Resurrection of my CQ20V

[Tractor Dave]

John, I just wanted to say thanks for your earlier post with pics of your rear subframe repair: you inspired me to take a similar approach on my Cq20v… a very similar cancer to what I’ve found

I'm going to need to refer to this as well

[jp_paul]

John, I just wanted to say thanks for your earlier post with pics of your rear subframe repair: you inspired me to take a similar approach on my Cq20v… a very similar cancer to what I’ve found

[Bowie69]

Back home now, faultless whilst away, thankfully.

That last pic, I think the lens on my phone is making it looks sleeker than it is, doubtless it looks quite cool to me, even saying so myself.

For the curious, the wheels are Autec Clubracing, 17x7.5, ET38, wrapped in 225/45 Goodyear Asymmetric 5, they make it look fat, in the flesh, with a nice square shoulder to the tyre. Being 7.5" wide, and ET38 (stock wheels are ET37) this means they sit out about 5.5mm more than the stock wheels, and it does show. Clearance to front strut spring perch is an index finger, and the rear about half a finger -but clearance is clearance!

Note I needed spigot rings to go from 63.3mm down to 57.1, which are only a few quid, and a set of wheel bolts, as they use taper rather than the radius style of the old wheels (M14x1.5 x 28mm)

Just after fitting:
20210807_100704.jpg



Man I need to wash it, and get the respray booked sharpish!

[John.]

in the meantime.......rollin':

20210813_194433.jpg

[Bowie69]

In other news, the council got back to me about the verge, apparently the adjacent property owner was mistaken, and the verge is his, so it is a civil matter. I'll start with a nicely worded letter and see where I get -he's a doctor, so can probably afford it. Must say, the council were extremely helpful, courteous and polite, professional etc, most impressed.

Also, having set the alignment before leaving for holiday, I can confirm that there were no bent elements, nor had the wishbone bushes burst (poly) and the top mounts all stayed in tact, given they were brand new I am quite pleased.

The alignment issues were plain to see once I had the car on flat ground and pumped tyres, the strut connection to the hub had shifted at the front (rear was perfectly fine, no adjustment needed), so once I corrected that, and reset the front camber and toe all was well, and my steering wheel was even straight!

I'm afraid I like the bolts in the speedlines, so they will have to be kept on refurb, or rather replaced. a true split rim is tempting, if I am honest, but doubt the bank can stretch that far....

[Bowie69]

Thanks all for your posts... they have been absorbed, and am working my way towards a final solution for the non-bent speedlines.

in the meantime.......rollin':

20210813_194433.jpg Making sure he works hard for the care I give him.

[Lago Blue]

Sorry to read of your curb bites car incident, and I've no easy solution to offer, save for an example of de-bolted Speedlines (from Hugh Powell's site). I'm sure it could be done even better, for instance if you painted silver the ring he did in purple.

From a strictly appearance standpoint, it may be of interest to know that since a parallel approach to constructing an actual split-rim (here from a one-piece wheel), using bolts carefully hidden on the inside such that it still appears as a one-piece wheel (1st photo), that there is no shame in shaving the Speedlines' needless heads and it would certainly then make future re-refinishing of winter-driven wheels less problematic.

Glad to hear the suspension isn't bent, but is it possible you've at least partially blown a top-mount or A-arm bush or two?

Fuchs splits Screen Shot 2021-07-25 at 02.14.23.png Speedline with bolts gone Screen Shot 2021-07-25 at 00.49.14.png

[John.]

Top:- from Prestige Prestige Wheel on-line

Bottom:- eBay......these maybe 20 x Chrome Silver Plastic Wheels Rivets Nuts Rim Lip Replacement Alloys BBS Rep | eBay

[Mikes2]

I've got bolts like these in mine - https://www.motorkit.com/en/bolts-an...s-m6-p-10.html although they came from USA

[John.]

You’ll not get anywhere with the Council am afraid. Had a few bad experiences ..

Hopefully councils will vary region to region?

[Bowie69]

Thanks Anthony, I'm hopeful, but you are probably right.

Currently working on a plan C to try and get the car mobile again, with a view to refurbing them at a later date, watch this space

[anthonys2]

Have to admit am subscribed to this thread!! Gutted about your recently issue with your alloys. You’ll not get anywhere with the Council am afraid. Had a few bad experiences myself in my previous A6 had them bang to rights and still didn’t get anywhere.

[John.]

Automotive crime yes but they've lasted 12 years before corrosion has reappeaered

Sometimes "the look" has to be sacrificed a bit in the quest for longevity !?

[John.]

John, did you put them on and leave as finished or paint/lacquer over? Just wondering how their plating has lasted in service on a wheel.

Left both as is, the car with the e-bay bolts doesn't belong to me anymore and the other wheels have been lying in the garage for about 5 years so can't really say they're "in service"!!

[Bowie69]

Quite right, saw the email, then forgot about it! Will get back shortly....