VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
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I thought I would post a thread after having had a few cars this year, plus to keep progress on my new one as I intend on doing a few nice bits to it.
This is how I started 2015 - A 1.9 Diesel Grande Punto Sporting in Carribean Orange. Insanely bright and got a lot of attention, with the other advantage being easily finding it in a busy car park  It successfully took us to Scotland and back and to Disneyland Paris last winter and I was a little sad to see it go.
The reason it made way was partly because of a few reliability issues and concerns (M32 gearbox on these!) - I changed jobs and was working out of my car - I needed something that was reliable and a little more professional looking. It was a shame to ditch it in PX, but I tried to sell it at a couple of hundred above what the trader offered and didn't even get a call.
This came along in the summer. A Golf GT Sport - 2008 model with a nice spec. I was looking nationally for one and this came up only a few miles away from my house in the end.
Has the Vienna Leather, Heated Seats, Auto Lights/Wipers, Winter Pack, FSH. It drives lovely. I was going to do a few retrofits with original parts - Cruise, DAB stereo etc.
Took us camping in Weymouth 
I fitted a decent set of Eagle F1 Assymetric 2's and bought a few new bits to tidy it up. I had plans for it including retrofitting some mods but that all changed. It's up for sale, but approaching the time of year when cars don't sell all that well. I'm trying to convince my missus to keep it
Here's my latest car. I spotted it in the Pistonheads Classifieds, turns out it was around 25 miles away from where I live. It was a bit of a bargain saving probably £2k on what the dealers are selling similar cars for. The seller was trying to make a bit more on his PX price from Audi, so I was more than happy to help and take it off his hands! The second car I have bought on Pistonheads
Bought on 47k miles with full Skoda MD history - It was a demo car originally and I am it's 3rd owner. Usual VRS spec with some nice extras - Xenons, Onyx Leather interior, Heated Seats, Storage Pack, Winter Pack, Auto Lights/Wipers and Front and Rear sensors. The extras are a little tricky to find as these were being banged out on 0% deals when they were new and options were rather expensive! I'm feeling quite smug at the moment...
"New car day" was slightly ruined by the fact the guy didn't clean the car before giving it to me and I managed to pick up a puncture on the first day too All easily sorted by visiting the foreign car cleaners for an inside and out and a swift puncture repair!
My little lad loves it - He has his own door, an electric window and an arm rest that splits open so he can fill it with Lego
Plans will include getting the cambelt and water pump etc changed as it's due in March. I think I will get the windows tinted and I need to get a scuff on the back bumper sorted. I'm thinking about getting the grille colour coded but have not made my mind up yet!
More pics to follow of the Octy once I get decent enough weather to wash/polish/wax and take some!
[Edited on 07-11-2015 by VegasPhil]
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Here's a pic of another VRS with light tints from the pillar back. I'm quite cautious about it as I don't like them to be too dark! This sort of level would look nice on my car I think...
Here's an estate with a colour coded grille.
There are a few horror stories about paint chipping etc so I will need to think carefully about it.
Other thing on my mind is a remap. A well regarded place called JKM is only over in Portsmouth - Not far to go at all 
[Edited on 07-11-2015 by VegasPhil]
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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--ToM--
Member
Registered: 23rd Nov 07
Location: Wirral
User status: Offline
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Looks a nice car that mate as I said in your general chat post I had a mk1 when they were fairly new and I still say today it's one of the best cars Iv had
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Some progress - Nothing with pictures yet though!
I have a nail in the rear tyre so that needs replacing. Asda Tyres were cheapest for a new Eagle F1 at £87.......
Tints quoted at £180 - Just need them to pick up the phone so that I can sort a day!
Paint work for the Bumper scuff, flat back and re lacquer the passenger wing (fisheyes) and colour code the Grill is all booked in. Will post pictures once done on the 30-Nov.
Cambelt and Water Pump being done at Skoda on the 1-Dec! Thanks to those on here helping with the pricing.
Weather has been so crap I haven't even cleaned it myself yet! Hopefully tomorrow will be decent.
[Edited on 14-11-2015 by VegasPhil]
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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Ben J
Member
Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
User status: Offline
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How are you finding it so far? They are awesome cars for the money. Had mine from new. It was one of the last of that shape off the line. I've been looking around recently at swapping it for another new one or another nearly new A4, but looking at the figures I can't justify the expense when it's such a good car.
