Trabant Tech Forum

Not a lot to add, but here's Mini Me!

DSC_0561 by cianhanrahan, on Flickr

Right, time for the first of the Springtime updates. The original Socialist era 12V socket is a lot smaller than its modern equivalent, so I took a look at what was involved in fitting a more modern unit. Like everything else in the Trabant, it is a really simple solution. I've seen more complicated house plugs! The red wires are positive, and the bottom screw hole grounds the connection to the monocoque. I ran the wires from the new socket in to the same screws, and clamped everything back down. This way I can remove it without changing anything else and revert back later.


12Volt socket by cianhanrahan, on Flickr

Using a scrap bracket from a Mini DV camera, and a couple of ties, I now have a flexible bracket for a phone charger, or an FM transmitter (for maximum 90's style points!)


Modern 12V socket wired inline. by cianhanrahan, on Flickr

I've had a couple of day trips, to the Jumpstart 2014 show in Loughmore, and a more casual meet at the Vee, both in Co. Tipperary. About 100km or so away from my house, so a pretty long roadtrip in Trabi terms…
Coming back from Jumpstart I had trouble starting the car, a problem I traced back to an inline fuel filter I had fitted a few months ago.
They're designed for systems with fuel pumps, but as the Trabi soesn't have one, it gets airlocked. So I removed it, and replaced the spark plugs at the same time, and she's starting 100% better now.


New Toy: Spark Plug Socket by cianhanrahan, on Flickr


Turning heads at Jumpstart 2014 by cianhanrahan, on Flickr


Trabant at the Vee by cianhanrahan, on Flickr

[COLOR=rgb(136, 136, 136)][SIZE=4][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=#141414]I have been looking for this photo you posted for some time but could not find it in any of your posts:[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgb(136, 136, 136)][IMG]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9240796587_bc2a81fd56_b.jpg[/IMG] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgb(136, 136, 136)]My doors won't shut all the way. The driver's side sags a bit when closed. I can shut the door but grab the door handle and the door will move in and out maybe 2mm.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgb(136, 136, 136)]I'm wondering if the star like thingy is worn. Also the striker plate on door jam looks like it has been adjusted as far down as it will go. There is an inprint from dirt or something where it had been for decades.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgb(136, 136, 136)]I'm just wondering if I need to order a new door catch and striker plate for both doors or if this is matter of adjustment. Still sorting out bugs with this thing!![/COLOR]

By the way, one day I went to shut the door on my Fiat 124 Spider and it would not shut. The spring inside the mechanism broke just like yours did. I ended up pulling the mechanism from a Spider I had parted out. Glad I saved that door!

I don't think the worn ratchet would affect play in the door once it's closed. In my case it wouldn't shut at all. Can you hear the catch knocking off the striker plate if you wiggle the door?

I know that two of the screws are gone on the passenger side. I discovered this the other day. But the driver's side seems worse!

The stars just look a bit worn and I think this is what's causing the door to not shut all the way.

I originally thought those were unique to the Trabant (because I had never seen one) until I started doing research and they are actually called a "Hella" style power point (as in Hella the lamp and electrical manufacturer). I bought an extra power point to go on the passenger side and some female connectors from a guy in the UK who deals with motorbike parts. So far I used one of the female connectors to power a portable DVD player off my 6 volt car battery!



Or you can replace the Hella unit with one of these:




I also have one of these for charging my cell phone using a USB adapter. You can charge a cell phone off a 6 volt battery! I wanted to keep the Hella style connector because I thought it was cool and is powered all the time and the only way to power a 12V device is with the ignition switch on through my converter. Plus I have an IFA flashlight (torch) and a map light which are handy in case I need to work on the car without the engine running.



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Victory-Vision-power-port-powerlet-hella-type-adapter-2008-to-2009-/231188881102?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35d3ee5ece

Indeed, I'd never heard of the Hella fitment, I thought everyone had standardised. After I mentioned this particular hack on my own forum, I got this recommendation:
http://www.buybits.com/Product/8836/Hella-Din-Plug-To-Standard-Size-Car-Lighter-Socket-Adapter-sku-8836.aspx

I'd like to improve the output of my headlights, both on the high beam and the dipped. Can I just replace the bulbs with brighter/more power bulbs, or do I need to install a relay/relays. Would I then need to replace all the lights wiring while I'm at it? I was also thinking of just wiring in spotlights on the bumper instead.

With all the great work you're doing, I'm almost tempted to move this thread to the restoration section

She's taxed and on the road for the summer. New tyres to come in the next couple of weeks, but I'm more occupied with getting my other car through its test on the 15th.

Trabis:Great for picnics! The eageleyed will notice there's slightly less crud on her, I gave in to the temptation, and washed & polished her.
Picnic Patrol! by cianhanrahan, on Flickr

Looks like enough room for 57 soccer balls! (57 Fußbälle)

Oh, wait… wasn't that the Wartburg commercial?

Well, maybe 57 baseballs?

Washed, polished and waxed her ahead of her show appearances, and took her out on a tour of Limerick's street art, Achtung Baby style…









And on Sunday I took her to a local Cars and Coffee meet, where I was stunned to be presented with the "Car of the Month!"

Congrats on car of the month!! Also Limerick looks amazing!

Cheers Justin, there's a lot of work ongoing in the city at the moment, it's a cool place to be.

Angela started getting noisier than usual recently, but I quickly narrowed it down tot the bolts on the manifold, a quick toque up and she's purring again.



Finally tackled preparation for this year's Retro Rides Gathering in earnest at the weekend. packed the boot, lashed down the airfilter housing with cable ties, until I can get a dab of weld on the mount. I've just put the new tyres on the front, so all that's left was to pack the popup tent properly, and remind my brother to get the spare fan belt and camping gas… And to put the spare spark plugs in the boot. And bulbs. And Irish IPa for one of the lads. and disposable camping chairs (long story!).

We have a proper 4 man tent for the weekend, but it's a bit of a faff putting it up and tearing it down each morning for the single night stays at each end, where we're not on the RRG site. So Popup for Wed/Thur/Tue night instead. Just as soon as I've figured out what incantations are required to get it back in its box each time.



I also looked at fitting these. The adjustable lower bar won't clear the curve of Angela's roof, so they're staying put for now.


Turns out the Trabant boot is pretty spacious. Better than the MX5's was last year!


My co-driver like to test the controls occasionally. I think she honks the horn more often than I do!


Added this, it's got to be worth 5bhp, no?