(5ktq) Clutch Pedal Wrap-Up + Santa Cruz, CA Parts Supplier

[MSV96@aol.com]

Thanks to all who advised last week on my broken clutch pedal. Santa Cruz VW 
(authorized for Audi parts and service, but not new car sales) came through 
for me!!!!

Some installation notes I learned.

On the later version (aluminum pedal and pedal box) you do not need to remove 
the pedal box to change the pedal (thank goodness). You do need to first 
remove the clucth MC so be prepared to bleed it (that was no problem for me 
since I just put a new one in 10 months back and have an Eezeebleed or 
whatever it's called).

Igor's caution of being careful of the overcenter spring and your eyes can't 
be worded too strongly. Mine did not come apart, but I can see how it could. 
Here's the trick I learned (to do it safely without the tool). Remove and 
install the overcenter spring clevis pin with the clutch pedal fully pressed 
down. With the MC removed it will stay down. If the spring flys (and it 
really can't in that position) it will be away from your eyes. The firewall 
end of the spring can't come off without removing the pedal box so don't make 
the mistake I did and waste your time removing that retaining clip. When 
re-installing the spring you can press it into place by hand and feel the 
clevis go in blind. Much better than actually blinding yourself in one eye 
putting the pin in where you can see it and letting it slip.

All in all the job was not too bad really. Car is now fine. Trip to LA was 
great. F1 race at the Marconi Musuem in Tustin was awesome. CA500 in Fontana 
was tragically very sad...you will be missed Greg. Trip home was wonderful up 
Highway One.

Santa Cruz Volkswagon has agreed to offer a q-lister discount on Audi parts. 
The discount is the same as they offer local repair shops, 20% off. (I 
believe Carlsen is 25%...) I imagine this will be mostly special order since 
I doubt they stock many Audi parts there, what with thier not being a selling 
dealer and all. Ask for Lee, Ed, or Joe. Mention the quattro list. Use of 
part numbers from fiche or FA is advised as these guys don't know Audi all 
that well (although Lee was raving about the V8q...) HTH anyone in need. They 
sure came through for me when Carlsen couldn't without a drive to Palo Alto 
and back.

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq