Big or Small . . .

[danj3000]

I may potentially be getting given a 16v for spares or repairs. My intention would be to do it up and this is where my question comes in.

It is an F reg and as such should have small bumpers but it has got big bumpers on instead but minus the 90 spec side trim, and arches.
Do you think the car would hold a higher value if i picked up the necessary 90 spec trim to make it a fully fledged 90 spec car externally or should i find some small bumpers and revert it back to the original state.

My gut feeling is to stick it back on small bumpers but all i want to know at the end of the day is which is more likely to add more value?

Any suggestions from people will be much appreciated.  

[Andy25]

i had this deliberation with my small bumper but purely for asthetic reasons!

I think as its a F reg ,like my own, its pretty obvious its a small bumper big bumpered up!

Besides i think small bumpers are the  way forward!! its alot harder to find an original small bumper!!

your choice though kiddo!!

also if you do decide to get big bumper arches and side strips try and get the original VAG ones cos the repro's dont fit too good!!

[sharpie]

big bumpers ftw.

[rubjonny]

depends, cost up a set of the bb small arch trims compared to a pair of small bumpers!  There isnt really much between a big/small bumper car in terms of value, plus you could prob get good money sellign the big bumpers on.

[danj3000]

That is more the way i'm probably heading rubjonny. Just have to see how cheaply i can pick up the various parts and go from there.
So you don't think it would be a negative thing if the F reg is not riding on its original bumpers?

[pro-biotic]

id be keeping it small bumpered at that age, nothing worse than seeing an E or F plate you know should have older trim IMO. looks shoddy.

ive just put an "E" reg chersihed plate on my 1991 mk2 and it looks odd being big bumper LOl, thinking about going back in time with the trim level.

[logeyboy]

My "F" reg came with big bumpers from the factory...

Although some scrote stole the front one 

[Khare]

My "F" reg came with big bumpers from the factory...

Although some scrote stole the front one 

yup. F is 1989, and the "90" spec upgrade actually came in august 1989. So it can still be an F reg but factory fitted with big bumpers.

[pro-biotic]

put your head underneath and check for a front valance!

[DarnPB]

TBH, unless you are looking to restore the car a concours original, I would leave on there what you bought it with. As RJ said, there will not be any difference in value to the car. As long as it looks presentable and you are happy with it, why change it or change it back? Only the purists out there will notice the change, and to be fair, these cars aint exactly classics.