New guy - my various cars

[cryption]

Hey guys! I've been browsing BITOG for ages - and decided maybe I can make some contributions to the community. I'm 24, from Texas, and like long walks on the .... wait who am I kidding. I like Volkswagens.

My love affair didn't start with VW, though. My first car was a 2001 Honda Civic that saw autocrosses every weekend I could manage. I wasn't much of a mechanic at this point - but spent as much time as I could at my local tuner shop learning my way around the mechanics of a car.

After my Civic, I decided I wanted to give trucks a try. In comes my 2003 Nissan Frontier. To this day, it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I towed with it, I got it stuck everywhere, it got flooded more times then I can count. She had 207,xxx miles on it when sold - and I can't recall anything that broke on it.

While I had the truck, I wanted something fun as well. Introduce the 2005 Triumph Bonneville. I'm not much of a rider anymore (shes for sale for the right offer!), but I put a lot of love into the bike.

She is safe in my Garrage with all of 3,000 miles or so. It's a shame I know, but I just have more fun on 4 wheels. I have VW to thank for that.

And now to my love affair .... Volkswagen. I'm the guy with the VW tattoo. I've been to mecca (Wolfsburg), and am in fact going again next week for my honeymoon. VW is what solidified my love affair with cars, and likewise forced me into learning major mechanics.

My first VW: 2002 VW GTI 1.8t

when I got her - she wasn't a looker. I got her for a steal from a dealership in College Station, TX (gig em'). I didn't know what I was getting into.

I don't have any pictures of it pre-drop ... but that is likely because I put a suspension on it right when I got it.

The a grille and wheels that weren't lame:

Then the jetta front end:

She was quick. Any 1.8t owner can understand the headaches - and the rewards. 5 coilpacks, 24psi and a whole lot of fun.

While I had the GTI, a friend and I decided we wanted a rabbit. That is a whole other story - but the short of it is we went to georgia and back - twice - to pick up a car that ended up being a nightmare haha. We had a blast with it though ....

After the GTI was my favorite of my VWs so far: 1992 Corrado VR6

I bought it from a guy who claimed he knew about cars .... a bunch of work later and it was a blast.

2 corrados = fun project

VR6 - second love of my life

shaved bumper plus custom turns I did

Created a 2.9L intake mani out of a 2.8

She was fast

Corrados are known to be unreliable - and mine wasn't any different. So, I needed a reliable daily.

Enter 2001 Acura 3.2CL. This was one of the best road trip cars I've had. 90mph at 2500rpms. Love it.

So, I sold the Corrado to a friend when I got a house and needed some $$, and then sold the Acura to get my current daily driver:

2009 Jetta Sportwagen

I don't have any great pics of the Jetta - but it's a black stock (for now) JSW

 

[cryption]

And the thorn in my side - the future wife's 2001 VW New Beetle. This car was a gift - that just happened to have a blown head gasket among many many other problems

50,000 miles -

Got it as clean as I could though!

That about wraps up my cars. I'm in a group of friends with over a dozen VWs among us, and am marrying a dubhead lady on Saturday. Sorry for such a long post, but I am becoming addicted to these forums so I wanted you guys to at least know a little history behind the name.

And a face:

thanks for reading - and I look forward to talking to you guys.

If this is in the wrong forum - please move it

Ben

 

[bigmike]

Pleasure to have you here at BITOG.

 

[vulture]

Welcome and congratulations

 

[cryption]

Thanks guys! I was looking through the pics and comparing the buildup on the top of the pistons from the VR6 in the corrado to the 2.0 in the NB. The corrado had 140,xxx when the head came off and the bug had 50,xxx. Crazy difference and shows how proper maintenance is so very vital.

 

[GMBoy]

AWESOME introduction! I always thought those VR6's and Corrados were very nice cars. Welcome here!

 

[Scienceman]

good to have you and good luck with your marriage.

 

[Oldwolf]

Congratulations!

 

[hate2work]

Welcome to Bitog

Best wishes on your marriage

 

[cryption]

Thanks guys!

 

[oilboy123]

Nice introduction and pictures of cars and girl. Only thing that shocked me was seeing the Scotchbrite used inside the engine. I have read in motor magazine that there have been bearing failures using 3M Rotoloc Scotchbrite discs inside the engines. Maybe if it's cleaned well it won't be a problem I don't know that for sure.

I would think that you could have problems with your green pad leaving behind some of the pad particles and it getting sucked up the oil pump and pushed right into the bearings. At the very least maybe run a quick oil flush or two. I can't fault you for being a cleaning fanatic inside the engine, I'm that way to. But probably better to leave a little layer of varnish on the pan than to possibly introduce grit into the engine. Just a thought.

