Diary of a Country Lad - VW V6 4Motion & Citroen C4
Discussion
Friday November 7th
Busy week.
Family Whatty's remarkably short quest for a country home might be over.
Our offer accepted.
This is very good news.
There is now a shed light on at the end of the tunnel. I have plans for it.
And this Ikea tool bench set up is just silly.
Master Whatty now officially recognized as a British Citizen.
Dad a bit chuffed. Mommy resigned to being called 'Mummy'.
Everyone a bit amazed at the speed of UK passport processing.
Monday November 3rd.
Application and U.S Passport sent.
Thursday November 6th.
New UK Passport and all supporting documents received Thursday November 6th.
Cheers,
Whatty.
Sirf said:
Congrats on Master Whatty's shared citizenship. A dream I've had for many years and the little bugger beat me to it.
Thanks SirfDual nationality will give him options in the years to come. Interesting to note that the new UK immigration laws dictate that while he automatically gets British Citizenship as my foreign born son, my future daughter-in-law will need to be British born in order for my grandchildren to have the same claim to British nationality. And breathe.....
21st Century Britain like Brooklands racing circuit in the early 20thC might now be all about the 'right crowd and no crowding'.........
Edited by Whatty on Sunday 9th November 00:35
November 11th.
Lest we forget.
Ms. Whatty & I lost our good friend and New Jersey neighbour to cancer on Saturday.
I mention this only because Big-Chief-Bob-Across-The-Street was, much like the original Whatty, a car bloke and engineer of the old school.
A qualified glider pilot he was also still a skier in his late 70's and regulary crewing a racing yacht up to the week we left NJ in September.
An engineer by trade and holder of seven U.S patents he was about to embark on the restoration of his late wife's 1961 MGA 1600. The only new car she ever bought.
The day before while visiting a local car dealership where I traded my '72 BMW 2002 in Ivory Weiss I stumbled on this restored MGA in identical Old English White to Bob's.
Sadly Bob never got to see his project really started.
Must get on with mine.
R.I.P Robert Greulich 1936-2014.
Continuing my rambling rose of a thread as I continue to transition from N.J USA to Norfolk UK.
Last month found me up in North Yorks on the buses. For those interested in faster fare scroll down and you'll eventually find some pics of Go-faster A-Series jems and some jewel like stoppers.
Anyway out on a day trip with Mr. Arms Dealer (he's not really in case you're wondering or you're with the C.I.A)
Up the Great North Road.
Passed my actual birthplace. Nott's born, Norfolk bred.
Caused much confusion with U.S Immigration at the Newark airport.
(And if you are with the I.R.S I did finally file my Return for 2013. That's the last one you'll see from me and you can now Foxtrot Romeo Oscar)
Sorry, must stop grinding old axes about septic tanks.
Back to Filey and old massed transits.
Apologies for low res pics, iPhone not my usual tool.
You have to admire old school coach building skills.
English wheels, ash frames and all that old jazz.
Sadly the younger generation think otherwise.
Not enough brass for a proper days work.
PHer's with an interest in old commercials might like to check this place out.
You'll get a warm welcome and a hot cuppa. They do use a LOT of glue, so no huffing or puffing.
And amidst the all Bedford's, just down the road from Plaxtons, I trip over this.
What is it with me and old Mini's?
You don't own more than one in fifteen years and lot's of very fast ones come along at once.
Well I assume this will be fast.
One for the Iron Maiden fans.
Kirkey seats. Lightweight heavy metal.
Comfy? Probably not.
It will be fast.
Hayabusa and occupants will eventually be stirred from here.
Hmmm. I do need to start something and it will require starting something else with an igniton key. And keeping dry.
Shed inspiration over near the A1 in North Yorks.
Cosy. Just what I'm looking for.
Confused? Me too.
Much like those Dagenham fans who tripped over my other thread.
Red Escort or red herring?
Damn, there was me meaning to wax poetic about this and instead I now have to walk the dog.
Maybe later.
Cheers
Whatty.
Last month found me up in North Yorks on the buses. For those interested in faster fare scroll down and you'll eventually find some pics of Go-faster A-Series jems and some jewel like stoppers.
