Newbie here considering restoration project Mk1 Golf GTi

Hi all,
and Happy New Year!

I've been tempted by a Mk1 Golf GTi project for sale at work. Its a Y reg, white and has not been MOT'd for years. Been kept in a barn.
 I've just seen photos so far, the worst rust picture is a big hole below the drivers side A-pillar just under the windscreen.

Holed drivers side wing at the bottom and door bottoms.

Photos show a generally brown scabby complexion to the white paint in various places.

Is it worth going to have a look at this car?? or is it a scrapper fit for parts only, the engine apparently is good (it runs) and they are asking ?200 ono.  Which I think is rather a lot.

BTW, I can weld and paint (although I'm not going to tell the seller that) and have the gear and a garage. Are repair panels available for these areas or would I have to fabricate them myself. (I'm getting better at making up repair patches).

Just trying to get a feel for what is viable and what is considered a foolhardy venture

cheers

J.

Welcome J and a Happy New Year to you too!

I would only offer around ?100 for it, maybe a bit more if the interior and trim is complete and in good condition.

Aftermarket repair panels are available in the UK and Germany or you can use good second hand genuine ones.

If you have rust in those visible areas you can be pretty sure parts of the inner wings and door pillars are rotten too. The other main part to check which is difficult to repair is the rear chassis section where the rear axle mounts too. Also check for rust around the front and rear suspension turrets and the sills.

If you can weld and paint and have time on your hands it is repairable but even doing it yourself will be more expensive than buying one in a fair to good condition (around ?1.5-2k). Mechanical parts are cheap and easy to fix providing the fuel injection system is in good order. You can check this by looking at the fuel filler and neck area for signs of rust, the fuel lines under the car are intact, the filter looks like it has been replaced and the injectors are producing a decent spray pattern.

If you enjoy restoring cars, the Mk1 is a great drive and you will have the satisfaction of knowing your car inside out but do it for the love of the car rather than saving money or time on buying a decent one.

Cheers
Rajan