Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Simply awesome!
Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Lodi Motors
- Thread starter fourmotioneer
- Start date
Workspaces between 705 and 1200 squarefeet.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Car update: GTI out
Drove the GTI to Charlotte after finding a buyer on Autotrader Private Seller Exchange. Nice service that was worth the fees in the case of this long distance sale.
Things I liked about the GTI:
Drive it from Ann Arbor to Charlotte and got bogged down in WV as some snow slowed traffic to a crawl.
Drove the GTI to Charlotte after finding a buyer on Autotrader Private Seller Exchange. Nice service that was worth the fees in the case of this long distance sale.
Things I liked about the GTI:
- Exterior design
- Green color
- Infotainment
- Engine lacked personality
- Gearing wasn’t enjoyable
- Not fun to drive in Michigan
Drive it from Ann Arbor to Charlotte and got bogged down in WV as some snow slowed traffic to a crawl.
TX4runner
Well-known member
More garage space 
nicholam77
Well-known member
So now you're GTI-less?!
I can't remember, do you still have the Alltrack?
I would agree with most of that. Was yours a manual or DSG? Mine is manual and I've long complained about the gearing to anyone who will listen
However, 9 yrs in I'm used to it now, the good and the bad, and I can't think of another daily driver I'd rather have that can comfortably haul two kids in carseats for an appropriate amount of money. Except maybe a Golf R
I can't remember, do you still have the Alltrack?
I would agree with most of that. Was yours a manual or DSG? Mine is manual and I've long complained about the gearing to anyone who will listen
However, 9 yrs in I'm used to it now, the good and the bad, and I can't think of another daily driver I'd rather have that can comfortably haul two kids in carseats for an appropriate amount of money. Except maybe a Golf R
I like my Focus ST.However, 9 yrs in I'm used to it now, the good and the bad, and I can't think of another daily driver I'd rather have that can comfortably haul two kids in carseats for an appropriate amount of money. Except maybe a Golf R
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
So now you're GTI-less?!
I can't remember, do you still have the Alltrack?
I would agree with most of that. Was yours a manual or DSG? Mine is manual and I've long complained about the gearing to anyone who will listen
However, 9 yrs in I'm used to it now, the good and the bad, and I can't think of another daily driver I'd rather have that can comfortably haul two kids in carseats for an appropriate amount of money. Except maybe a Golf R
Yeah, no GTI, and it was manual. We do have the Alltrack still!
It's funny - driving the Alltrack is a much better experience than the GTI was for a couple of reasons.
1) The clutch feel is better. Doesn't feel like it has the delay valve, and there might be different clutch/pressure plate / hydraulics. Not sure, but it's way better
2) Shorter final drive on the Alltrack really improves drivability in my opinion. It appears that the GTI has a closer ratio spread 1-4, but the 3.94 final drive in the Alltrack (gears 1-4) vs. the 3.24 final drive in the GTI (gears 1-4) is probably what I'm noticing. See below:
GTI
Alltrack
It seemed sort of pointless to keep both the GTI and the Alltrack (my wife and I both work from home), so we kept the wagon. The gearing and clutch complaints didn't lead to sale, just lack of use really and no large attachment.
That leaves us with the Pacifica Hybrid, which I sadly seem to find any excuse to drive as it's an unlimited mile lease that runs for cheap on 32-36mi of electric range from our solar array, the Alltrack, and the VW pickup / Alfa. For daycare or any family trips, the van is what we want to be in. If I go to a plant for work, I'm also in the van just to dump miles on the free car (doesn't hurt that it's comfortable, quiet, has nice stereo etc.). If I drive to meet a run club - which is sad but a reality of living outside of town - I take the van if there is salt down or I take the pickup if it's not salty.
As for not having a GTI...I don't really want to buy another car until I have more space, but I really enjoy the idea of a MKIV R32, GTI 337, or GTI 20th. Would need to be very clean, and that would mean storing indoors, so I'll need to do something about garage space.
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I fully support this!
In all honesty, I picked up an mk4 golf tdi w/5spd, its a blast, put a cup kit on it and its fun and peppy around town. Just another option, that can be made to look just like an r32 or other anniversary edition car and not pay the tax
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
If I were to build something detached, 32x40 edition:
I shared some 32x60 ideas on the previous page. I think 32x40 is more realistic for a number of reasons.
I shared some 32x60 ideas on the previous page. I think 32x40 is more realistic for a number of reasons.
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OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Have really enjoyed all of the pics of that car! I've actually never owned a MKIV myself, but I really admire the design. If I were to get something I could park outside, it would be something with a VR6 just for the sound. Speed not important for me w/ a MKIV
nicholam77
Well-known member
I never ended up test driving one, but I was all set in my mind to get one of these until I got suckered back into VW!
Don't get me started!
I don't know how they managed to make the clutch pedal feel so bad on the GTI. I removed the delay valve in mine, as well as the 'helper spring' attached to the pedal itself. And turned off the 'Soundakator' speaker to hear the engine revs better. And added a small clutch stop to reduce pedal travel a bit. Those things all helped a lot. Still though... it's not the greatest. When I first got the car I had issues killing the engine, especially on inclines, despite having driven my manual Mk4 Jetta for 10 yrs. After taking that stupid delay valve out I no longer felt like I was going crazy.
I've often wondered if an aftermarket clutch with a heavier or springier pressure plate would help it.
The gearing, though...
I think you have your charts labeled backwards, but that's interesting the Alltrack has almost the same 1st and 2nd as the GTI but shorter final drive. The GTI may be a *close-er* ratio transmission than the Alltrack, but the 3,24 final drive certainly isn't helping and I CAN'T STAND the spread between 1st-2nd, which is ~45%. I've learned to live with it and match my revs on upshifts, waiting for them to fall, ever so slowly, but it would feel so much sportier with a closer 1-2 shift. They basically gave the GTI two highway gears and a super spread out 1-2. Takes all the fun out of sub-30mph neighborhood or traffic driving.
I've heard some people say it's because FWD and torque, and yeah the Golf R has AWD but they gave the manual in that better spreads (at least on paper!).
And not only that, but the DSG version of the Mk7 GTI is quite a bit different. I've also never driven the DSG, but I imagine it feels much faster and snappier through the first three gears.
Mk7 GTI ~Speed MPH at redline (6300rpm)
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
6MT 39.46 73.10 101.63 137.39 168.62 200.52
DSG 36.43 59.44 93.32 136.40 183.43 231.28
I haven't driven that many performance-oriented cars so most of this is coming from my GTI experience, but I do find the tech specs interesting and I think your complaints are totally valid.
Anyways... I like the idea on the Mk4 special editions. In terms of looks and sounds a blue Mk4 R32 has always been a grail for me.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Don't get me started!
I don't know how they managed to make the clutch pedal feel so bad on the GTI. I removed the delay valve in mine, as well as the 'helper spring' attached to the pedal itself. And turned off the 'Soundakator' speaker to hear the engine revs better. And added a small clutch stop to reduce pedal travel a bit. Those things all helped a lot. Still though... it's not the greatest. When I first got the car I had issues killing the engine, especially on inclines, despite having driven my manual Mk4 Jetta for 10 yrs. After taking that stupid delay valve out I no longer felt like I was going crazy.
I've often wondered if an aftermarket clutch with a heavier or springier pressure plate would help it.
The gearing, though...
I think you have your charts labeled backwards, but that's interesting the Alltrack has almost the same 1st and 2nd as the GTI but shorter final drive. The GTI may be a *close-er* ratio transmission than the Alltrack, but the 3,24 final drive certainly isn't helping and I CAN'T STAND the spread between 1st-2nd, which is ~45%. I've learned to live with it and match my revs on upshifts, waiting for them to fall, ever so slowly, but it would feel so much sportier with a closer 1-2 shift. They basically gave the GTI two highway gears and a super spread out 1-2. Takes all the fun out of sub-30mph neighborhood or traffic driving.
I've heard some people say it's because FWD and torque, and yeah the Golf R has AWD but they gave the manual in that better spreads (at least on paper!).
And not only that, but the DSG version of the Mk7 GTI is quite a bit different. I've also never driven the DSG, but I imagine it feels much faster and snappier through the first three gears.
Mk7 GTI ~Speed MPH at redline (6300rpm)
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
6MT 39.46 73.10 101.63 137.39 168.62 200.52
DSG 36.43 59.44 93.32 136.40 183.43 231.28
I haven't driven that many performance-oriented cars so most of this is coming from my GTI experience, but I do find the tech specs interesting and I think your complaints are totally valid.