Anyway out on a day trip with Mr. Arms Dealer (he's not really in case you're wondering or you're with the C.I.A)
Up the Great North Road.
Passed my actual birthplace. Nott's born, Norfolk bred.
Caused much confusion with U.S Immigration at the Newark airport.
(And if you are with the I.R.S I did finally file my Return for 2013. That's the last one you'll see from me and you can now Foxtrot Romeo Oscar)
Sorry, must stop grinding old axes about septic tanks.
Back to Filey and old massed transits.
Apologies for low res pics, iPhone not my usual tool.
You have to admire old school coach building skills.
English wheels, ash frames and all that old jazz.
Sadly the younger generation think otherwise.
Not enough brass for a proper days work.
PHer's with an interest in old commercials might like to check this place out.
You'll get a warm welcome and a hot cuppa. They do use a LOT of glue, so no huffing or puffing.
And amidst the all Bedford's, just down the road from Plaxtons, I trip over this.
What is it with me and old Mini's?
You don't own more than one in fifteen years and lot's of very fast ones come along at once.
Well I assume this will be fast.
One for the Iron Maiden fans.
Kirkey seats. Lightweight heavy metal.
Comfy? Probably not.
It will be fast.
Hayabusa and occupants will eventually be stirred from here.
Hmmm. I do need to start something and it will require starting something else with an igniton key. And keeping dry.
Shed inspiration over near the A1 in North Yorks.
Cosy. Just what I'm looking for.
Confused? Me too.
Much like those Dagenham fans who tripped over my other thread.
Red Escort or red herring?
Damn, there was me meaning to wax poetic about this and instead I now have to walk the dog.
Maybe later.
Cheers
Whatty.
It has been brought to my attention (you know who you are) that someone is marketing a VW FoMo V6 identical and not a million miles from where my own Mongrel resides.
I'd like to point out to the PH community that this dog is not mine.
Based on the picture format and description the seller needs all the support he can get.
I can only assume he's donating the money to Car Sellers In Need......
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-V6-...
I mean really?
Sat here kicking myself about last night's post. My fellow Norfolk FoMo dog owner is actually a marketing hero - accidental or otherwise.
When I first drew attention to his image challenged attempt to market his motor on the 'bay he had 12 watchers. This morning I now see 19.
Ichenderson2009 of E.Dereham I salute you. Pure viral genius.
If any PHer takes the plunge let me know. Can't speak for that one but the low key silver thing is really entertaining on local B-roads.
The BHP-to-Pound exchange rate is ridiculously good. Add the Haldex and hatchback and you've got a great little Q-Car.
'Dog at rest'
My Apex springs might have to go though. Kerrrunch noises parking getting a bit annoying.
I don't think a return to standard right height would be a bad thing.
According to THE MAN a bit of work can improve the Mk4 chassis work.
Cheers
Whatty
When I first drew attention to his image challenged attempt to market his motor on the 'bay he had 12 watchers. This morning I now see 19.
Ichenderson2009 of E.Dereham I salute you. Pure viral genius.
If any PHer takes the plunge let me know. Can't speak for that one but the low key silver thing is really entertaining on local B-roads.
The BHP-to-Pound exchange rate is ridiculously good. Add the Haldex and hatchback and you've got a great little Q-Car.
'Dog at rest'
My Apex springs might have to go though. Kerrrunch noises parking getting a bit annoying.
I don't think a return to standard right height would be a bad thing.
According to THE MAN a bit of work can improve the Mk4 chassis work.
mwstewart said:
TT Chassis and Suspension Conversion
I've decided to convert the colt on chassis and suspension parts to TT spec. The list is:
- TT roadster or 3.2 Coupe subframe, which has additional reinforcement;
- S3 subframe reinforcement brace;
- TT/S3 Steering rack;
- TT hubs (early bolt type to match my driveshafts);
- TT lower arms;
- DEFCON inserts to allow fitment of the earlier rear TT bush (Audi enlarged this to induce understeer after the high-profile deaths in early TTs);
- TT 225 front ARB;
- TT FWD rear ARB.
- TT front and rear struts. Sports/reinforced chassis type.
- My standard Golf springs. I think they are fine!
