Mk2 Rusy Arches

[NixGTI]

Hi all, looking at buying a Mk2 GTI 8v on a H plate. I really like it, looks great.

Most of it looks ok, but i am concerned about the rust on the front right arch. the trim doesnt seem to have much to hold on to now... any idea how much it'd cost for a new wing including things like fitting and spraying?

[rubjonny]

best way forward is pull the arch and treat the rust there before it gets so bad the trim falls off, then keep your eyes open for another genuine VAG wing in the right colour

[NixGTI]

looks like you have another member! got the car for £460. found a guy that can replace the wing with a new one fit and spray for 240. rest of the car seems ok, the brakes aren't great, but i'll soon sort them out (may just need new pads (£50?)) a bit of smoke when I change gear when flooring it, tracking a bit out (£30)and needs a new windscreen (£50 excess).... so £360 on repairs, other than all that it seems like a good car.
any advice on essential maintenance that mk2's this age need, gonna do the obvious, oil and air filter change. any thing you'd suggest?

[sharpie]

looks like you have another member! got the car for £460. found a guy that can replace the wing with a new one fit and spray for 240. rest of the car seems ok, the brakes aren't great, but i'll soon sort them out (may just need new pads (£50?)) a bit of smoke when I change gear when flooring it, tracking a bit out (£30)and needs a new windscreen (£50 excess).... so £360 on repairs, other than all that it seems like a good car.
any advice on essential maintenance that mk2's this age need, gonna do the obvious, oil and air filter change. any thing you'd suggest?

as said already by johnny, don't be daft and go all out spraying new wings, just treat it and sit tight for one to come by in your colour and it won't cost anywhere near that.

like any new car you get, give it a good service.

[NixGTI]

I'm not sure how much is really left to "treat". the trim is hanging of from opposite ends of the arch! If it can be treated it will be, but since the lip of the arch (where the trim attaches to) has disapeared i think it might need to be a new wing, unless I remove the trim, cut away all the rust and hope there's enough wing left to still be legal! but then i'll be left with a car with a chunk missing from it while I try and find a replacment wing! 
fingers crossed it can be treated, i wont know until i get someone to look at it. I've still got to sell the old car ( 2005 1.4 Astra if anyone's intrested...) which might take a month or so. So it gives me plenty of time to work on the car before it's needed.

As for the servicing, are there any special sockets i'll need for the oil change etc, on my Vectra there's those torx bolts everywhere, or are they just 15mm bolts etc. Did a service on my mates 1.3 mk2 and it was a piece of P**S, I assume it'll be the same?

I've heard the smoke when you floor it can be to do with the valve guides? is this a 3 spanner job or is it worth getting a mechey to do it for me?

Thanks for the help guys, I promise to stop being an annoying newbie soon....

[rubjonny]

nothing special tool wise needed to do a service
smoke when you floor it could be the stem seals or the rings, doing the stem seals means removing the heqad unless you have access to special workshop equipment that allows you to hold up the valves while you strip them down.