I've been working on cars year round with nothing more than a carport. I just have to make sure that I plan my projects well so I'm working on the right stuff at the right time. Things definitely slow down in the winter. Luckily this year it has been warm most of the time.

I look forward to following your progress.

Pete
PedroGringo at yahoo dot com
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

New fuel lines under the hood. New fuel filter . New vacuum hoses. New ground cable. Took the carb off and scrubbed off 1/2" of accumulated crap. I managed to get it spaking clean. The water choke was a little clogged, so I cleaned that out too. Should flow a little better. We rolled it down the driveway in 4th gear a few times to move the internals and get stuff primed a little.

I'm many steps closer to starting it up.

The awesome part of this project so far has been the outreach from the FAQ welcoming committee. Casey helped me out with a manual and Terry stopped by today while we were wrenching. He brought me a t-shirt and hung out for a while to give me some pointers on the car.

Thanks guys!

PEte
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI


Last edited by Dirt on 12-7-06 10:16; edited 1 time in total

Looks like you got an extreme deal man! Nice looking car, especially for free.

And you are right, this place is great. I can't thank the people here enough.
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1975 4-speed, Fjord, named Roxy
Michael - Charleston, SC

Good afternoon.

Well I didn't get much time to work on the Bummer* last week, but I did get an hour or so today. I stuck the battery in and hooked it up and got good news and bad news. The good news is that the gas gauge works!!!! The bad news is that it registerrs Full. That gas has been in there for at least two years. I was going to say that there's no telling what state it is in, but I'm wrong about that. It is going to be bad gas and I'm going to have to drain the tank. That means getting a few big gas cans and carting them to the waste disposal place this weekend. GGGGGGGGGggggggggrrrrrr.

I took the passagner seat out so that I could get to the back seat. The mechanisms on the front seat for folding forward is pretty much toast. I yanked the seat out and then gently took out the rear seats. Though dirty, the vinyl appears to be in perfect shape. I'll unhook that tomorrow and send it off to Greg on Friday when I get paid. :D

I also found an alternative ventilation port under the rear seat. The driver's side floor had been welded up and resealed. The passanger side was weak, rusted and had a 1"x2" hole in it. I'll weld that up when the time comes. For now it lets a nice breeze into the cabin.

I thought I'd see if the motor would turn over. No such luck. My guess is a bad starter or starter solenoid (sp). I didn't get a click at all when I turned the key. All of the interior lights dimmed like it was sucking amps. The battery is a brand new optima, so I'm relatively sure it isn't that.

I'll read my trusty manual tonight and see what's involved in changing out the starter and its solenoid.

The rest of the carpet comes out tomorrow to survey the additional foot ventilation that might be around under there. I'll document what I find when I have a little light to photograph.

On the good side, I did find a 1979 quarter under the back seat.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Oh yeah... I forgot about the * remark above. I was writing an e-mail the other day and tried to type "Bimmer" and it accidentally came out "Bummer". I figured that was Freudian, so until the car runs, its new name is "The Bummer". ;) I guess I shouldn't heap such bad karma (or carma) on the the little thing. I know it'll run when it is time for it to do so. Please don't mistake my derogitory names for my car for me not loving this thing to death.
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Looks like new floors are definitely going to be put into the Bummer.


Passanger side floor.

The car was parked leaning so that the passanger side was a little lower and the sunroof leaked and puddled water for a few years. Hopefully there's enough good metal to weld in a new floor. We'll see when I cut them out.


With the seats and carpet out.




It looks like some of the wiring was cut towards the back of the car. I can't tell if it is just stereo stuff or what. I'll chase it down soon.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

It's looking good, Pete.
Thanks for letting us look around. I'm sort of skeered to begin poking around on my daily driver '74, but it's gotta be done.

Nice to see a nuther VA '02er!

Regards,
Randy Bryant
Elkton/ Massanutten/ Harrisonburg/ JMU, VA
_________________
"To live life without belief is more terrible than dying...., even more terrible than dying young." Joan of Arc

"It is not a sign of good health to be well adjusted to a sick society." J. Krishnamurti

I'm fortunate that this isn't going to be a daily driver. That removes a lot of the fear about digging through stuff for me. I pretty much go for it and worry about the consequences later. My grand total spent on this project so far is still well under $50. That isn't going to last for too long though.

I'm getting a new starter at the end of the week. That will at least get the motor turning on battery power. It will let me move onto the next step in getting the motor running.

Thanks for your comments. Good luck with your project.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Yeesh those North American bumpers are a joke! I say off with them! Either go without or go Euro! What was BMW thinking, even if it was part of the legal requirements of the times???

I just had a brief read of your progress. You are getting there! You'll look back at it sometime next year and see a big difference. Believe me, we all do! I think I might even review mine sometime soon, it definately keeps you motivated to do more!!!
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

Us North Americans are definitely freaks. The bumpers look like they were an afterthought at best, the design work of an alcohlic opium addict with a bad hangover at worse. (No offense intended to alcoholic opium addicts with hangovers).

The bumpers are coming off. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with them. I was thinking of building a large catapult that I can use to get rid of spare parts that I don't need and no-one wants. They'd be great for calibrating the catipult. I need to be able to fling something the size of that bumper at least 200 meters. I'll let you know how that goes.

Most likely they'll end up at the junk yard.

Thanks for the ecouragement. Karl is looking great! I'm glad that the masking tape is gone now.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Oh yeah... one more thing.

After a hard rain yesterday, I found that the windshield seal leaks. There was a small puddle on what was left of the floor under each leak. I'm going to get a good, waterproof cover for the Bummer this weekend. I don't care if it messes up the paint. I'd just like to keep some of the water out if I can.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Hey! I may have been living in Sydney for the past 6 years, but us Virginians need to stick together. I always thought those kind of bumpers looked like something you'd find on a swing-set in a play ground, have you got kids? Nuts to the tire swing, the "2002 bumper swing" is in style now! Toss those bumpers out just like some of the other forgotten trademarks of the 70's such as the pinwheels and kalidoscopes!
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

We used to have kids. They were catapulted more than 200 meters away in an early test of my new parts disposal device. They haven't found their way back yet. ;)

I remember that you said you were from 'round these parts at one point in your life. I should have made my comments a bit more specific about North Americans. Many of the automotive regulations that we've got are freaking insane at best and moronic at worst.

Remember those sliding seatbelts from the late 80s and early 90s? Bwahahaha. I rest my case. :D

Pete

PS: I still think most North Americans are a little weird. Myself included. :D
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Dirt wrote:

I still think most North Americans are a little weird. Myself included. :D

So this is my answer to my problems. Thanks for helping me out!
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

Biscuit3 wrote:

So this is my answer to my problems. Thanks for helping me out!

I'm glad I could be of assistance.

Back on topic: I found a local source for a starter. I should have that in hand tomorrow and hopefully installed tomorrow afternoon.

I borrowed a few extra gas cans so I can empty the gas and get rid of it in one trip.

I've got two people stopping by the house tomorrow for me to roll their fenders. If that goes quickly, I should be able to give that new starter a test.

We'll see how that works out.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Well, At Bisquit3's advice, I took the bumpers off. I've been wanting to since I got the car, but didn't get around to it until today. The car is now a lot lighter and it looks better too.

I finally took the two spare tires and three jacks out of the trunk. There was a lot more junk in there too. Finally it is empty. There is a little rust in the bottom of the spare tire well. I have no complaint about that since I'm going to cut it out and fill in with sheet metal.

There is a little rust here and there, but it actually isn't so bad. Not near as bad as the floors. I'll have to fix some things inside the fender wells, but it isn't so bad. Again, I'm sure I'll find more problems as I really take things apart.

I made another discovery. I've read a few recomendations for exhausts and many people have said that the Ansa exhaust is a decent setup. I get the impression that it is a little on the loud side. When I looked under the back bumper to remove the trim around it, guess what I found? I'm sure it is pretty well rusted, like everything else on this car, but the exhaust is made by Ansa.

