[urq] My plan of attack - open to suggestions (Long)

[brian at cabalic.com]

First I want to say that in my short amount of time owning the UrQ, i have
learned a lot, but there is also a lot i DONT know.

I DO know, and have come to realization that my car will NEVER be as clean
as (say) this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270238710744

The primary thing I need to decide is what level of restoration I want to
achieve.  Meaning - how much money should I dip into "trying" to get the
car in original condition. For instance I am 50/50 with this interior: Do
I get the seats restored? do i shell out a ton of money for someone
selling original seats in 8+ condition? are there still some out there? OR
do I take the Easy road out and just get a nice set of brand new Recaros
(what i'm leaning towards).  they would definitely not deter from the
beauty of the car, they would just not be Original Audi. If i decide to
try to keep the original interior, it would be all BROWN, and I dont think
i could rock that proudly.

I have decided that i will tackle the build in stages and I'll have
certain goals for each stage. Would like to hear your feedback and
suggestions. I've already heard about the horrid electrical system and the
fueling woes of the WX.

My initial thoughts:

STAGE 1
1. Gut interior (needed. the carpet is moldy-ish and i have bad
allergies), and determine status of electrical system. Replace as needed.
Check common rust areas.

2. Tear head down w/ William Stedman, replace/clean as needed, reassemble
head and get car started (fueling, timing, etc etc).  We will be looking
at every component shy of pulling the actual motor out. I dont mind
spending a little extra time/money on this.

STAGE 2
1. determine what is needed to get car drivable. Suspension, tires,
transmission, steering, stopping.  Will consider suspension upgrades at
this stage.  I dont see myself keeping the stock suspension.  I see
lowering springs, shocks, and upgrade to 16x8 basket BBS from Euro 200,
new bushings all around. I love suspension, but I dont like going back and
doing something over (granted, it's inevitable) As much as possible get
the suspension I want in there the first time around. PS - I have the rear
swaybar already isn't that fresh?

2. determine if ODO is working and stopped at 79K.
3. determine what is needed to get the car road worthy - Windshield needs
to be replaced (hope i find a CGT donor by then). Turn signals, hazards,
horn, headlights.

STAGE 3
1. body work interior (slight floor pan rust)
2. body work exterior

STAGE 4
1. install interior
2. finishing touches.
3. DRIVE!!! I want to enjoy the UrQ as much as possible.  My goal is to
restore the car and then tactfully put on 20-30k miles of my own before
making it a garage queen.  who knows that might take me 10 years =)


Thanks,
Brian Cabalic

Day Time // TBA Global Events, Network Administrator
Night Time // iLoveHouseMusic.com, DeeJay/Producer
Free Time // 93UrS4, 83UrQ, Avants.com

URQ Project link: http://www.justfourrings.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1076