Restoration...how far?

[tee]

Hi everyone,
I'd really like some advice people, let me explain...

I own a 1985 1.8 mk2 GTE, I've owned it for around 10 years and its been garaged in a lock-up for the last 7.

I stripped the car down with the intention of restoring it...with a few subtle mods.

The shell's not in bad condition, the sills are shot, and the rear arches.
But apart from that its pretty sound.

What I'd like to ask is, Where do I start? How much of it can I do myself? and How much of these shells can you replace?

I know a very nice man that used to work for vauxhall, who "obtained" alot of new original panels for me:
Doors x2
Bonnet "GTE vented"
Front Wings x2
Front Bumper "GTE"
Tailgate
Rear Spoiler
Rear Spoiler "Upper" (non vauxhall part )

I also have alot of donor parts:
1800 engine "comlpete"
1800 engine "stripped"
Shreck fast round cam shaft
1800 mk2 Belmont GLSi 1986 "Garaged since 2000"

So what do you guys think? Is it too much work to restore a shell that age?

Any advice as to where I go from here would be appreciated.

P.S Great site by the way.

[Ian T]

Hi there Tee,

When you get a spare 2 days (lol) have a look at my GTE restoration thread here... http://www.astra-mk2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=830

Basically anything is possible, to do a decent job you need to be able to MIG weld, or know someone that you cab ply with beer to help you. It does sound restorable, probably a little worse than mine perhaps, but many of the repair panels are still available from Hadrian and are a pretty good fit if you're prepared to gently tweak them to shape before welding them in.

I've gone both methods of arch replacement, the repair panel and the full rear quarter, so you can compare.

Most of the work is on my website for the early jobs, then in pictures in that thread for the latter stuff.

Harvey has also got a good thread (diary) running, not to mention several others that are all cunningly at a similar degree of completeness. Have a read and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Welcome to Astra-mk2.com. :)

Ian.

[Gteman]

Good job you didn't mention my thread Ian, don't want to scare him off now lol

Anyway welcome tee you have came to the right place.

I'm sure the answer to how the universe was created is in here somewhere if you look hard enough. :)

[tee]

Thanks guys, I'll have a read!

I hope it is possible...as I'm emotionally attached to the old girl.

Tee

[rodg98133]

Anything is possible with enough money and knowing enough people

[Graham]

Do it, even more so as yours is an early model

[richie00boy]

It's just a matter of how much time you are willing to invest. You are already onto a better start than most by having genuine panels available, although the worst ones (rear quarters/arches and sills) you still need to source.

[Ian T]

LOL at Graham (GTEMAN).

Actually I would have suggested your thread, but didn't connect properly when I was typing the reply.

Restorations are more about what you want out of the car - for some people it's just to keep an old car serviceable and tidy for a lot longer, for others it's about creating a show car. I think I'm firmly in the first group, although mine's no longer standard enginewise.

If you don't need to drive it for a while and you can take your time (Harvey and GTEman) you can do something really nice with it. Take the 'it's got to be ready for...' out of the equation and you're set for a good project.

I've probably done as much panelwork to mine over the last two years as most other people have to theirs, but I've got the enjoyment out of doing it all myself. Sure, it's not perfect and never will be, but I can hone and refine it later if my skills improve. ;)

Post up some pics to show what you're dealing with. :)

Ian.

[Brett]

have a look at mine If you want to see what can be achieved with even basic skills. Im no mechanic far from it, but its coming together. Im using a lot of friend on and off the site to help me, but I also dont mind getting stuck in myself.

Mk2 astra's are lovley simple cars to work on - but any restoration project is a lot of work dont under-estimate it. simpler you keep it the better imho, I've done things like 5 stud conversions I probably didnt need to and got bogged down.

good luck with it mate!

[CraigGreen]

Above comments all true.

I'd say with it stripped down to a shell. Get friends or whatever to tackle the welding & panel issues then get it on a trolley & have it delivered to a body shop, totally stripped. Get them to paint it & finalise any panel/welding work.

When it returns (some bodyshops will undertake work over long periods of time, do it as they have free time/keep price down) slowly rebuild engine bay & chassis suspension components. These should be cleaned/replaced & resprayed so they go back on pristine condition. You can certainly bank on the majority of hurdles & hassles as a result of needing new clips & hoses & all manner of sundries that might stop you in your tracks on a Sunday afternoon when all shops are shut.

As the car is in bits, its best to fit new/ uprated suspension & parts like quickshifts etc whilst rebuilding it.

The final part can be refitting the interior & ICE etc. Again ideal to have car stripped when running new wires for amps & elec sunroof motors etc.

Preparation & carefull use of time aswell as knowing mates/contacts that can do the bits you cant is the key.

Sounds like you have the making of a good worthwhile project. Start your own rebuild progress thread with regular pics & everyone on here can lend advice & encouragement.

CG

[tee]

Ok I'll try to get some picks sorted...but I'm far less capable on a computer than I am on a car.

I'm looking into mates/brother helping me with project at the moment, I cant seem to find a good body shop that'll touch it yet though...I've met with some real lazy b*****s. The old "well we're not really looking for that kinder (much) work" statement has been said to me more than a dozen times!
Dont know if you guys have any suggestions? I'm based in Norfolk.

Ideally I'd like to keep the body mods subtle...Rear upper spoiler, single wiper conversion/with smoothed out wiper panel (which I've already got )
Then as you all say, uprate suspension, brakes, and engine. I'd like to retain the 1800 engine though...just play with it a little.
And finally give the interior abit of a stripped-out race feel, roll-cage, remove back seat, give it some rudimentary switches...but I'm open to suggestions!

...Jesus, I think this means I'm going to attempt it!...what are you guys doing to me?

Tee