Full car respray..
Discussion
People forget what is was like before they new everything and get carried away being so great. Pity them, do not let them get under your skin.
Not sure why you would have trouble getting the plugs out of the Golf (Perhaps you need to explain)
It should be an easy job and shouldn't take you long (1hr tops). Take off the air filter if its in the way, move battery if needed. Don't get your leads mixed up if your not changing them.
Are the plugs under the inlet manifold?
Not sure why you would have trouble getting the plugs out of the Golf (Perhaps you need to explain)
It should be an easy job and shouldn't take you long (1hr tops). Take off the air filter if its in the way, move battery if needed. Don't get your leads mixed up if your not changing them.
Are the plugs under the inlet manifold?
I think people should stop ripping on Utterly Clueless. He's been man enough to admit he's made stupid mistakes in the past, and he's now taking people's (good) advice and learning from that. I imagine there's very few people on here whom can honestly say that didn't ignore advice and do similarly naïve stuff at his age. People need to cut young car enthusiasts some slack when it comes to things like this - it's a steep learning curve. Now, go and bully the young bloke on the other thread who's effectively going to be driving without valid insurance!
Whilst you have posted some howlers Thom, this doesn't seem to be one of them.
I know the paint thing has been done to death, and you've supposedly made your decision, but personally I see no harm in wanting the car to look its best regardless of it's value. Of course, the money could p'raps be better put in the piggy bank to go towards a better car (if indeed that's what you wanted to do), but if you want to get some paint done go ahead and get it done imo. I've done it before on sheds and I'm sure many others here have. Christ if I could get back the money I've spent modifying cars had I saved it and left them standard, I could have a brand new aston on the drive as I type this.
A full respray would be a bit lavish, and for a decent one you're normally talking upwards of 2 grand, of course this depends on the cost of materials, how much time is spent doing the 'prep work' and so on. If you do want the front end painting, as you said, chase up the people who did the back at the bus company for you and see if they'll give the front a quick blow over to get rid of the worst of it. A few hundred quid spent on getting the worst bits removed certainly won't do any harm if that's what you want, as long as you're happy you won't get it back come selling time, some maybe, not all. Same goes for everything else you've done. So if you're going to change, perhaps best not to bother.
Personally, and speaking from experience, I wouldn't bother spending any money on it. It's not a bad car, and for someone of your age is more than decent as a foot on the ladder. Whilst you've perhaps been a bit misguided in the past (something we're all guilty of), at least you've asked, and you seem keen to distance yourself from the myriad of chav tat. So whilst I think at times you inadvertantly bring the s
tey replies on yourself due to lack of foresight amongst us ritual piss takers, don't let it bother you. I know this is sort of contrary to what I posted in the above paragraphs, but hindsight is wonderful. I'd rather have suffered having a few stone chips on one of my first cars and spend the money on things I enjoyed, as it happens I sank shed loads of money into all my cars and now have naff all to show for it, but I enjoyed doing it at the time, years down the line I wish I hadn't bothered but c'est la vie!
As for the spark plugs, go and buy a haynes manual! They cost pence and armed with one of those and a simple selection of tools you'll go far when it comes to basic servicing and maintanence.
If there isn't one just get it down to kwik-fit or somewhere of that ilk, pay them to do it and watch them do it, even they'll manage it fine I expect, it's one of the few jobs I'd trust them with in an everyday car.
I've never done the plugs on that engine so I'm not about to give you any advice, it could be a case that the plastics need taking off, or that it's better done from underneath, I've no idea.
I know the paint thing has been done to death, and you've supposedly made your decision, but personally I see no harm in wanting the car to look its best regardless of it's value. Of course, the money could p'raps be better put in the piggy bank to go towards a better car (if indeed that's what you wanted to do), but if you want to get some paint done go ahead and get it done imo. I've done it before on sheds and I'm sure many others here have. Christ if I could get back the money I've spent modifying cars had I saved it and left them standard, I could have a brand new aston on the drive as I type this.
A full respray would be a bit lavish, and for a decent one you're normally talking upwards of 2 grand, of course this depends on the cost of materials, how much time is spent doing the 'prep work' and so on. If you do want the front end painting, as you said, chase up the people who did the back at the bus company for you and see if they'll give the front a quick blow over to get rid of the worst of it. A few hundred quid spent on getting the worst bits removed certainly won't do any harm if that's what you want, as long as you're happy you won't get it back come selling time, some maybe, not all. Same goes for everything else you've done. So if you're going to change, perhaps best not to bother.
Personally, and speaking from experience, I wouldn't bother spending any money on it. It's not a bad car, and for someone of your age is more than decent as a foot on the ladder. Whilst you've perhaps been a bit misguided in the past (something we're all guilty of), at least you've asked, and you seem keen to distance yourself from the myriad of chav tat. So whilst I think at times you inadvertantly bring the s
tey replies on yourself due to lack of foresight amongst us ritual piss takers, don't let it bother you. I know this is sort of contrary to what I posted in the above paragraphs, but hindsight is wonderful. I'd rather have suffered having a few stone chips on one of my first cars and spend the money on things I enjoyed, as it happens I sank shed loads of money into all my cars and now have naff all to show for it, but I enjoyed doing it at the time, years down the line I wish I hadn't bothered but c'est la vie!As for the spark plugs, go and buy a haynes manual! They cost pence and armed with one of those and a simple selection of tools you'll go far when it comes to basic servicing and maintanence.
If there isn't one just get it down to kwik-fit or somewhere of that ilk, pay them to do it and watch them do it, even they'll manage it fine I expect, it's one of the few jobs I'd trust them with in an everyday car.
I've never done the plugs on that engine so I'm not about to give you any advice, it could be a case that the plastics need taking off, or that it's better done from underneath, I've no idea.
Edited by Stu R on Monday 13th April 02:17
thats a picture of my engine.
Use the black painted rectangle as a reference points
follow the 4 'veins' from that towards the radiator.
those four 'veins' create a semi circle and join to the engine block further down.
each plug sits in line with a 'vein.'
There s not enough room to get your hand in, let alone any tools.
hence why its akward.
Thom
Looks like it will have to come off
I think I can make out two allen type bolts at the front which look like a place to split it, there may be more and there will be corresponging ones at the back.
Note There may be a gasket which may need a new one! it may be worth your while getting a Haynes try ebay for a second hand one.
and I would stuff some lint free rags in any holes so you dont drop something in there afterwoods.
I think I can make out two allen type bolts at the front which look like a place to split it, there may be more and there will be corresponging ones at the back.
Note There may be a gasket which may need a new one! it may be worth your while getting a Haynes try ebay for a second hand one.
and I would stuff some lint free rags in any holes so you dont drop something in there afterwoods.
Edited by Pesty on Monday 13th April 02:29
Stu R said:
Whilst you have posted some howlers Thom, this doesn't seem to be one of them.
I know the paint thing has been done to death, and you've supposedly made your decision, but personally I see no harm in wanting the car to look its best regardless of it's value. Of course, the money could p'raps be better put in the piggy bank to go towards a better car (if indeed that's what you wanted to do), but if you want to get some paint done go ahead and get it done imo. I've done it before on sheds and I'm sure many others here have. Christ if I could get back the money I've spent modifying cars had I saved it and left them standard, I could have a brand new aston on the drive as I type this.
A full respray would be a bit lavish, and for a decent one you're normally talking upwards of 2 grand, of course this depends on the cost of materials, how much time is spent doing the 'prep work' and so on. If you do want the front end painting, as you said, chase up the people who did the back at the bus company for you and see if they'll give the front a quick blow over to get rid of the worst of it. A few hundred quid spent on getting the worst bits removed certainly won't do any harm if that's what you want, as long as you're happy you won't get it back come selling time, some maybe, not all. Same goes for everything else you've done. So if you're going to change, perhaps best not to bother.
Personally, and speaking from experience, I wouldn't bother spending any money on it. It's not a bad car, and for someone of your age is more than decent as a foot on the ladder. Whilst you've perhaps been a bit misguided in the past (something we're all guilty of), at least you've asked, and you seem keen to distance yourself from the myriad of chav tat. So whilst I think at times you inadvertantly bring the stey replies on yourself due to lack of foresight amongst us ritual piss takers, don't let it bother you. I know this is sort of contrary to what I posted in the above paragraphs, but hindsight is wonderful. I'd rather have suffered having a few stone chips on one of my first cars and spend the money on things I enjoyed, as it happens I sank shed loads of money into all my cars and now have naff all to show for it, but I enjoyed doing it at the time, years down the line I wish I hadn't bothered but c'est la vie!
As for the spark plugs, go and buy a haynes manual! They cost pence and armed with one of those and a simple selection of tools you'll go far when it comes to basic servicing and maintanence.
If there isn't one just get it down to kwik-fit or somewhere of that ilk, pay them to do it and watch them do it, even they'll manage it fine I expect, it's one of the few jobs I'd trust them with in an everyday car.
I've never done the plugs on that engine so I'm not about to give you any advice, it could be a case that the plastics need taking off, or that it's better done from underneath, I've no idea.
I'll be first to admit i bring it on myself, But in every ten abusive replies i get theres usually one person giving advice, and if i got 50 replies and 2 bits of good advice then the thread has been a success regardless of peoples opinions of me afterwards.I know the paint thing has been done to death, and you've supposedly made your decision, but personally I see no harm in wanting the car to look its best regardless of it's value. Of course, the money could p'raps be better put in the piggy bank to go towards a better car (if indeed that's what you wanted to do), but if you want to get some paint done go ahead and get it done imo. I've done it before on sheds and I'm sure many others here have. Christ if I could get back the money I've spent modifying cars had I saved it and left them standard, I could have a brand new aston on the drive as I type this.
A full respray would be a bit lavish, and for a decent one you're normally talking upwards of 2 grand, of course this depends on the cost of materials, how much time is spent doing the 'prep work' and so on. If you do want the front end painting, as you said, chase up the people who did the back at the bus company for you and see if they'll give the front a quick blow over to get rid of the worst of it. A few hundred quid spent on getting the worst bits removed certainly won't do any harm if that's what you want, as long as you're happy you won't get it back come selling time, some maybe, not all. Same goes for everything else you've done. So if you're going to change, perhaps best not to bother.
Personally, and speaking from experience, I wouldn't bother spending any money on it. It's not a bad car, and for someone of your age is more than decent as a foot on the ladder. Whilst you've perhaps been a bit misguided in the past (something we're all guilty of), at least you've asked, and you seem keen to distance yourself from the myriad of chav tat. So whilst I think at times you inadvertantly bring the s
tey replies on yourself due to lack of foresight amongst us ritual piss takers, don't let it bother you. I know this is sort of contrary to what I posted in the above paragraphs, but hindsight is wonderful. I'd rather have suffered having a few stone chips on one of my first cars and spend the money on things I enjoyed, as it happens I sank shed loads of money into all my cars and now have naff all to show for it, but I enjoyed doing it at the time, years down the line I wish I hadn't bothered but c'est la vie!As for the spark plugs, go and buy a haynes manual! They cost pence and armed with one of those and a simple selection of tools you'll go far when it comes to basic servicing and maintanence.
If there isn't one just get it down to kwik-fit or somewhere of that ilk, pay them to do it and watch them do it, even they'll manage it fine I expect, it's one of the few jobs I'd trust them with in an everyday car.
I've never done the plugs on that engine so I'm not about to give you any advice, it could be a case that the plastics need taking off, or that it's better done from underneath, I've no idea.
Edited by Stu R on Monday 13th April 02:17
In real life, i dont have money, i dont have a great car. or a girlfriend or a good job. and for those reasons i know any friends i have are my friends due to who i am, and not what i have. so i'm happy to be me both on forums and in real life as i know there are people who like me for me.
I have tried looking for a haynes manual but none cover the 1.6 MPI which is a bugger. its the same 1.6 thats found in the MK4's so i'll have a look in the MK4 haynes manual rather than the MK3.
I would take it to quickfit or the like but money is tight so if i can avoid spending the money then brilliant.
I'll go ask the family friend mechanic for his professional opinion on tuesday, but in the mean time i'll get some pictures up and see if anyone has any advice.
Thom
I agree with what's said about the Haynes manual - they really are amazingly useful when you're starting out doing your own work on a car, and a lot of the techniques and advice can be taken across to other cars too. The pictures in them are (generally) more useful than what anyone could write on a message board.
I think they even have advice about general car care, good tools to have at hand, winter driving etc etc - a really great source of knowledge for learning more about cars.
I've had one for pretty much every car I've owned, even though I no longer need them for the basics, they still can be useful to tell you any specific hints for working on a particular model, give you wiring diagrams etc etc.
I think they even have advice about general car care, good tools to have at hand, winter driving etc etc - a really great source of knowledge for learning more about cars.
I've had one for pretty much every car I've owned, even though I no longer need them for the basics, they still can be useful to tell you any specific hints for working on a particular model, give you wiring diagrams etc etc.
Remember this is just a wild guess from looking at a picture. I have no experience of this particular car but I have been doing my own DIY work on them for 20 years.
it looks like it splits at where these allen bolts are I have drawn some arrows, there may be some more around the side and corressponding ones at the back. If all they are is hollow tubes for delivering air they should be easy to remove for basic servicing of the sparks. Germans are usualy good like that
Like I said there may be gaskets that need to be replaced if it is split.
ps how long ago since the sparks were changed? they may not be a recomended yearly item.
it looks like it splits at where these allen bolts are I have drawn some arrows, there may be some more around the side and corressponding ones at the back. If all they are is hollow tubes for delivering air they should be easy to remove for basic servicing of the sparks. Germans are usualy good like that
Like I said there may be gaskets that need to be replaced if it is split.
ps how long ago since the sparks were changed? they may not be a recomended yearly item.
Edited by Pesty on Monday 13th April 03:02
Well, it seems like most of you came in after a few hours on the pop and decided to have a good rant at the OP. The posted questions and responses from OP highlight the questions we all had at his age. I was personally a mini fan having owned 4 in my time, most of which cost me 100 to 200 pounds and I literally poured all my money into these wonderful, wonderful machines with bodywork, engines, stupid wide wheels etc etc. My mate even resprayed his for the same reasons as our dear OP here. 
