RE: Type 44 steering rack and paint questions

[JustaxPHX@aol.com]

> There is a vagueness and lack of directional stability in the steering that
I think is not
> characteristic of an otherwise thoroughly developed suspension and steering
> system.

I felt the same way about my '89 200q but, of course, I've also got 8x17
wheels with 215/45-17 tires on it and figured that probably had something to
do with it.  However, I significantly improved things three weeks ago when I
took the steering damper I pulled off Paula's old VW Fox before we junked it
and installed it per Scott Mockry's suggestion ... it cost next to do -- I'm
sure you can scrounge up the necessary pieces for less then $20 between a
local U-Pull-It salvage yard and neighborhood hardware store -- and took me
about an hour to install.

>Anyone verify that the valence areas under the bumpers were painted plain
>white... or pearl?  Additionally, has anyone repainted them pearl?  Can you
>see the difference?

In answer to all three of your questions, Yes.  The paint behind my bumper
covers doesn't look very pearl-like  to me and no matter how much I compound
and wax it, it continues to look the same.  I had a friend repaint my bumper
covers as a temporary measure and two years later, the color difference has
become apparent.  It's also started to peel as a result of Paula's habit of
backing into things ... had he not done it for free, I'd be tempted to
complain but as it is, it looks like the car will need to painted in the next
year or so lest it become scruffy looking.

JG