Oh God. What have we done!??...

[macmillions]

On Miss_Macmillions' patrols, she came across this... and we bought it. :eek:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf042.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf040.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf041.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P1434_23-02-11.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf037.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf044.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf043.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P1435_23-02-11.jpg





"What the hell!?" You may be thinking, but this is the best bit.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf045.jpg
Oooo.....

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf036.jpg

Now for the bad bit (if the rest wasn't bad already! :biglaugh:)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf039.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf038.jpg

Nothing a quick polish can't fix... right? :1zhelp:
Oh dear oh dear.
We've lost our marbles.

[zollaf]

oh mac, you are a sucker for punishment , arn,t you. lovely car though, but seriously needs a wash. a small bumper 16v, arn,t those quite rare ?

[phil miller]

oh my god you must really love the MK2's, it looks alot but i bet once its washed it will look alot better mate, i look forward to and expect a build thread for this bad boy mate:beerchug:

[kenney]

Did the chickens come with the car:D

[aaudi4]

mate got to take that straight to a car wash that charge a fiver to clean them up. complain as well if dont come out spotless (if ye dare)

[macmillions]

Lol, no chickens thrown in the sale, but plenty of spiders! And a snail on the roof :D
Yes the early 16Valves are quite "rare" I think.


It might sound a lot, but we bought it for £300.

Not an awful lot that needs doing to it believe it or not. Just a serious clean, rear shunt needs sorting, a petrol leak from somewhere - fuel line I think, a gear linkage, MOT and Tax. That is the basics.

There is not a spot of rust anywhere and the interior is pretty tidy, just needs a shampoo... or two!
The engine even runs!

Oh and it comes with a GTI grille and spots, rear bumper and full exhaust from a Jetta GTI.

[macmillions]

mate got to take that straight to a car wash that charge a fiver to clean them up. complain as well if dont come out spotless (if ye dare)

Lol I joked to miss macmillions about going down to Tescos and getting the EuroPikeys to clean it haha! I bet they wouldn't thumb us over if they saw it coming!

[aaudi4]

will stick the closed sign out if see ye coming. got to do it thou, best fiver you will ever spend.

[JON76]

I think these are great and it will look awesome once it's cleaned up. Does anyone remember the Pirelli P Slot alloys that used to appear on some of these? Would look great with a set of those on :D

[Crasher]

Go for it, what a guy! Any help I can be, just ask.

[macmillions]

I think the P slots were only available on the very early GTI's ( pre-1986), ours I think should either have motreal bottle tops or BBS ra's. It has La castellet's on it at the moment, which I don't know if they were standard or not on one this age.

Our ultimate aim is to get it completely OEM, as it would have left the showroom. So any advice, would be very welcome on how it should look.

Crasher, I may indeed require your superior knowledge, as my 16valve engine knowledge is rather limited. But, the engine does run, so hopefully not all bad!

[Eshrules]

if that engine's any cop, £300 is a steal - the scene tax on mk2s atm is ridiculous - chassis and engine are the important bits, everything else is workable!

[macmillions]

We had the Golf delivered on Monday 28th Feb on the back of a trailor onto my parents' driveway - much to my Mum and Dad's disgust! :nana:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf038-1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf039-1.jpg

A rather happy Miss Macmillions!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf040-1.jpg

Haha, green bonnet!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf042-1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf043-1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf044-1.jpg

Oh, and thrown in the sale was a GTI 16valve grille with spots, Jetta GTI 16valve full exhaust system, rear bumper and lots of spiders! :o

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf045-1.jpg

Okay, so Miss Macmillions just spent 2 hours cleaning the new addition. That was only soap, water and elbow grease......... she's leaving the t-cutting and polishing for me to do when I get time at the weekend... :rolleyes: Aren't I lucky?

Here are some pictures:

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05872.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05873.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05878.jpg

So here is one half clean and the other not so clean:

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05880.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05883.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05889.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05888.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05887.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05890.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05893.jpg

Can't have Gumpert being left out!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05896.jpg

Tuh dah!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05895.jpg

She said she can safely say she's never smiled so much when cleaning a car, it was like un-wrapping a present with every sponge wipe haha. There were a couple of very hard bits to clean off but i think it's come out rather well. Didn't tuch the alloys, again something else Muggins can do later. :alcoholic

[JON76]

Looking great already! What condition is the paintwork in? Any dull pink patches or has it kept its shine?

[macmillions]

The body is mint. No rust at all. Anywhere! The paint is a bit dodgey in places, the driver's door is an interesting shade of pink. Also the bonnet is a bit patchy. But providing the weather holds out over the weekend, I will be armed with a bottle of T-Cut and get to work!

Anyway, more pics - Grille fitted! :D
(Will get a better one in the morning)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf039-2.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf036-1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/Golf040-2.jpg

[macmillions]

Well I managed to brave the cold yesterday (yes, I'm a wimp) and performed a service on the old gal.
New air filter, spark plugs (seen earlier), HT leads, dizzy cap, rotor arm, oil change and new oil filter.
Bearing in mind I'm not the most mechanically minded bloke in the world I thought that was quite an achievment! Haha. And the best bit? It still worked afterwards!

Tell you what though, I have never seen oil so bad in my life! Before draining the oil I ran the engine up to temp so it came out easier and it poured out nicely - if a little black in colour. But as I continued the rest of the service and it all drained, I removed the drip tray and the oil was like tar! So the current oil is literally going to just be a flush. Run it for 100 miles or so then change it along with the filter again.

One thing I have noticed though is it seems to have a petrol leak. Just infront of the rear offside wheel. There seems to be a little box there which is getting wet. Am I right thinking that's the fuel filter? - Which I forgot to change, so will do that this weekend!

Also removed the seats and set about cleaning the interior - not the nicest job in the world!
Another plus point, all the electrics work too!

[paulthefox]

whats the story behind looking for such a*rare 16v* on an e plate;)

paul:beerchug:

[tlionhart]

reading this thread reminds me of that program wheeler dealers. Keep up the good work, Im sure it'll be worth it! :beerchug:

[JON76]

reading this thread reminds me of that program wheeler dealers. Keep up the good work, Im sure it'll be worth it! :beerchug:


Wheeler Dealer's predecessor, Deals on Wheels which was shown on channel 4, is available on 4oD. I was watching a few old episodes the other night. Really like that programme!:D

[tlionhart]

forgot about that one! I guess I remembered wheeler dealers because he always says something like;
'well I have replaced the old gear knob with a shiny new one'
Basically anything new he would say 'a shiny new one'. A bit like a cliché really. :biglaugh:

[DSG4ME]

The beauty of them is VW used to spray wax sealant all over the engine bay back then, as long as nobody has steam cleaned it all off you should find the bay will be rust free, if you want to clean it up without removing any sealant, use detergent on a brush and then blast it off with cold water, most of the body might clay and buff back up, although if you need to replace the rear panel you might want to make sure you get the same shade all over, look forward to seeing the build and the end result.

[Crasher]

I am finding modern VAG products are rusting worse than they used to since they abandoned wax for zinc pre-treatment. I was under a 2005 8P A3 on Thursday doing a service and all over the bottom, the weld seems and spot welds are corroding really badly.

[kenney]

I am finding modern VAG products are rusting worse than they used to since they abandoned wax for zinc pre-treatment. I was under a 2005 8P A3 on Thursday doing a service and all over the bottom, the weld seems and spot welds are corroding really badly.It's all those bloody old washing machines,tractors,fiats,skodas? etc etc,that they are recycling to make the new cars withhttp://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Mini Mark]

Great find I'd love an early golf if I had the time, money and room (well 5/6 mins including an very early van smooth roof project) and a MK5 golf means I can not afford one one day though currently building a garage at the bottom of the garden to keep them all in luckly the mins are in mom and dads garage

[macmillions]

This pleasant surprise happened last week...

Came across this in the glovebox!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05932.jpg[/URL]

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05933.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05934.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05935.jpg

Service history every 10,000 + all fully VAG services at that (apart from one) up to 102,000 miles.
I now know i can blame the man who owned her before us for her total neglect! Got me on a gower to get her 100% back to original standard.

A Closer inspection revealed this...
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05928.jpg

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks, they are indeed mushrooms! :puke:

For those who wanted to see; video link to youtube of her starting up for the first time:

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHoCRIdcdt0 (http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05932.jpg)

And then the next day after a good wash, Miss Macmillions got all arty-farty and took some snaps as she currently stands. Enjoy!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05999.jpg

See, our cat Mr.Jenkins even loves Golfs :D

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC06006.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC06010.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC06000.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC06018.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC06012.jpg

Oh and almost forgot these, a couple of the service AND an old friend also has a mk2 16valve so we decided to have a mini-meet.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x368/xxaurajxx/DSC05947.jpg

Hope you like the progress so far! :Blush:

[Crasher]

Cute cat. That is a nice service history, it would just have been nice if the “Volkswagon specialists” could have spelt Volkswagen correctly. Mind you it is better than the “History” I found under the back seat of a customers Audi many moons ago. Pictures of him and his boyfriend in compromising positions, not nice…

[macmillions]

Ewww... that is not pleasant!
Although, the question that I'm sure is on everyones' lips is: "was she hot?" :D

Good spot regarding "Volkswagon Specialists". Hadn't notriced it before. I wonder if anyone got a bollocking for that?

Crasher, hopefully you may be able to help here. I took the radiator cowling off the red Golf last night to spruce it up a bit, but the bottom half of it disintergrated through being rotten. Comparing it to our GL's cowling, it seems far smaller in width. So much so that it doesn't have the material flaps to the side of the fan. Is there a difference between the two radiators? Whether that being the GTI is pre 90-spec, or the fact it's a 16V so has a different rad anyway?

Just wondering as I'm struggling to find a new cowling, and if I do find one, I obviously want it to be the right one.

[Crasher]

Err read that again old man, it was him and him, not him and her!

You need the correct 8v radiator.

[macmillions]

I've just been sick in my mouth a bit... :aargh4:

[macmillions]

Went on a bit of a mental cleaning spree on Sunday.

Firstly, on Saturday I took the radiator cowlings off both the GL and 16v. The GL's came off lovely, slight surface rust, especially around the bottom, but nothing serious at all. The 16v one, however, looked like this:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0033.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0034.jpg

In other words, rusted beyond repair. :rolleyes: New cowling required. Little did I know before I took it off that the rad on a 16v is different to the GL's... Joys.

Anyway, on Saturday I went to work and during overtime I sandblasted the GL cowling, wire brushed the fan motor and cleaned up the fan blades with alcohol spay and rag. Time and a half to do homework. :approve:

Got home.
First, 3 light layers of grey primer until evenly spread and then using satin black, building up the layers lightly, letting it dry for 20mins between coats I applied about 5 coats on either side. Then the same on the fan motor. Much to my Dad's annoynace, as I oversprayed the newspaper I had laid down and "ruined" his path. :biglaugh:

End result:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0035.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0032.jpg

(By the way, to remove the material flaps, use a flat punch and tap the centre of the plastic rivits until they are nearly out, then prize the flap until it pops free, plastic rivet intact ;). To refit, pop them back in, and use a little hammer to tap the centre of the rivet flush again.)

Then I went spring cleaning the interior. Armed with a Henry vacuum cleaner and some AG interior shampoo I set to work removing the surface mould and stains from the seats.

End Result:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0038.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0036.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0037.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0040.jpg

I then vacuumed the carpets - removing the mushrooms :D and the carpets are in pretty good nick!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0039.jpg


Took me a while, but I'm pretty happy!

[Bratty]

Reminds me of the "mythbusters episode" where they replicate a dead body liquifiying in a car Myth! :D.

That seat belt looks like its had some action!

RESPECT! for finding a Future (present) Classic and spending the time and effort to bring it back from the brink:beerchug:.

Dunk

[Eshrules]

You've got the right attitude with this - these cars reward hard graft.

[Bratty]

I think Mrs Macmillions deseves an extra Big One for finding the car in the first place :beerchug:, even though you will be doing most of the work:D, so you can also take a big pat on the back:beerchug:.
I love these sort of cars cause they were the latest thing when I was going through my youthful phase? I am thinking of trying to find a Mk1 GTI But they are rare as hens teeth or too expensive!

As Esh Says, these cars reward hard graft:beerchug:.

Good Luck, Dunk

[Eshrules]

The trouble is, at least as I've come to find (sorry for going OT mac), older dubs are increasingly difficult to find in an honest state without a stupid amount of scene tax applied.

I've met a lot of good people in the last 3/4 years of vw ownership, moreso with the Polo but by god I've met a lot of dishonest people too - all scrambling to screw the next person over which (to me) goes completely against the 'dubber' grain.

Finds like Mac's golf go some way to restoring my faith.

[fat controller]

Looking good macmillions - my very first VW was a MKI Golf, and to this day I believe that the MKII's are the best looking of the lot, especially the GTI - nice to see a good example being brought back to life and being loved by someone.

[macmillions]

Cheers for all your really positive comments everyone.
I do think that sometimes these cars (and especially their parts) are starting to go for silly money.

For example, our GL was quite an honest £600 in Oct 2009. Its bodywork is immaculate, the carb needed replacing and the starter motor was fubar, but otherwise I personally think a very good, honest price for a standard model.

18 months later and I so often see now GL's (or even 1.3 basic models) going for twice what we paid, with more miles on them, no service history, rotten as a pear and horribly modified. Only every so often does a genuine example come up for honest money.

Anyway on Friday we got the 'Red Rocket' up on the ramp at our mates garage to see what surprises lurked underneath...

Not a spot of rot/rust anywhere under the old' gal = mega win!