More tomorrow.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

• Exterior trim: GONE
  
• Interior panels: GONE
  
• Vintage 2004 gasoline in the tank (all 9 gallons of it): GONE (in an ecologically friendly way)
  
• Another 5 pounds of rust: GONE
  
• Leak in the windsheild molding: Not gone. :/

Oh well. There's always tomorrow.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Hey folks.

For some reason the weather cooperated today and it was almost 70 degrees the week before Christmas. What the heck is up with that?

I worked on the hood and trunk lid to see how the Eastwood 2-part rust conversion chemicals worked. I'm probably going to replace both of those parts anyways, so I wanted a bit of practice before I let loose on the rest of the body.

Before:





After:





The whole bloody story:

My web site with more photos of this process.

And a picture of my cat playing with the Christmas tree.



Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Your kitty almost looks like my kitty, Biscuit!
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

Bisc 1.jpg
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I noticed that when I was looking through your pics. We've got 2 cats an they're very "helpful" on any project I'm working on. Leave it to me to have a photo-ho for a cat.


Mao


Gracie.

They're having tons of fun with the Christmas tree. This is their first Christmas with a tree and they're thoroughly enjoying it. Mao is over 15 pounds, so we have a heavy duty Christmas tree stand that is bolted into a 60 pound base. The top of the tree is tied to the ceiling with heavy fishing line. So far it is still standing.

Sorry for the sidetrack. Gracie and Mao will show up here pretty often, so it is important that they are properly introduced.

Today is supposed to be another warm day. I'm going to attack the rust on the driver's quarter pannel when I get home from the office. :D

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Hey Pete, how's the project going? We haven't heard from you in almost a month! I was just checking your thread today to see if there were any updates you wanted to share with us when Biscuit my cat saw your cat, Gracie on the screen! She jumped up, starred at her for a little and then started meowing. Maybe she recognized her? Needless to say, she is very cute!

I must admit, I had a look at my bank account after working so much during xmas, and I got a little excited. I haven't really done much for Karl since the body shop last month, so I'm looking forward to getting some quotes on other things on my day off. Slap me some skin bro, when you get a chance. I'd like to hear how the car is coming!
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

Unfortunately I haven't had any time to work on the 2002 at all. I'm just starting a new job and that is monopolizing a lot of my time. I'm going to Germany 2 weeks per month and that is definitely cutting into my work time.

The good news is that I got a starter in the mail. (Thanks Greg!) I think the major exterior rust problems are contained for the moment. I'm hoping to pull the gas tank this week to empty it out. I may get the starter installed and fresh gas in the tank by Saturday afternoon. I may be hopping a flight to Germany Saturday night.

My bank account is one of the big limiting factors at this point. I've got zero $$$ to invest at this point. I still have a lot of zero dollar work to do on the car.

Thanks for the post. I'll catch up with you soon.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

where in germany you heading to pete ? im a little north of frankfurt let me know

Wo ist der Koffer?
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

I'm flying into Frankfurt and heading to Waldorf. I'm not going to be working stupid long days. I'll barely get time to eat, much less relax or do any touristing.

I'll try and pad a trip with a few days of R&R some time soon. I'll be back at least 5 or 6 times this year.

Pete
_________________
1975 2002: Project Rust Bucket
1990 VW Corrado G60
2003 VW 20th Anniversary GTI

Man, I hate Frankfurt. I remember walking off a plane at 5:30 am there one time only to be choked by cigarette smoke -- but amused by a large number of travelers drinking beer while waiting for their flight -- at 5:30 in the morning!
_________________
91 BMW 318is
90 Mazda Miata

JohnW wrote:

Man, I hate Frankfurt. I remember walking off a plane at 5:30 am there one time only to be choked by cigarette smoke -- but amused by a large number of travelers drinking beer while waiting for their flight -- at 5:30 in the morning!

Jimmy Buffett wrote:

It's 5 O'Clock somewhere!

_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"

There was a car at the gym today with "Virginia, the place for Lovers" sticker on the back... thought of the 02ers from Virginia.
_________________

FAKE! It should have actually said "Virginia is for lovers", that's like the state motto.
_________________
"It's what you feel, not what you ought to. Reasonable and sensible."

'75 Golf Yellow Automatic 2002 with Weber 32/36 DGAV - "Karl"