Where does he find the time? I've decided to convert the colt on chassis and suspension parts to TT spec. The list is:
- TT roadster or 3.2 Coupe subframe, which has additional reinforcement;
- S3 subframe reinforcement brace;
- TT/S3 Steering rack;
- TT hubs (early bolt type to match my driveshafts);
- TT lower arms;
- DEFCON inserts to allow fitment of the earlier rear TT bush (Audi enlarged this to induce understeer after the high-profile deaths in early TTs);
- TT 225 front ARB;
- TT FWD rear ARB.
- TT front and rear struts. Sports/reinforced chassis type.
- My standard Golf springs. I think they are fine!
Cheers
Whatty
hidetheelephants said:
Close, but no cigar; as the stamp says it's 25 pounder ammo, which is the predecessor of the 105 light gun(in the Royal Artillery anyway).
I guess that is one of these then?
Up for sale at a military auction last month.
There was also some v. cool vintage Norge Army content.
But that will have to wait for other time.
I think Diary of a Country Lad has now served its purpose, too much virtual meandering for the hardcore PHer.
As usual the quickly written original eclipses the sequel.
Cheers
Whatty
mwstewart said:
I think we need a project thread now. Turbocharge the Golf please 
I think my next, if any, project thread will be found in Homes,Gardens & DIY. The FoMo is quite fast enough for runs to the Builder Merchants.
And my spannering skills are still woeful, though I did manage to change the front pads on the Citroen. Which was quite satisfying.
And much needed.
Meanwhile Master Whatty is settling into UK life quite well. Although we are concerned about the residual effects of life in the NYC Metro area.
He's started playing with Dolly's.
Could he be developing latent metrosexual tendencies?
Cheers,
Whatty
mwstewart said:
Ahh, so you have a castellated nut and a split pin arrangement on the Citroen hub; if only all manufacturers still did this rather than specifying single and often extortionate nuts!
Citroen locking wheel nuts on the other hand are royal pain in the arse. Now all gone.mwstewart said:
mwstewart seeks builder with OCD.
mwstewart said:
P.S. We grew up not a million miles away from each other. I have friends in Bathley and South Muskham.
I really don't recall much about my very early years in Notts - I was 3 when my folks moved back to Norfolk. I'm delving deep and far back into the Whatty archives here.
Me, a Hillman Hunter and some slim bloke.
Check out my red shoes. Judy Garland eat your heart out.
We're not in Kansas or New Jersey any more.
Cheers,
Whatty
Date: November 22nd 2014
Well here we are again. Another Saturday, another track day.
Another circuit.
Location: Snetterton
Time: Too early in the a.m
Weather: Farkin wet.
Car: VW 4Motion V6
Snetterton 300 circuit.
3 miles of prime Norfolk automotive real estate. Mostly flat.
Tricky long right hander, Corum, bit of a slope.
That infield squiggly bit was most definitely not there last time I was here in 1996. Aaah memories.
Back then, at the wheel of a BMW E36 318is & Formula Ford 1600 I was a driving god.
For at least 90 minutes (incl. time for tea and biscuits)
Drivers wanted:
Brother ZedFreeEm & Crew. Where are you?
Wander paddock. Wet & gloomy. Feet getting wet.
This is beginning to feel like a fools errand.
Hang on, that’s quite nice. Racy Elise.
X marks the novice racer.
Never mind the Little Donkey, this rain is Pooh.
Feeling a bit of an ass myself.
In this weather track time could end suddenly . Not to mention badly.
Wander over to another non-race Lotii. "Nice car mate."
Ooops......
Sorry I interrupted your must-get-very-very-focused-moment.
Didn't realize Q3 was before breakfast here. My mistake
Loved the Sparco and Nomex tailoring. Very..... colourful.
Where is the Sarf O' the River Mafia?
Finally. They arrive. Bimmer x3
X marks me as the novice. I do not want some big bucks fire breathing, turbo popping Evo Lancer up my chuff all day.
Yellow and black = stay clear. Your credit card will thank me.
OK, noise testing
VW 4Mo' V6 = 83 dB
8:30am MSV Safety brief thing.
09:10 Sighting laps.
Sighting? I can't see f
k all.
