2000 rialta 22FD new owner from California patiently waiting....

[illfrom]

Hey, I'm new to this forum, I own a small VW repair shop and found myself wanting a project, just did not know it was going to be a 5 month project. Bought my 22FD from ebay with a bad engine, fans, a/c compressor, generator not working, rigged wiring, broken exhaust, rear axle replaced with trailer axle, seats that were stripped, etc.. you get the point. The only thing working right is the guy had the transmission rebuilt and installed 16k miles ago.


Bought a used running motor locally, tore it down, rebuilt it, changed a million parts, now it drives and passed smog. Working on interior now and figuring out a ton a broken, cut, moved parts. But all in all it will drive again and it won't look to shabby either, I hope. I keep you posted.


The biggest issue that was weird was the "shower drain" was hit hard and broke of a chunk with the tub, I fiberglassed it with lots of marine silicone, and it will work fine. Working that long up side down is quite the annoying task

[bigdan]

Hi Ed ,


welcome with us …..


When you bought it, did you expect all this ? I hope so for you !



Is it a VR6 version ( not mentionned ) ?


working on VW's myself ,it does help in owning one of these ….


They are more reliable then my old Westfalias …..



installing a good oil cooler on the 01P gives a much better insurance against breakage …..


I got rid of the original exhaust ( way too long & restrictive ) for a 7 feet long 2.25″ ( exiting in front of the back wheel ) way better breathing !


I'm surprised to read that your interior is in sad condition ……



Ill follow all your updates



Dan,


living in Quebec.ca


00FD

[illfrom]

Hey Dan.


Thanks for the reply. It is the AES VR6. Even having a shop with tons of tools and manpower, this was one of the hardest engine in/outs I've done due to angle of transmission and angle of engine. I did go ahead and purchase the "aftermarket" tranny cooler. Everything on this build was expensive because lots of parts are not in high demand therefore prices go up, and I get my parts cheaper than most due to the shop.



On your exhaust did you change the headers or the down "accordian" pipes? I'm curious because this was very difficult to bolt up for us as well, because ours were cracked and ripped.


Below are some pics.


https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bx...lExaGloV3dnRDg

[bigdan]

my exhaust was in good condition , I removed everything behind the cat converter .....


took a 2.25" pipe , performance type muffler



nice sound when sollicited ,,,,but no noise when coasting !