Mk1 Caddy renovation

Hi guys, new on here and recently bought a 1990 G reg Caddy mk1 pick up diesel. A one previous owner and not been on the road for few years and stood outside … body is completely untouched and still has all original paint and panels but needs some work needs doing. Rear bed and tailgate are in very good undented condition but there is one tiny hole that needs cutting out on the bed. Tailgate just has surface rust and rear outer arches have no rust only a little on the inner arches. Both front wings are in very good condition apart from some scabs at the bottom where they meet the sills. Engine bay and chassis legs are like new and battery tray only has surface rust. Front panel is also rust free. Bad points are both doors have rust and rot around mirrors and lower door corners but otherwise really straight, no dents and open/close like the day it was made. Rear window has one scab that needs cutting out and lower windscreen panel has one hole. N/s inner sill has a hole where it meets the floor pan but o/s is fine.

My intention is to fully restore the truck and any support pointers and advice would be welcome and really appreciated.

For example, would you guys repair the doors given their condition or replace with better ones (how hard are they to find?)

Anything else I should be aware of/look at whilst stripping the old girl?

Many thanks


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Very interesting looking project mate.

Looks like it will keep you busy.

Doors wise keep you r eyes open but they are getting harder to find, as are all the panels these days.

My bro in law has had a couple of these and has found rot under the bed to be worse than the rot that can be seen from the top. Cross members also become an issue too.

The brake compensator is another bit that you can't get these days so be very careful with it!

Other than that the usual mk1 golf rot.

Good luck

Ian

Ah thank you Ian mate! I’m just refitting my workshop and waiting to get my new 2 poster up so i can have a proper look!

Keep you posted matey thsnks


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If ur able to repair the doors I would I just sold my spare doors. They had a little bit of rust on the bottom and someone bought the for £100 (cheap) but they traveled like 3 hours to get them. Apparently they had been search ages for a set. However 5 door mk1 to tops are the same


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Gutted I missed them! These doors are defo salvageable and quite straight so may be best to repair really!

Where abouts are you buddy?

This is the look i’m aiming for with mine with banded staggered steels…  and either keep white or paint it pure grey to match my R36 Caddy 2K


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This is my R36 Caddy, and be nice to get this old girl to show by its side when we eventually are allowed to attend shows


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I’m in norfolk mate


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You’re a fair way from me then mate as i’m in North Wales


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Your doors look better than mine and they'll be repaired (although I may have found a slightly better one).

Saying that, it looks better than mine full stop !

Yes they aren’t too bad to be fair! Thanks mate


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 So the old girl is coming along … progress pics …










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Looks like fun is being had  

Ian

It’s defo a labour of love Ian for sure lol!

Would you know where I could buy new door seals as original ones came apart whilst stripping the doors


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Yup Classic vw do some, as do heritage

https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/mk1-caddy-seals-1091-c.asp

Heritage site is down at the moment  

Ahhh thank you Ian! Is it me or am I mussing something?! I cant seem to see the full rubber door seal that runs along the bottom half of the door. It only looks like the upper seal is available … or is it me buddy?

Thanks for your help


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Think what your after is this (I presume you mean the seal on the actual door it’s self)


173837911H.  Part number not sure if it’s left or right but will take you to what u need I hope


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Thanks wilko mate


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So the pick up is near painting stage and colour will be Manilla green. Recent photos










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Ready for paint …




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