Literal screen shot c/o Whatty.
Real high res copyright: c/o Dr. Palmer's Patented Car Porn People.
Google will get you there, if that’s your thing.
The Other Brother Whatty at wheel of Mongrel.
Team game and all that.
OK my go.
Must find my focus today. Bit sloppy last time out.
Today I will be smoother on the throttle, earlier on the brakes and hit those apexes by turning in a bit later.
I shall tiptoe through the infinite Corum bend.
Delicate inputs cos its like well slippery. Everywhere.
Forget 2nd gear. lets just focus on the right line and let the V6 torque pull it out of the corners.
3 sessions x 4 WET laps = MUCH better. Bonus, passing other stuff and everything.
And that’s lunch.
And this is a 1M wheel / brake combo.
Lucifer comes up trumps. GT3 RS at Bedford. 1M here.
Paxing with this Krazy Kat, sideways everywhere. Laughing all the way.
15:00 hours.
Bye bye everyone. Long-ish journeys home for them.
Still damp.
Brooding bloke still stood silently.
Whatty should go home. 12 mins door-to-door.
Pah! One last session splish splashing.
Very therapeutic.
Old car + emptyish track = bliss.
Oh hang on, I'm no longer alone.
Where did he come from?
Through the Bombhole, wave Mr. Radical past.
Call it a day.
TODAY:
Happy Thanksgiving America. Especially to those on West Holly, 07016.
Just so you know we're having chicken. I've had it with big steroid fed birds.
Cheers
Whatty.
Well here we are again. Another Saturday, another track day.
Another circuit.
Location: Snetterton
Time: Too early in the a.m
Weather: Farkin wet.
Car: VW 4Motion V6
Snetterton 300 circuit.
3 miles of prime Norfolk automotive real estate. Mostly flat.
Tricky long right hander, Corum, bit of a slope.
That infield squiggly bit was most definitely not there last time I was here in 1996. Aaah memories.
Back then, at the wheel of a BMW E36 318is & Formula Ford 1600 I was a driving god.
For at least 90 minutes (incl. time for tea and biscuits)
Drivers wanted:
Brother ZedFreeEm & Crew. Where are you?
Wander paddock. Wet & gloomy. Feet getting wet.
This is beginning to feel like a fools errand.
Hang on, that’s quite nice. Racy Elise.
X marks the novice racer.
Never mind the Little Donkey, this rain is Pooh.
Feeling a bit of an ass myself.
In this weather track time could end suddenly . Not to mention badly.
Wander over to another non-race Lotii. "Nice car mate."
Ooops......
Sorry I interrupted your must-get-very-very-focused-moment.
Didn't realize Q3 was before breakfast here. My mistake
Loved the Sparco and Nomex tailoring. Very..... colourful.
Where is the Sarf O' the River Mafia?
Finally. They arrive. Bimmer x3
X marks me as the novice. I do not want some big bucks fire breathing, turbo popping Evo Lancer up my chuff all day.
Yellow and black = stay clear. Your credit card will thank me.
OK, noise testing
VW 4Mo' V6 = 83 dB
8:30am MSV Safety brief thing.
09:10 Sighting laps.
Sighting? I can't see f
k all. 
Literal screen shot c/o Whatty.
Real high res copyright: c/o Dr. Palmer's Patented Car Porn People.
Google will get you there, if that’s your thing.
The Other Brother Whatty at wheel of Mongrel.
Team game and all that.
OK my go.
Must find my focus today. Bit sloppy last time out.
Today I will be smoother on the throttle, earlier on the brakes and hit those apexes by turning in a bit later.
I shall tiptoe through the infinite Corum bend.
Delicate inputs cos its like well slippery. Everywhere.
Forget 2nd gear. lets just focus on the right line and let the V6 torque pull it out of the corners.
3 sessions x 4 WET laps = MUCH better. Bonus, passing other stuff and everything.
And that’s lunch.
And this is a 1M wheel / brake combo.
Lucifer comes up trumps. GT3 RS at Bedford. 1M here.
Paxing with this Krazy Kat, sideways everywhere. Laughing all the way.
15:00 hours.
Bye bye everyone. Long-ish journeys home for them.
Still damp.
