone and called the professionals...
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To put a stop to the constant risk of nose bleeds, I decided to drop the van down to a slightly more sensible ride height. Having scanned the forum, i decided that the best compromise for my requirements would be a set of T4s R us -50mm springs and lowering plates. I had to wait a couple of weeks for them to come back in stock, but as soon as they turned up I went out and popped them on.
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It dropped the back a bit, but not as much as I'd have liked to be honest. still, it is totally empty at the moment so it going to sit a little high... I'm sure it will drop the 60mm once my bed and kitchen go in there...
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I then wound the front torsion bars down to match the back, such an easy job! It looks so much better with the reduced ride height, still want to go lower with it though...
I decided to treat myself to my first t4 during summer 2009. I spent the following months searching for a decent base vehicle, and couldnt believe how quick the market for these was moving! During my hunt I saw quite a few dissapear off the market in a matter of minutes. I was starting to get fed up with looking at overpriced sheds, but I kept on going and after the best part of a year, my hard work finally paid off...
I actually wanted a 102bhp lwb to begin with, but after a plenty of digging on here I realised that with a bit of a tickle the 88 can easily exceed that, and when a longnose 2003 888 Special X-pack with one previous owner (a plumbing company) popped up on the trader one morning, I snapped it up!
First job was to remove all the signwriting, I cheekily roped the girlfriend in to help, as you do... The standard coloured vinyl came off without too much stress, but the white reflective stuff took ALOT of work. I ended up using a combination boiling water/hot air gun, a sharp plastic scraper and plenty of adhesive remover! Hopefully never again!
Next I got stuck in to the somewhat flat paintwork. I wanted to try and avoid a respray (for the time being at least). So I went to work with the G3 and the mop. It took alot of cutting, especially as the signwriting & graphics had actually sunk into the paint.
After alot of sweat and elbow grease, and a driveway covered in blue paint, it actually started to come back alright...
Next thing was to get the cambelt, tensioners and waterpump replaced. (Standard procedure when I buy a new motor!) choosing original VAG parts from the local stealer.
I initially fancied having a go at it myself, until I started reading up on what the job involves. So, after a cup of tea and a read of the manual, I picked up the phone and called the professionals...
To put a stop to the constant risk of nose bleeds, I decided to drop the van down to a slightly more sensible ride height. Having scanned the forum, i decided that the best compromise for my requirements would be a set of T4s R us -50mm springs and lowering plates. I had to wait a couple of weeks for them to come back in stock, but as soon as they turned up I went out and popped them on.
It dropped the back a bit, but not as much as I'd have liked to be honest. still, it is totally empty at the moment so it going to sit a little high... I'm sure it will drop the 60mm once my bed and kitchen go in there...
I then wound the front torsion bars down to match the back, such an easy job! It looks so much better with the reduced ride height, still want to go lower with it though...
