alternator replacement [& winge about driver's seat tear]

[gman]

i'm about to attempt to replace the alternator in my vr6.

the wise and affable golfloon advises me to remove the headlight and airfilter box to gain access without having to lift a side of the engine up.

you guys had any experiences replacing the alternator in a vr6? any advice for an enthusiastic amateur?

i'm most worried about dealing with the belt tensioning device and then removing the belt. [i've got the bentley's handbook, a socket set and a sunday morning].

[here comes the winge]

i know its a laboured point, but do you vr6 owners have that annoying tear in the driver's seat cushion? any advice on repairs / replacements?

i've done a repair job on my seat but its not incredibly good...

i'd be keen to join in on a group buy for the upholstered bit of the bottom half of front seats!

gman

[syncro]

You may be able to buy a base upholstery genuine still. I bought one in '97 for an '86 Golf and it wasn't expensive. Took a few minutes to fit.