Syncro Parts - general

Fuel tank straps

Syncro fuel-tank straps in Stainless available here

HarryMann: Having found that there wasn't much to attach any new straps to at the front of the tank (in fact couldn't even see up there how the originals had been attached), decided to use some thin stainless strip to make some up. To attach each one, to the back of the aft cross-member, I drilled two holes as high up as I could get with an extension drill bit, then bent up some clips from numpty metal rod. Hopefully the photos will explain...

It's fairly easy to utilise the original rear strap brackets, spot-welding thru to the stainless, or even simply Tucker pop-rivetting them together. [Full-res photos supplied on request]

NB. If the tank straps are corroded badly, it's highly likely the fuel pump body may also be at the point it starts leaking due to corrosion, often bi-metallic corrosion due to starp bracket attachment contact (mine had a plastic filler repair, fuel poured out as I removed it from barcket). Have found many others reporting same, here and in the US. Wrap new pump in plastic before fitting or use Duralac assembly compound (see General - Tips, Tricks & Techniques)

Handbrake cables

(VW part numbers):

Left 251 609 701 D (1436mm)

Right 251 609 702 (1390mm)

Captive nuts for front bash-plate

GaryD: I tried my local dealer to get the M6 captive nuts which are used to hold the protection plate which mounts between the front bumper and the front suspension frame. They told me they were no longer available. CJ & Brickyard confirmed this.

A chance comment led to the information that the under-engine tray of the Passat (year 2000 was suggested) uses similar fixings. A further enquiry with the dealer confirmed this and an order has produced the ten needed. They seem to be essentially identical to the Transporter fixings.

Part number is N-901-686-04 and they are 64p each.

Hope this is helpful.

Simon Baxter: Problem is the width, any "normal" fixing, spire(speed) clip sort of thing are too wide to fit the VW hole. I think Wurth do some narrow ones but any normal nut and bolt place will struggle. Drill and rivnut them, use hex head, integral washer self tappers with speed (spire) clips for the sides, the back three are M8 x 16 ish with a repair washer!

HarryMann: Indeed Simon! For the front bashplate, I just use M8 nuts and bolts about 20mm long, 3 per side if I can get them through the holes, else 2. Never had a problem, and quick enough to fit or remove... do not bother attaching front lip, but beat it out straight once per year!

Accelerator cable

RHD syncro 2.1 DJ accelerator cable = 3700mm part number 252 721 555 R