Electrical Problem '82 CGT

[Huw Powell]

To go off on a bit of a tangent here...

The wiring on the '82 and similar early model year coupes is pitiful. 
Bad grounds, almost hygroscopic connectors, and the world's most pitiful 
fusebox.

While you can patch and splice and coax things into working properly, 
the real solution is to rewire the whole damn car, installing the 
underhood fusebox from 85-on models.

I know that sounds like a lot, but if I had an UrQ, I wouldn't think 
twice about it (most US UrQs have the awful early wiring).  The only 
thing that doesn't translate is the engine management stuff, but if you 
upgrade to CIS-E, it will.

So, get an 85-87 coupe parts car (rusty and no brakes is good, it makes 
it cheaper), and strip it to the bone, bagging, boxing, and marking 
*everything*.  Virtually everything you take off will be a good spare or 
an upgrade for your '82.

Then when you have the energy, strip the '82 down a fair bit.  Get a 
good body shop to install the sheet metal around the underhood fusebox 
nicely.  Use the dashboard from the later car - they are much nicer and 
it's only 40 or so wires to splice ;)

Then install all the wiring harnesses from the later car.  This is a 
great time to relay your headlights, and fix any niggling problems.  It 
might even be worth getting the car repainted while it's apart.

I don't know how nice your coupe is, but if it's a great example, this 
should be in your plans.  If it's just an old beater that you like, just 
patch and pray.

On 11/21/2010 1:29 PM, TWFAUST at aol.com wrote:
> Can anyone suggest anything better than "contact cleaner" for cleaning
> terminals? Remembering my experience with my Scirocco, I am thinking of pulling
>   the fuse box and bead blasting it. Can't foresee any problem with that,
> any  other opinions?
>
> Tom Faust
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-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/