mk2

Took some pics- comparing a 9N and a 6X... I don't have a gti ball joint, but I can take some measurements and we can compare on here?

No, because you already know the answer

Ah, ok. Then it sounds like a classic case of the lock microswitches having gone out to lunch. Try swapping the lock mech assembly. Or better still, fit a cheap RKE system and bypass all the key thing.

Yeah, mine's like the photo as well.

I think you can actually program the thing to do that via VCDS. But never done it. @Skezza knows the central locking system inside out. If you turn the key to unlock it again, after you've already unlocked it, does it open both doors and boot? I've seen Golfs, Polos and Boras with that wierd feature.

The rivet connecting the handbrake lever to the shoe gets rusty and stiff. Remove it, then add a tiny drop of oil and work it in until it's nice and loose. But dirt inside the drum can build up and cause noise...

Yeah, I know what I think has happened because I once did the same... If the release bearing gearbox internals are the same as mine, you can slide out the shaft that engages with the release forks. But you can slide it back in, in a different position. So the bit that engages with the cable will be in the wrong place to get maximum leverage. I think that makes sense? The way it's supposed to be- is when the release bearing is just resting on the pressure plate springs (fins), the lever that the cable hooks onto should be just below centre. So at half clutch, the lever is at 90 degrees to the cable- and at full clutch just above centre. So easy to show, but difficult to explain! If that's ok, then it'll be either the cable (wrong) or the pedal end. My first thought was pedal box, but you say that's ok.

Yeah, @Rich might be able to confirm... I ordered some recently for my SDI (regular, not GTi ball joints), and what turned up were exactly like the left one in @matty by's pic. And when I did a part number lookup, it said that they were the standard fitment for Polo 6N flavour. So maybe regular Polo 6N ball joints are the same as for Lupo GTi. There's no hole. And the thread is M12, not M10. The cone is also bigger for GTi.

Someone has been very busy. Impressive given that it's not summer yet. Usually a summertime job. I find biological laundry detergent works really well on fabric, left for about 20 mins then wet vac it all off. Then spray with a garden sprayer (clean water with a touch of disinfectant) as a final rinse before vac'ing it all off again. Looking very nice. 👍🏻

Tim & Tom fabric. Very posh. And with factory fit sunroof! A few paint patches to sort and she'll be like new. Nice car. 👍🏻 You could remove the remaining bump strips (use teeth floss in a sawing action), then gently rub off the remaining glue. Or use white spirit and a rag, but either way it's time consuming. Lots of tea breaks. Then a good wax. More pics please.

Yeah, I find that the bearings slide in/out with between 3-4t of force. But i like to seat them at 10t just to be sure that they're square. Take care when fitting the splined hub bit to the bearing inside hole, so the two halves dont split. Otherwise, pretty standard stuff.

What was the answer, which will help others...? 👍🏻

The letter at the end of a VAG part number often means a design change. The beginning of the number usually means the model or design platform. So it might be different. Ask for photos.

What a fine specimen. Gorgeous. Mmmm. Really really good job @Malcolm Any pics of yours @Rich?

Not me, but I know of 3 Lupo people in your area. @battlebus is my top candidate who'd probably enjoy a local meet?