MikeTheThinker

From memory there are a couple a plastic cogs deep inside the lock that can fail. There's a thread on here somewhere about sorting it. Sorry can't offer more right now - off to the dentist :(

Morning Mark Sorry to hear about your Scout but glad you're OK. The Scout front bumper and lights setup are unique to the model; only the headlights are common to the standard Octy, both saloon and estate. Similarly, the side trims are Scout-only. The rear bumpers are standard with minor variations for the VRS IIRC. You can (with a bit of ferreting) find the part numbers on 7zap.com. When I get back to a decent screen later today or tomorrow I'll find you some better links. Scouts in breakers are rather like rocking horse **** and often not identified as such. There are new 'in primer" plastics available from Germany at reasonable money. Good luck with the hunt!

You could always use stainless steel ties. Pretty well 100% scrote resistant ...

Rattled the piggy bank for you

This isn't about whether there's a case to be answered by Mercedes or not, but about VBH selling herself for an 'ambulance chaser' type campaign. I've always respected VBH for her journalistic insight, honesty and entertainment value, and it saddens me that she has to lower herself to such roles. The nearest current motoring journo (as opposed to a 'celeb') I can think of is Chris Harris, although his style (and appearance, naturally) are very different

"The number of petrol filling station forecourts in the UK is experiencing a gradual decline. Experian Catalyst 2019 highlights that the number of petrol forecourts in the UK has fallen to just 8,382, compared to the 1967 high of 39,958. Of these forecourts, 7,402 have a kiosk/shop." {snippage] "Conversely, the number of registered UK vehicles at the end of March 2019 was 38.5 million (DfT Vehicle Licensing Statistics)." https://www.chorley-guardian.co.uk/business/new-chorley-petrol-station-scheme-co-op-store-create-30-jobs-3045977

Glad you got it sorted. What exactly does it do, after all?

Very much bearing George's advice in mind and assuming all VAG towing eyes are the same 18mm thread it looks like one from a T5 or T6 caravelle is longer that the Yeti one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-T6-T5-1-Towing-Eye-And-Tyre-Bar-Transporter-Caravelle/224235880579?hash=item3435800083:g:xQgAAOSwBxpfjIjF There are also extensions available (at a price, mind you!): https://travelinlite-transporters.co.uk/products/t5-t5-1-t6-towing-eye-extension-for-sportline-lower-spoiler

You said originally a "banging ticking noise". Did the problem start quietly with a ticking noise and progress to a banging noise or was it both from the start? Has there been any loss of performance?

Thanks for the update, Colin. Any ideas on how such behave in a crash? I'm thinking in particular about the inertia from a high-mount battery on an e-bike.

Could it be one of these? I think it could be a clip to hold the door seal ... or maybe a cable clip?

I understand that clamp-on-the-towball devices work fine but they still feel as though they are violating natural laws without a top steady ... Looks like an excellent piece of kit and great that it can canny an e-bike. I'll be very interested to learn how you find it in use.

There was one on fleabay recently near Birmingham - don't know if it's still available.

I think you're looking for items 8 & 9 here.

If you start the car but don't set off straight away do you still hear these noises (whilst the car is standing)?

Have a look at this thread on the same topic:

I think this parts diagram relates to you motor ...

Have a root around www.roofboxes.co.uk. They have pretty comprehensive and illustrated details of various roofbar arrangements by car,model & year.

There was a post on the forum recently looking for parts for a mk1. If I can find it I'll link it. (Later) Also worth a word with @DeanVRS20VTwho is accumulating an archive of mk1 info.

I've promised myself one once I've finished my folks' house resto and gotten it sold. Until then I daren't - I'd get no more work done!

Do you have a link?

Check your air filter.

Welcome aboard We're just south of you in Eccleston.

OK, thanks for letting me know. Best of luck to your other half in finding a new job!