Mk1 Jetta - First look at potential restoration

Well,

I have had my parents '81 Jetta L for nearly a year now - and I have only just started to have a look at its condition to assess if I have the time to atempt a restoration.

For a strart it is wet inside - so it is back in the garage now and I have stripped the interior out to let it dry out. I have also removed the front windscreen as there is a rust spot I wanted to check out(it will need new rubbers as they have all perished - they are 32 years old").

I wanted to ask people what their opinions are on here regarding the difficulty of the repairs, and the cost if I asked for some welding/respraying (ball-park figures). I can do most stuff myself, and have an HVLP kit - but I am just thinking of the time mainly.

Does anyone know a source of Mk1 Jetta rear window seals? I can't find any online.

Any comments / advice greatly appreciated.

Looks like a fair bit of bodywork there mate but not insurmountable. Good luck with the project. Nice colour too. Always had a soft spot for the Mk1 Jetta

ye…its a shame as i didnt think it was that bad - and I really don't know if I can justify spending much on it - I would like to do a fair bit but I cant do welding…….so might have to get some prices for some work……

It would be awesome to get it back on the road though!

Cheers

At the end of the day it all comes down to money mate. Have you got a deadline for it to be finished because if you haven't you can spread things out and take your time and plan it properly so it keeps the cost down.

I was thinking that I could slowly work my way round the car, repairing and priming as I went - then finally get it top coated - but it seems that general opinion is you shouldnt leave primer on a car for too long before over-coating as it can absorb moisture. I would most likely tackle a panel at a time, priming as I went - I suppose I could put on a light top coat to seal it.

But you are right - its cost - I want the Jetta on the road for nostalgia mainly - and can't justify spending loads on it - it would make more sense to buy a much newer car rather than spend a few thousand on it.

If I make much progress I will update!

Cheers
Martin

Do it Pal! its a lot of work but as Smudger says, take your time and keep the costs down. Mine was leaking water in too, through the bulkhead where the clutch cable comes through, through the little grommets behind the fuse box, and most recently, through the rear lights.

Luckily for me my dad can weld, why not use this as your excuse to learn? I had a go on mine, I was pants at it, but thats not the point lol.

Good luck with it Martin it'll be a steep learning curve but that's half the fun.