So what needs doing to get her mot'd and back on the road you ask ??? (baring in mind she's been sat for 3 years and no service in 5 years)

1. Brakes
2. Flexi Brake lines
3. Fuel tank (as we found out it's minor fuel leak was being caused by a gaging hole in the tank itself haha)
4. There isn't a 4. :biglaugh:

Yesterday; went over to our mates nearby who had recently stacked his GTI 16valve and gave us the chance to be a pair of vultures and help ourselves.
So we got:
. Fuel tank
. Fuel accumulator/filter/pressure regulator & hoses with brand new stainless fittings
. Handbrake cable
. Rear discs and calipers (one caliper is brand new)
. Fan and motor
. Radiator cowling
. Rear slam panel
. Rear bumper
. K&N filter
and a VW badge for the rear

And the worst thing about today was that our mate found out his GTI was a campaign edition in Helios Blue... GUTTED! (Now that would have some scene tax! ;))

Then today he rang me to say he'd managed to remove his headlining, so we went over again to pinch that to replace the GL's (it's sagged).

The best bit was he knows little about the mk2 "scene" so sold all the parts for very decent prices. All in all, the whole lot cost £260 (£100 for the fuel accumulator etc).
My mechanic mate also contacted me to let me know he had got hold of two 2nd hand tyres (but in A1 condition) and brake lines for £110. :biglaugh:

I'll run over all the bits to his garage for him to fit and then it's ready for the MOT! :nervous:

[Bratty]

I know its kind of irrelevant as your vehicle has been asleep for quite a while, but I was recentley enlightened as to how bad (compared to OEM) a K&N Filter is for your motor, Yes they can sound good! Yes they claim fuel savings! But your intake system will build-up residue after (quite a short!) time.

Dunk

[macmillions]

That's good to know Dunk.
I only bought it because ours hadn't got one, so though I would stick it in for its MOT then probably put in an OEM one.

How come they let in more residue? Simply because they let through more air?

[Crasher]

I strongly disagree with that, I have been fitting, using and servicing cars with K&N panel filters for nearly twenty five years and I can definitely say they do not cause any residue build up of any sort, all my own cars run K&N panel filters.

[macmillions]

Ah well that settles it. The Guru himself has spoken. (Sorry Bratty)
The K&N will stay . :approve:

[Bratty]

I will try to find the link which was pretty persuading, but you will not like where I am going to scource it from;)!

Dunk

[Bratty]

I strongly disagree with that, I have been fitting, using and servicing cars with K&N panel filters for nearly twenty five years and I can definitely say they do not cause any residue build up of any sort, all my own cars run K&N panel filters.

Hi Crasher, I really had nothing against the K&N panel filter, and I fitted one to my last car a 1982 911. But when you look at the facts an oil cotton mesh (Re-oiled excessively by the inexperienced owner sometimes?), common sense dictates that any moistness or oil film will accrue dust which will stick in minute amounts to the intake system. I respect your DINO experience, and reminds me of my AUDI dealership quoting "Your order will 100% be because Mrs XXXXXX has been doing the job for twenty years" unfortuneately she was wrong and was chastised by thedealership management team (alledgedly?).
I have been in the non-auto mechanic trade since 1981 and I still do not know EVERYTHING (in fact it is even worse!)

Dunk

[Crasher]

:alcoholic

[SammoVWT]

The only build up I get eventually is from the reburn of slightly oily gasses from my breather. Quite annoying, but nothing wynns cant fix. Cant say the filter has caused it, as it would do this before i swapped out the OEM to a cone filter.

Have to agree with Crasher on that!

[Bratty]

Each to their own, I think the debate on filters could drag on a bit and the risk of threadjacking is "High". I am still trying to find the link that I read when I was looking for a replacement filter and it was interesting!:confused:

Macmillions have you had the Golf running yet?

Dunk

[Sam]

Bratty are you thinking of the "Bob The Oil" website?

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm

[Bratty]

No but intresting all the same, I will start a seperate thread so that macmillions can keep us updated.

Dunk

[a.bradd]

nice job cleanin that one up id love a mk 2 gti but running cost most of all is my prob stick £40 quid a week in my mk3 tdi :/ im jealouse :biglaugh:

[macmillions]

The old bus has been running:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHoCRIdcdt0

It's at my mates garage at the moment. As stated in the previous post, we raided my friend's Golf for parts. I helped him remove all the bits, and to be frank, don't fancy refitting the fuel tank - so am letting my mechanic mate do that!

He will fit all the bits (and fronts discs and pads for good measure), 2 new front tyres and flexi brake lines and will bung it in for its MOT. :biglaugh:

He also got a quote from a repair shop they trade with and they quoted £160 to repair and spray the rear panel! Result!

So hopefully, end of this week it will be MOT'd, taxed, insured and ready to roll!
Although, the clutch bite is rediculously high and I don't know when the cambelt was last done! :confused: So will get that done before taking it out for a spin.

No probs about the 'hijack'. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I will most likely still fit the K&N simply because I have it and I paid a fiver for it! :D

[macmillions]

Today I delivered the parts we stripped off my mate's written off Golf to my other mates garage, so all being well these will be fitted this week (including the K&N ;)) and then MOT'd whenever he has time! :Blush:

[macmillions]

Well today was the day of the MOT for the old Red Rocket...

AND!!!???....



















It failed. :zx11:

And what is more annoying is the fact it failed on one of the rear calipers, which I had bought off my mate's Golf which he wrote off. Not only is that annoying, but it was the brand new looking one that was the problematic one, AND his car had been only MOT'd the week before he stacked it. My mate who did our MOT reckons his MOT wasn't worth the paper it was written on. :1zhelp:
The problem was when the front and rear discs, flexi hoses and pads were replaced, along with the "new" calipers, he bled the system, depressed the brake pedal and it firmed up nicely, he then removed his foot off the pedal and it dropped to the floor. After much chasing around the system (initially thinking it was the master cylinder) he found the shiney new caliper was not holding pressure. He tried fitting the old caliper, and it failed on the handbrake mechanism. :rolleyes:
The other things it failed on were the steering rack had excessive play and drop link bushes were worn. So £135 worse off and she'll be on the road finally! :D

No pics I'm afraid! But hopefully will have the car back as soon as, then you will be innundated with piccies! :biglaugh:

[Bratty]

Even though it must be disappointing that it failed, at least you have the satisfaction of having a "SAFE!" vehicle, that is definetely worth going the extra mile for!

RESPECT:beerchug:.

Dunk

[paul b]

Just read the whole thread, looking forward to seeing how the resto goes!

Best of luck with it... there's nothing like the sense of achievement you get when you've bought a dead/dying car back to life!

[DSG4ME]

Highjack alert :biglaugh: today I saw for the first time in a long time an original Caddy, I was working VW at the time this Golf pickup truck came about, it's lost none of it's appeal and a good straight one done in gleaming paint and some mild modding like wheels,grille and inside would look the nutz imo, I actually sold the first one in my area, I borrowed the demo so I could go get an Opel lump I was fitting to my Manta at the time and the guy who owned the scrapyard took one look at it and beat me back to the showroom to buy it, never did get any commission for it though.

Back on the resto jobby, good to see it's all coming together for you.:burnout:

[Crasher]

Last year I put a 1.9 TD in one and did some heavy body resto work on it, it is back in next week for an annual service.

