Rob's '98 VW Polo Build Thread - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Bearleener · 07-08-2009, 12:38 PM

Hi Rob, the Polo is a great ecomodding basis!
On my 1996 Golf (1.8-l, 75-hp engine) I did a total above-bumper block and no blocking below (though some would be acceptable). VW did this themselves with the mid-80's Passat (with only the holes in the VW logo above-bumper). At some point I had the impression a lot of heat was being trapped under the hood when parked with a hot engine, so I drilled a few holes in the (behind-the-grill) block.

Does your Polo have a steel spare tire well cover? My Golf wagon (estate) did, it weighed 6-7 kg so I replaced it with plywood (2 kg). Also ditched the spare tire, jack and breaker bar, using latex fix-a-flat spray instead. Total savings about 15 kg.

robchalmers · 07-08-2009, 01:28 PM

the polo didn't even have plyboard! it was just carpet!!!, it had a space saver.... but that went pretty early on, tools too, all random engine cover plastic went aswell

robchalmers · 07-13-2009, 04:46 AM

some little winged creature didn't get out of the way quick enough and has ruined my lower grille block, b*stard. that AND I got a friendly chat from my local police officer / CSO when I stopped at the shops asking Why I'd taped a perfectly good mirror backagainst the door. He said that although I only require two to be present - that if three are on the car three should be used..... odd, anyway I was 'advised' to untape it as other officiers may not be so friendly. Going to persue this further, or remove it

NEW Pics - showing Buffetting strip on rear radii / upper slime tape grille block/lower rhs grille block (lhs destroyed by bird)

robchalmers · 07-13-2009, 04:32 PM

bump for piccys

Clev · 07-13-2009, 05:35 PM

Some cops have nothing better to do. I would either remove the mirror and put a mirror on the inside, or just print out the relevant parts of the law and keep them in the glovebox for when they start making stuff up.

robchalmers · 08-04-2009, 05:35 AM

Slime tape has now been replaced with Black duck tape (slightly more subtle) and I've no seriously got to get the tracking looked at as the inner edges are almost at the canvas!!!

Next jobs:

Service oil/filter/airfilter/check plugs/ clean intake
tracking
new tyres - may swap alloys for 155/70/13's off a 1 litre polo

robchalmers · 08-24-2009, 03:48 AM

Sadly the olop is now for sale - recent events with the missus' scenic being off the road highlight the fact that i need a family sized car. However...... they did do a polo sedan and a polo wagon...... BOTH ran a DIESEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

vinny1989 · 08-24-2009, 05:48 PM

Hm.. I have been looking for a polo. How much do you want for it?

robchalmers · 09-04-2009, 04:17 AM

little up date - Polo is back from the shop, the wheel bearing that was replace for its MOT a few months back Denotated on the freeway last week, I don't know if it was a fresh one but from a dodgy manufacturer or...... I hate to say this but, i doubting if it was changed at all. needless to say a hefty bill from the shop later - and Genuine VW bits fitted its back up and running. It does owe me money now so I'll have to keep it for a while.

SVOboy · 09-04-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robchalmers

little up date - Polo is back from the shop, the wheel bearing that was replace for its MOT a few months back Denotated on the freeway last week, I don't know if it was a fresh one but from a dodgy manufacturer or...... I hate to say this but, i doubting if it was changed at all. needless to say a hefty bill from the shop later - and Genuine VW bits fitted its back up and running. It does owe me money now so I'll have to keep it for a while.

That's a rough break! At least it didn't cause an accident.