I loved my cars however and I think that's the crunch. Sooo answer - As you have already decided - sell the golf as is. Wash it, give a light polish, clean the interior well and advertise as clean, be "honest" and do not hide anything nor make it look none standard. A parent may buy this for a son / daughter as they don't care too much about condition provided its safe (a golf), reliable (a golf) and cheap enough!
Good luck and the Beemer is definately the way to go.
I loved my cars however and I think that's the crunch. Sooo answer - As you have already decided - sell the golf as is. Wash it, give a light polish, clean the interior well and advertise as clean, be "honest" and do not hide anything nor make it look none standard. A parent may buy this for a son / daughter as they don't care too much about condition provided its safe (a golf), reliable (a golf) and cheap enough!
Good luck and the Beemer is definately the way to go.
I couldnt say when the last time the plugs were changed, but i thought as its the first service it's having in my ownership its good to do EVERYTHING and then atleast i know where i am with it should i need to hold onto it for longer.
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Utterly: We are painting our 3 pre 1980's TVRs at the moment and there is a big difference in our quotes. One is being soda blasted, 1 is plastic beaded, and the third is being sanded. Paint cost can be difference here also and so can quality. The most expensive is almost $8000.00 Canadian but it will be entering car shows and I wanted a good job. The cheapest one is around $3000.00. A show quality paint job around here with me doing nothing can run up to $15000.00.
Utterly Clueless said:
I'll be first to admit i bring it on myself, But in every ten abusive replies i get theres usually one person giving advice, and if i got 50 replies and 2 bits of good advice then the thread has been a success regardless of peoples opinions of me afterwards.Thom
Based on a ratio of one to ten - 50 replies should give you 5 good responses.Utterly Clueless said:
I couldnt say when the last time the plugs were changed, but i thought as its the first service it's having in my ownership its good to do EVERYTHING and then atleast i know where i am with it should i need to hold onto it for longer.
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Why don't you just keep your car going for a while. Theres nothing wrong with it atall, its cheap to run and if you prang it, it should be easy to fix. Its a perfect young persons car. I think if you buy a 320 you will end up spinning it.
Flanders. said:
Utterly Clueless said:
I couldnt say when the last time the plugs were changed, but i thought as its the first service it's having in my ownership its good to do EVERYTHING and then atleast i know where i am with it should i need to hold onto it for longer.
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Money's tight and my jobs bad so everything is being weighed up at the moment. MOT and tax due for renewal in the next month so if all goes well i could have a just serviced car with 12months tax and MOT which would probably fetch 200 quid more than an unserviced. untaxed MOT failure.
i'm going to have a good, long, hard think about it all and go from there.
as for the plugs i'll figure something out, there seems to be access points but they are miniscule so may need some fiddling.
Thom
Why don't you just keep your car going for a while. Theres nothing wrong with it atall, its cheap to run and if you prang it, it should be easy to fix. Its a perfect young persons car. I think if you buy a 320 you will end up spinning it.
There's no reason clueless will spin a 323 unless he is an utter tool, I don't think he is. My first car was an Opel Manta 2.016v GTE, my second car was a mk1 MR2, I had neither of em pointing the wrong way, not by accident anyway. I also hold little value in the usefulness of driver training as a means to preventing death or injury, you just need a modicum of common sense and a dash of good luck, worked for me and countless others. Saying that a bit of advanced 'post grad' stuff wouldn't do any harm as such.
To be fair i doubt i'd spin a 320. Having never driven a RWD car i'm st scared of them and as a result have immense respect for them.
I'm not your typical young driver, i wont get a RWD car just so i can do dougnuts and drift etc etc. I will get a RWD car so i can experience what its like.
t scared of them and as a result have immense respect for them.I'm not your typical young driver, i wont get a RWD car just so i can do dougnuts and drift etc etc. I will get a RWD car so i can experience what its like.
Jonny671 said:
Theres nothing wrong with RWD cars.. Aslong as you remember their basically pushing the car along, rather than dragging it along.
MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
MX5's may be great fun but i need practicality MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
Still im sure a straight 6 will help restore some of the fun factor.
Utterly Clueless said:
Jonny671 said:
Theres nothing wrong with RWD cars.. Aslong as you remember their basically pushing the car along, rather than dragging it along.
MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
MX5's may be great fun but i need practicality MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
Still im sure a straight 6 will help restore some of the fun factor.
M3CD said:
Utterly Clueless said:
Jonny671 said:
Theres nothing wrong with RWD cars.. Aslong as you remember their basically pushing the car along, rather than dragging it along.
MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
MX5's may be great fun but i need practicality MX5s are fun thats for sure.. Definately
Still im sure a straight 6 will help restore some of the fun factor.
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