[Eshrules]

Last year I put a 1.9 TD in one and did some heavy body resto work on it, it is back in next week for an annual service.

going a bit OT - but PICS please - I heart caddys

[Crasher]

All the pics are trapped on my work PC, remind me next week.

[burkey1]

Just read the whole thread, looking forward to seeing how the resto goes!

Best of luck with it... there's nothing like the sense of achievement you get when you've bought a dead/dying car back to life!

Think its the first time ive read a thread this long with such intrest. Great work, great car and looking forward to seeing the end product!!!

[macmillions]

As of today, the GTI is MOT'd!!!

I can't wait to have her back now! :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

[macmillions]

Well she's back!

My poor mechanic had to take it on its first drive in 3 and a half years back to our house - yes it was safe, but we had no idea how it would perform on the open road. Whether he would end up in a cloud of steam, or at the bottom of a hill with the clutch slipping manically...

Well, here she is. Safe and sound.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P131701_07-05-11.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P1317_07-05-11.jpg

Tucked up behind the big bro...

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P131702_07-05-11.jpg

And one for the lads...

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P191302_07-05-11.jpg

Next time I'll try and get her in a bikini :D

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P191401_07-05-11.jpg

The drive home wasn't completely uneventful though, my mate said it's probably best to avoid 3rd gear as the clutch slipped on him. :o Oh, and because the centre console is in our garage he was stuck with the windows fully up, and the heating was set to max haha. So he had to poke around to set the heater to cold before he cooked :biglaugh:.
At least I know the heating works! More than can be said for Gumpert!

[paul b]

It'll soon be the daily! :p

Nice to see you and the Mrs excited about restoring cars, reminds me so much of me and Mrs B many years ago. These days I really struggle to get excited by cars (obviously just getting old).

Keep up the good work Mac!

[macmillions]

Thanks mate!
Yea it's great to see it coming together. Got a few niggles to sort out still, like a dodgey shock - it bounces everywhere, the rear damage, this annoying thing too: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?119408-1988-16V-difficult-to-start&p=642778#post642778
and it's still pink...
Also the clutch bite is right at the top of the pedal and it will slip in 3rd under load, oh and the cambelt needs doing, as I don't know when it was last changed...

Other than that, it's nearly there! Just gonna cost a bomb to be a daily yet! Haha.

[macmillions]

Hold on to your hats! Those of you who remember this, we still have it!

Well, this was the day (back in September) that after over a year of nothing happening, apart from Hollie being moved into my parent's garage so it could be kept dry, but making the garage floor wet with oil :biglaugh: , our new suspension kit arrived.

Spax PSX 40mm drop

Very exciting!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09343_zpse993641d.jpg

Dog's not impressed!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09389_zps4f39765f.jpg

And for all of you lovely ladies (or gents, if it tickles your fancy,) here is a picture of my knob!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09382_zps6cf3923b.jpg

Well, that was back in September...
And not a lot more happened.

Well, it was 9th May 2011 that anything of significance last happened with this Golf. But with our house move in June of that year, the Golf then moved on into my Mum and Dad's garage for a "short period of time" whilst we got on our feet.

Well, who knew buying a house, furnishing it, paying bills and saving for a wedding could be so expensive? :biglaugh:
That unfortunately meant Hollie went on the back burner until we could afford to get the final parts done and insured and taxed.

It then got to the point of making excuses as to why we hadn't picked it up and got the last bits done - money being a fair enough excuse, but we found ANY spare cash at the end of the month somehow got swallowed up somehow or put into the wedding pot...

Then, my Mum and Dad announce they are moving house, to Brighton - 2 hours away. :buttkick:

So excuses out the window, Hollie had to be out by mid Jan and on the road.

So last week, we began the process of getting her prepped to be picked up for the last bits to be done:
Cabelt and tensioners
Clutch
Spax kit
MOT.

So this was us last week

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG0185.jpg

You may notice the jump leads from my Skoda, which proved unsuccessful. Sadly, my stupidity 18 months earlier of not disconnecting the battery whilst placing the Golf into storage killed the battery. Not a good start.

So my mate picked the car up on Thursday on his trailor and off to the garage it went with instruction from me to make it work! :biglaugh:
So this afternoon I get a phone call: It's on its way home with fresh MOT!

And:

Clutch, clutch release bearing, clutch cable, gearbox oil seals (it left a lovely pool of vital fluids on my Dad's garage floor, which he was most pleased with :approve:), new suspension kit fitted, new bushes when access was available, outer driveshaft CV boots, battery :o, cambelt and tensioners and alternator belt...

So Hollie is on her way back to my Mum and Dads for us to pick up this week and just to tax it.
The only disadvantage about this whole thing is we are now SKINT!!! :1zhelp: Beans on toast for the next 3 weeks!

Not only that, but my mechanic mate took it on a good drive to see how it felt and said the engine is really strong and smooth and the gearbox is as tight as a drum. He also had the wings off to apply waxoyl all over the place and said the inner wings were solid!

So, after being sat in a field under a firn tree for at least 4 years, the body is sound, with not a spec of rust and the engine and gearbox are sound. That is testament to VW build quality. The rest of the work was basically what you would expect to do on a car that's been stood for so long.

As you can tell, I'm relieved about the engine and gearbox, as if we had had all this work done to find one or both of those knackered, it would have been gutting!

Pics to follow when we pick it up! :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

[OddBallBoy]

Just read the whole thread, great find! Look forward to hearing how you enjoy. :approve: (couldn't find a 'jealous' smiley!)

[gupsterg]

x2 on above, I really loved the Golf I had in my young & foolish days! I wish I could go back there!

MK1 Cab was a dream... just wish I'd kept it!

Luv the thread :), I'm subscribed to see the project go on! :beerchug:...

[macmillions]

Thanks guys.

There'll be an update in the next couple of days when we come to pick the old gal up and drive it ourselves for the first time! I can't ruddy wait!

Also it wont end there, as there is still the rear damage to sort and also I'm sure running it will loosen a few things and cause some niggles in due course!

[hughjass]

Lovin the restoration matey, very impressive ;-)

[ChA6dders]

Well done all the best with the project. There's a similar car in silver just down the road from me on a driveway don't know my Golfs but it's an early GTI

[macmillions]

Ooo... Do you know what reg it is? And does it look neglected?

A bit of an update...

Well today was the day that Hollie was to come home from my Mum and Dad's garage after its recent MOT.
Got it taxed and went to drive it home the 8 miles or so, rather filled with trepidation... Would it conk out after not being driven properly for 6 years? Would we end up in a cloud of steam? Would a wheel fall off?

Well, there was no need for any anxiety. She drove like a dream!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09827_zps030886fe.jpg

Happy (geeky) me!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09823_zpsbc1e2bf9.jpg

A little video of the drive (for you geeks, like me ;) )
Plus obligitory nag from Miss Mac about the brakes haha!

Hollie Mk2 Golf GTI 16Valve - YouTube (http://youtu.be/lJFLx7T4R1k)

And finally, back home. :biglaugh:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09829_zps25f0e98a.jpg

Engine is as sweet as a nut. I didn't spank it, as I just wanted to get home with her, but it pulls well in all gears, the engine ran to temperature perfectly and the heater worked!