Just be careful.


Congrats on your endeavors.....

 

[cryption]

hmm I've never heard about the green pads causing problems, but I'll definitely consider that in the future. I hit everything with a good blast from my air compressor before I put anything together, so hopefully that would take care of any residue the pads would have left behind. I also ran a 500 mi OCI on Valvoline Synthetic 5w40 after I put it together, then did a fresh oil change. I haven't had any problems as of yet .... but I'll definitely keep your insight about the green pads in mind for the future.

What would you recommend for scrubbing tops of pistons etc? I'm still learning too haha.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Welcome to the forum. A nice vehicle history you have there, and hopefully, an even better future ahead of you.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Welcome to BITOG!

Having owned a 1.8TQ A4 in the past, I can relate to some of your experiences, although your fascination with VW has got me beat. The new GTI (or R32) is calling my name though... maybe in a few years. For now, the 530i will have to do.

 

[cryption]

Nothing wrong with a 530i! I would really like to get in an old BMW 2002 for a project some day.

 

[LS2JSTS]

Nice rides man!

That Triumph is beautiful, I'd keep it just to park in my garage and look at it lovingly.....lol.

 

[cryption]

Thanks dude, that's exactly what I do! I wash it when I wash the Jetta - every couple weeks. Slap some wax on it every couple months, and take it for a spin around the neighborhood once a week. She's pretty.

Truthfully, about 2 years ago I saw a guy on a bike plow into a car. I was the first on scene and it wasn't pretty. I guess it kinda shook me up. I prefer being planted on 4 wheels.

 

[oilboy123]

Yes the article was specifically about the 3M rotolocs being used with power tools inside engines. They mentioned bearing failures after a fairly short period of time.

If you think about it even the green 3M scotch brite pads will leave microscopic pieces on the engine. Just because Scotch brite is not sandpaper does not mean it's A OK. You might be OK, but I know I would not use scotch brite for internal cleaning. May as well use wet dry sand paper.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/thread/431393/scotch-brite-the-anti-[censored]

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-tech-tips/27507-scotchbrite-never.html

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=8GZ&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&ei=Mur2S6zOB4reNfuKiYQI&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&ved=0CBEQBSgA&q=scotch+brite+pads+causing+engine+failures&spell=1

GM TSB
Here is a bulletin released by General Motors regarding the use of Roloc discs by 3M. The woven ones contain large amounts of aluminum oxide which is the abrasive part of the disc.

#87-61-24: INFO. USE OF 'SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS' - (Apr 2, 1998)

SUBJECT: INFORMATION - USE OF "SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS"


MODELS: 1998 AND PRIOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS


THE USE OF "SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS" -
WHEN CLEANING ENGINE GASKET SEALING SURFACES, AND/OR CLEANING PARTS FROM AN ENGINE WHICH ARE TO BE REUSED; SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS (TYPICALLY A WOVEN FIBER PAD DESIGN) WHICH CONTAIN ABRASIVES, SUCH AS A HIGH AMOUNT OF ALUMINUM OXIDE, ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
THE USE OF SUCH SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS DISLODGE ALUMINUM OXIDE (FROM THE DISC) AND METAL PARTICLES, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE ENGINE BEARING FAILURE.
THE PRESENCE OF ALUMINUM OXIDE IN ENGINE OIL HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE PREMATURE ENGINE BEARING FAILURE. IN SOME CASES THIS FAILURE OCCURS IN AS LITTLE AS 1,000 MILES (2,200 KM) OR LESS AFTER THE REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE.
SURFACE CONDITIONING DISCS MAY GRIND THE COMPONENT PART MATERIAL AND IMBED IT INTO THE DISC. THIS CAN RESULT WHEN MORE AGGRESSIVE GRINDING OF THE GASKET SURFACE TAKES PLACE. PROCEDURE: A NEW PRODUCT FROM 3M(R) AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET DIVISION, THE ROLOC BRISTLE DISC*, IS NOW AVAILABLE WHICH ADDRESSES SOME OF THE ABOVE CONCERNS.
* WE BELIEVE THIS PRODUCT TO BE RELIABLE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL MANUFACTURERS OF SUCH PRODUCTS. GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT ENDORSE, INDICATE ANY PREFERENCE FOR OR ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ITEMS WHICH MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM THIS FIRM, OR FOR ANY SUCH ITEMS WHICH MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES.
CAUTION:

TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY FOLLOW STANDARD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, INCLUDING THE USE OF SAFETY GLASSES, SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING SURFACE PREPARATION.
READ THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PRODUCT BEFORE USE.
REMOVE BY HAND, WITH A SCRAPPER (PLASTIC SCRAPPER ON ALUMINUM SURFACES), THE BULK OF MATERIAL ON THE COMPONENT SURFACE BEFORE USING THE 3M(R) ROLOC BRISTLE DISC.
NOTICE: DUE CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID THE ENTRY OF ANY MATERIAL INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK OIL AND COOLANT PASSAGES WHEN CLEANING COMPONENT SURFACES.


