First restoration, 1991 GTI *

[Volktales]

So my friend Adrien is has been mentioned here before as he has fixed many weird electronic problems for me. He is also the guy who bought a 1990 Tornado Red GTI new back in the day. It is that car that I spent many an hour cruising around in, and the direct reason why I bought my own GTI many years later. Adrien still owns his GTI, but it needs extensive restoration which he has always wanted to do. So he took the plunge and decided to buy a different GTI to "practice" on first. And this is the result...

Adrien is one who goes big and dives right in.  Yes he stripped the car down in no time, and built a rotisserie for it.  As welding would be needed, a nice welder was purchased, rusty metal removed, hand formed panels replaced....

 

He didn't fool around.  This car is stripped!  Already he and his daughter have rebuilt the engine as well (his first).  Looking very forward to see how this progresses!

[Wongai]

Pavlovian stress reaction kicking in! That looks awesome, but it reminds me of my looming project. This thing is going to be cool as heck. I'm not sure i've ever seen anyone take a GTI down to that level before.

Good luck!
B

[Volktales]

Adrien has been busy...






He has finished all the necessary welding, has used just a bit of filler for leveling, and is in the process of priming.






He welded on new quarter panel repair sections.






Check out the backside of those welds!  Nice.






He even replaced the complete strut towers (welded in pieces from a different red car).






And he rebuilt the engine too.  Did I mention he has NEVER done any restoration work before?  And just learned how to weld?  Amazing...