One of the best bits for me is the boot.
As for tints.....one option that maybe cheaper is these.....I've got them on mine. Had sets on about 5 cars now.
https://www.uvcarshades.co.uk/
From memory it's about £80 for a set for rear sides and rear window.
They are good because you can remove if you want and in summer you can open rear windows halfway down and you don't need to worry about bees etc getting in or kids chucking things out!! (Windows are still fully functioning with them fitted)
See below....gives an idea of level of tint they give.
[Edited on 15-11-2015 by Ben J]
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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It's a brilliant all round car Ben - I'm really liking it so far. I presume you still have yours? I looked at the blinds but I wasn't too keen.
Stopped for a quick "before pic" on the way earlier:
I had the tints done today going for a subtle 35% (light) film on the rear windows. I have some pics of it being done but none of the finished article yet as it was dark when I left.
These guys are quite well regarded locally and from the way they worked on the car I can see why!
During - If you look through the car you can see the level of tint on the rear window compared to the standard rear quarterlight glass!
A quick after shot before I drove off...
A "new" VRS grille turned up today (from ebay) for me to pick apart ready for the painter. The more I look at the car the more I think that the chrome on the front is a complete monstrosity. I can't wait for the paint guy to sort it out as they look a hundred times better colour coded IMO
New tyre being fitted on Saturday...
Then I think it will be how I want it externally, unless I decide to lower it 30mm on Eibach Pro springs
The other positive news is that my missus wants to keep the Golf, which i'm pleased with It had a couple of intermittent ABS and ESP lights on the dash last week which required new wheel bearings on both sides for the ABS speed sensors (common golf problem) - £350 bill ouch!!!
I will put some "proper" pics up soon.....
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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Ben J
Member
Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
User status: Offline
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Yep keeping it now. Can't justify swapping it really and I don't drive it much anyway. It's the wife's daily.
How easy is it to remove the grill etc. do you know? Seen some matt black ones of Ebay. Might get one or get one colour coded like you are.
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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I will post updates re the grille and my progress Ben. I'll be taking it apart over the next few nights!
Some pictures of the tints in daylight here:
I'm made up with them - a nice subtle factory look. Didn't want the bin liner appearance!
Grill arrived - Came from Just German Parts on ebay, posted quickly and wrapped well!
Need to figure out how to separate the chrome next! Lots of clips on the back...
A couple of these mounting clip things were missing. I found a part number on them 893867290 and ordered some new ones for £2.75 on ebay.
Tyre fitted via Asda Tyres and a Halfords Autocentre today - Was a great service and very easy.
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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--ToM--
Member
Registered: 23rd Nov 07
Location: Wirral
User status: Offline
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You gonna wrap the chrome black?
Windows look good just had mine done 20%
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Separated the grill ready for painting. I took my time and managed to do it without breaking anything in about half an hour.
First I started at the bottom loosening each of these clips:
Worked along and loosed each one until separate:
Next I loosened the sides using the screwdriver and a gentle twist motion to lever the plastic over the chrome:
There are two large clips in the badge area and a few either side that need to be loosened.
Finally, once everything is loose you can "tilt" the black plastic so that it comes out of the chrome plastic at the top. Don't force it as the clips seem delicate!
Ordered a new Badge part number 3U0853621B for when it's finished too. The one that came with the grille was in poor condition really.
Also had a bit of a problem with the tyre fitting place. The machine made a mark on the wheel probably 20cm long!! Only apparent once I had cleaned all the tyre spunk off. I went back up there expecting a fight and they couldn't have been more helpful. They are taking the wheel off for The Wheel Specialist in Fareham to sort out on Monday! No quibble.
Result.
[Edited on 26-11-2015 by VegasPhil]
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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A little more progress made.
The car went along to the bodyshop. As it was bought privately it has missed all of the dealer prep that would have been done if I had bought it off a forcourt. Off it went to have a bumper corner painted, a few bits of fine sanding etc to remove some marks and a dent pulled out of the edge of the roof. They also flatted back and relacquered the front wing as it was covered in fish eyes and bothering me.
A pic of it in the oven. I didn't realise how hot they got - 70c apparently!
