Karlmann

I spent today going through “Wolfgang” with a fine tooth comb – and found a fair few things that could be improved upon. Thankfully it  all appears to be cosmetic. In the front boot there was 3 plastic bags of stuff. I found the little warning light for when the heated rear windscreen is on. Glad about that because it means I’ve one less hole in the dashboard to worry about. The heated rear windsreen works on the top 2 lines okay, but only marginally on the rest. Anyone got any ideas on how to improve this? I got the emergency lights to work but have to figure out how to attach the relay correctly to the inside of the dash. The white writing has worn off the red lens, so I’ll need a replacement. I don’t know about other parts of the world, but in Ireland the hazard lights are used a lot as a method of communicating “thanks”  if a courteous driver is encountered on the road – hence the faded writing. Interestingly, where the cigar lighter should be there is a perfectly fitting black knob, with thumb grips that springs in and out like a lighter. The lighter casing seems to be present behind the dash. I tried to pull the black knob out but don’t want to pull it too hard in case I break it. I have the original lighter and an aftermarket one but not too sure where either of them goes. There is an extra hole drilled over the lights and wipers but neither of them fit in here. In the bags there is also a number of metal and plastic pieces that look as though they should go somewhere. I’ll post some pics and see if anyone can place them. There is a very large number of screws nuts and bolts, definitely from the car, in the bags which is a little alarming. That said, the car IS running beautifully. On the passenger side, the side bottom trim has a screw holding it in place. Obviously after the respray, the garage weren’t able to reattach that last clip properly. The driver’s door needs to be re-hung as it is slightly out at the top, which causes a whistle and a draft when I drive over 30. I need to fit a check strap on this door and fix the courtesy light push button on the passenger “A” post. The driver’s vent window is missing the the chrome topped inside nut/screw which holds it to the frame, there’s only a nut holding it place at the moment. The interior is fine but I need to find out what the clip that the rear seat strap attaches to looks like. I also need 2 new armrests in black. The seals are what you’d expect after 40 years. They’re all holding but could do with replacing. I’m a little reluctant to use the sunroof as that particular seal is probably the most worn. The drain holes are fine. The chromework would benefit from being redone, but it’s not too bad. The chrome(?) on the plastic heater switches on the dash has worn away, so I’ll need to replace those. The wiper arms are a little rusty but 18 months ago I bought a NOS pair for my Type14. Turns out that I didn’t know my 14s from my 34s. They are for Type 34s (whoo-hoo!). First case ever of a car being bought for a pair of wipers!! The speedo cable needs to be reattached, having not been fitted properly after the calipers were replaced. I’ve also to have a look at the clock which hasn’t worked in years apparently. There are no badges on the rear of the car, I don’t know if this is correct for the year? I’d like some I.D. on the back to advertise what it is! I’m in 2 minds as to how far I want to go with Wolfgang. I want to use him as a daily driver, to get him out there, show him off and fly the VW flag. This is where the dilemma arises. Should I spend a fortune on NOS items if he isn’t going to be a show car? But then, yet again, I want him to fly the flag. No point in him doing that if he looks like a scrapyard dodger!!