Mk2 Gti Restoration/Customization Project

[vdubbervt]

This is my little post documenting my first attempt at auto body work. I own a metal shop, but have never done anything like this...So far, it has been a fun experience as I a have owned this '87 Gti for 12 years and have always wanted to dive into it and make it one-of-a-kind.

Feel free to let me know what your thoughts are on this re-do!

First thing I did was cut out the rusty floors and make new from scratch....

Modified by vdubbervt at 6:15 PM 1-21-2009

[vdubbervt]

I had to patch the rear sections under the tail lights on both sides...

...new ones

Modified by vdubbervt at 9:48 AM 1-16-2009

[vdubbervt]

Next, I needed to address all the rust in the windshield frame- again, I made a new piece from scratch. I've always wanted to go mono, so I deleted the left wiper and centered the other....

...new section

Modified by vdubbervt at 9:50 AM 1-16-2009

[vdubbervt]

I then went back to the hatch and decided to make some more work for myself...I wanted to make my own, seamless spoiler, but keep it somewhat subtle and this is what I came up with-

....cut

....paste

Modified by vdubbervt at 9:53 AM 1-16-2009

[ct 1.8t]

Yo Alistair. The car looks sick and i'm glad to see its finally coming along. I'm trying to come up there soon and do some riding and see you and denver. Keep up the good work!

-jesse

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by ct 1.8t »

Yo Alistair. The car looks sick and i'm glad to see its finally coming along. I'm trying to come up there soon and do some riding and see you and denver. Keep up the good work! -jesse

These are old pics...things are much further along, now....Let me know when you'll be up....until then, I'll post some updated pics for ya!

[MyCarIsRed]

that's some realy nice metal work! i'm impressed. i definitely dig the spoiler too subtle changes are always my favorite.

[koko5869]

nice. wish i had more or an idea and the proper tooling to work with metal. good job.

[vdubbervt]

....Instant horsepower upgrade!

[vdubbervt]

...modified bracket for Passat adjustable steering column. Had to drop things down a little for the gauge cluster and Corrado dash to clear everything.

[ct 1.8t]

clean that engine bay!

[vdubbervt]

Don't you worry, ct 1.8t, gotta get the motor running first, then I'll pull it again and go to town before paint....patience, my son- bonsia need time to grow strong!

[myoldmetal]

Nice metal work!!! Keep the pics coming, cuz Im sure that will turn out sick!

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by myoldmetal »

Nice metal work!!! Keep the pics coming, cuz Im sure that will turn out sick!

Thanks for the feedback....I'll have more pics soon (maybe tonight)...
Big-Ups to WA, by-the way!

[myoldmetal]

Quote, originally posted by vdubbervt »

Thanks for the feedback....I'll have more pics soon (maybe tonight)... Big-Ups to WA, by-the way!

Im a body/paint guy, and judging from the pics, those parts you made look like something to be proud of. Its a shame to have to cover it all with filler and paint huh?!!
Thanks for the ups!

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by myoldmetal »

Im a body/paint guy, and judging from the pics, those parts you made look like something to be proud of. Its a shame to have to cover it all with filler and paint huh?!! Thanks for the ups!

Yeah....the whole filler and paint thing is foreign to me, that's been the biggest learning-curve for me so far but I'm starting to get the idea....
Most of my metal background is with copper and stainless- you can't paint copper, what you see is what you get, no filler, sanding or primer, just the raw material...

[vdubbervt]

here's a pic of the mounting bracket I made for the Scirocco mono wiper....

...the bracket had to be removable so that the wiper assembly or motor could be replaced if needed (pain in the arse)

[vdubbervt]

I've been working on the rear and learning the filler game....
Cleaned up the spoiler and welded the body seams...

Modified by vdubbervt at 5:17 PM 1-17-2009

[vdubbervt]

...also deleted the hatch-release and used mostly lead (solder) as the base filler where needed, then glaze filler.

[kwalton]

Quote, originally posted by vdubbervt »

I had to patch the rear sections under the tail lights on both sides... ...new onesModified by vdubbervt at 9:48 AM 1-16-2009

feel like making some of these for me?

[vdubbervt]

Yeah, I can do that....IM me and we'll figure it out!

[DjarumSplasher]

Dam nice job sir. If you ever feel like making some of those pieces let me know, i know a few peopl that may be interested.

[MyCarIsRed]

Quote, originally posted by vdubbervt »

I've been working on the rear and learning the filler game.... Cleaned up the spoiler and welded the body seams... Modified by vdubbervt at 5:17 PM 1-17-2009

looks like you've got the hang of it. make sure you use a good waterproof filler followed by a coat of good quality epoxy primer. rattle can stuff doesn't usually last very long and starts to lift after a few years. your metal work is super impressive though. looks like you won't have much trouble with the whole filler thing. most of it is just learning to feel for highs and lows

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by MyCarIsRed »

looks like you've got the hang of it. make sure you use a good waterproof filler followed by a coat of good quality epoxy primer. rattle can stuff doesn't usually last very long and starts to lift after a few years. your metal work is super impressive though. looks like you won't have much trouble with the whole filler thing. most of it is just learning to feel for highs and lows

I've been using EverCoat Metal Glaze and SEM High build primer- is that adequate? Before paint I am gonna use the epoxy primer, though...
Thanks for the input, every little bit helps!

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by DjarumSplasher »

Dam nice job sir. If you ever feel like making some of those pieces let me know, i know a few peopl that may be interested.

I can make whatever, custom metal fab is my game- what are you looking for? IM me and we'll go from there.....Thanks!

[MyCarIsRed]

SEM makes good products. you should be fine. i would try to sand most of it down before epoxy primer. also use a good sealer. it'll help it from showing the filler through the top coat.

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by MyCarIsRed »

SEM makes good products. you should be fine. i would try to sand most of it down before epoxy primer. also use a good sealer. it'll help it from showing the filler through the top coat.

What sealer do I use and when do I use it? What do you mean by "top coat"? .....sorry, this part of it is all new to me

Thanks!

[MyCarIsRed]

filler/primer/sealer/base coat/ clear. that is the order they go in. a sealer is exactly what it sounds like. it seals the primer/filler coats and keeps them from showing through the basecoat/clear. it's not always necessary, but it's always a good idea. after a few years sometimes the primers and fillers will start to release gases and lift out of the paint. you can get discoloration and color variations. all the major companies sell sealers. whatever brand basecoat you are using, just use their sealer.

[vdubbervt]

Yup, makes perfect sense now.....thanks for clearing that up for me, I greatly appreciate it

[vdubbervt]

Just got this euro fender from typeSLone and grafted in an intake vent-
I used a section of the hood vents to make this and panel adhesive instead of welding....

[vdubbervt]

"My 'fast' hates when people use "LOL" to express their understanding of humor on the internet."

I definitely agree, well said, MyCarIsRed!

[perickomx]

very impressive job, congrats!!

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by perickomx »

very impressive job, congrats!!

Thanks, but don't congratulate me yet- i've got a long way to go.....

[MyCarIsRed]

wish i was closer. there is definitely a thing or 2 we could teach each other. your welding/metal skills murder mine.

[vdubbervt]

Quote, originally posted by MyCarIsRed »

wish i was closer. there is definitely a thing or 2 we could teach each other. your welding/metal skills murder mine.

Come-on-up to VT- we'll have a sanding and welding party!