belugablack
New Member
- Posts
- 3
- Location
- Warwickshire
Hi folks, I now own two Classics so thought I better get myself on a suitable forum. Not only are they classics but I am also a total classic boy rather than a modder or greenlaner, so it's my intention to restore them back to a decent condition. Not quite to the standard of Graeme Hunt in Kensington Mews so I can flog them for £45,000 but to an almost pristine and factory standard state so they can be used regularly as modern classic cars and MoT time need not be feared each time it comes around... that's the theory. I've got quite far already with my D-reg car, and I surpassed myself by doing a damn fine job (if I may say so myself) of retrimming the expected sagging headlining
Both are honest and sound starting points, both being 3 owner from new vehicles and not messed with or been used off road. Prices since I bought the cars are really going up so this has motivated me to pull my finger out and actually get these lovely beasts back to their former glory. I know loads of people start projects with the best intentions but I've got quite far already with my D-reg car, and I surpassed myself by doing a damn fine job singlehandedly (if I may say so myself) of retrimming the expected sagging headlining, got the welding done professionally, (very fortunate as just a small patch needed on NSF inner wing and floor - it's a super solid example), thoroughly undersealed, new tyres, full engine service and all it needs now is a full respray. I cannot afford that just yet but I've put too much money into it not to see it through!
As I've experienced with umpteen Mk2 Golf GTI's the later car requires more work than the older one, did build quality tail off after the big push in 1986 to get them fit for the North American market??! - I will need to replace all four doors on the J-reg 3.9 as although they look OK on the exterior skins the shells have pustular scabs and holes at the base like on a SAAB 900. But the 3.9 engine is a gem, so with the running gear in great fettle it is a worthy project, plus I am really taken with the unusual Roman Bronze colour - which was introduced to cater for the NA market incidentally.
I've included a couple of "before" pictures and if anyone is interested will update the progress as I make any.
If anyone is a Rangie enthusiast and local to the Redditch, South Birmingham area, I am on the Worcestershire/Warwickshire border and would welcome any help or advice as and when for mates rates and plenty of cuppas. I am great at valeting and detailing but cannot do mechanical work and definitely don't do welding - and no laughs please along the lines of "what the hell are you buying british built crap from the 1980s then for!!"
My first question is: is changing the windscreen a feasible DIY prospect on a classic RR? Some grebby oik thought it would be fun to shoot his air rifle at my car and its original 25 year old screen didn't take too kindly to it....
Both are honest and sound starting points, both being 3 owner from new vehicles and not messed with or been used off road. Prices since I bought the cars are really going up so this has motivated me to pull my finger out and actually get these lovely beasts back to their former glory. I know loads of people start projects with the best intentions but I've got quite far already with my D-reg car, and I surpassed myself by doing a damn fine job singlehandedly (if I may say so myself) of retrimming the expected sagging headlining, got the welding done professionally, (very fortunate as just a small patch needed on NSF inner wing and floor - it's a super solid example), thoroughly undersealed, new tyres, full engine service and all it needs now is a full respray. I cannot afford that just yet but I've put too much money into it not to see it through!
As I've experienced with umpteen Mk2 Golf GTI's the later car requires more work than the older one, did build quality tail off after the big push in 1986 to get them fit for the North American market??! - I will need to replace all four doors on the J-reg 3.9 as although they look OK on the exterior skins the shells have pustular scabs and holes at the base like on a SAAB 900. But the 3.9 engine is a gem, so with the running gear in great fettle it is a worthy project, plus I am really taken with the unusual Roman Bronze colour - which was introduced to cater for the NA market incidentally.
I've included a couple of "before" pictures and if anyone is interested will update the progress as I make any.
If anyone is a Rangie enthusiast and local to the Redditch, South Birmingham area, I am on the Worcestershire/Warwickshire border and would welcome any help or advice as and when for mates rates and plenty of cuppas. I am great at valeting and detailing but cannot do mechanical work and definitely don't do welding - and no laughs please along the lines of "what the hell are you buying british built crap from the 1980s then for!!"
My first question is: is changing the windscreen a feasible DIY prospect on a classic RR? Some grebby oik thought it would be fun to shoot his air rifle at my car and its original 25 year old screen didn't take too kindly to it....