Anyways... I like the idea on the Mk4 special editions. In terms of looks and sounds a blue Mk4 R32 has always been a grail for me.
Fixed the charts!
So the Alltrack does have a very similar 1-2 spread, but it’s hardly noticeable with the shorter gearing. I think that if I ever have it full throttle in first gear (I don’t…) I might complain that the 1-2 feels too far apart. But, shift on a relaxed take-off and 2nd feels perfect on the Alltrack.
Now, the 2.0L GTI engine has a lot more to offer than the 1.8L on the Alltrack. That said, the 1.8L is competent with exactly zero surplus power haha
trytochaseme
Well-known member
When I first got my MK7 GTI removing the delay valve and helper spring were the very first things I did. It was terrible lol. I've been on a Southbend Stage 3 clutch now though for 60k miles so I don't really remember how it felt stock but I am happy with how it is now. It is on the heavier side but not terrible, only really noticable when I switch between driving my tacoma with a super light clutch and then back to the GTI.
Sounds like you need to put an IS20 or IS38 on the alltrack....
Sounds like you need to put an IS20 or IS38 on the alltrack....
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
My brother has a K04 and a South Bend with single mass flywheel in his MKV and I wouldn’t enjoy driving that much with the dump truck rattles and the heavy clutch. The power is nice though
IS20/38 might be nice if I can find an OEM feel clutch for it. I imagine that a Golf R unit would work for either if the torque were kept in check. Somewhat appealing but for now I don’t drive the car much so it’s fine
nicholam77
Well-known member
SACHS makes a performance clutch for the Mk7 GTI, not sure if it would work for the Alltrack. But it is supposedly very OEM-like (maybe a tad heavier pedal) and uses the OEM dual-mass flywheel.
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
There is appeal to this for sure.
Prediction: I move forward with the shop build before I tear into my wife’s Alltrack. Also, au pair is the main driver and I’m not sure she’s ready for 300whp…
trytochaseme
Well-known member
The stage 3 southbend really isnt that bad. I really like how it feels but if it is a shared car with your wife then you probably wouldn't want to do it. Golf R clutch wouldn't be a bad way to go, i've heard of that SACHS one as well. I had considered it before i went with the southbend. If I was closer to you I'd say you could try mine out just to see what its like but Grand Rapids is still a little ways from Ann Arbor.
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Looking for feedback here. First estimate back from a GC with garage experience can in at $90k for 32x60 stuck built including concrete and the notes below:
Sound like a lowball? Comes out to $48/sqf including concrete. Seems low to me
- 32x60
- 14' walls
- 12/12 roof pitch to match house
- Attic trusses (unfinished attic)
- Hardie Plank siding to match house
- 4 garage doors
- 5 windows similar to house on gable ends
- Eave end facing house w/ 5 windows + two man doors
- No insulation / drywall inside
- No plumbing
- Wraparound porch similar to house (concrete apron instead of wood)
Sound like a lowball? Comes out to $48/sqf including concrete. Seems low to me
I don't have any firm or recent data points, but my attached 24x32 was ~$32k back in 2019-2020 time frame, so I'd agree, its seems low. BUT, if its a savvy builder that is watching material prices, an IF they are low b/c its the off season, AND they would buy/order all the materials now that is the "off season"...Maybe its reasonable
The concrete is the hard one for me to have a good point of reference
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Thanks for sharing. I would tend to think metal structure is more economical too. I need to call up some local metal building companies to get an idea too.
So $42/sqf compared to the $47 I’m seeing.
In any case I’ll keep calling around to see if that’s too good to be true. At under $100k it seems worth getting started this year
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Audi 200 TQ driveshaft diagnosis:
My brother had his Audi towed over saying it was vibrating massively under the armrest area with suspected driveshaft issue.
Lift made pulling the exhaust and driveshaft pretty easy. These driveshaft’s aren’t technically serviceable, so parts are hard to get. Looks like center support bearing and bearing carrier are available, and u-joint will be a matter of finding the right size off the shelf. I marked everything with markers and punches so reassemble in same orientation.
The “reuse” was a joke in a photo I sent my brother
My brother had his Audi towed over saying it was vibrating massively under the armrest area with suspected driveshaft issue.
Lift made pulling the exhaust and driveshaft pretty easy. These driveshaft’s aren’t technically serviceable, so parts are hard to get. Looks like center support bearing and bearing carrier are available, and u-joint will be a matter of finding the right size off the shelf. I marked everything with markers and punches so reassemble in same orientation.
