Christmas Update 2012

Well the tree was only down 45 minutes when I resumed working on Project Zambezi.  Because of the holidays, shopping, weather, etc. I haven't really done much in the last month or so.  Today, however, was a really bad day to do wiring, as far as the temperature is concerned.  I endured it for as long as I could before I 'threw in the towel' and decided to start a fire in the fireplace to warm my hands.  It was like I was trying to work using 10 Popsicles rather than fingers.  




 

Regardless of the temperature challenges, I able to to make some accomplishments.  I've got the headlight relay wired, and removed the old headlight switch pieces (what was left of it anyway) and the "Brake" light. 




This is the last "tool" I used today!






Here's a nice picture of the pool in the back yard.  Just to give you perspective of the temperature

 



Easy as Pie right?  This is the blown-up wiring schematic that I'm using to "do what I gotta do".  Compared to any of the other cars in our driveway, this should be a cake-walk.  Compared to staying inside where it's warm, it's more like brain surgery.
 



Here's what was left of the the headlight switch (right) and brake indicator light (top).  The hole on the left is for the emergency flasher. 





Here's a picture of the back of the two gauges.  I need find the little lights for each.  The speedometer is on the left and it has two lights (see the two holes?).  The Clock/everything else is on the right.  It has 6 or 7 holes for lights, where someone before covered them with foil duct tape...I don't know why...maybe to keep spiders out or something. 



I really am hoping for a warmer day soon.  I want to sand and refinish the dash board.  The stock dash had the molded thin plastic cover, with a dash pad on top and bottom.  I've got the top dash pad.  I really don't like the plastic cover.  I think I'm going to try covering the dash in thin vinyl, using spray adhesive to keep it in-place.  I'll also add some wood in-lay pieces for that "European" look.  I would just paint the dash, but there are a few slots cut into it by VW...not sure why.  You can see these slots in the picture of the headlight, brake indicator and hazard switch. 

I also have to install the glove box door, fresh air vents and assembly, the dash pad, etc.  Lots to do. 

More to come soon.  Several horse shows over the next few weeks, but I hope to get in a couple of hours next weekend.