jacko

Thanks Trundlenut - Useful info when getting quotes - Will ensure that ALL of the above is included.

Looking at getting my timing belt and water pump done soon. Haven't gotten any quotes yet. Came across this on Boards.ie while 'Googling' - "When fitting new timing belt you should ensure that as well as a new belt, the belt tensioner and the belt idler pulley should also be renewed. New cam bolts, idler bolts and tensioner bolts should also be fitted". Just some guy's opinion without any reference Skoda etc., This sounds like a lot more than a straight belt/pump change. I wonder would this be normal practice when carrying out a timing belt change?

Check this out - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4234178 Hope it helps

Found this guide for rear brakes on MKV (Same as Octy 2) - Hope this helps. VWVortex - Rear brakes

Guys. Had the same prob. Mate's son was a mechanic in a Skoda dealership in Dublin. He says the prob is the rubber seal on the hatch. Apparently Skoda put the drain holes in the seal on the TOP rather than the bottom (have a look if you don't believe me!) - Result; the seal fills with water and drains into boot. The fix advised is to cut some small Vs into the rubber seal on the BOTTOM thus letting water drain down instead of up and into the interior. Skoda have not officially admitted to this very basic design flaw - The holes in the seal are to allow the compressed air to escape when the hatch is closed - Unfortunately, with the holes placed on TOP you get rain filling the seal and eventually leaking into the boot due to the incorrectly positioned drain holes. Cutting the Vs in the bottom of the seal allows water to drain out (water was never intended to enter the seal in the first place so the fix is just a way of getting over a design flaw) Hope this helps - It worked for me!

Check the link below to an earlier post on the gear knob insert replacement. Gear knob insert replacement

Very recently replaced my factory fitted Bridgestone Turanzas with CONTINENTAL PREMIUMCONTACT 2 having read some very favourable reviews - Absolutely great in the wet compared to the Bridgestones and inspire confidence in all conditions. A lot quieter too. Can't comment on mileage yet but expect they will last at least as long as the Bridgestones. Would defenitely recommend the Contis.

I think that must be the saddest thing I have ever seen!

Finally got around to buying new tyres! - Dave McCann tyres in Coolmine, D15 do a good deal on Continental tyres - Fitted me with CONTINENTAL PREMIUM CONTACT 2 - 205/55R16 91V TL for €90 each, fully fitted. Fastfit in Blanch were looking for €420 to fit 4. Heard good reports about Continentals - Will post obs later.

Thanks for all the helpful advice - Very much appreciated. Jacko

Thanks for all the helpful info and advice guys - Very much appreciated. Jacko

Thanks SDENNY - Nice one! Just what i was looking for - Great photos! Jacko

Hi, Any tips on removing Octy 2 rear bumper? Thanks, Jacko

Thanks cheezemonkhai, That had occured - I've already tried several breakers in the Dublin area but no joy - I thought maybe I might be lucky on here where somebody might have sourced a crashed Octy recently. You can't beat the 'net! Rgds, Jacko

Hi, I'm in Dublin and am hoping someone might know where I could get a secondhand rear bumper for my Octy 2 hatchback (same colour as my own car - anthracite grey) - I was rear ended a while back by an uninsured driver and really need to get this sorted soon - :'( Dealer is looking for crazy money so not really in a position to go that route. Not too hopeful but thought I'd give it a try - Thanks, Jacko

Thanks K.YOUNG, Very sound advice! Regards, Jacko

Hi K.Young, I'm in Dublin and will been needing new tyres soon - I had a look at Camskill and they do a good deal - My worry is could there be a prob getting the tyres fitted in Dublin (Tyre dealers might be a bit miffed that I brought in rather that bought off them) - Any advice welcome. Thanks, Jacko

Thanks GAFF, Sure looks like there are huge savings to be made - I'm going to get the finger out on this as the weather is absolutely tragic at the mo! Thanks for all the advice guys - Briskoda rules! Jack