The “reuse” was a joke in a photo I sent my brother
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
I just found your thread the other day and got caught up on the entire thing. I love the new house with the huge wrap-around porch. Beautiful design.
Maybe it is the area but I agree that seems extremely low. I couldn't even get a quote for double that for a stick build garage when I considered going that route in this area. Knowing the cost of even the cheapest garage doors would make me question that estimate.
One suggestion, even if you are not insulating now, you might want to get insulated garage doors now since you are up north. They do help make a difference unless you never plan to insulate the building at all versus just doing it yourself later. Also, walls 2x6 or 2x4?
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Thanks for the compliment on the house. Have enjoyed following along with your thread. Your thread has opened my eyes to the minor setbacks I could expect while pursuing a build. To that end, I’m sort of considering a project manager between me and the GC, as I would like to see my vision come to life, but do not enjoy the attention to detail / perfectionism required to get that result.
Agreed on pricing. I got another quote from a local builder and it was $68k in material and $108k installed (not including site work, permits, or concrete pad).
Without knowing much, can’t imagine a 40x80 pad coming in much less than $60k…curious here.
I have another local “project manager” working to get estimates from some crews and hoping to hear back this week.
2x6 studs were quoted there. Hear you on garage door insulation (and pricing…likely $5-7k per door including opener?). If you’re used to 4 seasons then SE Michigan is not particularly cold. Was in shorts in the insulated garage with no heat yesterday in ~20F ambient and it wasn’t bad. The summer is a much bigger issue for me personally, and that requires insulation regardless so point taken.
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Finished up the Audi two weekends ago. Ended up finding a U-joint from a Suzuki that worked. Bearing was a typical 6006-2RS carrier bearing, and the carrier solution was sadly a fairly priced but poorly engineered carrier shown below.
Some unwelcome features:
-stainless fasteners. Just send zinc plated. It’s not a kitchen and it’s going to gall with stainless
-the screw threads are exposed at the top of the part. Corrosion and galling. Ugh
-instead of providing a load limiter and a standard fastener, they machined a custom shoulder bolt for the bottom mount. Of course it’s stainless with choppy cut instead of formed threads
Pros: it worked! Proof is in the pudding. Good enough for me.
As someone who keeps old and forgotten Alfas on the road, I have a high tolerance for NLA parts. This Audi 200 is another level of NLA though. Very cool platform though
In other news, drove the Alltrack in some snow twice this past weekend. It’s not set up for fun like the Quattro systems are (in my opinion), but it’s capable. Took the oldest sledding and ice skating and we enjoyed plowing through snow on the way both days.
Some unwelcome features:
-stainless fasteners. Just send zinc plated. It’s not a kitchen and it’s going to gall with stainless
-the screw threads are exposed at the top of the part. Corrosion and galling. Ugh
-instead of providing a load limiter and a standard fastener, they machined a custom shoulder bolt for the bottom mount. Of course it’s stainless with choppy cut instead of formed threads
Pros: it worked! Proof is in the pudding. Good enough for me.
As someone who keeps old and forgotten Alfas on the road, I have a high tolerance for NLA parts. This Audi 200 is another level of NLA though. Very cool platform though
In other news, drove the Alltrack in some snow twice this past weekend. It’s not set up for fun like the Quattro systems are (in my opinion), but it’s capable. Took the oldest sledding and ice skating and we enjoyed plowing through snow on the way both days.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
GTI refresh
So, my older brother with the Audi 200 Avant above had a 40x60 shop in Idaho before moving here, where is current garage is a 22x22 or so two car garage.
That means that five of his cars have been sitting outside in the woods. Not great
His GTI had been draining the battery since the trip back from Idaho and my brother suspected something wrong from when the car had driven through a very large puddle. At a gas station on that trip he noticed that the marker lights were staying on on the driver side of the car even after it was off.
Well, the light stayed on and wasn’t noticed due to being so dim during the day and and the battery drained. That, and life business led to the car sitting for 3-4 months.
A container of peanuts in the trunk must have been part of the problem, as the GTI was the only of his 5 not driving cars to get a mouse infestation. Most obvious was the glovebox nest, which my brother removed before sending the car to me with a fresh battery for me to diagnose the current drain.
The headlight drain was just a bad headlight switch. The mouse infestation ended up being in the glovebox, above the headliner board, in the trunk, and between the hood liner and the hood.
