Parts and advice needed for 1997 2.5L petrol manual Transporter

[Cambo]

Hey forum,

Just purchased another VW and this time it's a pretty solid 1997 2.5L petrol manual Transporter with 290'000 kms on the clock and drives smoothly and efficiently with all the power one could ask.

1. The problem is, I have just been informed that the instrument cluster/panel is on its way out and needs replacing so asking here for any help directing me to the right parts peoples as we feel we've tried everyone and looked everywhere.

I'll reset the odometer when I fill it up every 450 kms so we don't run out of fuel and use my gps for speedo til its properly fixed but does anyone now how to recondition them or wtf is the best way forward as we I understand that I need to find the exact same one from a 97/2.5L/Petrol/Manual Transporter?

2. The white paint if it has 3 variations on the code, whiter/darker/yellower, how can you tell which one it is?
What is the best and most affordable DIY way to deal with stone chips on the hood? If there is too many larger ones is it best to strip/sand the whole hood/bonnet back then prime it then paint it? Would one can of the paint matched aerosol cans from Autocheap or the colour matching service do the bonnet/hood?

3. Security codes for the radio? I understand it costs $30 something from the company VW passed the details onto however wondering if it is even worth paying and getting it original or just remove it and buy a decent radio bluetooth/handsfree/speaker set up, anyone recommend an affordable head unit that does it all and easy to use?

Thanks in advance for reading this and hopefully helping me and whoever else is looking for quality advice and affordable parts for T4 Transporters, and in particular any information regarding what parts can be interchanged between T4 Transporter models.

Cheers,

Camo with Vano

[Water Boy]

Get in contact with Matt @CamdenGTI