BBLB - Time to get it roadworthy!
Posted
#855878
(In Topic #102186)
Local Hero
BBLB - should I scrap it?
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=general-chat_3%2Fpoor-old-gti-0
I thought I'd better start one on here as its starting to get serious!
Why BBLB? I here you ask, well as my main GTI is named Black Bullet by its original owners or BB for short and as this car is its younger brother then it seemed the obvious choice When I went to look at it, the garage where it was, were filling it full of scrap to weigh it in later this month. Couldn't see it go for scrap as it was pretty closely related to BB. Unfortunatley there is about 2 weeks difference in the registering of the 2 cars and the chassis numbers are fairly well spaced, I was hoping they were going to be closer than they are. Even so, there is no other GTI which came from this dealer between BB and BBLB.
BB and BBLB together again!
Don't really know why I've bought it as I wasn't really planning on embarking on a restoration as most of you know, they are a labour of love. - It must be the lure of the MK1 I suppose! :dontknow:
Anyway the more I look at it the more I think it deserves a second chance. and in my mind the good points seem to out weigh the bad points. What do you think? Am I being unreasonable? Have I got the rose tinted shades on again?
Bad points:
In its life it had an aftermarket sunroof fitted which has been smashed and has pretty much destroyed the roof and most of the interior. It has also been stripped of many parts prior to me getting it and there was about 3" of water layng in the bottom.
Sunroof destruction
Rear slam panel is about as rotten as they come.
Front lower panel is a bit buckled.
N/S sill is dented though not rotten.
Most of the exterior trim is scrap including bumpers, grill, plastic arches.
Small dents on all remaining panels but repairable.
Condition of engine/box is unknown, injector pipes missing but the oil is clean and it has a new airfilter in it which suggests it was recently serviced. However I do have a good engine and would probably just fit that as a matter of course.
Good points:
I've stripped out most of the interior to see what lay lurking on the shell and to me it doesn't seem too bad.
Scuttle panel good
Filler surround seems OK
No rot on the inner wings.
Floor is solid
Sills although one is dented neither are rotten.
Fuel tank looks clean inside
Seat belt anchors look OK
Bulkhead good.
Rear arches are good bar a couple of minor dents.
Sparewheel well good.
I think I've already managed to source a complete interior, doors and other odds and sods for it, the rear slam panel shouldn't be too bad to repair if I can find someone with a donor shell.
To me the biggest challenge is replacing the roof as I've never attempted one before. Anyone out there with experience of doing this- I would greatly appreciate any advice. My initial thoughts are to un spot weld it around the front screen and rear and cut the roof about 15mm up from the gutter rail leaving the roof subframe in position and laying the new roof over this 15mm lip, welding it carefully to avoid any distortion and then lead loading the joint.
If I do restore it then it won't be a minter or concours (BB takes care of that) just tidy enough to use as a runaround.
If I don't decide to restore it then I would love to see it go to someone who will as would DAZ1971 who found it in the first place.
Last edit: by Yomp
Posted
Local Hero
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/…1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
http://dubz-by-dan.moonfruit.com may be able to fit it for you (at a price obviously) as he said he'd done a few and they can be tricky but he's got it down to a tee. He's in Essex and so is the person selling the roof!!! It's meant to be :dontknow: …. I hope you can save this one mate!!
Posted
Local Hero
Fair play.. rich at CQ's has a few shells ready to be broken, might be wortha trip over to see him and what he's got (call first tho as he's not always there)
steve
Posted
Settled In
Posted
Local Hero
Andy
LINCOLNSHIRE REGION - https://www.facebook.com/groups/467122313360002/
1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign Model - Under (looooong) resto!
1962 Rover P4 80
2002 BMW 745i
2008 BMW Z4 2.5Si
LINCOLNSHIRE REGION - https://www.facebook.com/groups/467122313360002/
1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign Model - Under (looooong) resto!
1962 Rover P4 80
2002 BMW 745i
2008 BMW Z4 2.5Si
Posted
Old Timer
x5pea replaced his roof skin, could maybe ask him for advise, he has pictures up on his thread
The Mk1 Golf Owners Club
Best of luck with it
cheers kenno
Posted
Old Timer
Are you going to at least try to get the existing lump going ?? it might well be ok…you never know, and it'll save you a few pennies……saving what you've got at the same time
Real golfers don't play with clubs
Posted
Life Member
Posted
Local Hero
I have set myself a budget in my head on what I want to spend on it. I will probably do a spread sheet to see if that is realistic then re-evaluate.
Managed to pick up virtually an entire car today minus the rolling shell.
That shell is becoming a track car.
Most of the bits are OK some are tired as you would expect but it saves me having to trudge around the country locating parts which also has to be considered within the total cost of the build.
Time is the biggest problem, not enough of it and don't know whether to set myself a time limit or not. If I don't set a limit then there is a big chance that it'll never get finished. If I do set one then there's the chance that the main things such as work and family may suffer which will also cost.
1st job is try and get a logbook for it. There was one but although was complete with all sections and was the old style, the previos owner, hadn't signed it so I have filled out my bits and will send it this week and see what happens.
Posted
Local Hero
Posted
Old Timer
Real golfers don't play with clubs
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Local Hero
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Local Hero
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Local Hero
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Local Hero
The nice thing about having a scruffy-ish car is that you're more willing to drive it, which IMO is where most of the fun is.
I got my GTI out last week for the Berks meet, and haven't persuaded myself to put it away again, even though it's been cold and wet ever since
Rich
Posted
Old Timer
mcscrew said
Looking good so far - well worth restoring to runaround condition IMO…
The nice thing about having a scruffy-ish car is that you're more willing to drive it, which IMO is where most of the fun is.
Totally agree, my mk1 gets used hard all the time no matter what, battling it out with all and everyone, wouldn't have it any other way !
Good work mate, keep up updated !
Real golfers don't play with clubs
Posted
Old Timer
i thought it was only me who was that sad (?????)
i had SRU673X and WRU613X when i was younger!!
check out the red one on the left in the pic below too…..
goodluck with the rebuild too..
Posted
Local Hero
richievr said
that is soo cool you have two with almost the same reg numbers..
i thought it was only me who was that sad (?????)
i had SRU673X and WRU613X when i was younger!!
check out the red one on the left in the pic below too…..
goodluck with the rebuild too..
NGF 725Y - Thats SW London as well. I wonder if it were the same dealer :dontknow: According to the register its now in Leeds.
Posted
Local Hero
Posted
Settled In
dont supose you will be sellin that front bumper if its shot?
gaz
keep on dubbing
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