1986 MK2 Golf GTI - Resto Job.
Discussion
Working long hours and trying to get a start up business off the ground is doing some very weird things to my mind. I often find my ebay watch list looking quite eclectic, last week it had a Renault Avantime and about 3 Sega Master Systems in it. This week, it had a lot of MK2 Golfs. You see, I've always enjoyed VW's and the MK2 GTI was a car I thought was super cool as a kid. For one reason or another, I've never actually owned one, and as prices start climbing fast I thought I best get on it.
So last week my trigger happy ebay finger landed me with this.
It's a 1986 Golf GTI with 175k on the clock, and affectionately dubbed the "ugly duckling". I wanted a small bumper car, but didn't want to pay the prices that some are commanding these days! So I was up for a bit of project, and this ticks quite a few boxes. Firstly, it seems to have escaped 3 decades without being ruined. No crash history, no masses of rot, and no dodgy mods... Okay, the 90's maybe left their mark on this car with those smoked Hella rears, but otherwise it's just an honest car.
I was quite surprised when the seller told me it'd do the drive back home fine, and that I wouldn't need transport. After all, it may have a years MOT, but according to its history its barely moved in the last 10 years. So I was a little dubious, but I shouldn't have been. It was a lovely drive home, and although I promised myself (and my Mrs who was following me back) to take it easy, I couldn't help giving it a blast down some local backroads.
Currently the car is at a great storage place locally, so I dont have to worry about it sitting to rot again. Today I popped over to do a quick check over, and massive clean of the interior as it was a bit minging. So far I've found areas of rust in the rear wheel arches, and some surface rust in spots all over. Obviously theres mismatched paint, dents and other such things. The idea is to get the thing mechanically sound, and then send it for a full weld up and respray.
Managed to get a bit of a bargain. Full set, £70. Went and collected them in the daily Volvo! They'll get a refurb to factory spec, and I'll try get the 2 missing centre caps replaced. They're rare and go for too much money, so I'll just draw them up in CAD and send them off to be made by someone probably!
Managed to get some work done on this over the weekend. Firstly, dropped those Smoked Hellas out for some standard Hellas. Much better
However, the bumper on the back is lol grey. I'm going to buy a new one once its resprayed, so for now I used a tin of halfords "Bumper paint" to bring it up a bit.
Then went to a driving range with the mrs, so token Golf-at-Golf photo.
Ordered a 1986 Golf Brochure off ebay, as well as a blank spare key lol. Not much I can do with it right now but just enjoy driving it, it really is an antidote to the M3. As much as the BMW is addictively fast, all the fun is had at very high speed and can be knackering after a day of hooning. The Golf however is so easy to take to the limit and beyond, its proper pure fun.
I'm going to try keep this thread updated with my resto-job!
So last week my trigger happy ebay finger landed me with this.
It's a 1986 Golf GTI with 175k on the clock, and affectionately dubbed the "ugly duckling". I wanted a small bumper car, but didn't want to pay the prices that some are commanding these days! So I was up for a bit of project, and this ticks quite a few boxes. Firstly, it seems to have escaped 3 decades without being ruined. No crash history, no masses of rot, and no dodgy mods... Okay, the 90's maybe left their mark on this car with those smoked Hella rears, but otherwise it's just an honest car.
I was quite surprised when the seller told me it'd do the drive back home fine, and that I wouldn't need transport. After all, it may have a years MOT, but according to its history its barely moved in the last 10 years. So I was a little dubious, but I shouldn't have been. It was a lovely drive home, and although I promised myself (and my Mrs who was following me back) to take it easy, I couldn't help giving it a blast down some local backroads.
Currently the car is at a great storage place locally, so I dont have to worry about it sitting to rot again. Today I popped over to do a quick check over, and massive clean of the interior as it was a bit minging. So far I've found areas of rust in the rear wheel arches, and some surface rust in spots all over. Obviously theres mismatched paint, dents and other such things. The idea is to get the thing mechanically sound, and then send it for a full weld up and respray.
Managed to get a bit of a bargain. Full set, £70. Went and collected them in the daily Volvo! They'll get a refurb to factory spec, and I'll try get the 2 missing centre caps replaced. They're rare and go for too much money, so I'll just draw them up in CAD and send them off to be made by someone probably!
Managed to get some work done on this over the weekend. Firstly, dropped those Smoked Hellas out for some standard Hellas. Much better
However, the bumper on the back is lol grey. I'm going to buy a new one once its resprayed, so for now I used a tin of halfords "Bumper paint" to bring it up a bit.
Then went to a driving range with the mrs, so token Golf-at-Golf photo.
Ordered a 1986 Golf Brochure off ebay, as well as a blank spare key lol. Not much I can do with it right now but just enjoy driving it, it really is an antidote to the M3. As much as the BMW is addictively fast, all the fun is had at very high speed and can be knackering after a day of hooning. The Golf however is so easy to take to the limit and beyond, its proper pure fun.
I'm going to try keep this thread updated with my resto-job!
A few things have changed in the last few months, but the Golf laid fairly unchanged for some time.
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Since the last update, I've had a few areas of rust sorted out. Mainly those around the rear floor, and rear arches. They didn't warrant as much repair as first thought, and overall the shell is more solid than I was budgeting for which is nice!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
I've also taken the effort of fitting a fairly period correct radio, although a little bit too late its better than a gap and plays cassettes yo!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
On Monday however, the car took its big step into the bodyshop! As I drove it out of storage, I had to get some snaps with its D plated friend (The Cossie) and my 2 month old GTI!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Currently, it looks like this. Some more rust repair at the bottom of the A pillar and around the windscreen, and a few scabs on the front arch too. Also, look at all that filler in the door! Guess we're going to find out what lurks beneath (Financial ruin, probably).
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr Since the last update, I've had a few areas of rust sorted out. Mainly those around the rear floor, and rear arches. They didn't warrant as much repair as first thought, and overall the shell is more solid than I was budgeting for which is nice!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrI've also taken the effort of fitting a fairly period correct radio, although a little bit too late its better than a gap and plays cassettes yo!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrOn Monday however, the car took its big step into the bodyshop! As I drove it out of storage, I had to get some snaps with its D plated friend (The Cossie) and my 2 month old GTI!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrCurrently, it looks like this. Some more rust repair at the bottom of the A pillar and around the windscreen, and a few scabs on the front arch too. Also, look at all that filler in the door! Guess we're going to find out what lurks beneath (Financial ruin, probably).
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrHighway Star said:
Heyford Park? I'm a couple of miles west.
Indeed matey! Gunk said:
I had a 16V version of the same car back in 1987, mine was fitted with a Blaupunt Toronto from new and I’m sure yours is missing a bit of trim that sits between the head unit and dash that pushes it out a bit.
If you want to replace the number plates Jepsons will make them up with the correct pre 2001 font.
Thanks for the info! I was trying to get an older Blaupunkt but they're so rare and go for silly money, its mad. The plate tip off is really useful, DMB Graphics have had to change their rules so you have to send your original V5 and ID in the post which I'm really not keen on.If you want to replace the number plates Jepsons will make them up with the correct pre 2001 font.
Gunk said:
I know you’ve sourced the Pirelli wheels but it would look great on the original correct steel rims, the ones fitted are off a later big bumper car.
Mrs Gunk used to have a 1986 Jade Green 8V 3 door with steel wheels, I always had a soft spot for that car, the K Jetronic GTi’s always felt a bit more raw.
Yeah the wheels are wrong the main issue is P-Slots are much easier to source than those steels! Mines also on a crossover year from the P-Slots to the tear drops. Mrs Gunk used to have a 1986 Jade Green 8V 3 door with steel wheels, I always had a soft spot for that car, the K Jetronic GTi’s always felt a bit more raw.
markirl said:
OP, how do you find the exhaust? I fitted a new one as I thought the original was blowing but turns out they're just pretty boomy stock? Makes motorway use pretty tiring!
Mine has massive holes in so very raspy lolI’ve actuallt bought two brochures for my car (or at least Golf GTIs in 1986). Is that sad? Probably. But at least gives me an idea how it should Be!
C70R said:
Worth noting that you also managed to pick up a set of the less desirable/more common 14" variant of the P-Slot rims. The 15" versions appear on Ebay and VW sites from time to time, and are a great subtle upgrade.
I always thought that the 'G60' steel rims in 15" flavour give the right balance of OEM+. But it's horses for courses.
Uhhh, yeah. Okay... Thanks I guess. I always thought that the 'G60' steel rims in 15" flavour give the right balance of OEM+. But it's horses for courses.
As said, it's going to be as close to factory as I can. I may go back down my old VW Modifying routes at some point though.
AJB88 said:
Did some digging about my MK2 GTI, it was originally supplied to a company as the directors car. They have contacted him for me and he remembers the car and also remembers that it had "P" wheels from factory.
Damn I want to know more about my owner! I have his name and address from 1986 haha The VW Community never ceases to amaze me. One post asking if anyone knew where I could source an original set of steels for my car, and within 10 minutes I had a chap offering me 2 sets for free! Turns out he also owns this.
http://www.finishlinesports.net/wp-content/uploads...
26k from new!
http://www.finishlinesports.net/wp-content/uploads...
26k from new!
Gunk said:
It would look good with steel rims, your car would have been supplied with them as standard, the five door cars came with P slots.
Yes P Slots were option only on the 3 door, and the only option mine had ticked from factory (From what I can work out) was the Metallic paint! Cant wait to get them on.darkyoung1000 said:
Always nice to see the helpful VW community alive and well! Looks good in that colour (LA7U?) - I had a Mk2 GTD in the same hue, and spend years getting it back to its original glory.
Looks like it's coming along nicely OP - the tape player just sets the interior off nicely - although I know what you mean about period Blaupunkt's going for stupid money....
Good luck with the resto, I'll keep an eye on this thread...
Cheers,
Tom
Atlas Grey! Its not actually far off ready for me to pick up, only issue is it needs a new rain gutter! Which may in tern mean I need to take a trip to Norfolk on Saturday... joys.Looks like it's coming along nicely OP - the tape player just sets the interior off nicely - although I know what you mean about period Blaupunkt's going for stupid money....
Good luck with the resto, I'll keep an eye on this thread...
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks for the well wishes! Its bleeding me dry so close to Christmas lol but excited to have it done.
So far this week VW Heritage managed to send a package to Glasgow, and then back to my paint guy. The arches they sent were crap anywhere, so theyre going back. Today they delivered the windscreen.... smashed. So now it'll be at least Monday before the cars done. To add insult to injury, I'm driving to Norfolk tomorrow to UK MK2 Spares to pick up a salvage gutter trim, nightmare part to get and of course mines buggered on one side! Too awkward and liable to snap to be posted, so a 6-8hour round trip it is!
The things I do for old cars.
The things I do for old cars.
Well, my Christmas has come early.
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Absolutely blown away with the work done (JF Bodyworks). I dont really want to post these pictures as the AWFUL (and wrong) state of the wheels really take away from the hard work, but the paint is just so good I cant help but show it off!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
So obviously it needs the wheels I picked up the other day, as these are wrong, and hanging. There's also a few trim bits that need attending to (GTI badge with some hammerite red paintjob needs to go back to silver, side trims have flakes of red missing so that'll need some magic).
The interior is my next big mission though. The drivers seat just needs a proper going over, I'm hoping to source a passenger seat and rebuild my drivers one using its foam and cover. The whole thing needs a deep deep clean, probably a wet vac will do it! Oh, and the headlining is sagging at the rear. Basically, my next expense will be an automotive trimmer! Uh-oh....
Still the car is looking stunning, and I'm so happy with how the paint turned out. It seemed so far away just a couple of weeks ago, the car was looking very sorry for itself and I felt like it'll never be done. Now with just a respray the end feels in sight!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrAbsolutely blown away with the work done (JF Bodyworks). I dont really want to post these pictures as the AWFUL (and wrong) state of the wheels really take away from the hard work, but the paint is just so good I cant help but show it off!
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrSo obviously it needs the wheels I picked up the other day, as these are wrong, and hanging. There's also a few trim bits that need attending to (GTI badge with some hammerite red paintjob needs to go back to silver, side trims have flakes of red missing so that'll need some magic).
The interior is my next big mission though. The drivers seat just needs a proper going over, I'm hoping to source a passenger seat and rebuild my drivers one using its foam and cover. The whole thing needs a deep deep clean, probably a wet vac will do it! Oh, and the headlining is sagging at the rear. Basically, my next expense will be an automotive trimmer! Uh-oh....
Still the car is looking stunning, and I'm so happy with how the paint turned out. It seemed so far away just a couple of weeks ago, the car was looking very sorry for itself and I felt like it'll never be done. Now with just a respray the end feels in sight!
So I got the wheels on...
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickr
Untitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on FlickrUntitled by Jason.Easton, on Flickrsim16v said:
Congratulations, your GTI looks great!
I'm currently working on this, bought as a non runner last year.
Finally got the mechanicals sorted, so just a bit of paintwork and the headlining to sort now.
Have you any ideas on how to fix that?
Just collected this 60,000 mile small bumper as well!
The headlining is a fun one. The Material on mine has sagged, hoping a trimmer with glue can fix that. If you need a new one, MK2 Spares UK (Search on Facebook) will sort you out but they cant deliver on the account of it effectively being a giant poppadom. I'm currently working on this, bought as a non runner last year.
Finally got the mechanicals sorted, so just a bit of paintwork and the headlining to sort now.
Have you any ideas on how to fix that?
Just collected this 60,000 mile small bumper as well!
That's an absolute Gem! I think, like mine was, the wheels are incorrect. Those are the steels from a big bumper. If you'd like a set, I have one going absolutely free. They're the same as the ones I posted above, I'm near J10 of the M40 so if you want them let me know.
AnduHowman said:
Your car looks stunning! Oddly when I had mine I wanted big bumpers, now it would be small bumpers all the way. Wish I hadnt sold it, (8v) or the mk2 Jetta 16v GTI!
Since the body works all done are you going to underseal the bottom to make sure it all stays rust free!?
Yes most of the underside was already done, the bits that were cutout/welded were done again. Paintjob includes all the stone chip as per factory. I'll also go underneith and spray old engine oil in all the nooks and crannys to stop it going sSince the body works all done are you going to underseal the bottom to make sure it all stays rust free!?
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