Sportline Restoration Help

Hi all.
After being out of the VeeDub scene for 15 years, I had to return 1 day(my previous cars: VR6 and Helious blue campaign).
I purchased a J reg sportline the other day and am confused.
I picked it up for £1600.
The car has got 4mths MOT and 2mths Tax, 2owners 103k. I drove it 150mile to get home with out any issues very good straight drive.
Its a clean car inside and out and very straight.
The bad part is the Hood does not work and its a cat c. but looking at it you can tell its had a accident.
Lead is starting to show(whitness) on the paint work so it needs a full respray.
Here's the interesting bit, I found out after I handed over the money, when you switch on the lights the clocks on the dash die.
Now what do I do spend money on it restoring it to show condition(remember its a cat c) or just sell and look for a clean one

You'll spend thousands restoring it and it'll still have the stigma of once being a write off which will niggle.

Sell it and buy yourself a tintop!

Welcome to the forum.

Did the seller tell you it was a Cat C? If not then you have recourse on them for that.

What sort of accident damage can you see? Does it need a lot of body work or 'just' paint? Perhaps get some pics up.

Also check out - http://www.golfgtisportline.com/ - if you haven't already. The site is run by Hugh on here (member Shughy )

They're great looking cars, I hope you can save this one  

Thanks chaps. Made a big mistake in my first post, I missed the T in can't . What I meant to say is you can't see it's been in an accident. I will post pics soon. The only dent on the car is a minor on the bonnet. 
Another question. Shall I go for the old school combo, tried and tested Koni plus eibach, or are there better kits out there. Thinking going for 195 50 tyres or can u go 205 45?

I've just bought Bilstein and eibach for my tintop as my cheaper JOM suspension kit on my Sportline is too crashy.
I will prob replace the Sportline with the same later.
I've got 195 50 tyres on both my RAs and my RMs.

Bilstein/Eibach is a great combo, can't go wrong with that

I've got a -30mm Weitec kit on my Sportline which rides well too

Hi, the electric issue with the dash clocks is very common so don't worry. Do a search on the site and you'll get lots of tips. Usually down to a poor earth, most likely small wire that connects to one of the bolts on the engine rocker cover.

The hood works with the key in the ign only.
Do not turn the key, there designed not to operate when the engine is running.

Does the pump whir, but nothing happens?

If so check the Thumb screw in the boot is tightened clockwise.

How is the fluid level in the pump reservoir? This needs to be checked with the hood down.
To do this unscrew the Thumbscrew anti clockwise and undo the handles and manually operate it.

leaky rams, split reservoir and broken impeller drive are common. You can rule switches out by swapping one with a working power window switch.

But it depends on by Not working you describe.

RichardHall said

Hi, the electric issue with the dash clocks is very common so don't worry. Do a search on the site and you'll get lots of tips. Usually down to a poor earth, most likely small wire that connects to one of the bolts on the engine rocker cover.

I'll second that if its disconected and you switch the lights on the dash will go dead 99% certain thats the issue