1983 Mk1 Golf GTI Body Shell Restoration Timelapse 1.8 20v t Engine Swap

Here is a timelapse of the last 17 months (on and off) work that has gone into saving this 1983 Mk1 Golf GTI Campaign. On first inspection it didn't seem too bad. A little rust here and there yes but a quick tidy up, some fresh fluids and stick an MOT on it. The plan was to use it for the summer then do a light restoration to it. As soon as we started removing parts it was obvious that it was so so much worse than we thought, Rust on nearly every panel meant a massive amount of work and parts was going to be needed. Once it was determined that the car needed a full restoration I set about stripping the car down to a shell and sent it off to be paint stripped and sand blasted to show up every area that required work. This ended up being a lit! Thankfully the guys at Heritage Parts Centre (Link below and a 10% discount code) came in and sponsored the channel and the build providing me with all of the top quality parts I would need to restore the shell. A small list of panels replaced are: Inner sills, Outer sills, Both front floors, Spare wheel tub, Rear panel, Both rear arches, Both inner Rear arches, Scuttle, Front panel, Inner wing, Bonnet, Both wings and we even had to change the roof as the original one was completley rusted out. Once the shell was welded back up and solid again I gave the underside a coat of Upol Etch primer followed by seam sealer and then a coating of Upol Gravitex Stonechip/undersealer. We then set about sanding the outside of the car back to bare metal and with the support of the guys from Breakwells Paints we got the shell primed with a coat of epoxy primer. The shell was then dry guide coated and blocked/sanded back with a 240 grit sand paper to show any high/low spots. Once these were identified we seat about applying the Upol 2k Filler and blocked/sanded those areas flat with 80 grit then 180 grit finishing with 240 grit. Once the filler had been sanded another coat of epoxy primer was added to seal in all of the filler work. The next step was to spray the car with high build primer, dry guide coat it and block/sand the panels so they were all flat and straight. When we were happy with that we build a temporary spray booth with filters in and out to help keep the booth as clean as possible. Now was the time to set about spraying the colour onto the shell. We started off by spraying the underside of the shell then the inside followed by the engine bay and the outside was the final part of the shell. Once dry the shell was removed from the booth and the doors, Boot, Bonnet, Wings, Sun roof were placed in the booth and given the same treatment.
The direction of the car changed during the process as the original plane was a concours restoration but as the project went on I realised that this direction was not what I wanted to do. The new direction was to build the show car I have always wanted to, A Shaved bay, 1.8t 20V Mk1 Golf GTI campaign in mars red on air ride.
This Time lapse documents the first part of the restoration, Saving the shell. I am now on with sorting and restoring all of the parts to bolt them back onto the shell and hopefully have the car finished ready for show season 2022, Or at least make it to 1 show with it!
Thank you for watching and thank you to the series sponsors
Heritage Parts Centre
GT Air
Breakwells Paints
Tony's Refinishing
Watch the series from the beginning here:
• Mk1 Golf GTI Restoration
Watch the episode that follows on from this timelapse:
• Painting The Engine 19...
Link to the Dan & Abi KZbin Channel
/ danabi
Link To Heritage Parts Centre Where you can get 10% off your order by using code 'CHAMBERS' at checkout:
bit.ly/danchambers
Link to Breakwells Paints:
breakwellspaints.co.uk/
Link to GT Air:
gtair.co.uk/
The compressor I have:
gtair.co.uk/air-compressors/1...
Hi Flow Kit Video:
• Supercharge your air c...
Link to Tony’s Refinishing:
/ tonysrefinishingtv
Link to the lift I have:
Website:
trommelberg.co.uk/
Instagram:
/ trommelberguk_ned
Facebook:
/ 2postlift
Link To Heritage Parts Centre Thank you for the jigging points:
bit.ly/danchambers
Where you can get 10% off your order by using code 'CHAMBERS' at checkout. How nice of them!
Want to support the channel?
DAC Industries Hoodies, T-Shirts, Wooly Hats, Snapbacks & Stickers are available to buy from my website:
www.dacind.com
My Instagram Account:
@dan.a.chambers

[@dillanmistry]

True classic restoration

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@stevenditchburn6875]

Wow! Forgot how bad this car was when you first got it. Awesome job Dan, you’ve put some serious graft into this, massive respect👌🏻

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@philtucker1224]

Dan, I’ve really enjoyed this Golf series immensely. I’ve got to say that for me, the paintwork has really knocked it out of the park. now I’m really missing the one I had in 1981 😊live long and prosper buddy 🙏

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@trimportersvanconversions6973]

Its only when you watch a timelapse like this that you appreciate the work gone in to the resto. Top work buddy! Hope to one day come and see it! Looking forward to the rolling shots!!!

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@alxcozma]

It's amazing to see where you started and how far you've come, well done mate!

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@JP-zy2fi]

The work you have put into that shell would put most car restoration Specialists to shame. Respect 👏

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@davehaigh4769]

Brilliant job! Back in the mid 80s I was a mechanic working on VW and Audis and we were basically scrapping endless Mk1 Golfs at 5 years old due to corrosion. The Mk1 basically corroded everywhere. Every panel, and box section. We once had one in at 4 years old for MOT that the owner had fabricated a new floor pan out of fibreglass as the steel was so corroded, they even included all the reinforcing dimples from the original pressing. 1982 seemed to be a turning point for them and once the MK2 Golfs came in we stopped scrapping what would now be considered a young car. Its really nice to see a MK1 still on the road and even better fully restored

[@ClarkUUGriswold]

Lot of respect bringing a rusty old girl like that back!!