I wore a mask (hantavirus hasn’t been observed in mice in Michigan but mice are gross) and vacuumed the entire interior multiple times. I aired the car out for days, and then sprayed and saturated the interior with an enzyme cleaner.
The smell is complicated by the fact that the car had never been fully cleared out from the move…a champagne bottle had frozen and shattered as well. So there is a slight mildew smell in addition to the mouse.
Black light indicates a that urine was mostly limited to the glovebox; I removed that assembly and will replace. Headliner board with its urine stains is removed and will be trashed as well.
Next steps are a steam cleaning of the seats and carpet and a fogger treatment - in this case, Adam’s Polishes Odor Bomb. It is a chlorine dioxide product that will leave the car smelling like a swimming pool for a couple of weeks, but I’ll air it out to counteract that.
If the smell doesn’t relent, I may get an ozone machine in the car and see if that helps. It’s certainly not unbearable at this point. Just an earthy, woody undertone that would bother me.
Finally, why all of this for a 2009 MKV GTI? It was my brother’s first car, purchased new when he was getting his undergrad. He moved himself around the country in it as he got his masters and PhD in nuclear engineering. Happy to help him keep it on the road. These cars have a reputation for being disposable, but they are a lot of fun to drive
So, my older brother with the Audi 200 Avant above had a 40x60 shop in Idaho before moving here, where is current garage is a 22x22 or so two car garage.
That means that five of his cars have been sitting outside in the woods. Not great
His GTI had been draining the battery since the trip back from Idaho and my brother suspected something wrong from when the car had driven through a very large puddle. At a gas station on that trip he noticed that the marker lights were staying on on the driver side of the car even after it was off.
Well, the light stayed on and wasn’t noticed due to being so dim during the day and and the battery drained. That, and life business led to the car sitting for 3-4 months.
A container of peanuts in the trunk must have been part of the problem, as the GTI was the only of his 5 not driving cars to get a mouse infestation. Most obvious was the glovebox nest, which my brother removed before sending the car to me with a fresh battery for me to diagnose the current drain.
The headlight drain was just a bad headlight switch. The mouse infestation ended up being in the glovebox, above the headliner board, in the trunk, and between the hood liner and the hood.
I wore a mask (hantavirus hasn’t been observed in mice in Michigan but mice are gross) and vacuumed the entire interior multiple times. I aired the car out for days, and then sprayed and saturated the interior with an enzyme cleaner.
The smell is complicated by the fact that the car had never been fully cleared out from the move…a champagne bottle had frozen and shattered as well. So there is a slight mildew smell in addition to the mouse.
Black light indicates a that urine was mostly limited to the glovebox; I removed that assembly and will replace. Headliner board with its urine stains is removed and will be trashed as well.
Next steps are a steam cleaning of the seats and carpet and a fogger treatment - in this case, Adam’s Polishes Odor Bomb. It is a chlorine dioxide product that will leave the car smelling like a swimming pool for a couple of weeks, but I’ll air it out to counteract that.
If the smell doesn’t relent, I may get an ozone machine in the car and see if that helps. It’s certainly not unbearable at this point. Just an earthy, woody undertone that would bother me.
Finally, why all of this for a 2009 MKV GTI? It was my brother’s first car, purchased new when he was getting his undergrad. He moved himself around the country in it as he got his masters and PhD in nuclear engineering. Happy to help him keep it on the road. These cars have a reputation for being disposable, but they are a lot of fun to drive
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
GTI refreshed
Finished up the GTI refresh. Took care of the following
The big improvement was noticing during the headliner replacement and some coincidental rain that there had been a leak into the cabin by way of a sunroof drain tube that had become disconnected from the rubber grommet that lets it drain into the cowl. Once connected, the water drains nicely into the cowl.
I also - with hesitation - applied household waterproof silicone sealant to the hood release cable grommet, as the water from the sunroof drain drips right onto that grommet. An offset would have made that grommet’s job a lot easier
Car is back with my brother now. Hoping he will let me fill his non-running but functional 80s Vanagon with his MG engine parts so that I can tow those two projects to my house
I couldn’t be further from a perfectionist personality - I sleep well at night - but I do prefer working on others’ cars to my own. For me, the stress level is minimal and the work feels like a crossword puzzle - stimulating but not too heavy mentally. The problems to overcome become entertainment. Hopefully I can get to that spot with my own cars, but mostly I feel the stress of having my car off the road when I want to be driving it.