THE PRESENCE OF FOREIGN MATERIAL IN ENGINE OIL HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE PREMATURE ENGINE BEARING FAILURE.
COVER OR BLOCK ALL ENGINE PORTS (ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT) AND OPEN AREAS (CYLINDER BORES, LIFTER VALLEY, ETC.) TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION WHEN WORKING ON THE ENGINE.
VACUUM UP ALL CONTAMINANTS (I.E. DIRT, GASKET MATERIAL, ETC.).
IMPORTANT: ENGINE COMPONENTS, CLEANED WITH 3M ROLOC BRISTLE DISC, SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY CLEANED BEFORE RE-INSTALLING THEM ON THE ENGINE BLOCK.


THE USE OF A VACUUM, SPRAY CLEANER GM P/N 12346139 OR 12377981, PARTS CLEANER, ETC. TO REMOVE ALL TRACES OF CONTAMINANT IS SUGGESTED.
THE DISCS (SEE FIGURE 1--3M(R) ROLOC DISC IDENTIFICATION) ARE AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT GRIT LEVELS, WITH SUGGESTED APPLICATIONS AS FOLLOWS:
3M(R) PART COLOR/ SUGGESTED NUMBER** DESCRIPTION*** APPLICATION QUAN. --------- ------------- ------------ ----- WHITE 120X GRIT ALUMINUM BOX OF ROLOC BRISTLE DISC (MILD 10 07532 1" DIAMETER ABRASIVE) 07528 2" DIAMETER 07529 3" DIAMETER
YELLOW 80X GRIT ALUMINUM OR BOX OF ROLOC BRISTLE DISC CAST IRON/ 10 07531 1" DIAMETER STEEL 07525 2" DIAMETER (MEDIUM 07527 3" DIAMETER ABRASIVE)
GREEN 50X GRIT CAST IRON/ BOX OF ROLOC BRISTLE DISC STEEL (HARSH 10 07530 1" DIAMETER ABRASIVE) 07524 2" DIAMETER 07526 3" DIAMETER
*** THE ABOVE 3M(R) ROLOC BRISTLE DISCS ARE TO BE USED WITH THE CORRECT DISC PAD ASSEMBLIES LISTED BELOW.
CAUTION:

NON-3M(R) BACK-UP PAD'S MAY HAVE A DEEPER THREADED CAVITY WHICH CAUSES THE BUTTON (ON THE DISC) TO CONTINUE TO TIGHTEN DOWN DURING USE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE BUTTON TO SEPARATE FROM THE DISC RESULTING IN DISC FLY OFF AND POTENTIAL OPERATOR HARM.
3M(R) PART NUMBER** DESCRIPTION QUAN. --------- ------------------------- ------ 05538 1" ROLOC DISC PAD ASSEMBLY BOX OF 05539 2" ROLOC DISC PAD ASSEMBLY ONE (1) 05540 3" ROLOC DISC PAD ASSEMBLY
NOTICE: WHEN USING ANY ABRASIVE MATERIAL, PARTICULARLY ON ALUMINUM SURFACES, CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE SURFACE AREA. EXCESSIVE MATERIAL REMOVAL MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO SEALING SURFACES.


** THESE COMPONENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM LOCAL 3M(R) SUPPLIERS. THE BRAND NAMES "3M" AND "ROLOC" ARE TRADEMARKS OF MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55144.
PARTS INFORMATION:


PART NUMBERS DESCRIPTION ------------ ----------- 12346139, 12377981 SPRAY CLEANER
PARTS (SPRAY CLEANERS ONLY) ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GMSPO.
FIGURES: 01 ATTACHMENTS: 00
FIGURE 1 - 3M(R) ROLOC BRISTLE DISC IDENTIFICATION 1 - SHAFT (TYPICAL) 2 - BACK-UP PAD 3 - ROLOC BRISTLE DISC
Figure 1
GENERAL MOTORS BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THOSE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION. SEE A GENERAL MOTORS DEALER SERVICING YOUR BRAND OF GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.
COPYRIGHT 1998. GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.


WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

[TooManyWheels]

Willis, Tx - I have been known to patronize your local race track....

 

[daves87rs]

Welcome!

Love the story!


Makes me think we all should get the chance to do it......