DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Seems there is an endless list too. Some of the things are:
no/little self centering
rear fogs stay on with main beam - wtf?!
Seat belt catches when the seat is right back and tilted backwards.
problem with front indicators failing suddenly
Brake calipers too close to rim of wheel - even though all standard VW!
Exhaust 101db even tho we tested it at 98db.
n/s mirror not enough view
rear wheels rub on body when cornering
speedo didnt work - did when drove it down tho strangely
Steering wheel failed as centre too hard - even tho used the VW one with big pad as recommended.
Some brake pipe clips were failed even though others (exactly the same) were passed...

Several times the testers (tehre were 3 of them!!!!!) asked Arden rep to leave whilst they had discussions, and on the whole they werent allowed to do very much to the car during the test - makes me wonder what the value of them presenting the car is!
Also 3 testers seem a little OTT.
Arden have said they will be ringing their VOSA contact today to discuss why certain standard parts have been failed, and that when they were challenging some discissions, they were asked to vacate the test area.

Not happy.

Sorry to hear this Paul.

Self centering - i don't know how much a bug has to start with, but this is usually a problem on kit cars. I would start by checking all the ball joints are free and not sticking. Disconnect the arms and check everything pivots smoothly with little effort. You only need a small amount of binding or drag to overcome the the self centering force.

Rear fogs - If i recall correctly their is an issue with the rear fog supply in the loom - mine came with a note, which was to do with the blue supply wire from the headlight relay. Is yours fed from the blue wire or is it an older loom? I will try and find the note that came with my loom. Other than that i would check all the earths at the back of the car. My lights all lit up in random orders until i found a dodgy earth.

Front indicators failing - should be an easy fix - again something in the circuit not right.

Calipers - one of my previous cars went through SVA with 3mm wheel spacers on to get around this, as i had temporary wheels fitted. Not sure whether they will be permitted under IVA? worth a check?

Exhaust - i would get hold of a standard bug exhaust - try VZi you will probably find one for a few beer tokens, and make sure it is sealed everywhere.

Seat belts - that is a tricky one. Fit a non tilting seat??

A kick in the balls, but that is a small list to be honest, i have seen some corkers in the past.

Won't some toe in help the self centring?

- & check the caster which has a significant effect on self-centring.

Ah yes, all coming back to me now. Last time i had this i increased the castor, worked a treat. I think you can buy castor shims for the beetle that fit the beam somewhere.

They shim out the bottom tube of the beam fixing while you leave the top tube fixing as is, only cost a few pound.

Paul IVA is an excuse to keep TWITS in a job! good luck

oliver365 wrote:Paul IVA is an excuse to keep TWITS in a job! good luck

A bit like the project governance people where I work lol grrr


thanks for info on shims - is just one pair of shims generally enough to get some self centering?

Just one set, you'll need longer bolts too, you can get those bits from loads of places or here:
http://www.machine7.com/product.php?xProd=792

thanks all

any ideas on a steering wheel btw?

"rear fogs stay on with main beam - wtf?!"

Did you use Pilgrims wiring loom ? My fog goes out if I switch to main beam, I used the pilgrim loom (although it was about eight years ago).

I still have the diagram,s somewhere if they are any good to you.

I have one of their diagrams I assume its the same. If you could email a copy to check that would be good - bonerp at hotmail.co.uk

thanks Steve.

James did you manage to check your loom at all?
ta
Paul

Paul that list dont seem that bad really, abit annoying l know but all fixable.

The one to worry about is the self centreing, l had a bugger of a time to sort that, tried all sorts of things. Doesnt help that you will have new ball joints, tract rods and maybe a new steering box. All of these will be stiff as they are new. Best thing l would suggest from my experience on this is get the front and rear end at least set up by a Pro, it will proberly solve the rear tyres rubbing as the toe in/out will be out anyway. Dont use some tyre n exhaust place. Use a Pro it will be more rewarding further down the line.

What was the point in the third party taking it throught the IVA when they should have pre sorted various things it failed on indicators, rear fog, seat etc etc

Regards

Hi Paul

Just sent you a scanned copy, hope it helps.

Good luck with the retest

regards

Steve