Hi all, I'm new to this forum and hope this post / plea for knowledge is OK. Where to startI've bought a 1983, 3 door , black, VW Mk1 Golf, 1.8L GTI with sunroof. Recorded Mileage: 162613 It was on its last legs when I bought it from a mechanic. A friend of his owed him money so he gave him the Golf. He in turn put a dodgy MOT on it and it was struggling when it got to me. I have driven it a few times but on Boxing day it completely lost power and broke down. I haven't driven it since..so, now it's time to strip it back and make rid of 33 years worth of abuse / lovewhatever you want to call it and restore. I want to restore the car to a near original state, with a couple of minor modifications but as much kept the same as I can. I've read a lot of threads and seen so many incredible restorations with diligence and hard work put into them...I don't have the space, tools or skill to undergo the restoration myself so I'm calling in help from outside sources to carry the main weight. So I've read through a lot of similar projects and very roughly budgeted myself for the worst case scenario. I've spent just over 2000 on the car itself and have 8000-9000 left to get it restored..my question is if this is a realistic price to go ahead with the project through a garage? Obviously you could spent 20 000+ on these jobs but I want to do the best I can with what I've got. I've asked at a couple of garages in my home town who are able to help and one in particular who has restored a T1 to a beautiful standard. I've seen a specialist who are Golf enthusiasts on-line who I will contact. Here's what I know needs doing: Engine out, paint re-spray (minor body work required - wheel arches, minor body rust, osf panel hole need filled) Engine refurbished - I am looking at the 1.8L G60 model Fuel system replaced / restored - I think rust has made its way in through the petrol cap Carburetor Exhaust system Whilst the engine out it makes sense to get a new gearbox and clutch Suspension Front and Rear CV Boot and driveshaft - 100mm Inner (and flanges) and 16V Outer CVs on std mk1 shafts Wiring loom - completely rusted and left to rot..many electrical issues on board New MFA Trip computer Radiator / Heating system Headlight conversion relay to run lights directly to the battery Brakes - looking to upgrade to MK2 disc brakes and get rid of the drum brakes Interior - carpets / seat restore /headliner Seals / clips etc On top of that there may be some extra bits to sort which I want to hold in the budget as a safety net. Given my lack of knowledge on this I'm hoping to build a good relationship with someone to work and advise me on what is and isn't necessary to complete a great project that benefits both of us. So again, am I chasing a pipe dream or do you think this is all possible with the money? Is it wiser to book the job with a respected mechanic / garage local to me or seek a specialist? I really would love to undergo this myself but space and tools are against me. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated..I'll get some photos up soon. Cheers! Ryan
I can't give you advice re pricing when I live on the other side of the planet but there have been quite a few MK1's restored locally by guys with very little mechanical knowledge. The MK1 is as simple as you can get and there are lots of people who can help you when you get stuck on something so why not do some work yourself. Look around for a lockup somewhere close that's big enough to take the car and give you room to walk around it. Take your time and totally strip the car down to it's bodyshell, it's very satisfying and easy to do. What you've saved in having someone else do this work you can put into buying some tools. When it's just a shell get the rust repaired and then painted. This is one of the few jobs you can't do yourself so make sure you find someone who will do a good job without ripping you off. They need to provide you with progress pictures or allow you to check their work as they go. You should also ask for references from previous cars they have worked on and talk to the owners to see how satisfied they are. You're the man with the money so they should be courting your business. Buy all the car parts you need and piece by piece put them back into the car when it's back from the painters. If you get stuck come here and ask questions. If you get really stuck then get a mechanic to help but try to limit their help to just what's immediately needed, not to finish the project. I also recommend joining a local VW Golf club so you'll meet likeminded people and can see how their restorations are going. You'll also benefit in having someone close by who can help you out. It's not rocket science and you'll learn a lot as you go. Cheers Paul