Brooding bloke still stood silently.
Whatty should go home. 12 mins door-to-door.
Pah! One last session splish splashing.
Very therapeutic.
Old car + emptyish track = bliss.
Oh hang on, I'm no longer alone.
Where did he come from?
Through the Bombhole, wave Mr. Radical past.
Call it a day.
TODAY:
Happy Thanksgiving America. Especially to those on West Holly, 07016.
Just so you know we're having chicken. I've had it with big steroid fed birds.
Cheers
Whatty.
Edited by Whatty on Thursday 27th November 20:53
mwstewart said:
at the repeat apperance of moody chap.She seems to sit quite well in the ol' bends.
Moody chap wasn't alone, quite a few folk left looking a bit forlorn. Some for good mechanical reasons, others simply didn't respect the conditions and paid the price.
The old gal is, for what was paid, remarkable. Saturday proved you don't need to spend a bundle for a good time.
She can certainly be improved on in the chassis department and I've been speaking with Andy at the House of VAG. Thanks for the steer in that direction.
Unlike your's the miles on Mongrel probably don't make sense for a full on project.
Another trusted adviser suggests that while the V6 is robust cam chain stretch might wipe my smug grin off.
For now I'm very content to keep racking up amusing miles in comparative anonymity. Silver Mk IV's seem to be everywhere.
Cheers, Whatty
hidetheelephants said:
Volvo Sugga, which vaguely resemble Dodge command cars? My hardware geek credentials need a polish, I failed to recognise the slew/traverse ring which is clearly visible in both pictures and a distinctive feature of the 25pdr. 
Not sure if you're still tuned in Mr hidethelephants?Missed your last post for some reason.
Volvo Sugga is correct.
Remind me not to play Military Top Trumps with you.....
And on the topic of old green things.
If anyone could help me help someone value a flood damaged 2002 Morgan 4/4 Zetec with 100k on the clock do get in touch.
Cheers, Whatty
PS. You won't see this Mr. R of Little E.
I am trying, as we discussed, to ensure the Loss Adj. doesn't spoil your Christmas.
PPS. And on the subject of Christmas
Ding dong - Ms Whatty's shop's open.
Support your local online retailer.
http://blog.gwydionsgarden.com/
Free delivery in South & West Norfolk c/o yrs trly.
B'stard Child said:
Hmmm - so this starlet - old one ie RWD and fitted with a YB?
Supposedly. I'm not sure I should take the OEM Dolly Parton route.
Or I could get something with a Jordan-esque implant.
Suppose I could get something really old a la' Jayne Mansfield.
At the moment it is all of no matter, no shed to house it in.
I'd forgotten how sloooow the UK house buying process can be.
As has been usual, 2014 fades out with me just waiting on others.
Patience not my strong suit. Norfolk pace of life a bit slow in comparison to NY Metro.
So plenty of time for a trip down memory lane while musing and mixing automotive mammary metaphors.
Whatty Jr's Great great grandfather.
Robert A. (My namesake on Ma Whatty's side)
Wheelwright & cartwright.
An early professional PHer.
With a shed.
Check out those rims.
And when he wasn't knocking those bad boy buggies out.
He was sensibly diversifying into construction management.
Go team!
Cheery bunch aren't they?
George, middle row, 3rd from right.
Well I guess assembling one of these will leave you looking a bit glum.
'Good day at the office dear?'
Not sure I need such a big shed for my projects.
Trouble ahead?
Ms. Whatty now complaining about her current digs.
Not the 'little place in the UK countryside' she was thinking of.
Can't understand it.
She enjoyed watching My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding back in the States.
TGIF.
Cheers, Whatty
Edited by Whatty on Friday 5th December 10:42
Sirf said:
Read a few posts ago you suggested calling it quits on this thread. Glad you didn't. I need your posts to cheer up my lunch breaks in rainy London.
mwstewart said:
Keep it up Whatty.
Oh please....This is just a way to distract me from worrying about Master Whatty's gender identity issue.
First it was Dolly's.
I mean FFS.
Pink wellies? Really?
And I now see Scottie Whatty needs grooming again.
Great.
With sincere apologies for the lack of car content.
Whatty.
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