Been a while since I updated this. We've had the engine running for a while, but decided to relocate the oil cooler and filter underneath the truck, mainly to get the heat generated out of the engine bay. Seems to be better, but because of the truck being lowered, a hole has developed in the exhaust and is probably causing the rough running, so need to sort that. Ordered a mondo phat boy muffler (Bugpack) but turns out it doesn't fit an early bay, as it fouls on the engine mount bar. Bloody things! So had to send that back. The plan now is to get the silencer custom made so it can tuck up out of the way, and stop it catching on everything!
Also took the time while off the road and up on axle stands to replace some of the gearshift couplings. While replacing one, the small fuel hose that comes out of the tank split, so we ended up having to drain the tank. Wanted to get it out anyway, so good opportunity. Oh, and there are a couple of small holes in it! Luckily I've managed to source a good replacement, thanks to
sharman.
Pic for those who've never seen the inside of a single cab locker area:
While it was out, we noticed a section of the floor had a few too many holes, and decided to plate over it. Its funny how a small job escalates into a much bigger one. The plated section:
The cardboard stuffed into the hole is to mask that hole for spraying. Normally the tank sits there (with a seal around) to allow the fuel line to come out. And yes, after wire brushing down what I could get to, and brushing out a whole lot of dust and south african desert sand, I set up for spraying:
Covering up any areas that led to the 'outside'. All this takes a lot of time, since you have to do it lying down in a small space. Results of first round of spraying:
Colour is a dark green, as 1L tins of hammerite are half price in Halfords at the moment and this is what they had left.
And that's it for now. Hopefully back on the road soon! Bloody VWs..
plus I was well chuffed to find that my 9'4" longboard fits in the back lying flat. No need for a rack on top of the canvas!
