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

[Brandon Rogers]

Brian-
Rather than address each individual thought - which I might do later when I
have more time - here is my thought in a nutshell.

Decide how much you want to spend.  Do what makes you happy.  Make it drive
the way you want it to drive.  The value of these cars is the cool-factor,
history, uniqueness, all weather capability, the sound, the rareness, and
the camaraderie and friendships you will make.  

If a 100% factory restoration floats your boat - go for it. If you want a
reliable daily - do it.

Personally - FWIW (not much) - I wanted a car in good, presentable condition
with a reliable, slightly more powerful motor that I can drive anytime,
anywhere - take on a roadtrip to Moab on a moment's notice (which I've done)
or dice with newer rides up a canyon or park next to anybody and not be
embarrassed.

Mission accomplished.

Brandon
'84 ur 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf
Of brian at cabalic.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:06 PM
To: urq at audifans.com
Subject: [urq] My plan of attack - open to suggestions (Long)


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

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