Next day it went to Sparshatts in Botley for a Cambelt and Water Pump Change. The dealership was absoloutley spot on. Took the car and had it done ahead of schedule by early afternoon. Not due until 5 years old, but I thought that I would rather get it done early.
Got given this little thing to bomb about in.
Next up I fitted my private plates - Process very simple on the DVLA website.
Final job was to get my wheel back. Refurbished and brand new looking by The Wheel Specialist in Fareham. Halfords couldn't have been more helpful with this, admitting it was their fault straight away and making all of the arrangements to change the wheel/tyre over to keep me mobile. Accidents happen eh!
I've had loads of tyres changed over time on allsorts of wheels and have never had a problem.
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Picked up this - It's got a maxidot display in the middle. God knows (with the car being so well specced), why this wasn't chosen when new. I can only assume that the brochure didn't go into too much detail about it.
Basically it gives a load more info about the car, is laid out in a much better way and allows you to change settings on the car. Also handy if you have bluetooth etc (i'm hoping to retro fit in the future).
Here is the display it currently has:
Here is maxidot version:
Luckily there is a genius on the briskoda forum that will code the new one in for me. So fingers crossed I will arrange that soon!
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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Ben J
Member
Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
User status: Offline
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Good progress mate. Had that grill sprayed yet??
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djgritt
Premium Member
Registered: 1st Nov 07
Location: Dorset Drives: Focus ST / Hyundai i20N
User status: Offline
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I always wanted the Maxidot in mine after I got the car.
The sales brochure was shit though, so didn't really explain it atall enough to warrant selecting the option when I ordered the car.
If I get another, and these are on my list as a possibility, I will make sure it has it. 
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Ben J
Member
Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
User status: Offline
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I have Maxidot. 
[Edited on 15-12-2015 by Ben J]
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Chased up the body shop and he says that he will do it in time for the weekend.
Typical paint shop. Leave a part with them and it hangs about for weeks!
Re maxidot I probably could have got along without it. I figured I would buy them and if I don't want them after will sell on for profit!
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Well...
The grill STILL isn't back. I gave it to the guy in November  Every time I go down there he is snowed with work and it's still hung up. He has promised (again) to get it done shortly. Sadly experience should have told me NEVER to leave parts with a bodyshop but hindsight is a wonderful thing. I remember having issues like this years ago with my old cars and bodyshops
It had it's MOT done at a local dealership. I thought I was nuts rocking up at a main dealer for an MOT, but it was a pleasant experience and only £39.
Usually I wouldn't bother posting an update about the car having an MOT but they parked it here before I drove off, so thought i'd get a picture as it looked pretty cool
The Maxidot display is being fitted next week. Will hopefully get the guy to enable a few bits on VCDS - Oil Temp Display, Digital MPH Display, Change my coming/leaving home lights to fogs rather than the xenons are a few bits on my wish list.
I can't spend any money on it due to my fast approaching wedding in June, but I am itching to do something to the suspension - Biletein B12 would be nice, Shark Stage 1 Remap etc etc. Hopefully will be able to get some bits done in the summer!
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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Another Update...
Eddie-NL was kind enough to fit my maxidot cluster last weekend. He was in my area and although it was quite late when he got to me, he insisted that the job should go on. I'm not clued up on the ins and outs of it, but it looked like he was fearing the worst at one point, and then, when tested, the cluster worked with my key ok - A happy ending! Thanks again to Eddie.
The display is absolutely spot on and i'm very happy with it - Love the coded digi mph speedo. I had this up for sale for a little while, so i'm now quite glad I kept hold of it! Also like the little convenience settings that are enabled also - rain closing windows etc.
Also gave the leather interior a clean up with Dr Leather - Very nice and has transformed the leather to a beautiful original matt finish. Smells very good also! Worked wonders on the steering wheel and hand brake grip.
Drivers seat before
And after................
A big improvement I think
Couple of interior shots as it's clean......
Off camping this weekend for Easter - Fill up that massive boot......
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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Ben J
Member
Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
User status: Offline
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Can't believe the grill isn't done yet!! Massive difference with the leather too.
Bet you can't fill the boot. We get close when we go to France for 2 weeks but I know for sure if I really wanted to I could pack the boot even better and have space left.
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