Just read this whole thread - wow your enthusiasm is contagious! Sweet Targa, enjoy it!

 

Wow, I haven't updated the thread in a while. Not much has happened with the car recently other than having a new AC compressor installed. The AC quit when I was in Georgia in February; I didn't really need it so I waited until a few weeks ago to have it done. I've been putting a lot of happy miles on the car too.

Just now I'm getting ready to go *back* to Georgia, this time for the first annual FSI Owners Rally. I've been doing small things to the car to prep for the trip. One of those things was to polish the exhaust tips, again. It's somewhat discouraging how quickly they discolor. They did clean up a lot faster this time though. Before on left, after on right.

 

Are those aluminum or stainless steel? Either way I would coat them with some Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel. Forms a nice protective coat.

 

What did you use to polish them? Mine look nearly identical.

 

They're "stainless" steel. Would that coating survive exhaust temperatures?

Here's my lineup. Nevr-Dull starts it off, then I go at the stuck-on chunks with the plastic razor blade, then the polish. Back and forth with those two until I'm happy. The polishing wheel is an old one from a 3M headlight restoration kit.

 

I’ve had great results with this stuff
It’s designed for wheels, brake calipers and exhaust tips.
https://ammonyc.com/products/ammo-ge...eel-metal-coat

 

Bro I love the fact I’m not the only person that used plastic razors!! The work came out great.

 

Another trip in the targa, another trip to Georgia! This time it was to meet up with a group of FSI engine owners for some fellowship and a romp in the mountains. I incorrectly gauged the remaining life in the front tires, which caused me to miss one of the days' drives, but as it turned out that wasn't all bad. I grabbed a pair of all-season tires only because they were available the same day, and they proved to be really great in the heavy rains I encountered on the way home. Other than my tire oversight the car was flawless. HVAC temps change considerably though, so it's time for me to get to that second blend door.


My midway point in both directions -- Warm Springs Inn. (So much for those shiny tailpipes, sigh.)


Sunrise on the lake


Hangin' out and talkin' Porsche at the Ridges


This is why I missed one of the driving days!


Leaving for home at "zero dark thirty"


Total trip miles

 

Camber is fun! Looked like a great trip and there is some amazing driving roads out there.

 

Parts have begun arriving for an upcoming brake makeover (brakeover?). I'll be honest -- I'm doing the Girodiscs for looks as much as for any other reason. I'll take comparison pictures, weigh stuff, and all that, as progress is made. I'm curious to see if the rotors are any lighter than the factory iron.


Rotors, pads, soft lines, sensors, associated hardware.

 

Brake job is done! I took it out for a shakedown drive and the brakes feel about the same as before, however I haven't finished bedding everything in so I haven't pushed any limits. I started a separate thread on the Girodisc installation, which contains size/weight details and tips on doing that part of the job. Everything else was straightforward. So I'll just get on with the glam pics.


Before pic -- front


Before pic -- rear


Yucky old rotor vs. shiny new one


Purty!


Fresh pads, hardware, and SS brake lines



The old pads don't owe me anything


After -- front


After -- rear


Et voila!

 

Take that, coupe owners!

 

Great! I did the same thing today with our Targa. Loaded all of our gear, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, etc using the rear hatch.

 

The targa will soon be getting a 'new' garage mate; a 1967 Lotus Elan SE. I'm acquiring it from the original owner! It has a very interesting history.

 

Very cool buy! Jealous!