Heater Matrix Replacement

BL330

Member
Messages
1,121
How did you go with that b@stard little screw close the firewall when rejoining the fan duct to the heater housing?
The duct needs a good seal so the airflow from the fan is not lost.
I wrapped the join with race tape as a precaution.
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
Only managed a little time on the rebuild this weekend; now have half the dash back in but the entire back seat and carpets now out! Treating the leather to a really good clean and leather balm as it's easy to get all around the seats and dash when it's in bits in the dining room!


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davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
A little more this week; some fiddly screws fitted in places you didn't know existed and the passenger side airbag back in.
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Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
Good work, think this will be my next years project... can see a slight weep on the bottom of the heater box when looking from the passenger side.

how many more hours work do you expect?
 

RSM Masser

Member
Messages
2,437
Having had in explained coolant loss for a while, but finding various reasons and cures such as water pumps and thermostats and a couple of hoses her and there.
I investigated the reason two stereos have died. Slight dampness in the footwell and yes I have I leaking matrix!!

FFS - dash board out in the summer for me!!!
 

BL330

Member
Messages
1,121
Funny you should mention stereos, as I thought the crappy AM reception was just the Becker.
After the matrix and fan dash out, I had the stereo replaced and they said it was damaged, thus the poor AM.
So people, tell tale sign if your stereo plays up in your 4200 / GS / Spyder it could be heater matrix.
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
I think one more weekend and I will have this done, so it will be about 20 hours in total, but I've been doing other jobs too. Last weekend I redid all the FD Drive By Wire Module connections; when I fitted originally, it was so tight to get at everything, the instal didn't look as neat as it could, but all connections redone and heat shrink fitted. Very nice!


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BL330

Member
Messages
1,121
If yours is a 2005 model, another little task to consider is relocating the reversing buzzer from the passenger footwell to the console between the seats. Much easier to hear. Factory changed the position to the rear parcel shelf in 2006, obviously cause you couldn't hear the thing.
 

RSM Masser

Member
Messages
2,437
Funny you should mention stereos, as I thought the crappy AM reception was just the Becker.
After the matrix and fan dash out, I had the stereo replaced and they said it was damaged, thus the poor AM.
So people, tell tale sign if your stereo plays up in your 4200 / GS / Spyder it could be heater matrix.

I was also wondering if the buzzing and interferenace when switching on the heated screen is related. FM reception is non existent when this is on. I suppose I’ll find out in the summer when the dash comes out.
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
So close to finishing now; drivers seat to go in and the dash top and a few bits of trim around the a pillar and i can say i've finished!

ab08d875b16a95e2f5104f18dfff104a.jpg



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davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
I'm really pleased, started first time and warmed up well. Little top up of coolant after bleeding the system. Air coming through dry and warm, no nasty window misting!

This project has been far more than just the heater matrix, I have dyed the carpets black (although the photo doesn't really do it justice, but just look back to my original post to see the ugly grey colour they were before)
I have done the carbon fibre in the NIT cover and the central tray which have both come up brilliantly.
I've also installed led down light system into the interior light unit, using the parts from an Audi A4 - i'll post the details of this separately and fitted under dash and under seat led light strips that come on with the courtesy lights.
There are still a few things I would like to do such as sorting out the sticky air vents and the steering column shroud but most of all I want to thank everyone who has taken the time and trouble to post their messages of support and encouragement m, it really makes a difference when you get so into a big job like this.

Finally, I'm more than happy to give the benefit of my experience to anyone thinking of embarking on this task themselves .

Thanks guys!


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davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
Oddly, not a single spare nut bolt or screw but a couple of spare washers!



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FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Nice one David look forward to seeing you around Guildford again

Interested in attending the Alton meet on 7th April?
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
Hi, take a look at the Hydro-dipping thread i've posted some pictures on there. Thanks, David


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