The gearbox is lovely and tight, no second gear crunch and the ride is bloody good! May need another notch softer on the Spax shocks if I'm being picky, but it's very poised at normal speeds.

Nearly two years after we rescued her... And she's home.

[ChA6dders]

Well done all the best with the project. There's a similar car in silver just down the road from me on a driveway don't know my Golfs but it's an early GTI

looks cracking I'll have a look at the GTI down the road takes some pics maybe knock on the door of the drive it's on

[macmillions]

Do it! You wont regret it! Something about the Mk2 Golf that is so rewarding!

[Crasher]

Yes my wife loved hers but hates mine, I scrapped hers and mothballed mine.

[macmillions]

What model Golf have you got Crasher? Any pics of it? Anyway, the missus was most likely jealous of having an inferior Golf to yours, so I imagine you were right to scrap hers! ;)

[macmillions]

I just gave it a good wash, getting rid of any remaining bits of tree/moss/spiders webs. :biglaugh:
DA or rotary polisher will have to wait until I grow a pair of cahones!

Went over it with a fine toothed comb trying to find any spots of rust. I'll let the pictures do the talking. :D

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09830_zpsa01aabd0.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09831_zps706e2ec2.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09832_zps7a045cef.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09833_zps9d942749.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09835_zpscb90838f.jpg

Spax PSX kit

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09836_zpsd257baa6.jpg

Le Castelettes have come up well. Could do with a good machine polish though.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09837_zps4d558d26.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09838_zps643f328e.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09839_zpsaccc2f80.jpg

Rear damage :(

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09840_zps5e32b561.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09841_zps18215527.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09842_zps1be23c29.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09844_zps3808a662.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09846_zpsa8bf53bf.jpg

Dead battery in the footwell :Blush2:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09848_zpsfbaa2ac3.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09850_zps5370d5c9.jpg

Needs a clean!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09851_zps5a70d97b.jpg

Clean as a whistle!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09852_zps053ba4bc.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09853_zps7dd3f2c5.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09854_zps57c8f765.jpg

And Gumpert, just incase he feels left out. :D

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/DSC09855_zps0a34560a.jpg

Dead chuffed!

[zollaf]

3 miles away from me ???

1989 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI WHITE Mk II Mk 2 Mark 2 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181060941386?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

[macmillions]

You'd be mad not to!
Do it if it's at a reasonable price! :biglaugh:

[zollaf]

i actually meant i can look it over if YOU want to buy it :)
i would love to really, but i have promised myself not to do any more projects for a while.
mind you, noooooo, stop it......

[macmillions]

Ha! No... I can't. If I had the money, then I may possibly... But then...

It's gotta be worth a look for yourself hasn't it? Not as if Mk2 Golf parts are hard to come by? Could be an easy project for you... ;)

[Crasher]

What model Golf have you got Crasher? Any pics of it? Anyway, the missus was most likely jealous of having an inferior Golf to yours, so I imagine you were right to scrap hers! ;)

I have an 83 Mk1 in Black called Blitz which has been in loads of mags over the last 20 years or so. The engine is a 2 litre 8 valve with a Eurospec big valve head, Kent cam and a few other niceties I am gradually sorting it out and just have some welding to do on the rear left and some paint plus tarting up the rear axle. The Mk2 is a red E reg 88 16 valve called Zerstörer that started out looking like yours. I have modified it over the years and it has been in lots of mags and was a cover car on The Golf once. The running gear is the usual spec for the 90's when I built it, lowered on Weitec, Neuspeed roll bars, Vibratechnics bushes, G60 front brakes etc and the box was rebuilt by me with a Quafie. What I built it for was to show off my engine building skills so it has a Golf 3 tall block with JE pistons and a Eurospec crank that gives it a bit under 2.2 litres, Kent cams, gas flowed head and Weber Alpha injection. The last time it was dynoed it gave 197 BHP @ 4500 and 201 lbft @1900. I may have some pics at work.

[zollaf]

1990 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SYNCRO (VERY RARE) | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111000537640?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

20 miles away from me ???

[Doctle Odd]

You tempted Z? It doesn't look too bad.
1990 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SYNCRO (VERY RARE) | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111000537640?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

20 miles away from me ???

[zollaf]

i would be tempted, but this year is reserved for fishing, not car projects.
so again, my offer stands, if anyone is interested i can go look it over for you :)

[macmillions]

Haha. Thanks very much.
But I guarantee that will go for silly money. Syncros do, even in a rough state.
I do quite like the look of the previous one though!

Gah! Stop it!

[ChA6dders]

This is the Golf down the road from me don't know much about the Golf so it may be a good one may not

http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx243/chadders_photos/20130113_1311231_zps718c008c.jpg

[macmillions]

That looks pretty clean! Just needs a correct coloured grille and the small bumpers put back on (you can tell as it's got the fat side trims).

Ask him how much he wants for it! Shouldn't be any more than £400. ;)

[ChA6dders]

That looks pretty clean! Just needs a correct coloured grille and the small bumpers put back on (you can tell as it's got the fat side trims).

Ask him how much he wants for it! Shouldn't be any more than £400. ;)

Cheers I might give them a knock are the bumpers off another model then?

[Crasher]

Fitting 90 spec bumpers was common on pre 90 Golf 2's, OK if it was done properly with inner wing brackets and ALL the changes but 99.9% were a lash up. Mine, of course, was done to part number detail perfection and still is 20 years after I did it! Anyway, I know that car, rings bells it does.

[ChA6dders]

Fitting 90 spec bumpers was common on pre 90 Golf 2's, OK if it was done properly with inner wing brackets and ALL the changes but 99.9% were a lash up. Mine, of course, was done to part number detail perfection and still is 20 years after I did it! Anyway, I know that car, rings bells it does.

That's interesting how come you think you know this car or am I getting the wrong end of the stick

[macmillions]

I wouldn't have expected anything less of you Crasher! I am also interested as to how you think you may know of this car.

[Crasher]

The car, conversion, reg ring a bell from years ago for one that used to be bought in for servicing/repairs from someone who lived miles away but then again its a common combination I have serviced/repaired/modified so many Mk2's in the last near 30 years I could be imagining it.

[ChA6dders]

The car, conversion, reg ring a bell from years ago for one that used to be bought in for servicing/repairs from someone who lived miles away but then again its a common combination I have serviced/repaired/modified so many Mk2's in the last near 30 years I could be imagining it.

Well it is miles away down in North Somerset could be I'm going to give the house a knock get some info

[paulthefox]

That looks pretty clean! Just needs a correct coloured grille and the small bumpers put back on (you can tell as it's got the fat side trims).

Ask him how much he wants for it! Shouldn't be any more than £400. ;)
looks really clean for year wonder if saab would go for £400:biglaugh::biglaugh:

[macmillions]

So then, on Thursday I took the prospective new owner of the Red Rocket (miss_mac's dad) for a little spin. The first time he has been out in it. He is a bit of a hot hatch nut, having owned countless Minis, tuning them and tinkering all through the decades and then to Fiesta Xr2's and finally a Pug 309 GTI 1.9 (bought over a Golf mk2 GTI at the time, due to alledgedly being the better handling car and better equipped). He confesses it was the one decision he has always regretted - hence why we want him to own this Golf in the end. It was him, afterall who made the decision on the Spax suspension, after masses of research, as it would be him driving it eventually.

