Apparently, type IV springs are only flattened on the top, and on the bottom they are just cut without having the bottom coil ground flat? I've just checked my Haynes manual and it shows the rear springs square cut at the top. The bottom is not visible in the diagram but there's every reason to exp...

Any ideas on different size coils? I was told, when I needed to replace mine, that there was no electrical reason for the larger coil body as originally fitted. The only point to watch is that you buy a decent make of coil and avoid the cheaper variety. And I have seen pictures of counterfeit coils...

One of my rear bearings failed its MOT a few years back but they are not adjustable. So what I did was to take the spacer out and very carefully reduced its thickness on an oilstone. If you try this, measure very carefully before you start and take off a small amount at a time using a slow circular ...

Hopefully moving house next month to LN12. More details after exchange.

Update 3rd December: have now exchanged and will be at LN12 2NL from Friday 10th December. Can offer tea, toolbox and sympathy. Will give mobile phone number in the off-line list.

Judi

Can't help with the Type 3 but the Type 4's outlet just dribbles down the front of the bodywork. It needs keeping clear else you'll end up with a rusted air-box and wet feet!

Judi

So, I just undo the steering column joint to the steering box, and the steering box will come out? No need to take the steering column out of anything like that? Yes, that's all there is to it! As you already sussed, you need to remove the idler arm on the opposite side. By the way, just out of int...

When I removed my tank I dropped the whole suspension by undoing the three nuts on top of the strut towers. They are very accessible, don't need splitters or other fancy tools. You don't need to touch the pitman arm, simply undo one of the coupling clamps inside the car as you suggested. I have done...

I recognise that diagram (Fig 9.5) from the Haynes Manual and it always struck me as odd ... because the disc is shown rotating backwards! So I am guessing that they imported it from the 914/4 book without thinking? The 412 callipers are to the front of the disc whereas I believe the 914's are to th...

Going by the book, the amount of wheel-wobble you can feel at the outer tolerance is quite alarming and more than enough to fail the MoT! When I was running my 412, I always had to remember to tighten by bearings up before the MoT and then back them off a little afterwards. I always aimed at the tig...

Editor wrote:feel free to do this with a syringe or something if you are sensitive to sucking on bits of the engine!

Anyone who messes about with these wonderful cars won't mind sucking on bits of engines!

Go to it!!!

Judi

The Type 4 oil filter is a standard part obtainable from any motor factor, Halfords, etc.

Judi

The ignition coil can be a very difficult problem to identify if it fails. The coils in the Variants have a particularly hard life being mounted horizontally on top of the engine where they are subjected to high temperatures. A coil will often go open circuit when it's hot and then magically restore...

Just a thought ...

Might they be weld-in section for the bottom portion of the rear wings, for where they rot through?

Judi

Dave, I agree, it's very good value for money if anyone wants a car like this. The brakes would only take a day to fix once you'd got the parts and the rest would not be reason for an MoT failure. It's been well looked after and you can see the black blanking plugs each end of the pristine door sill...

I had a look at this ca this afternoon and it's a project, although very little would need doing to get it roadworthy. It is certainly far too good to break for parts and the present owner knows that. The bodywork is generally good although the seams are going around the front hood and engine lid ed...

Oh yes ... back to the original problem! I bought my first 412 back in 85 or 86 and I've had two others since. I know that the LE is a very reliable car but I always preferred the 1800 LS because I could always mend it. The electrickery is all well and good when it works but when it goes into a sulk...

Two topics here now: 1. The additional thin wires by the battery. These were for the diagnostics system and can be ignored. You might wish to tape them up for neatness. There was a wire to the negative terminal to measure the voltage drop across the earth strap (and hence the current) when starting ...

The 412 and Porsche 914 did share the same front brakes year on year (and a few other running pats too) and the discs and callipers were and are interchangeable. If you go to the Parts for Porsche website: http://www.partsforporsche.co.uk and look for brake discs, you will them listed with a 411 par...

Despite everything I have on my plate just now I went weak at the knees at the thought of this car. It's located only half-an-hour from me so I called the garage and spoke with a rather puzzled owner. His son place the ad and then disappeared on a cycling weekend but I've garnered some basic details...

The only adjustment possible is the free-play which is defined in the book. You can't adjust the height or leg-room.

Sorry.

Judi

Would you count my restoration / rebuild project at Volksfarmers? 412LS Variant SBW360N.

Pictures and story at: http://www.rastall.com/412

Judith

Blown away to see a picture of the gold fastback OBT467M ... that was mine from 2000 till 2006 when I had to let it go. Where is it now ... is it still alive?

Judith

The headlights on my 1974 412 are not sealed, they have a combined lens and reflector and standard halogen H1 bulbs in each. I have obtained new Hella units from my local motor factor for my conversion project, part numbers are: Inners (main beam): 1K3 114 155-001 Outers (dipped beam): 1M3 114 178-0...