CarolsHusbands '97 Surf SSR-G/ Not A VR-4

[CarolsHusband]

6 monthly update.

It's pretty good, I'm getting on with it better now. @sheepers was right, best car ever. Probably.

Took the spare tyre kit off, It's a lot less rattly. I found some touch-up paint in the glove box so painted the bolt heads to match the car.

They're almost invisible at any distance greater than 20 feet. Well, 30 anyway. 15 minutes well spent.

It was bloody hot today but I spent a bit of time in the shed.

Sidesteps off & a Sheepers-Speed™ style tail pipe. As he reported, I can now drive at any speed with the rear screen down without suffocating

The clear rearward view & being able to see the exhaust exit has made me realise what a smokey twat it is. Black on slow pull-aways and a bit grey/black now and then.

It doesn't burn oil so I'm assuming fucked injectors. Will change these and lose the EGR.

Anyhoo, Pics...

[UTERUS]

These are cool, almost as cool as a TD5 Disco, almost....

[sheepers]

thats true, if you like looking at your vehicle while its stationary.

like, stationary on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck.  

[CarolsHusband]

6 hours ago, UTERUS said:

These are cool, almost as cool as a TD5 Disco, almost....

This is a true fact. We really wanted another one but have ended up a bit gun shy after our various ownerships.

It's a real shame coz I reckon they are one of the nicest driving cars around.

Just need a time machine so you can go back & buy them new.

[chasinthemirage]

I was in full pine over Disco's too but settled on a KZJ95 instead. I have regrets tbh.

[Raizer]

1 hour ago, CarolsHusband said:

Just need a time machine so you can go back & buy them new.

Then sell it right before factory warranty runs out.

[VitesseEFI]

11 hours ago, UTERUS said:

These are cool, almost as cool as a TD5 Disco, almost....

Very capable vehicle the TD5. When working. Not very many of them left now here in the homeland as tin worm has eaten most of them. Back of the chassis falls off. Bit disconcerting if you are towing apparently. It is possible to buy replacement rear chassis sections (but not always enough left to attach them) or even whole chassis, but its a big job and you’ve still got the electrical gremlins, air suspension issues and HGF to contend with. Mate had one.  Carefully bought without sunroof (electrics stay dryer) and coil springs.  HGF got that one in the end. Top of the block was pitted where the fire-rings sit.

[CarolsHusband]

20 hours ago, VitesseEFI said:

Very capable vehicle the TD5. When working. Not very many of them left now here in the homeland as tin worm has eaten most of them. Back of the chassis falls off. Bit disconcerting if you are towing apparently. It is possible to buy replacement rear chassis sections (but not always enough left to attach them) or even whole chassis, but its a big job and you’ve still got the electrical gremlins, air suspension issues and HGF to contend with. Mate had one.  Carefully bought without sunroof (electrics stay dryer) and coil springs.  HGF got that one in the end. Top of the block was pitted where the fire-rings sit.

 

On 12/07/2026 at 06:29, CarolsHusband said:

This is a true fact. We really wanted another one but have ended up a bit gun shy after our various ownerships.

It's a real shame coz I reckon they are one of the nicest driving cars around.

Just need a time machine so you can go back & buy them new.

 

[CarolsHusband]

So, as is customary in these situations I believe this item can fuck the fuck off...

 

I don't think it was fully closing, which I can't imagine is a good thing. Also, inlet pretty sooty but not as bad as some

Time to click the ratchet over & get spannering. I wonder if I'll have some bits left over.

[CarolsHusband]

Blanking plates done.

Hopefully running &  rollin no coal by tomorrow evening.

 

[VitesseEFI]

Worked for me on the old Audi 5 pot TDI. Another 5mpg and much less smoke.  That was 250k miles ago too so probably hasn’t hurt reliability….

[CarolsHusband]

Well, it's all turned into a bit of a rollercoaster. Trouble is it's s'posed to be a car.

Got it mostly  back together last night, bled the injectors & fitted everything else back on this morning. Fired right up & blew a bit of smoke.

Took it round the block, after about 5 miles the smoke stopped smoking & It's running clean. I imagine it was clearing all the shit out that's been building up.

Very pleased, got home, turned it off to open shed doors. Wouldn't restart. Pretty sure it's nothing I've done as it ran great for 40 minutes.

Dunno if it's the immobiliser or the inhibitor switch or that fucking bolt that went missing but there's no power to the starter solenoid. Tried hot-wiring it, but couldn't get a decent connection.

Looks like tomorrow will be immobiliser removal and/or inhibitor switch hunting. Please not starter removal, I didn't fancy the look of that job at all.

Sigh.

[187inc]

Would be worthwhile pulling the inhibitor switch and cleaning/re-dielectric greasing anyway, these old switches are robust (but old) and its likely on its way out anyway. Helps to waterproof them too if you're planning any river crossings etc.