Anyway, all went spiffingly. He was very happy with the ride, as was I. And equally impressed by the sprightly nature of the engine... I'll admitt to giving it a bit of a thrashing, but it ran perfectly.

So after a good few miles of "spirited" driving I returned home and park the Golf up in the garage.

On Monday I return to go for a little trip out in it, get in and all we get is cranking...

See thread: Non-starting 16V (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?143377-Non-starting-16V)

All was going so well! :confused:

[zollaf]

oh right, so you try to sell it and wonder why it won't start. of course it won't go, it like you and wants to stay. it won't run until you decide to keep it, at which point it will start itself, after you give it a good polish of course....
golfs, so temperamental.

[macmillions]

Is it worse that we were going to give it away?!
They are temperamental! If you spend money on one, the other one plays up!

[zollaf]

ggggggive it away, are you mad ? you wouldn't give a puppy away would you, and expect it to be ok about it. what about miss mac, see if she minds being given away .
poor poor golfy....

[macmillions]

Golf's are more temperamental than women and more fun. So it may make sense to give away miss mac instead?

[Eshrules]

Selling my polo was the worst thing is ever did and I still miss it's rusty behind.

Just, FYI.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Crasher]

I regret selling my Polo, a 78 Mk1 900, loved that car.

[Sam]

I regret selling my Bug, a 72 with a 1600 camper engine and a crapload of mods - life's not been the same since.

[Crasher]

I also regret selling my 72 T3 fastback even though it leaked oil everywhere, it wasn't even particularly rusty.

[macmillions]

Well we are in no rush to sell, other than the the fact we are probably ******* the neighbours off by having three cars, with only two parking spaces - so one (the Skoda) ends up on the road. I've learned to live the Essex way of thinking though (general term - before I get flamed) which is every man for themselves. Sod what anyone else thinks. ;)

If we were to "give it away", it would always be ours, so if at any point the father in law had had enough, he would return it to us. Plus he's retired and would just spend all his days with his head under the bonnet tinkering, getting the absolute most power and driver enjoyment by finely adjusting every setting imagineable. So will at least go to a good, caring home.

[MalcQV]

I don't regret selling my B5.5 Passat, it was always seemingly broke in some fashion. I much preferred the Rover 25 that replaced it. Mind you that never broke, not even a hint of HGF. Imagine that?
The Audi has redeemed the brand though :)

Nice 'old car' thread BTW ;)

[Crasher]

Rover were a good solid company that would have done well under decent ownership, pity BMW ******* butt ****** them!

[macmillions]

So then...

Been a while since I updated this, but we have a major update:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131007_140616_HDR_resized_zps15d804e7.jpg

Yes, the rear is being repaired by a pair of metal fabricators (in Wales).

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131007_144927_HDR_resized_zpsf9a9d81e.jpg

Also, whilst there, a buddy of mine who is a car detailer by trade is working his magic on the old gal!

Before:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131006_091526_HDR_zpsc5f70a4a.jpg

After:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131006_100443_HDR_zpsce77d3c1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131006_100637_zps62b15803.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131006_104024_HDR_zps070a0314.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131006_100510_HDR_zps74d73cb8.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_133707_resized_zpsc9e4d008.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_142454_HDR_resized_zps5604826f.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_180623_HDR_resized_zps8e652f3a.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_131213_resized_zps4d269007.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_142427_HDR_resized_zps1bb08a87.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_184525_HDR_resized_zps38bcb33f.jpg

Can't wait to see it! :biglaugh:

[Crasher]

It is amazing what a long served chap who preps cars can achieve, it is an art as much as a skill. A chap called Tyn runs a BMW/Merc specialists across the road from me and down the road his son runs their retail outlet. I see the cars come in off the block, just normal cars, but when Paul has spent two days on them they shine and look so good even I pay attention. Perfect shuts sort the men from the boys and PLEASE wind down the glass and clean that top inch, arghhh! valeters!-what is Polish/Lithuanian for "open your bleedin eyes!"

[paulthefox]

loving this thread just proves that old vw's never die they just get better with age:beerchug:paul

[macmillions]

Well this guy I have met through a Golfmk2 owners club when we originally had our old green GL years ago and he polished up one side of the red car to show what he can do and well, it made the rest of the car look rubbish, not matter how hard I tried to clean it afterwards! He has quite an acute attention to detail so the windows will be immaculate, I can assure you! There is actually an inch of scum which I have kept forgetting to remove each time I've washed it!

These fabricators are father and son. The father who is basically a pensioner has been doing this trade since he left school, so has buckets of experience, which is invaluable!

[zollaf]

sweet, done in wales as well :)

[squarah40]

A bit of elbow grease and it'll be a beauty!
All the best.

[fat controller]

Is it bad that I am really looking forward to seeing the finished article? :o

[macmillions]

Neither can I! I'm Like a kid at Christmas wanting to see it!
Yes Zol, we are contributing to the Welsh economy, but not only that, whilst there I had to sample the Caerphilly mountain monster burger so made the trip even more worthwhile!

I've had a few more progress pics. Been a slow process due to the cruddy Welsh weather, so the new paint couldn't be flatted back and polished until today, which I haven't received. But here they are up to today:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131009_122542_HDR_resized_zpsf7d75fbb.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131009_140837_HDR_resized_zps5d22848d.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131009_140740_HDR_resized_zps331d9c8f.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131009_122529_HDR_resized_zpsf393a83f.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131008_145830_HDR_zps6599158f.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131009_153625_HDR_zpseb116254.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131010_114153_HDR_zps75be0553.jpg

A few of the imperfections being pointed out and rectified before paint

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131016_100257_resized_zps3a39f2b8.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131016_101139_HDR_resized_zps559ca6ee.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131016_100308_resized_zpsdbd0046f.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131016_101131_HDR_resized_zpsf82fd20d.jpg

And this one made me all tingly:
As he was pulling up to commence the paint flatting and polish after having been painted

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131019_115116_zps46df280e.jpg

Oh, and the guy is nuts. He even removed the rear lights and removed the swirls with a machine polisher! That has to be a new level of OCD!

Before polishing on bottom light
After on top light:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/received_m_mid_1381690913308_e20ada680b38e95d79_0_ zps295fe6b2.jpg?t=1382212974


Going well! :D

[zollaf]

hoe lee chow, as my oriental friend would say, that is amazing.
so, all that paint has been restored not blown over ?
where is this chap in wales ?
how do you know him ?
seems to have a few golfs and an audi coupe.

