33 replies to this topic

[dubstar81]

From the begining i bought this british open off ebay back in june 2008 for a mere £400. It still had tax and test on it for 2 months so i drove it around for some of the summer and then stored it with the intention of tidying up for my wife for when she passes her test.
She sat in my garage for about 18 months before i could start work.
This is what it looked like when i got it in 2008.

After loads of prodding about i couldnt believe how much rot was in the car.
Both outer and inner sills needed replacing, an a panel, a door and about half a dozen patches. Looking at it the previous owner had the front wings, front panel, bonnet and boot replaced. It was debumpered too.
When the sun came out over sunny Plymstock i set about stripping the car down.

Edited by dubstar81, 14 August 2011 - 12:09 PM.

[dubstar81]

With the car stripped i cut the rot out and cleaned everything up for the new panels




Floor in now for the inner sills

[dubstar81]

Inside done now for the outer sills


While the door was off for a new skin the A panel was cut out and a new one welded in.


Found a hole when i removed the fuel tank

[dubstar81]

Decided to smooth the side indicators


And i also decided that the mini needed bumpers and a number plate bracket so the only thing i could do really was to to weld some little brackets.

[dubstar81]

Windows, lights and tank removed ready for a full respray

Rear arches rubbed down and primed

[dubstar81]

Off to Quayside Vw's in Plymouth


It was in paint for a week and now it looks like this


I am so happy with the paintwork Tom did a blinding job.
While it was down the shop the windows and arches were fitted.

I didnt have time to play today so it was put back into the garage until the next day


Next step putting her back together
Wipers and washer jets on

Mirrors and pinstripping on

Edited by dubstar81, 14 August 2011 - 12:19 PM.

[Pitcrew6464]

Great project love the progression. great paint job!! really coming together!!

[dubstar81]

Back end refitted

Front end sort of refitted awaiting on parts so i decided to start on the engine and suspension.
Car on ramps. Gearbox oil seal and some poly bushes. While i was there i painted the engine and purchased a new rocker cover and gave the engine a good service including new plugs, leads, distributor cap and rotor arm, oil and filter,anatifreeze. I also got a new radiator the old one was looking tired and i made a Carlsberg coil cover.




New original british open decals

[dubstar81]

New wheels arrived the other day just awaiting some tyres and a few other bits n bobs and it is ready for the MOT.

[dubstar81]

Great project love the progression. great paint job!! really coming together!!

Thanks mate I've been thinking about doing a build thread for ages but i just havent had the time. The wife wants me to sell the car car once it is finished due to buying a house. But i am not finished yet.
Planning on fitting a wavy grille, overiders and some wider arches.

[chrisj]

Fantastic Project! I love open classics.

Paintwork looks really nice and only took a week!

I may be wrong but i think you will need side indicators for the mot?

Keep up the good work!

[drewsargent1980]

Good work, looks great buddy

[dubstar81]

Fantastic Project! I love open classics.

Paintwork looks really nice and only took a week!

I may be wrong but i think you will need side indicators for the mot?

Keep up the good work!

I guess they didnt have any work on that week and just cracked on. Its an amazing paint job and it didnt cost the earth either.
Ive got some old mirrors with built in indicators for the mot. I dunno i just dont like the side indicators i think it ruins the curve of the body in my opinion.
It only takes 5 mins to switch the mirrors over.
I am dying to get it on the road for the remainder of the summer.
Then its up for sale im afraid to contribute towards the morgage deposit.
Pretty gutted about that but i cant part with the mk2 golf gti that i have.

[Dev20]

Good work! Loving this project, I've just started work on my british open, hope it goes as well as yours!

[dubstar81]

Good work! Loving this project, I've just started work on my british open, hope it goes as well as yours!

I have a spare British open decal if you want it. £10 posted