Restoration project

Hi all

An honest opinion would be walmly welcomed,

I have uncovered an 81 Gti that has been stored (outside) for 6 years.

The engine starts, there are a few patches of rust on the shell, but nothing too drastic, I dont think there is any rot!!. There interior looks in good nick, nothing a bit of elbow grease could nt sort out.

My question is…..

1. How much is it worth ??? ??

How hard is it to restore, I have very little experience, and how expensive is this going to be (I know that question is like asking how long is a piece of string).

My dads really good with motors, but rubbish at electrics, and I dont mind paying somebody to the stuff I cant.

look forward to your replys (I think…..)

David

basically the thing to factor are how good your own skills are, now mk1 electrics are fairly simple so with a decent manual u can work it out

Alot of cost can be wasted on multiple postage from mailorder for parts/ending up buying and not using stuff

Make sure you know what you want before you start your project, your mind will change but its best to set it out at first so u can grab a bargain when you see it

Most of your money will be spent on bodywork without a doubt, unless you have some rediculous plans

The more you can do yourself to the bodywork, even if it is rubbing down the topcoat before a spray, this will save u alot of cash

if you can weld then its even better, or have someone to do it for free

Ebay isnt always the best place to go for parts, sometimes things go on ebay for more than u can buy them for from certain places

also try buying all paint/tools/ papers etc from a motor factor, not a larger chain store, it ends up cositng loads (my biggest cost using halfrauds during my resto)

lastly, there is no point whatsoever half arsing the job, it will cost u more, but try refurbishing/wire brushing/painting stuff b4 u put it on again, it will safe u hassle in the future,

anyone else who does their own work on their car will tell you this will become more annoying as you know every single fault in the car, and it will bug u even more, when others wont even notice.

it WILL cost u more than you think, always little gremlins hiding, so best to keep your plans as modest as you could possibly cope with, because i wanted a car with chrome bumpers and all the goodies, and basically after all other things, ended up costing a fortune, you have been warned

sorry if it isnt what u want to hear, but the knowledge that you have put alot of effort into a car, the reward is so so huge, and is every bit worth it

overall id say bodywork is so important because nearly every other part of your car u can play with /unbolt change when you want, wheras bodywork will always be on show, so best to do a good job of it, it really is, cheaper quotes do not mean better jobs, look at their previous work/enthusiasm

mail me if u have any q's

Hope that helps

Josh

Great advice Josh!

Even though you might not think there's much rust apart from the bodywork, it can hide in places and grow over time. Check the spare wheel well, around the windscreen and rear screen, fuel lines, chassis, suspension and inner wings.  I know you've started it but have you moved it?  If not, the rear drums may have seized and you may have flat spots on the tyres (if they're not completly flat all ready).  If you decide to take this on, change all the fluids before you start the car again.

As above, it could become an expensive project but if you have no time limits it might feel cheaper if you spread it out over a year+.

If I had the time I'd relish an opportunity like this.  I've only done a few bits and pieces to my cabbie - its a very steep learning curve but you'll have a great feeling of accomplishment knowing you've done it yourself to the spec you want.

If you don't find much more rust I'd say go for it!

I would say triple the amount you can see, and usually the amount you can see is cosmetic, the gnarly stuff will be under the carpet or the arches or something.

Peter.

?200-?400 for a car worth restoring