New to site - with very sad 1986 Cabrio in need of TLC

Can anyone advise on how to get my lovely Mars Red Karmann Cabrio looking the part again? The engine is recently reconditioned and running like a dream, and the hood's OK, but the body is fading fast and the suspension needs doing. The mechanic reckons it needs a full body and mechanical rebuild (he reckons ?6-10k, off the road months, lots of labour), which all sounds a bit scary. Thing is, I love it, and we've had it for 15 years, and it drove us away from the church when we got married - it really is a part of the family. We live near Wrexham in North Wales - anyone got any tips on how to get it fixed without completely breaking the bank? Any recommendations for who to go to for quotes etc? Any advice gratefully received! Cheers, Rob.

welcome to the site

i am sure that someone on the site will be able to give you some really good advice to help you. in the meantime why dont you post up some pics so that we can see what you have got.

why not also look into becoming a member as the 10% GSF discount that has just been secured may be of use to you, there are also many other good benefits.

heres hoping that you can keep the cabby on the road

Hi Rob

Welcome to the site mate

That sounds lieka true member of the family, whats his name?
Do you have any pics of former glory

As to what needs doing, depend son how good you are at general DIY or how much money have you got.. LOL

As a paid member we now have a large number of discounts from various suppliers for a whole manner of parts, practically enough to rebuild a complete car and its only ?15 for the year..

I'd get a second opinion on your mechanics advice or get soem detailed pictures and let us have a look

Red as a colour will always fade, a good T cut and a polish would help, bu there is only so many layers of paint that can be removed!!

Hope you get it sorted tho

We also have a few peopel from around your area, I'm sure they will al be along soon

Hi Chats, welcome to the site  :y:

?6-10K sounds very wrong unless your putting it into Ultimate Dubs next year, get some photos up.

We're holding a meet at Wrexham Football Ground this Sunday, if you get there early you should get be able to get a bit of advice and help, unfortunately we wont be staying in Wrexham too long as we're off to Llandudno, got to stretch the legs on the mk1's  :mrgreen: .

Here's the link to the Wrexham meet……
http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=46277

Maybe see you there  :mrgreen:

Good to meet you today Rob, I'll sort out Alonzo's number and pm you with it  :wink:

Here's photos of Chats mk1, its a daily driver and only needs doors and a bonnet

Doesn't look that bad from here. Looks like it needs time more than great skill.

T :wink:

6-10k :lmao:

Crack open the meguiars!

Welcome to the site, looks like your enjoying the club already.

ew said

6-10k :lmao:

Crack open the meguiars!

Most of the bodywork could get away with a serious mopping, but with the rust on the doors and bonnet, it would be easier to replace them and go for a respray.

Chats, I've pm'd you Alonzo's phone number for parts  :wink: