TG2k2

I’m really digging the idea of the Webasto-style roof. You’re right. It’s so far from original that it is the perfect car to do this to. That, or turn it in to an early-style cabrio. You only live once, right??? Oh, and by the way... don’t sell the Beaconwood car short. That 80lbs you mentioned is some seriously high-end “they don’t make it like they used to” audiophile-quality gear that is worth every ounce it adds to the car. I can remember when I first got the car, driving home from the pick-up location on I-95,l when “Bohemian Rhapsody” came on. Needless to say I turned it up... wayyyy up and did my take on the infamous Wayne’s World scene. That audio system would make your ears bleed before even the slightest bit of distortion began making you think you’ve pushed it past its limits. You don’t really expect that in a car that left the factory with absolutely no intention of having an audio system put in it! Anyhow, I really hope you’re able to get that roof situation sorted out to your liking. I am sure you’ll figure something out. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be much better than it is now. Oh, and as I said before, if you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. I have way more parts than I need at the moment so I’m happy to do what I can. Also, my wife will thank you (which means she’ll be happy, so I’ll thank you too) for getting this “junk” out of our garage... and attic... and storage room... and basement. [emoji2957]

Looks like the bubbling has gotten worse... bummer. I’m really sorry to see that! Is the sunroof still rubbing/scraping when you open it? It used to drive me nuts but it seemed like every time I washed the roof the paint sort of came back to life (like it was just the clear getting slowly sanded off, leaving dust on the sunroof panel that would get washed away with a little water). Did you speak with Nate about it by any chance? Fortunately, it’s easy enough for them to swap the roof panel (and paint-match it) without doing a full repaint. When I took the car up there we discussed it. Back then he was suggesting I buy a shell and move everything over (given it wasn’t matching numbers to begin with). It was also a lot cheaper to find a painted shell at that time... they seem to be getting harder and harder to find (and by that I mean it’s getting harder and harder to find someone selling/advertising a nice rust-free shell that is being honest in their description of it!!!). A friend of mine was recently sold a “rust-free” shell only to receive what he called a “POS”. That was putting it lightly too. It needed new frame rails, floor pans, and various other bondo’d spots redone... it’s disgusting to think that there are people out there claiming cars like this to be “rust free”. Even worse, it seems to be happening more and more as the greedy folks come out of the woodworks trying to cash in while the market is hot. While I’m on the topic, if there is anyone out there who is not quite sure what “rust-free” means, let me clarify for you... A “rust-free” car, shell, or body panel is one that has absolutely no rust on it. There is no wiggle room there. For example, the statement, “it only has a little bit of surface rust” does not qualify it as “rust-free”. If there was previous rust that was improperly treated, that does not qualify it as “rust-free”. Slapping some lipstick (i.e., bondo, filler and a coat of paint) on your pig (i.e., rusty-ass car, shell, or body panel) does not qualify as being treated, and certainly does not mean it’s “rust-free”. In other words, anything other than RUST-FREE sheet metal is NOT rust-free!!!! Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now and with that I will wish you good luck. If there is anything I can do to help out please don’t hesitate to let me know. I would love to see Cath’s vision of 02-perfection find its way back to its former glory!!! [emoji16]

That just looks... “right”. There is something about those Alpina intakes that really tops off an 02. That’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing @HENRYNBMW. If you ever decide to get rid of that please don’t hesitate to contact me! ?

Check the wires near/around the alternator and your battery that you were handling through all of this. It’s very possible the coating on an older wire may have cracked and is now being exposed (and touching something it shouldn’t). Also, I don’t mean to sound like a d-bag but make sure you have the right wires connecting to the right posts on the battery. I’ve seen people put their battery back in reversed by accident and ended up doing the same thing. It’s easy to do this when the posts are in the middle of the battery on either end (as opposed to offset where you would notice that they were too close to the fender). Hopefully the alternator is okay. I hate swapping the alternator on my tii (hopefully you are working on an 02 or you’ve removed the battery tray/relocated it). Good luck...

I never would have guessed this was heading in THAT direction. I thought we were a group of car enthusiasts...?

What’s all the talk about 3 and 4-ball load tests...?

Your cousin? Something sounds oddly familiar about this...

Steve - I can confirm that my ‘74 Euro 2002tii Touring DOES have the indent in the top snorkel.

Ahhh, ok... well, congrats to your friend! [emoji12] I’ll have to check out the canister on my 02tii Touring to see if that nipple exists or not (and if I do have a spare one I’ll let you know - I know I have spare ones with the nipple if your friend is interested?). Never thought about that but I supposed it makes sense that Euro models wouldn’t have them!

I love cabrios (as if we don’t all feel the same way about them). Your interior is VERY sharp. I’m digging that black and white checked cloth insert! Also, I have to ask, what kind of wheels are those? They are...

As far as I can tell they are identical. @adawil2002 - if there are differences between the regular tii and Touring canisters can you tell us what they are? I have a Touring and it looks like every other tii canister I’ve seen...(?) Congrats on the purchase, assuming you did purchase a 2000/2002tii Touring!!! [emoji16]

@mccusername - PM coming.

Nice whip! [emoji16] I have always used Continental fan belts. Good brand and seems to last a long time. In the two 2002s I’ve swapped the belts out on I’ve used Continental both times and I never had to swap them out a second time. One thing to note.... I believe the cars originally came with a 9.5 x 875 belt (a/c cars are different size but I can’t recall what it is). I tried using the 9.5 on both of my 02s but found a 10 x 875 belt was a better fit. I would recommend buying both and trying the 9.5 first but you might find, like I have, that the 10 is easier to tension. I also found it has a nicer/flusher fit in regards to the pulleys. Has anyone else had a similar experience with the belts?!? Oh, and don’t forget to grab some accessory belt conditioner!!

The paint on this 356 is gorgeous (hopefully there is a quoted picture of a blue 356 just above). That blue is absolutely stunning. Judging by all the pictures of those amazing cars that must have been quite an event. I haven’t seen some of these models in a long, long time. Thanks for sharing@Dudeland !!!

The paint looks amazing! Hang in there... you know you’ll be happy once it’s all done! [emoji16]

Yes, yes and yes. Candidly, I would do everything that @Vicleonardo1 suggested. At the very least file a police report so it’s on record (if you have receipts of the items bring them with you) and contact the owner’s insurance company and file a claim. The owner has no right to say you’re out of luck like that. Did they take inventory of what was in the car? Can they prove you didn’t have that stuff in there? Is there anything posted on-site (at the shop). that says they are not liable for damage or stolen parts when the car is in their hands and/or on their property? Did they inform you that the car would be placed in their yard when it was not being worked on? Did they give you the option to say no or request that car be kept locked and inside? Sounds to me like this could very well be an “inside job”. Regardless, your scenario is exactly why companies have to have insurance. Don’t let this d-bag get away with this. Set an example now so this does not continue to happen (and you know it will as the prices of our cars continues to rise!). Above all... good luck! I hope you get every penny back from this guy and that he is held accountable for his irresponsible actions and ridiculous behavior.

I would definitely look at this if you are looking for BT connectivity and want to improve sound quality. Having a DAC in-line like that can make a huge difference in sound quality and will allow you to play better quality music files (e.g., FLAC, WAV, AAC, etc.). Also, FiiO is a reputable company known for their digital audio players (which, like the BT adapter, also have high-end DACs).