1985 VW Scirocco Mk2 | Part 28 - Heater Matrix Rebuild (with factory A/C)

This video is Part 28 of a multi-part restoration series of my original 1985 VW Scirocco that sat idle for 15+ years (see Part 1 - The Backstory). In this video I rebuild the heater matrix on a Mk2 Scirocco with factory air conditioning.
Disclaimer: ParksandRec assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Information in this video is primarily intended as entertainment and not expert advice. Working on motor vehicles is potentially dangerous - Use this information at your own risk. ParksandRec recommends safe practices when working vehicles or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ParksandRec, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ParksandRec.

[@jackenrod6794]

Put a dash cover on. Don’t look back. Cheers!

[@chrisheli503]

Oh the dreaded clips great job Sir 👍

[@ParksandRecYT]

What a pain...

[@russellrobson7632]

$2500k for a dash refurbish? Who are they kidding! Just sent you an E-bay link for a LHD second hand dash from Poland for a lot less, looks in pretty good condition too. International shipping etc. It does have one or two cracks still, but they are small. 👍🇬🇧

[@ParksandRecYT]

Got it. thanks Russell!

[@russellrobson7632]

@@ParksandRecYT No worries D. Here to help if you need it!

[@sauerkrautviking7586]

Regarding the dashboard re-skin, which company offers to do this? I want to have my door panels re-skinned with the same stuff as the dash. Thx. BTW, also restoring a 16V S2 '87.

[@ParksandRecYT]

Just Dashes in Van Nuys CA - supposed to be the best in the business. Best of luck on your restore!

[@mcopur]

Hey man, appreciate your work, especially cause I am planning to go through the same route with my 82 :) I was wondering the size of the silly winks. Are they 5mm? Cheers!

[@ParksandRecYT]

2mm. Got them at Hobby Lobby in the US. Adhesive seemed pretty good as long as you clean the surface first. Went back a week after I put it on and still stuck nicely. Good luck!

[@stephenvose6359]

For the ac evaporator, did you have to replace the expansion valve for the “new refrigerant”?

[@ParksandRecYT]

Yes I replaced it, just didn't show it in the video

[@alanstamper4345]

You can buy premade fitted leather dash covers off of e-bay. It’s not exactly stock, but that’s what I’m planning for as I put my 84 back together.

[@ParksandRecYT]

I appreciate that. I have seen those. Seems like I'd have to do some "body work" to the dash or the cracks might 'print" thru the cover. Have you ever used them before? Curious how tight they fit.

[@alanstamper4345]

@@ParksandRecYT , I haven’t. I’ve seen people restore dashes with a flexible filler and then paint them. I worry this would still eventually crack or fade. I plan to use the filler then put the leather cover on it. I’m probably a few months out from getting to the point where I mess with the dash. My next steps are new headliner and putting the glass back in after paint. My 84 is the same color as your car.

[@ParksandRecYT]

@@alanstamper4345 Nice! I have thought about using a dremel to v-cut the cracks then filling with Bondo or expandable foam then covering. Not sure I have it in me. I'd like to see how yours turns out if you want to shoot me a couple of pictures at my email account.

[@alanstamper4345]

@@ParksandRecYT, I’ll do that. I’m pretty much on the same route as you. Bough back a car that I owned 20+ years ago and that had sat for about 19 of it. The engine was blown and all the CIS stuff was trash. I bought a donor G60 Corrado and the motor/ecu is going in the Scirocco. I’m putting all the exterior pieces back on after paint with my next hurdle being to drop the tank and see what it looks like in there. I’m planning the drive train swap over the winter.