The Mk1 ABF Project

[cartertronic]

Just answered a PM about freight charges etc., thought it beneficial to post it here:

In response to 'how much did it cost to import the engine?':

"It's difficult to say, as I shipped a 2m x 3m crate with heaps of other stuff inside:
-1997 Mk3 GTI (bought whole car) = 461 GBP
-Towing = 165 GBP
-Crate = 240 GBP
-Shipping = 440 GBP
-Customs/Local Freight Handling Fees = $830AU (incl. fumigation charges)

In all honesty, if I had to buy another ABF I would source it locally! Unless you need to bring in a whole lot of other bits and pieces, it'll definitely end up costing you more in time and money... then there's the hassle of arranging it etc.

Either that, or try to find someone with a container coming to Australia, that way you might be able to skip likely hassles with customs...

A word on customs: After picking up my crate that had been literally torn apart by customs officers and reorganising all the items inside that had been piled back in the remains of the crate (damaging several items), I spoke to the freight handler..
He said customs officers actively target small private crates as these are most common for amateur criminals bringing in illegal items/drugs etc. Apparently they also "high-fived" (he witnessed their inspection) when they found a bug, as this means they can charge fumigation fees."

EDIT: Just looked at my original thread post where I said I was planning to keep it under $3000! If you just include the above the total is $2800... mission accomplished (if you exclude the bucket loads of cash I spent on other bits and pieces haha! )

[cartertronic]

Couple of goodies arrived today

VR6 Water Pump Pulley (for power steering and air conditioning delete - since getting a daily driver I've decide not to go down the track of installing AC)


..and Mk2 256mm Brake Discs (to go with the Calibra 16v calipers and carriers!)

[roccodingo]

discs arrived all good mate

[cartertronic]

discs arrived all good mate

Thanks mate!


..also picked up rear disc setup from Dom today, now to find time to fit it all up!

[cartertronic]

Was clearing space in the garage last night and noticed the rear mount bracket (bolted to the transmission) is broken.. not sure how that happened

That flat piece that sticks out should have two holes for the rear engine mount bolts!



(or perspective of where this bracket is located...


These should be a dime a dozen, anyone got one lying around?

[Peter Jones]

I've got one.

I've had to weld these up in the past. Makes 'em stronger.

[cartertronic]

Great tip!

PM Sent..

[roccodingo]

Yeah, seen a few cracked versions mate..

[cartertronic]

Had a bucks night over the weekend, but managed to make a bit of progress...

Stripped down the front and rear calipers & gave them a good clean


Rub a dub-dub, big brakes in the tub


Sprayed red and hit with the heat gun, before baking in the oven for an hour.


Lunch of champions (cooked prior to brakes)


Fronts came out a treat. The clear coat gives them a great shine


Rears being fitted


Fitted poly bushes for rear beam mounts (with plenty of lithium grease to hopefully stop the squeaks)



+Mk1 braided lines .. will have to track down some Mk3 braided lines for the other piece of flexi-hose


Disconnected the old handbrake cables & brake lines, then dropped the old beam with sway bar and Cordoba drums.


A few things to be done while the back is in the air, watch this space

[cartertronic]

Bit more progress today..

Fitted new rear engine mount bracket (thanks Pete!)


Replaced the rear suspension. Out with the old, in with the new (+poly bushes)






Simple job, but stoked to fit these!

I know the world doesn't need another meme, but couldn't resist


---------- Post added 11-04-2012 at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was 10-04-2012 at 11:15 PM ----------

Rang a few places about getting braided lines made (via www.braidedhoses.com.au - Thanks Pete), seems to be approx. $70-80 per line. Seeing as Mk3 Goodridge kits go for about $100 on ebay, might give custom lines a miss.

One bloke I spoke to reckons buying pre-made brake lines from OS is a bad idea as they don't meet our safety standards!? Find this a bit hard to believe. Maybe no-name lines have suspect quality .. or maybe he's just trying to drum up some business

Interested in making them myself, but could be asking for trouble:
Making Braided Lines - Old Britts
How to make braided brake lines - Custom Fighters
How to make braided stainless steel brake lines - DoTheTon
Teflon hose assembly - Earls Speed