Author Topic: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto  (Read 14389 times)

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #10 on: 08 February 2006, 17:51 »
At long last the paintwork started to take shape:







Really happy with the finish on the paintwork and looking forward to getting the car fitted back up:



I got hold of a new set of Hella headlights, inner lights and front fogs as the original ones were in various states of corrosion or had small cracks in the lens.  Amazing what a difference new lights make to the look of the car :)



Looking better with the windscreen back in too!  Ready for the bonnet....



With the car almost complete I was looking forward to the final reassembly and getting it back on the road!



Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #11 on: 08 February 2006, 17:54 »
In late December the car was basically finished and ready to leave the bodyshop for the first time in nearly 7 months:





As stated before I still had the original BBS RA's to refit.

Also, the twin DTM pipes were never to my taste and a standard system is ready to go on:



In time I might go for a full stainless system (I'm thinking Jetex....any opinions?) but for now I will be happy to have the standard exhaust.

The rear and middle sections were an eBay bargain at £20....only months old!

Underneath the car looking pretty good I think:



Another little gem I picked up online which will hopefully look the part in my garage with the car:



Next up, the rear tailgate decal!



Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #12 on: 08 February 2006, 17:57 »
As many will know, the black vinyl trim strip around the back window on Mk2 Gti's is impossible to find anymore.  If you are restoring the car or even repairing the tailgate and need it painted it is kind of annoying to not be able to replace this.

I'm sure opinions will be divided on whether the thing actually looks good on the car or if there's any need to have it.  Personally I like it because it is another of the little unique Gti features...although on dark paintwork like mine it hardly shows up!

Anyway, the whole time the car was off the road I tried a few options for replacing this trim.  I bought a set from an eBay seller which was in 3 pieces but to be honest I wasn't happy with the fit or finish and discarded it.

Next up I spoke to Ian at WagenWheels (www.wagenwheels.co.uk) who is an expert in restoring Golfs.  He shared my problem but said he might be able to supply a  replacement.  After weeks of trying however we drew a blank and I kind of abandoned the idea.

Being a keen VW enthusiast I am always on the lookout for interesting things and while on holiday in the US stopped in at a local dealership who had the new Jetta on display. As it wasn't launched here yet I called in for a browse.

While there I got talking to the parts fella and told him about my Mk2 project.  He was really interested and when I mentioned my problem about the rear trim for the tailgate I was amazed when he said he had one in stock somewhere!!!  Arrangement was made to get it and I was chuffed to bits!

In my excitement however I didnt even check and when I finally got it all unwrapped I was a little disappointed to find that it was supplied in 3 pieces rather than 1 big piece:



It was all stamped up with the correct VW part numbers so I knew it was genuine.

A call to VW revealed that the last supply of these items was manufactured in 3 pieces to aid fitment as so many bodyshops were messing them up trying to fit them.

Again, applying it in 3 pieces seemed easier but I was concerned how it would look and that the joins/overlap at the corners would eventually lift and peel.

Not to be defeated I fitted the trim up and marked where the overlap and joins were.  I then marked this out and went to a graphics specialist.  They were able to scan the pattern and even supply the exact same 3M black vinyl (3M ScotchCal) to laser cut a 1-piece item from! Delighted! :)



I have yet to apply this to the car as the rear window will need to come out again.  As soon as it's done I will get some pics up for you all.  There have already been a lot of people asking me if I can get more made; I'm looking into this and maybe get some kind of bulk order price for the mutual benefit of everyone.  If you'd be interested drop me a PM and I'll collate some numbers :)



Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #13 on: 08 February 2006, 18:01 »
The first day I collected the car (still on Montreals):






The only non standard feature was that I had the mirror housing colour coded to the paintwork.  The black plastic never looked good to my eye and I think it's a nice little touch :)

With the BBS's refitted this is how things look just now:








Jobs still to do:

- Fit standard exhaust

- Replace shocks and springs with OE (rear sagging a little)

- Fit rear tailgate decal

- Full interior valet and blacken-up the bumpers again!

Pics of the finished article along with the interior will be up soon I hope :)

The car is having a full engine rebuild and new discs/pads/calipers as we speak.  There were no mechanical issues as such but as a precaution I felt this would do no harm and would at least keep the car in rude health for many years to come!  No point in having a ming looking car that runs like a dog, right?

So, I hope you've enjoyed the pics and the story of the project so far.  I'll keep posting updated pics when I can and I appreciate any comments or ideas you all have.  Without a doubt the forum and members here have been a huge help with all kinds of matters and I look forward to getting the car out and about to a couple of shows/meets this summer!  :)

Thanks,

Duncan


Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #14 on: 09 February 2006, 18:20 »
One of my fave pics of the car (sorry about the dirty rear end!):



Perhaps a good pic for a signature...if someone could oblige?   :wink:

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #15 on: 09 February 2006, 18:27 »
Here are some before and after pics of my manifold and inlet:



Straight from the engine:



About to start work:



The finished result!!  :smiley:

Top side:



Underside:



Manifold top:



Manifold bottom:



Fitted-up:




Well pleased with the final result but this was a HUGE task in itself.....took hour upon hour of work and was very laborious.  I used to think the sets that were for sale all polished were a bit pricey but knowing the amount of work this takes then I can see where the money goes!

Hope you like it anyway  :smiley:

« Last Edit: 09 February 2006, 18:29 by dscam »

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #16 on: 10 February 2006, 17:38 »
Boge Turbo Gas Dampers and Eibach ProKit springs ready to go on anytime soon!:






Hopefully this will tighten the handling up nicely and give the car a nice stance.....it's all OE, of course  :smiley:

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #17 on: 21 March 2006, 22:27 »
With some better weather I have given the car the full Meguiars treatment (including the plastic trim at last!!) and got some more pics to show.  The new suspension is on as is the standard exhaust which I'm a lot happier with  :smiley:















As you can see, I've still not got the rear decal on the tailgate but this has been down to not being able to get the car indoors for long enough to get the rear window out etc.  I'm hoping to have it sorted by the end of the month and also have news on getting the extra decals made for everyone that expressed an interest  :smiley:

Hope you like the pics!

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #18 on: 09 April 2006, 16:37 »
At long last some pics of the rear tailgate decal fitted:






Delighted with the result and the quality....looks totally OE and just what I wanted!   :smiley:

Offline dscam

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Re: dscam - mk2 16v Royal Blue Resto
« Reply #19 on: 24 April 2006, 18:23 »
Some long overdue interior pics: