My B5.5 TDI diary.

[mrnice]

No, you need a DAB aerial. I splashed out on a combined DAB/FM jobby but it sits on the roof and looks exactly the same as the OE VW one.

Thanks Col will look into this!

[KieranM]

No, you need a DAB aerial. I splashed out on a combined DAB/FM jobby but it sits on the roof and looks exactly the same as the OE VW one.

Did you have to replace the cable at all? Or was the replacement aerial plus the head unit all you needed?

[Col]

Yes, I ran three new cables, a DAB, an FM and a power cable from the head unit to the aerial. Sounds tricky but isn't.

[KieranM]

You're right, it does sound tricky!

[Col]

It's not, you are running them at the same time from the same place to the same place.

[Col]

The love affair continues...

Gave the old girl a good seeing to yesterday and finished off her off this aftermoon.

Wash / dry
Quick polish of the paint
Windows inside and out
Pulled the rubber mats out and gave them a scrub
Blacked up the black bits
Quick polish of the wheels
Blacked up the tyres but not shiny shiny, I hate that.

Not bad for a 13 year old car approaching 150,000 miles.

Sadly for you lot, or anyone who takes the trouble to read this, part of my reward for that effort is to post up some pictures. Rather pointless as it just looks like any other car.

[zollaf]

keep up the good work col, and no, it doesnt look like any other car, it looks like a well loved old passat that will last for a very long time.,.

[KieranM]

I concur, about the only thing that looks vaguely the same on my car is my headlights after a well needed sand and polish. Lots of scratches and dents otherwise either there prior to my ownership or as a result of other's carelessness. Good work!

[mrnice]

Great stuff Col, still looks fresh👍

[Col]

Something I hadn't mentioned is that I've got yet another water leak. I've narrowed it down to the new water I fitted only six months ago.

Obviously to deal with it, it means doing what is another cambelt change.

Tonight is the night...

Started at 5pm....

A nice leisurely session getting the front end off...

Stereo on. That technics amp I bought in 1986 still going strong in the garage.


This is the leak patch on the garage floor, quite a lot.


Ready to go. I'd already taken the engine covers off the other week when I was investigating the leak so didn't have to do a full job...




The new condenser is still looking good, just a few dead flies on it




I can't remember if I went into detail last time on this, but you simply unfix it and swing it to the side


My newest favourite tool, remote pipe clip remover. Wish I'd bought one of these years ago


And in action, no more slipping pliers


And the front is off


Ready for working on the belts


Just under an hour for that


Then the Wife got home from work so I'm indoors for a little while, a cup of tea blah blah...

I'll go back out at 7...