Thanks Anhony, Sound advice - Will explore further. Regards, Jack

Thanks Anthony, I had a look at that option but having 'done the math', taking into account shipping and craftyy customs people, I thought there might not be any huge advantage. The problem in Ireland is that there is no real competition between dealers and I'm convinced there is a cartel system in place to keep profits high. That's the way it is and always has been over here. Will look at going to the North. Regards, Jack

Hi, The tyres on my Octy 2 have are just about done. Loving the web, I spent some time searching for good tyre deals but the only decent websites/dealers were UK based. as I live in Dublin this wasn't much use. I found a couple of Irish sites but they were basically a 'home page' with no search facility (pretty pathetic really). Having exhausted the web search route it occured to me to ask on here - (Should have thought of this sooner!) I'm not looking for anything fancy or sporty or necessarly a cheap brand either (tyre spec 205/55R/16 91V) - Just need a pointer on the best place to buy without being ripped off. I'd consider 'going North' (Newry etc.,) if there are good deals to be had. Hoping someone can advise, Thanks, Jacko

If you look at my original post you will see that it was actually the guy from AXA who advised that the 'scam' he refers to is one favoured by "non-nationals". My purpose in making this post was not to seek pity or advice regarding my plight. I had hoped, rather, that it might make other members aware that the scam I refer to is widespread among "non-nationals". (Remember I got this from AXA!) Had I been aware of this at the time of the incident involving this particular individual I would have 'insisted' that he accompany me to the local police station where we might jointly report the matter. Unlike Great Britain, with its former vast Empire/Commonwealth, little Ireland had no interests or social indebtness in what we would quaintly refer to as 'foreign countries'. The term 'non-national' is widely accepted in Ireland ever since the huge influx of 'foreigners' following the onset of the Celtic Tiger phenonenom when we became an attractive destination for those seeking a better life. Prior to that (and we're only talking about 15 years here!) people of 'foreign' appearance were about as common as hens' teeth. It's not that long either since the Irish who travelled to the UK, also seeking their fortune, were generally referred to as 'Paddys' - A tad less PC you might agree. But then hasn't this whole PC thing gone a bit mad? Sorry if I offended your sensibilities and appreciate that your England is vastly populated with people of every conceivable race who may be several generations in your fine land. I should, perhaps, have flagged my post for interest of Irish members only. I wonder though if even you might not be a little suspicious in light of my advice should you find yourself in my particular situation in the future?

Thanks guys for info and comisserations - Will have to get the head down and sort this matter out soon. Jacko:(

Going bonkers! Got whacked 10 days ago - Hefty rear end with about 7K worth of damage. The guy who rear-ended me seemed in a bit of a hurry to leave the scene but I not too gently persuaded him to hang around. All his windscreen discs checked out (Road Tax, Insurance and NCT) - Tried to get his name and address but he suddenly reverted back to his native Chinese and put on the 'don't understand' face. Cops, of course, not intereseted in coming to the scene as no one was kelled etc., Anyway, I reported matter to the cops, my own insurance Co, and also got in touch with the guys insurance Co (AXA) who said they would get back to me shortly. Surprise! Surprise! Mr. Chinese guy is no longer insured with AXA! He took out the policy in July 07 and cancelled a week later! He did not return his insurance disc (The one he so proudly displayed on the day he whacked me!). The guy from AXA told me this is a regular scam operated by 'non-nationals' and was on the increase. So here I am - To get my motor fixed up pronto I must claim off my own insurance and wait for Motor Insurance Bureau to drag its tardy heels sorting out my claim with them - In all probability my renewal next year will reflect the fact that I have had 'a claim' and I will be lashed accordingly. The cops meanwhile tell me they are extremely busy and haven't been able to trace Mr. Chinese guy - They say they will get around to it whenever. My advice? Well what can you do? Insurance companies know this kind of thing is rampant (they suggest that 10% of drivers are uninsured - many of them employing this scam to avoid detection at checkpoints). I suppose the best advice is stay of the road so you don't have a prang with Mr. Wang!

Hi Neo VR Check his out is you want de-restrict the volume on your Ipod: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod-software-windows/comments/eupod-pro-16/ Jacko