Ryans MK2 GTI

[Jarred]

much better than my old one used to be. was well beyond yellow/brown. new one makes the whole lot look alot better.

[ryana89]

MK2's are funny little things

After another spurlge at Jaycar, removed the original roof insulation (cotton carpet glued to the roof with green contact glue).
Up goes the Dynamatt + new amplified aerial.



Then on a short drive...



Ultimate mess


Didn't get hot enough for any real damage, just awaiting quote's on a replacement rad.

[benough]

My radiator did that.

Got a German made replacement for $210

[walshydub]

That must be a common weakpoint on the radiators, that's where mine went too.

Good job MK2 front ends are so easy to disassemble.

[ryana89]

My radiator did that.

that's where mine went too.

Assuming its because that area always receives the hottest coolant.(?)
The front end is pretty simple, would be easier without an A/C condenser and headlight relay loom

[rutti]

WAs theer any telltale signs of impending failure like frequent coolant topups? Or its just popped suddenly?

Assuming its because that area always receives the hottest coolant.(?)
The front end is pretty simple, would be easier without an A/C condenser and headlight relay loom

[ryana89]

WAs theer any telltale signs of impending failure like frequent coolant topups? Or its just popped suddenly?

There was actually, I thought the hose was just loose, so like an idiot, kept tightning the circular clamp.
The plastic was extremely brittle, almost like chalk, in my defence

---------- Post added 11-12-2011 at 05:53 PM ---------- Previous post was 06-12-2011 at 09:03 PM ----------

After a quick delivery from Camden GTI, the new rad was in ASAP.
However, refitting the OEM fan and fan shroud is rather difficult, particularly if you have AC (plus it looks dumb)

So, dad and I put our heads together and made our own little set-up.







Still a little bit of work left to do, but am very pleased with it.

[Spike]

I've gone through a bit of your thread and it's pretty inspirational, I'll be having a go at most of my own repairs and improvement along the way so keep the pics and info coming mate! Love ya work!

[Stiggy_21]

great job ryan!

[walshydub]

Looks great. perfect for those hot Hervey Bay summers

[GeorgeMK1]

Just read from start to finish, and gotta say im loving waht you're doing bro !! Great to see another young guy with an early vw Im on my greens in a few weeks too haha ! But yeah all seriousness, love the motivation you have, and that you dont just mod the car, rather, you fix all the little issues it has, and making it very special. Keep it up mate !

[veedubnutz]

Looks awesome man Good work

[benough]

What's with the tape on the A/C pipe?

[ryana89]

Thank-you all for the encouragement and kind words, really do appreciate it

What's with the tape on the A/C pipe?

Just a bit of insulation, with a cut up stubby cooler, wrapped in aluminum tape and then some cloth tape as a final layer.
Looks sus, but I've seen US guys wrap their entire A/C gas line (cold side) in proper, dual layer insulation tape.

[benough]

haha nice. Does it work?