Fixing a car that has been abandoned
Discussion
Looking for a bit of guidance really,
Father in law has a golf mk2 1.8 auto in his garden that has been left for 3+ years because of some accident damage. That damage I can fix easily enough but what would the PH massive recommend I do the car before letting it back on the road.
Obviously I reckon it needs the brakes checking and probably cleaning and a full service, but what about timing belt? transmission oil?
Any input appreciated
Father in law has a golf mk2 1.8 auto in his garden that has been left for 3+ years because of some accident damage. That damage I can fix easily enough but what would the PH massive recommend I do the car before letting it back on the road.
Obviously I reckon it needs the brakes checking and probably cleaning and a full service, but what about timing belt? transmission oil?
Any input appreciated
Before you do anything check with the Police to make sure the car hasn't been reported as stolen or involved in criminal activity.
Get a V62 from the post office and apply for a V5.
The DVLA should contact the registered keeper to find out if they are happy to transfer ownership to you. If so as soon as you get the V5 (log book) then it is legally yours to do what you want with. Until then the car is not legally your property to do anything with.
Get a V62 from the post office and apply for a V5.
The DVLA should contact the registered keeper to find out if they are happy to transfer ownership to you. If so as soon as you get the V5 (log book) then it is legally yours to do what you want with. Until then the car is not legally your property to do anything with.
Liquid Knight said:
Before you do anything check with the Police to make sure the car hasn't been reported as stolen or involved in criminal activity.
Get a V62 from the post office and apply for a V5.
The DVLA should contact the registered keeper to find out if they are happy to transfer ownership to you. If so as soon as you get the V5 (log book) then it is legally yours to do what you want with. Until then the car is not legally your property to do anything with.
No problems like that its definitely his and has been for 20 odd years, he just never got round to fixing it.Get a V62 from the post office and apply for a V5.
The DVLA should contact the registered keeper to find out if they are happy to transfer ownership to you. If so as soon as you get the V5 (log book) then it is legally yours to do what you want with. Until then the car is not legally your property to do anything with.
That's alright then.
Engine
Take the plugs out, squrt some WD40 down the bores and turn by hand to crack the piston rings, leave overnight, put a battery on it and turn it over (to push all the WD out of the sparkplug holes) listen for scratching/grinding noises, fit new plugs, add new petrol and it should start (it will be smokey until the WD has burned off). Let the engine warm up a while, checking radiator hoses for pressure, turn the engine off and while its still warm change the oil, water and filters. Before you move the car check the gearbox oil, fluid levels and linkages and/or cables are ok.
Brakes and suspension
Once running move the car on to a flat concrete pad, jack the car up and put on axle stands, take each wheel off and inspect the suspension and brakes. Replace anything that need it. Open the bonnet and take the cap off the fluid reservoir and check the colour of the brake fluid. If it's clean and clear put the cap back on if it's murky you have corroded brake lines and need an overhaul. Springs look for excessive rust and cracking. Shocks again excessive rust, oil leaks and cracked rubber stoppers.
Then you put the wheels back on, drop it off the axle stands and give it a wash and (if you must) polish.
Engine
Take the plugs out, squrt some WD40 down the bores and turn by hand to crack the piston rings, leave overnight, put a battery on it and turn it over (to push all the WD out of the sparkplug holes) listen for scratching/grinding noises, fit new plugs, add new petrol and it should start (it will be smokey until the WD has burned off). Let the engine warm up a while, checking radiator hoses for pressure, turn the engine off and while its still warm change the oil, water and filters. Before you move the car check the gearbox oil, fluid levels and linkages and/or cables are ok.
Brakes and suspension
Once running move the car on to a flat concrete pad, jack the car up and put on axle stands, take each wheel off and inspect the suspension and brakes. Replace anything that need it. Open the bonnet and take the cap off the fluid reservoir and check the colour of the brake fluid. If it's clean and clear put the cap back on if it's murky you have corroded brake lines and need an overhaul. Springs look for excessive rust and cracking. Shocks again excessive rust, oil leaks and cracked rubber stoppers.
Then you put the wheels back on, drop it off the axle stands and give it a wash and (if you must) polish.
Edited by Liquid Knight on Saturday 2nd July 17:13
Crank the engine by hand to make sure it hasn't seized. If you are able to crank it, then give it a good service, change the coolent and petrol and change the cambelt. Once you've done that put a new battery in and start the engine. Then change the oil, jack the car up to inspect the brakes.
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