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After 5y Lived out of the caddy, then lived in a geodesic dome on mokoosh land.Until he narcissistic rage and we back in the truck.

45K views 625 replies 39 participants last post by  David@vwvortex 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey ALL!
I've been on here for a while.
I actually owned a reputable VW shop for several years. It was killing me and I hated it so closed the doors, packed all my tools, sold my lift and tools and I moved into my 81 n/a mtdi/ corrado trans, rabbit truck and headed to the West Coast! With my Dog.




I got stabbed by a drug addict Iraq vet and lost my finance and my one employee and had to leave the area to maintain sanity.
Ever get your cloths cut off, then flown by helicopter at a hospital where nobody knows you, phone dead and no wallet and you got stabbed attempted murder and your birthday is next week? maybe it makes you question what your working for. My mk1 obviously ! ;p







Bye everyone. I will miss you a LOT. Made countless friends. Learned a LOT!!! Got a couple people started who now run successful shops!

Thought you guys might get a kick out of my ride! Lots of mods, and mods to turn it into a camper.

Now onto the MK1 Content:
First mod was a tow bar in the front, because you never know! it could save a fortune. Drives fine already crossed the country once! An old man who towed a Cabriolet behind his RV brought it to me one day at the shop because he said it "belonged there" being nicely made, they are few and far between.



On Highway 101 being a beach bum and I'm not the only one!!!

Through the high desert in SoCal! I think the rabbit found its natural habitat.

In lower sequoia all alone in the valley with Maxine!


For the TDI swap I used an 11mm rover pump supplied by CRSMP5 (currently banned) p520 nozzles, 6 puck clutch, corrado trans and linkage, eurovan actuator, home made mounts and clutch cable using 1989 honda civic clutch cable, 100mm axles. I de-turboed it after I blew a k24 running 25 psi interceded (never hit 1200 on EGT).
Used 4-2-1 downpipes and n/a/custom intake. Now it is NON TURBO M-TDI.
I had to rebuild my axle in the Mojave desert in Slab City! but the sand got in there and it is NOT fun to jack a car up on sand.....
or keep sand out of a greasy dessert with sand blowing and its 110f!
It is getting 60MPG loaded down through the rockies.

So for the extra torque I converted to a mk2 diesel gold engine mount.
Are you Jelly you didn't think of it first? made it bolt in. Lets see another one!


A few mods I made where:
Dual Auxiliary Batteries! (3 totaling 450AH)
A/c D/c converter.
150W solar pannel
10A solar charge converter
120A Alternator that can charge aux batteries while running the motor or isolate the aux electrical system
phone chargers on 2 different electrical systems.


Corrado Transmission
1998 TDI engine rebuilt with ALH pistons and De-Turbo'd
ALH adjustable Injection Pump pulley on Rover 11mm 2.5l pump rebuilt
Cable shift from corrado
custom mk3 brake swap with 22mm master cylinder
All aluminum cooling flanges
removed rear wall so camper is a walk through!
rebuilt-everything, owned a shop LOL
Yes I have no Timing belt cover, yes I have left it off for years because the metal mk1 kept breaking. and it's crossed the US multiple times and never jumped a belt in 34+ years so save your breath.




Here is my bed. about 7' 10" perfect for me and my dog curled up at my feet. Curtains all around. enough electricity for a week. stove. cooler. water. Mobile internet.
Mtdi caddy.




Does anyone need more motivation to see the world in their caddy??


Nothing better than a N/A MTDI 02A

Anyone need any work done around the country PM me as I am a mobile mechanic now.
And heck yes I love living in my mk1!

Happy motoring!
Chilling in seattle for a little because SoCal is too hot right now!!!
Questions/comments WELCOME
 
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#72 ·
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjutnq0hqA

Been working on this for about a week.
I made a subframe that bolts into my mk1 rabbit pickup that ties the front and rear mounts, control arm mounts and bumpers.

It is a bolt in affair.

Uses custom motor mounts.
Front is a mk2 vw 1.6d round mount.
The rear is a grand caravan rear motor mount.

I had been looking for a material to build with and lucked out at the scrap yard.
Usually the good stuff is picked right up but I was there right at the time when they were unloading some fresh meat.
And I scored 25ft of 2.5inx 3/8” plate.

Yes I added about a hundred pounds.
But I also removed a 50lb cast iron front mounted tow hitch as well as relocated the battery inside.

But this frame will definitely increase the strength and vibration properties.
At idle I was actually watching the front core support wave back and forth in high speed vibrations.

No way I could make another one for someone else, cutting and drilling 3/8” plate is hard ****ing work.

But my total cost is around $120 including two rolls of welding wire. Half a bottle of shielding gas. I got 120lbs of steel at the scrap yard for $45. A steal in my opinion.

Hopefully I won’t regret it. I went out of my way to go back and make Things super serviceable.

Thanks for checking it out!

Yes I understand my modifications are crazy and I will probably die.
 
#73 ·
Ok so I have been having way too much fun.

With my new frame installed it feels like a brand new car.

Initially my ahu mTDI had a k14, and later k24 mk1 turbo setups.
They both blew.

So I ran this truck on my trip around the country with no turbo.

When I was doing better I allowed myself to buy a cheap vnt15 and fit it.

I kept boost low, like 10psi tops.
Usually more like 3-5 psi.
Very low fuel, not possible to make smoke.

Recently I got the itch. That need for “speed”
I remembered how beastly a tuned Tdi feels.
Could not stop thinking about it.

So I hooked up the valves to control my vnt turbo correctly.


-A needle valve to meter vacuum flow, this sets how fast boost comes on.

-A Dawes device.
This is what regulates boost.

-And a ball- valve that is actuated with the throttle to connect the system to vacuum.

Sure it has a little more lag than the legendary Libby, but in a rabbit pickup the torque is pure bliss.
Still only running 10-12psi.


But that’s all she needs.

No intercooler and the corrado gearbox keep my speeds in check.
Or else I would be getting speeding tickets.

Nothing quite like a rabbit pickup, with a wall of torque to surf to put a smile on your face when you are feeling down.

Still got some more work to go but if you ever wondered about what it takes to run a vnt turbo you may see my system before all the hoses are tucked away.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MtIugEqjkHk



Peace!
Happy vw-ing

Fingers crossed everything works out to make a run down the coast in a month or so.
 
#74 · (Edited)
Ok folks.

Little update as I get ready for my trip to go visit Mokoosh!

I had to send my topper through some rehab.

It has some pretty bad issues ...

Windows leak

Window frame welds broken

Wooden mounting frame rail disintegrated inside the fiberglass.....
Ya not good.
At least it’s just one side?

First I pulled the topper off to analyze what all needs to happen

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-3KPJzGP_Nw
 
#77 ·
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IMDg9uFgBL8

Here I had my “AHA moment”

Where I figured out the wooden rail had rusted out because the window frame never sealed. I wasn’t even connected all the way around.

Factory had secured it with one tity, baby spot weld.
And kicked it out the door.

Anyone know how much these toppers cost new?



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=APkrXt0Nhl4

Here I got the first layer of resin on- to reseal the old fiberglass.

It had some major cracking.
But is so much sturdier now.

It is wise to re-resin your fiberglass topper if you want it to last.
 
#79 ·
Went to go for a test drive and of course my injection pump sprung a leak.

My land rover 300tdi mTDI pump

Noooooooooooo

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2imqS_BHtcY

But turns out it was “just an o-ring”

And luckily I actually had one!
One of the seals from a Cummins ve pump seal kits was a match.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xrsOOOaQcoU

Luckily after the next test drive the fuel leak was fixed :)
Happy guy here.

And the topper is water tight after hitting the car-wash.
Even with pressure right at the seam dry as a bone.

With my new: subframe
Leaf springs
strut tower rust fix
New struts from partsplace
my vnt turbo controller system
Battery relocated behind pass seat (Mk5 seats)

This thing kicks ass.
I still like the turbo to come on slow so it’s not a race car. But it’s so smooth to drive.
And power just keeps coming.
With not a whiff of smoke. Even if I floor it in 5th@ 30mph. Fuel is turned so far down it’s silly.
Just gotta wait for the lda to kick ya on down the road.

Fuel economy......Silly.


Yeah It still has its rattles.
It doesn’t idle completely smoothly because when I got it it had a broken piston for quite some time and it put minor marks in the bore.

And I know one day my plastic corrado shift linkage is goona break ....
Maybe it won’t?
But hey, it’s exactly as old as I am.
I will break someday too.


Thanks for checking in everyone.
Keep up your great work.

We truly can never get to the end of every project but it’s about the journey.

And, I guess having a vehicle you feel like it was worth your time to engage.

Or maybe I’m just doing it wrong!
Definitely a possibility.

Peace!
 
#81 · (Edited)
I've struggled with this too. The good news is that they are embedded, when you view from a smartphone, or at least they are on my phone.

Another one of the mysteries of the vortex, along with 'how do I get a coolio dancing GIF avatar?'

I have noticed recently that I see broken images, particularly Flickr, but other people comment on the photos, so clearly they see them. The solution I have found is to view from Tapatalk, which often solves the problem.

Kudos on all the recent work and thanks for sharing. 😎
 
#83 ·
Thanks mokoosh!

And I am using Tapatalk. They virtually force you on a phone...

The post screen on Mobile phone Tapatalk doesn’t have the video embed. I was reading it’s supposed to be automatic?
In place of the video embed button there is.....
A gif selector. ......




Oh my how have I been missing out on this.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#85 ·
Well.
What do you know.

More bs issues!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QXqGlZq0X-s

Chasing an intermittent leak from my injection pump....

To replace the injection pump head seal one must measure timing.

To measure timing on an ahu with a dial indicator one must remove breather pipe.

Upon removal the O-ring on pipe had swollen and would no longer go back on.

O-ring unavailable for purchase.
Must either get new pipe ($40 dealer/$20 China)

Found some O-rings but none quite thick enough.

So I make a fix out of plumbing fittings welded to the 1.6d fuel pump block off plate.



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ByJkTBDcQcQ

Apparatus made and installed!
...




Only to find out that my pre-filter by the fuel tank was causing a serious restriction.
Was only 2, (ok maybe 3?) years old.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=doINTN9TmLw

Fuel barely, drips through!
Lame!
Why can’t **** stay good forever god damnit



When am I going to learn and install a fuel line gauge in the cab....
But that’s so much work!
You know I’m goona spill diesel inside the cab...


But oh boy.
I bet she is going to run so. Much. Happier.

And all this for a trip I probably won’t even have to refuel on....
 
#86 · (Edited)
It sounds like you are blaming the part for doing it's job. Did the filter fail causing the restriction or did it do it's job and plug up? If it did it's job, you should pay homage to the soldier and place it reverently in the garbage. :D

Many manufacturers recommend to replace the diesel fuel filters every two years. I suspect that it would be easier to swap out the filter every other year vs installing more stuff that may fail.

Usually a pre filter is installed that is more porous since its there just to get the big chunks out of the fuel. The main filter is used for the final 'cleaning'. Was the pre filter designed to be used as a main or pre filter?

Yes, the more parts you add, the more points of failure.
 
#87 ·
I went out and gave the brave soldier a solute.

I agree it’s probably not the right filter..
I suspect it to be less- fine at filtering than the primary diesel filter in the bay.

Have you ever run dual filters in parallel?

I have been toying with the idea...
I also have been on the verge of adding a lift pump. ...

But I have reserved that until there is an actual problem.

Thanks for checking in!
 
#88 ·
But yeah, twice as many points to leak...

I started doing the pre-filter after working on some old Mercedes.
Which reminds me. I used to use the 300sd specific filter....
Then I ran out and had a hard time restocking. ..
Just too easy to walk down to a parts store than deal with ordering online.
Especially since my debit card had a hold on it.
That took almost a month of faxing and waiting bs to resolve.

Believe me. I got an excuse for anything.
 
#89 ·
The older Mercedes had three filters. The one in the tank [as porous as a screen door], the prefilter, and the main filter. On the 15k services, we would change the main and prefilter. We would only check/clean the tank filter if there was a problem. Usually a complaint of no power. Usually it was clogged with algae. If you followed their expensive service recommendations, you would never have an issue with clogged fuel filters. Of course, that depends on if the client is using good/clean fuel. Lots of farmers out there.

We also used a Redline product to 'clean' the fuel system. As a flat-rate technician, I would pour the Redline in the main fuel filter before I installed the new filter. We called it the Redline cocktail. The main reason was to save time during starting. Since they did not have in-tank pump, you had to crank over the engine a long time before it fired up to life [a good flat rate battery test]. The cocktail cut that time in half.

I would never own a VW diesel but if I did, I would follow Mercedes lead without the tank filter. I would change them out every other oil service. If they plugged up before that, I would removed the tank and fix the issue [or lines]. Today's diesel/gas is filtered before it gets to the pump nozzle, way more than the 80's. Fuel filters do not plug up in 15-20k without having another issue. It's a symptom of a problem.

I have never added parallel filters. I would not see a reason to do that. You are not producing 1000HP and probably never will.

I'm not certain if I would add a lift pump since the outlet of the tank is at the bottom of the tank. I do not think it's a bad idea, but I'm usually on top of maintenance and if one fuel hose went bad on a 30yo car, all the fuel hoses would be replaced. The only reason for a lift pump is that you have a leak on the intake side of the pump and you would be drawing air. Adding a lift pump is a bandaid. Again, I do not think it's a bad idea because I see the other benefits it may have [easier priming when working on the fuel system].
 
#90 ·
Your right.
I probably do have something up inside my tank.

I have not taken it out since I owned it. (10 years)

But since I saw a pine needle go through the fuel line I am sure someone removed the screen although it looks like it’s never been off.

I mostly had my truck parked last two years.
Put more miles (several thousand) on my $30 bicycle

I made sure to leave the fuel tank full and drive it on a good drive every weekend. At least.

The only thing that is stopping me from adding a giant fuel cell is the fact that

A- original tank never left me stranded
B- the fuel gauge works a TREAT.

It has considerably more high-rev power after replacing the filter. It probably had less than 4,000 miles on it..

I usually pre- fill my filter with ATF
And also add an oz of 2 stroke oil right before I fill the tank.

I get what you mean about the old Mercedes being a pain to prime!

Jacking up the rear as high as you can helps.

One thing about the lift pump, I have a Land Rover 300tdi injection pump.
And those came standard with a lift pump....

Some of those guys are astounded I’ve been running that pump without one for many years.

Have passed on the trick of adding a “T” and a check valve around the pump so it can still suck if the pump fails.

Been doing that since mk4 PD lift pump nonsense that turns the engine off.

Hey Butcher, thanks for checking in!
You have a legendary well respected opinion
Maybe consider a vw diesel someday.
 
#92 ·
So, after another another 5 years after leaning on my caddy to take me away.
She is kind enough to still carry around me as well as my bourdons.

I took a trip to try to let my (now ex) partner figure herself out.

I got to take a beautiful trip with my dog.
And even though it makes me very sad to close the door behind me I am lucky enough to have beautiful things to look forward to.

Not to mention all the positive feelings I have received from fellow mk1 members.

So I was out for about two weeks.
But this shall begin a new phase in my life.

It began with a camping trip.

First was to the willamette national Forrest.
At the cougar reservoir.
It was a free camping spot.

Hardly saw another car.
Very peaceful although I was pretty much rained on 90% of the time.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1u-CViVNb28
 
#93 ·
Next spot was just up river from brookings Oregon.
One of my favorite spots to rest by the coast.
The river goes up into a steep valley that completely blocks any wind.
It is a completely serene place to collect your thoughts.

Now. I’m not saying I was able to collect my thoughts. ...
But if one had a clear thinking mind.
This place would only complement it.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_pel3vidU
 
#94 ·
Next was exciting going up 299 from the coast up into Shasta in Northern California.

I should have stayed 2 nights but hindsight and all.
The truck seemed smoother and smoother.

I am very happy to report zero problems with my battery relocated to behind the seat.
150a circuit breaker is all good for a diesel mk1 system.

It takes me about a week to begin coming into my own on the road.
It’s a whole different rhythm.

As a marathon runner and avid trainer it is mighty hard to maintain motivation to run while on the road.

It’s not so bad if you have a camp already set up but a day of driving and setting camp really cramps motivation to train.
And if you do you literally eat when you get back and pass out.

It’s been a couple years and I’m getting rusty.
My truck was too.

But the trucks never been as strong as it is.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aQVwNcEq8HA
 
#95 ·
Final spot before my destination was just off the side of lake Shasta on a little stream and national park camp ground.

Very peaceful spot with lots of cool
Logging trails to explore.

Only thing freaked me out was when a tarantula crawled up the inside wall of my tent and woke up because it cast a shadow on my face from the sun rising.

I might have stayed here multiple nights however the national park camp grounds were closing for the year.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j_lRWqG3qLk


And that’s all I have now.
I was invited to a sweet little ranch that had a stable of rabbit trucks!
We tried to get one of the project trucks running but it has mad compression issues unfortunately. But... the engine is really clean outside and inside. It’s super solid virtually zero rust besides one spot on the a-pillar

Poor little guy. But engines can be fixed. It’s reassuring to see such a collection of candidates to build.

To cap it off with a gem, mokoosh and I traded trucks on my way back and we carved some canyons through incredible scenery.

His truck felt brand new in the suspension.
It was so incredibly quiet and smooth.
Sound deadening was so impressive.

I gotta get me some bilsteins for the front.

His 020 made me feel like my 02a cable clutch was broken haha.

His truck is a 1.9na and had plenty of guts.

I followed while mokoosh led in my caddy and it was a BLAST to see him puff some smoke and disappear even though I was WOT.

He gave the compliment of saying it was a “race truck” haha.
It can be tuned to be way faster. That’s the fun.

But anyways. Nothing broke.
Covered 1200 miles. Nothing for a Tdi.
Nothing for a mk1.

Mokoosh gave me some koni shocks what more can you ask for.

What amazing vehicles and community.
I hope everyone can meet someone as cool as I have.

I have no idea what kind of karma my little truck stored up but I’m sticking the f*** by her.
 
#97 · (Edited)
I was really impressed with all of the custom brackets, hoses, and shields going on under the hood. The injection pump was so shiny, that I thought there was a diesel leak. Nope, just clean.

I still don't understand your turbo system or the dual boost guages, even though you did explain it to me more than once. All I know is that the guages were moving, often at different times and in different directions, and making a ton of power. I went a little faster than I ever have in my own truck, and it clearly could have done more.

Hats off to your skills sir.
 
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