Where do I start....?

Hello chaps and chappesses,

I'm a new recruit to the site - got an H-reg 1990 Clipper Cabriolet that I bought last year. I have basically let it tick over for a year (despite the carburettor being shot to bits), but with spring around the corner I'm going to plow quite a bit of money into restoring it to at least former glory. There's 140000 on the clock, and it's on the scruffy side, but I now get the train to work so it should do at least a couple more years ticking over at weekends. Anyway, here are some daft questions…

(i) The Carburettor. Where do I get a replacement? I don't want to buy a new one. I'm under the impression that the cabriolet engine is the same as the MkII engine of the same time - or am I barking up the wrong tree?

(ii) There are some minor, but nasty, scratches in the right wing and the bonnet which have been covered up with vaseline. Is it easy topick up a replacement bonnet? Or should I bite the bullet, get them stripped and resprayed?

(iii) There are signs of wear and tear on the engine - there's a minor radiator leak which needs looking at. I've got quite a decent mechanic - should I get him to look at these things piecemeal, or is it worth shopping round for a newer, replacement/ reconditioned engine?

(iv) The interior is liveable, but a bit worn and drab. can anyone recommend a good upholsterers.

Tnanks for any help. There's a shedload to do but I'd like to commit to a good sympathetic restoration job…just don't mention the money….

Rad is an EASY job, and its the same one on mk2 GTIs, so if on a tight budget easy to find a replacement. (Although a new one is ideal, ive gone through 3 2nd hand ones in just over a yr), check out ebay occasionally new ones spring up.

Certainly doesnt need another engine if its only the carb and rad thats the problem!

I know on mk2 carb engines, replacement 32/34 weber carb do a world of good, so maybe worth checking ebay/breakers/VW classified for one, they spring up fairly often. I assume same for mk1s..(?!?)

You may be able to find wing/bonnet of right colour from scrappies, or someone breaking a cabbie?

Depends how 'budget' you're planning, best bet is to scour classifieds and web to find replacement bits in good condition.

Good luck with it matey,

Dave

Cheers Dave - that's really handy.

We have a decent car yard near us and I managed to get hold of a carb for about ?30 - fingers crossed. The one I have is shot -  engine runs on and judders to a halt, it drinks petrol, frequently stalls and stinks of petrol when I get out the car!

Ta for the radiator tip - I've just put it in for the first round of repairs so I'll have a more accurate picture of what's to do (I know the hydraulics are a little suspect). If I stagger the work, I'm hoping to spend a good few hundred on getting it up to shape - if nothing else, I should get some of that back 'cause it won't be drinking petrol….

I can definitely recommend the carb swap from the original pierburg 2e3 monstrousity to a Weber 32/34 as mentioned above. I once asked a VW engineer about these carbs and he mimed banging his head against a wall….

You end up with a manual choke (but the mk1 dash thoughtfully retains it's choke connector position just left of the steering wheel) which is quite nice and retro, but the engine is transformed and feels like a real 1800cc again.

I had this done on my Clipper about 5 years ago, and it transformed the car from a slow thirsty machine to a quick and economical car.

Cheers,

Drew.

Thanks  - that sounds fantastic. My mechanic just called me up to confirm that I'm a ccomplete cabbage (ie I managed to salvage the wrong carburettor, although it is apparently in fantastic condition), so I have to find my replacement post-haste.

The manual option sounds excellent - my biggest problem withj the clipper is that it's always been bit of a sluggish fartbox, although I put that down to the known problems with the carb. Wow - getting some really 'performance' out of it rather than a straight replacement sounds great

Where can I find a Weber 32/34? How much are they, typically?

Cheers!

CHRIS