[macmillions]

Yup, all original paint still - other than the rear valance repair. He (who is a detailer by trade) has said the paint is still excellent and very deep. He doesn't think it's ever been cut back in its whole life, so has responded so well to the work he's done on it. He is a Golf nut. You can see in his drive his A reg mk2 GL (with a 1.6, as originally fitted to the very early ones). It has had loads of work done by these fabricators, including complete new rear arches and rear turrets, so this has proved a great advert for their skill. The Helios Blue One in Ten Million special edition 8v GTI is also his. That is rather nice!
The Audi Coupe is the fabricator's (the son). He also has a 1982 Merc SL.

The guys are all in Caerphilly, so just over the bridge really. Took us about 3.5 hours to get there, so not too bad really. The guy with the Golfs, who is detailing the car is someone we met through the vwgolfmk2 owners' club. Thoroughly nice bloke and when we went to a show in the summer, he took one look at it and said, "let me have a go at this boy, I'll get it looking mint!" So he had a go at one side there and then... It looked bloody amazing. Better in fact, than some of the freshly resprayed Tornado Red ones there. I think he did it on purpose though, as I couldn't achieve the same standard of finish on the other side, so elected to take it to him for the rest to be done! And he guided me towards these fabricators which he is good friends with. So thought, "why not!?"

[zollaf]

he has certainly done a great job. you just need to religiously look after it now with some top quality wax and never leave it out in the sun :(

[macmillions]

Indeed! When I pick it up, he is going to show me exactly how to wash it so I don't ruin it. I have some Collnite 476, or Collnite 915 which should be ample protection, as it's nice and hard. This car is garaged though, so will be kept out the sun for the most part at least. The poor old black GL and the Skoda are kept outside. Saying that though, when I go to pick up the GTI, he wants to have a blast at the GL, as solid black is his favourite colour to polish up. I saw the results he has done on a guy's Rallye in the same colour and it was incredible. Almost a mirror finish! So may let him have his wicked way on that too haha!

[macmillions]

Oh, incase you want to know his trader name it's: The Mad Waxman
Awesome name!

[zollaf]

oh dear, oh dear , oh dear, :)
that really is a great name.

[fat controller]

Oh god, it gets worse - now I don't just want to see the photos of the finished article, I want the car in my drive!

I have a MASSIVE soft spot for Golf's as my first 'proper' car was an X-reg 1100 that had been bored out to goodness knows what size. It would climb trees from a standing start, but run out of puff before the ton because of the four speed box, but she was mine and I adored her.

I am currently paying off all of my debts (I have made a concious decision to cease paying interest on anything, and instead try to earn some back), and I have promised myself that as soon as everything is paid I am going to buy myself a toy - - Golf GTI MKII being very near the top of the list if I can find a good one.

Macmillions - you have done a good thing, rescuing that car, and you have every right to be chuffed with yourself :)

[macmillions]

Do it. Don't even think about it, just do it!

Just look for the most rust free example you can find and get it. The engines can be repaired for minimal cost, bodywork can't and could easily cost a bomb. 8v or 16v are very different in character. The 8v is more of an effortless cruiser, whereas the 16v is a rev monster. Hitting 4500RPM is like hitting a button the says "assault my senses." Both such fun!

Personally I would steer clear of any of the "scene" colours, such as Oak Green or Pearl Grey, as panels cost an arm and a leg.

Good plan on the decision to stop paying interest on anything. Might have to try that myself and ban Mrs Mac from using the credit card! Haha.

As you said though, I am very chuffed at how this has turned out and truely cannot believe our luck in finding such a diamond in the rough. I just can't wait to get it back and enjoy it... In other words, give it a good old thrashing, rather than storing it in a garage and taking it out only for shows! :biglaugh:

[macmillions]

A few more pics sent through.

(Note the immaculate front crossmember! Not a spot of rust!) :biglaugh:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131024_135814_resized_zps10053783.jpg

Before:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131025_130158_resized_zps9678e84a.jpg

After:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131025_132955_resized_zps1b6b157d.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131026_114036_HDR_zps05ad9351.jpg

Note: This is orginal paint
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131026_114518_HDR_zpsd5263367.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131026_114634_HDR_zps63beafea.jpg

Standard thumb in the way shot
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131026_122737_zps08442267.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131026_122802_HDR_zps037d51d0.jpg

We officially pick the old girl up on Wednesday! Can't wait!

[macmillions]

Well we have her back.

And what can I say? What an absolute legend. This guy has the level of attention to detail that is unsurpassed and a skill with a polisher that is like watching a magician work his magic!

Not only that, but a true gent who makes a banging cuppa tea.

Here are the long awaited shots of Hollie's buttock lift and paint being brought back to stunning life. I will display them in the order I was sent them through, so some the earlier ones are pre-finished article.

Inside rear bumper mounting point thingy - immaculate!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131027_170717_zpsd288da93.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131027_171124_zps65c57ec0.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_165119_zps9d344f0e.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_171142_HDR_zpsce3509a1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_122711_HDR_resized_zpsb22a0a6d.jpg

Shiny metering head!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_122757_HDR_resized_zps51252ed6.jpg

And... Pipercross induction kit sourced, specifically designed to fit in the original airbox location. Yet to fit.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_143422_HDR_resized_zps29ceff02.jpg

1/2 and 1/2 shot

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_171344_resized_zpsd1ab5044.jpg

Before swirl removal

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_170804_resized_zps50d15f4a.jpg

After swirl removal

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131028_170828_HDR_resized_zps1e47c5a7.jpg

Scuttle pre-polished

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100031_HDR_resized_zpse906d197.jpg

After

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_122750_HDR_resized_zpsad3db226.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100437_HDR_resized_zps18f92db7.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_102605_resized_zps32b43500.jpg

Time for some engine bay cleanliness shots!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100141_HDR_resized_zps21d6e8d2.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100131_HDR_resized_zps33568918.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100350_HDR_resized_zpsbae1dc3e.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100339_HDR_resized_zps67ad59d9.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_100403_HDR_resized_zpsa33e37a4.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131024_172954_HDR_resized_zpsa8c076d5.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131024_182510_resized_zpsdca57d0a.jpg

And now the finalé shots.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_103320_HDR_resized_zps576b5ef8.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_105719_HDR_resized_zps2b082325.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_105704_HDR_resized_zps57c670d5.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_111907_resized_zps5173b171.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_111921_HDR_resized_zps5b73d3f0.jpg

[macmillions]

Continued...