And finally, the lessons here (not necessarily for me in this situation):
Headliner installed:
Dropped off next to the Vanagon and others:
Finished up the GTI refresh. Took care of the following
- Numerous vacuum sessions to clear out years of dust and debris, mice droppings, dog hair
- Enzyme urine treatment on all surfaces and especially on fabric
- Multiple wet vac cleanings of seats and carpet
- A few rounds of steam cleaning
- A non-bleach 99.9% of germs product from Clorox on all surfaces
- 4 hour chlorine dioxide treatment
- Many days of humidifier running
- New glovebox assembly
- New headliner
- Completely cleaned out cowls
The big improvement was noticing during the headliner replacement and some coincidental rain that there had been a leak into the cabin by way of a sunroof drain tube that had become disconnected from the rubber grommet that lets it drain into the cowl. Once connected, the water drains nicely into the cowl.
I also - with hesitation - applied household waterproof silicone sealant to the hood release cable grommet, as the water from the sunroof drain drips right onto that grommet. An offset would have made that grommet’s job a lot easier
Car is back with my brother now. Hoping he will let me fill his non-running but functional 80s Vanagon with his MG engine parts so that I can tow those two projects to my house
I couldn’t be further from a perfectionist personality - I sleep well at night - but I do prefer working on others’ cars to my own. For me, the stress level is minimal and the work feels like a crossword puzzle - stimulating but not too heavy mentally. The problems to overcome become entertainment. Hopefully I can get to that spot with my own cars, but mostly I feel the stress of having my car off the road when I want to be driving it.
And finally, the lessons here (not necessarily for me in this situation):
- Don’t let your mind tell you that a problem is beyond fixing. Mouse messes are daunting, electrical issues the same. But, each is solvable with a plan
- Break large problems into more approachable components and plan. Spending 30min at a time on the various components of the solution was key in this monthlong process
- Physics and logic will guide you to a solution. My brother was convinced that the current draw draining his battery was from an undetermined electrical system mortal injury, when it was as simple as a headlight switch. I found that quickly with simple logical diagnosis
- Ask for help / help your friends and family. My brother was relieved of hours of idiot work; I was gifted with the entertainment of hours of idiot work, and I didn’t even have to buy a project car!
Headliner installed:
Dropped off next to the Vanagon and others:
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TX4runner
Well-known member
Nice work on the reconditioning of the GTI. I don't envy you having to deal with multiple mice infestations.
That looks like a potentially spicy Benz hiding in the back.
That looks like a potentially spicy Benz hiding in the back.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
That’s my brother’s 2.3-16! When I was a senior in high school, my dad bought Jason Cammisa’s 2.3-16 on eBay and had I shipped from Ann Arbor to PA. I drove that for the spring of my senior year and was infatuated. Seriously can’t believe I’m alive with the amount of drifting/oversteer I pulled off in that car. I recall drifting an entire I-83 off ramp during lunch one day…
Anyway, 4 years later, I sent my brother a link to a 2.3-16 I was bidding on and he outbid me haha. It’s in rough shape now and one of the reasons I’d like to build a large shop; I want to strip I down fully and restore it more or less
Anyway, 4 years later, I sent my brother a link to a 2.3-16 I was bidding on and he outbid me haha. It’s in rough shape now and one of the reasons I’d like to build a large shop; I want to strip I down fully and restore it more or less
TX4runner
Well-known member
So cool that you had Jason's MB. He and Derrick are always talking about those on the Carmuggen show. I'd love to see you recondition your brothers. So the moral of the story is don't share cool auctions with your brother until after they close. lol
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fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Bolt
I got a new job with a 45min commute. The commute is a downside, but I’m working on something meaningful and challenging and the commute is the only downside. My wife also has a commute 3x per week. So, we got a ‘23 Bolt to use for commuting and around town.
I don’t like automatics, and I would prefer something with a manual, but it always feels like you’ve shifted into the right gear. Power and response and drivability is outstanding. I don’t miss my GTI for a second, as nice as that car was.
We signed a purchase agreement on an ID.Buzz in April and that afternoon the stop sale hit, so we couldn’t take delivery. I heard that the recall repair parts are en route from Germany, so it might be no more than 2-3 weeks at this point.
Had to turn in our Pacifica hybrid when I left my old job, so we’ve been renting a Pacifica as we wait for the Buzz.
Got a 100A service added to the garage so that we can charge two cars at level 2. So far the Bolt is on level 2 because it comes with a slick dual voltage cord where you can swap out the connector.
I got a new job with a 45min commute. The commute is a downside, but I’m working on something meaningful and challenging and the commute is the only downside. My wife also has a commute 3x per week. So, we got a ‘23 Bolt to use for commuting and around town.
I don’t like automatics, and I would prefer something with a manual, but it always feels like you’ve shifted into the right gear. Power and response and drivability is outstanding. I don’t miss my GTI for a second, as nice as that car was.
We signed a purchase agreement on an ID.Buzz in April and that afternoon the stop sale hit, so we couldn’t take delivery. I heard that the recall repair parts are en route from Germany, so it might be no more than 2-3 weeks at this point.
Had to turn in our Pacifica hybrid when I left my old job, so we’ve been renting a Pacifica as we wait for the Buzz.
Got a 100A service added to the garage so that we can charge two cars at level 2. So far the Bolt is on level 2 because it comes with a slick dual voltage cord where you can swap out the connector.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
ID.Buzz
Finally got our Buzz. First impression: great driving position, quiet inside, comfortable, roomy, handles well…great family car.
Finally got our Buzz. First impression: great driving position, quiet inside, comfortable, roomy, handles well…great family car.nicholam77
Well-known member
Nice color! The two-tone is cool. I’m not in the market for (any) new car at the moment but I am oddly attracted to the Buzz. More than I thought I would would.
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Did not expect to enjoy it this much. When it finally came to market I was working at Stellantis and had a $700/mo (including insurance) $0 down, unlimited mile lease on a Pacifica pinnacle hybrid. At that point I liked the Pacifica enough to just stick with it. When I left Stellantis and we test drove a Buzz I got hooked
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Yearly maintenance:
Yearly oil change on the Alfa and the Milano. Figured I’d use the same oil to simplify things - VR1 on sale. It’s what I use in the Milano and the VW isn’t sensitive and this consolidates containers in the fluids cabinet nicely.
VW lives underneath the Alfa on the lift, so I did the VW oil on ramps in the driveway while simultaneously doing the Alfa midway down the lift. Easy.
Mower got its oil and filter as well, though I ran out of grease part of the way through greasing it so I need to finish that up now that the grease gun is reloaded.
All this is left is the generator oil and inspection
Yearly oil change on the Alfa and the Milano. Figured I’d use the same oil to simplify things - VR1 on sale. It’s what I use in the Milano and the VW isn’t sensitive and this consolidates containers in the fluids cabinet nicely.
VW lives underneath the Alfa on the lift, so I did the VW oil on ramps in the driveway while simultaneously doing the Alfa midway down the lift. Easy.
Mower got its oil and filter as well, though I ran out of grease part of the way through greasing it so I need to finish that up now that the grease gun is reloaded.
All this is left is the generator oil and inspection
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
House trim and window trim repair:
House was built in 2017 but many windows had rotting exterior trim. Trim on the corners of the house and some of the fascia boards were showing issues as well.
Our house was listed as having cedar trim, which may not have been much better, but we found out that it really had rough cut pine.
From what I understand, there were some flashing errors that led to wet end grains and rot. Unnecessary cuts and miters were also noted.
I won’t claim to know much about home construction, but we found a really great crew and have appreciated their work so far. The leader walked us around the house and pointed out all of the other issues that he saw and we told him to add that to his list.
Replacement product is Westlake TruExterior Poly-ash
Rotten stuff like this:
Getting replaced with poly-ash:
House was built in 2017 but many windows had rotting exterior trim. Trim on the corners of the house and some of the fascia boards were showing issues as well.
Our house was listed as having cedar trim, which may not have been much better, but we found out that it really had rough cut pine.
From what I understand, there were some flashing errors that led to wet end grains and rot. Unnecessary cuts and miters were also noted.
I won’t claim to know much about home construction, but we found a really great crew and have appreciated their work so far. The leader walked us around the house and pointed out all of the other issues that he saw and we told him to add that to his list.
Replacement product is Westlake TruExterior Poly-ash
Rotten stuff like this:
Getting replaced with poly-ash:
OP
fourmotioneer
Well-known member
Trim progress
