16v slow build

[ausgolfer]

Well, a little while ago, after the excitement about getting the R32 wore off, I decided to fix up the mk2 and make something better of it.
Was always a nice car, and in excellent condition to begin with but over the 9 years of ownership some deterioration (not from outright neglect) has occured as to be expected from good honest use .... and there are a few rectifiable modifications I do regret (well only two really, the CF bonnet and the troublesome smoothed/hidden rear hatch lock)

Car as it was:




1989 factory Gti 16v. was small bumpered originally.
Modifications it had were limited to an upgraded radio head unit, the 17' wheels it currently has back on it at the moment, and an aftermarket rear straight through muffler

Transition:

With simmons and big bumpers/g60 arches, but not yet crystal lights or audi handles, coilovers etc.

Plus lights, back to std 16 wheels, audi handles. Think I had the coilovers in at this stage too.

No side mirrors. Rocked P slots for a while and also mk2 steelies at one point.

Just a few transition shots.


Car as it stands today:

And finally as is today with color coded mirror, cf bonnet. 17's back on.

Upgraded to full big bumper 90 spec with G60 arches, all factory parts.(Lets not start a big Vs small bumper argument, I'm happy with my choice and sticking with it )
Front crystal cross hair headlights and likewise driving/high beam lights, crystal indicators and fog lights, crystal side repeaters, crystal M3 style rear lamps. Seems to be a trend....I just like continuity.
Smoothed the LHD whiper mount bump and 8v aerial hole in the front fender.
Smoothed the rear wiper and fitted a new black sticker around the rear window.
Audi 80 door handles (quite happy with these as the pistol grip ones annoyed me and weren't as clean looking IMO)
Smoothed/hidden the rear hatch lock (annoys the crap out of me as it never works as intended)
DMS 50mm coilovers.
Nuespeed anti-roll bars, largest available for the mk2. 22 or 25mm front(cant remember which) and 28mm rear(epic!).
Upgraded alarm, which doesn't work anymore (no one pinch it!!!)
Cf bonnet.(Hate it!!!)
Has been through many different wheels over the years but is currently back to where I started, for a simple 90s touring look. But its not as classy as I would like and not OEM plus, so expect a change coming in the wheel department.

Future Plans: not too distant hopefully but won't be swift...
Don't want to be too specific but think....
OEM PLUS!!!!!
Wheels.
Passat widetrack front.
Seat ibiza rear hub widetrack.
Detailing.
A bit of under bonnet love.
Quite a few new parts.
Detailing.
Maybe an interior upgrade.
256mm brakes are good but....OEM plus is required!
New alarm!!!
Reco the coilovers.
Detailing.
Fix rear lock!

Have started to compile some parts. First of which arrived this weekend. Last one in Aus brand new from the stealers, with all clips and screws. Have never actually seen one with all the clips/tabs intact before ha ha!

[Stiggy_21]

Nice work!! Great to see the r32 hasn't taken over.
Would love to see how she turns out

[ausgolfer]

Thanks Stiggy. Hope you're patient!! Am half considering a full bare metal restoration. Have to do at least one in my lifetime.

[RedMk2Gti]

Best original 16V Mk2 !! very nice.

[Domel]

Very nice!!! Those g60 arches are super wide, but I like them. I think the 17s wheels go really well with the large bumpers. Top job and keep it up mate!

Dom

PS - don't do the full bare matal restoration unless it's really necessary - the original paint only adds to the value of the car IMHO (and it looks super clean in the pictures anyway). Get yourself a Mk1 for that

[ryana89]

OEM PLUS!!!!!

Ten characters

[walshydub]

Looks great! How does it handle on the 17"s?

[ausgolfer]

Handles very well with the 17s running toyo proxy 4s. I would choose 16s for better handling but I'm willing to compromise a little for the look of the 17s.
I know a lot prefer 15s and 16s on a mk2 but I like the touring look of the 17s. The new wheels will be 17 too.

[Water Boy]

Im still guna say I like it when Elly had it with the small bumpers. But thats ok as we all know you are special Carl.

And can also confirm this car has done track time.

[ljoaquinl]

Very nice car... excited to see the next transformation. hehehe