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_112005_resized_zpsab7d8e3a.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_114704_HDR-1_resized_zpse973d939.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_110004_resized_zps4ae7e33a.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_114704_HDR-1_resized_1_zpsdd5a9322.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_114749_HDR_resized_zpsd810fd97.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_114759_HDR_resized_zps3d9db2dc.jpg

Note, plastics yet to be blackened

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_121827_HDR_resized_zps12a24360.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_114935_HDR_resized_zps2286ef7d.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_123141_HDR_resized_zps14935201.jpg

Flatted back

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_123150_HDR_resized_zps258fbe99.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_131713_resized_zps2a0ab9f4.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150026_HDR_resized_zpsccee77a6.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150425_HDR_resized_zps3b5d1ff7.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150044_resized_zpsb7bc897b.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150434_HDR_resized_zps2086b95d.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150445_HDR_resized_zpsb9737e5d.jpg

And the crem de la crem

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_131726_HDR_resized_zpse99748df.jpg

Sadly when we arrived to pick her up the weather was pretty poor and rained whilst the finishing touches were being applied, so no photos in its crowning glory. But a couple of the final touches being put on.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1113_zps798a555c.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1115_zpsf3c0d8af.jpg
Another Mk2 owner also came along for a visit, making the total Golfs in this shot to 6! (5 Mk2s!)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMG_24681552044315_zps0f887a39.jpg

At the services on the way home

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1117_zps26a65f4a.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1118_zps24d3216c.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1119_zps9b79528e.jpg

Back home

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1121_zps87d63570.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMG_24667607498316_zpsde27d561.jpg

I cannot recommend Neil enough. He has done a sublime job and the metal fabricators have worked mircales. Anyone even toying with the idea of getting him to detail your pride and joy, don't hesitate. Just do it.

That's all folks!

Well I say that, but the interior is not great still and could do with the seats retrimmed and the passenger door card is knackered (rotten at the bottom), as the door was ajar when we first came across the car. Also the indicator relay has packed up.

Oh and when we were there picking it up, he was budy changing the heater blower motor and found loads of nut cases, seeds, leaves and paper in there. Lifted the (flimsy) rain tray to find a mouse nest in the bulkhead! :bigeyes: Somehow, it hadn't chewed through any wires! Luck was once again on our side!

Let me know what you think. :D

[Guest 2]

VERY nice indeed, what a transformation!!

Any other future projects planned?

[zollaf]

totally spot on, a car to cherish and be proud of. thats what i think....:)

[paulthefox]

absolute 1st class paint work just love this thread

[macmillions]

You know what, Mrs Mac and I were saying when we had brought it back, "now what?"
We actually thought, do we get something else? But we quickly thought against it, as I think we have been extremely lucky with this car having absolutley no rust whatsoever. Any other project car would most likely be riddled with tin worm and an even bigger money pit!

Thing is, on top of those final issues that I mentioned, there are numerous other little gripes that could be done too. Rear wiper doesn't work, passenger electric window doesn't work, carpets are pretty ruined after mushrooms growing out of it, driver's door lock is very stiff, the exhaust centre box is damaged, sunroof has dropped about 2mm at the back therefore leaks and I think the driver's side door membrane is knackered.

So the work is not done yet, but we are nearly there in the grand scheme of things and we might have something we have longed for for quite some time... A show car! And who would have thought this could potentially become a show car!?
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/P1434_23-02-11.jpg

To this:
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/20131029_150044_resized_zpsb7bc897b.jpg

Pleased as punch!

[zollaf]

crikey, i had forgotten those early pics, its ridiculous to think it had survived so well, testament to the build quality of those mk2's.
i think you should spend more time and money getting her 100 % perfect. make it your project to get her totally mint. after all, they are becoming rare and really really nice ones do command a nice price, so she will always be an investment. either that or give it to me :)

[macmillions]

Join the queue in wanting it. :p
Oh we will be keeping this for a long time yet and would love to make it perfect and "finish" it. If that is actually possible on a 25 year old car? But yeah, it's actually nice to know that it's now worth something and if kept in good nick, will only appreciate in value. Nice insurance policy! I have seen a few "rarer" colours going for £4k. Strong money! And in my opinion, a lot of those rare colours are rare because they're not very nice! Oak Green for example...

We do fortunately have a hoard of parts in the garage to repair these issues. Passenger electric window motor, new bonnet, new carpet and new exhaust section. The sunroof can be tackled and hopefully require no parts.

[zollaf]

oh red is the best colour for a gti, and most other vw's and audi's. pink is not so nice though, so you have to keep on top of the red.
you could have a much newer car that will lose money and soon be worth 500 quid. this gti will always be worth more because of what it is.
that one down the road is still sat there though, might have to go have a word if its still there when i have finished my current landy project. we want something nice after that so either an rs4, s2, nissan skyline , corrado g60, audi coupe 2.8 v6 or 20v, golf gti..... etc...
oh, wish i was a rich man.

[fat controller]

That is just fantastic! Seriously, I have seen plenty of women at 25 years old not look half as good as that car.

You really have done a good thing bringing the old girl back to life, and she looks certain to reward you year after year, and probably win you a few awards at shows/meets. I'd be jealous if it weren't such an ungentlemanly emotion.

I want one. No, I really want one.

[macmillions]

Thanks very much for all the kind words. It helps make it even more worthwhile. One day, once you have paid off your debts, you can buy one outright and own a little beaut. The best place I would say to look for one would be Autotrader/Gumtree or the local classifieds. Ideally you want a family runabout that hasn't been "slammed" and had all available spare cash thrown at 'go faster' bits, instead of essential items to keep it in good nick.
When I also say we want a show car, that does by not mean this car will be a trailor queen. It will be driven. And driven like it was designed and build to be driven. :biglaugh:
Then will just have to polish afterwards!

[macmillions]

Just took Hollie out for the first time in daylight since getting het back from Wales. Little trip to halfords to get some more microfibres and meguiars tyre gel and turned around in the car park and thought it looks so damn good I have to take a pic!

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/ali_macmillions/IMAG1134_zps3e544997.jpg

Looks sooo much better than the new Mini next to it (and smaller and nimbler!) Oh god it's amazing! Got so many turned heads en route too! :approve:

[Crasher]

One day I will have to drag my E reg Mk2 out, it is eight feet up in the air at the moment with my Mk1 underneath it.

[macmillions]

So the car has been sat over winter in the garage with me starting it and rolling it out the garage onto the private parking area to ensure the brakes stay free, but oddly the battery went flat, even though I was keeping ontop of it by running it up. Managed to get hold of a trickle charger yesterday, as it's in the garage, a bit difficult to manoeuvre out. Managed to get it to fire up this evening and put a voltmeter to the battery sadly it appears my alternator is kaput. Only reading 12.2VDC with the engine running.

Question is, why did my little battery light not come on? And I wonder when it packed up? As this battery is only a year old, so may well have been running on it's current juice all this time, not being charged. If that's the case, it made it to and from the VW Golf Mk2 Owner's Club national meet (120 miles each way) and a return trip to Wales! (about 300 miles each way!)


Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[Crasher]

When you turn the ignition on, does the alternator warning light come on?

[macmillions]

I've never noticed it to be honest. Will check tonight.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[macmillions]

Well it appears the battery light doesn't work, which I had never noticed prior to this.
Got it started this afternoon and got Mrs Mac to rev the engine to over 3k whilst I was measuring the voltage. After she had done that the volts went from 12v to 13.8v and stayed there even after the revs dropped back to idle. Meaning the alternator works, thankfully.
That means that every time I had gone to start it to keep the battery topped up, I was in fact draining it. Oops.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[Crasher]

That is what I thought was happening. Unless the light works the alternator exciter will not kick in until around 2800rpm so yes, each time you ran it to charge it you were flattening it! Now you need to follow the blue wire back from the alternator to make sure it is not broken. Once the light works and you see it goes out just after start up you know it is pushing current out.