[@gerdhermann752]

I wish I could be the artist that YOU are. I adore these cars...you give it new life....

[@turtlebone]

It looked so nice when you started, it's hard to believe how bad it was. Very well done, glad to see it getting fixed up! 🤙🏼🐢☠️

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@jasonmyers2005]

Tell you what Dan. When we see it like that from start to finish you’re a bloody wizard

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@1980jamesm]

Just a staggering amount of work gone into this before it even saw some paint. Awesome work.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@llewellyn56]

still going strong. Cape Town(SA). GREAT VIDEO

[@rarenium2500]

Like the only speedup video on youtube I enjoyed watching. Massive work!

[@Dani_Rodriguez]

Amazing job! Congrats 👏👏

[@imtherealfool774]

Amazing job, love what you do and watching how you do it!! I get really helpful tips and confidence by watching how you do things, thanks!! Keep up the great work, you must be proud of what you’ve done 👍🏻👍🏻

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@mogeshanchetty8060]

This the best restoration cid I've watch. The work put in and the end result is absolutely satisfying coming for a guy that owns VW velocities. I can appreciate these vids

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you. There is another episode where car is finished too

[@oliverengel6791]

Sensationell-es ist eine Große Freude, zuzusehen

[@thewhitegapster336]

Mate you should be so proud, most people would have been like scrap it!!

[@luischinchilla1524]

This has been, without a doubt, the best restoration project on a car, the best I have ever seen in my life. I love the mk1s and this is a dream. I hope to see it finished, excellent work, brother. Greetings.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@MediaEasier]

Dan is an incredibly talented man, doing and an incredible job, on an incredible cult classic 5*****

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@rcflyer2000]

Dan, Great to see a time lapse of this Mk1 Golf GTi project/resto mod up to this point of completing the painting of the colour! This project has been a fantastic journey so far 😎 I am really looking forward to seeing you put this VW back together and install the 1.8t to see it drive on roads of the UK again 🏁

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@333111444333111444]

It's been a journey man but she is looking great

[@ExSheriffFattyBoySkinnyArms]

It is wonderful to see the amount of care that went into this build. Thank you for sharing your expertise with yt community. Liked and subbed

[@jeffstarnes3940]

Excellent repairs of body,that thing will look like it just rolled of the assembly line when completed!!!

[@tonyskinnider6347]

Mate I been watching from the beginning and all of your projects have been wicked to watch you are an absolute wizard in what you do bud keep up the good work 👊

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@excaliburcottage1138]

Fantastic video. Really enjoyed it. Well done

[@MikkaJo]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! Amazing!!!!

[@colindyson8788]

Love it Dan! Keep up the good work.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@user-in6ch1hn8k]

Inspiring

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@danone978]

Videos like this deserves mora than 10k likes.... C'mon it is super cool watch videos like this

[@pettergo6897]

I really liked this video. Very nice work 👍🏻😎

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@superingo1218]

Besser geht es nicht,eine absolute Profiarbeit.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Danke Knospe

[@nmahi]

Very Nice work mate

[@martincox31]

Excellent just Excellent 👍love the channel and love the content 👌 keep up the good work 👏

[@allybenzie9389]

You always do amazing stuff on your KZbin channel 👌

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@markopetrovic3491]

In direct son it will be on FIRE💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Dan the MAN you did it again 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@jonb8241]

Hat off.... done a cracking job 👍👍

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@mcksysar8620]

Just, amazing!

[@davidb3541]

Long hard slog on this one but it was so worth carrying on with it when you can look back at all that work you put in. Great work bud can't wait to see it on the road. 👍🏼

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@luiscruz2063]

This guy is truly a beast

[@GasoliniASMR]

Fantastic work and video

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@leandroscripiliti]

Wow! Amazing job! Greetings from Brazil

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you

[@colingarner6175]

Love it . Envious of your skill , something I’ve never had .

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you! This is the first time I tried any of this!

[@michazoledowski7559]

Kawał pięknej roboty pozdrowionka kolego

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@joabknight3472]

Your guys workshop is amazing! So clean!!! You guys should have way more subscribers than you have your build is amazing.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@phla.2493]

Ce travail de dingue !

[@contractors71]

excellent work

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@xboxlegend6789]

Awesome job so far mate should b proud how it’s going

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@malekbkl8908]

Bravo 👏 L'ARTISTE 😋 Ça vaut le coup de la remise en bon état de marche , de cette magnifique GOLF GTI 👍

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@pablo.posadas]

an incredible change !!! 😍

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@fluffstar_]

I wish this was me doing this, I’d be so proud

[@chotuusian4127]

Good work

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@bradtermeier5713]

Thanx 4 rescuing this masterpiece of German engineering of the 80s! 👍👍👍 Imagine how much fun you would have missed if body galvanizing had been introduced 10 years earlier! 😂

[@larskruger3589]

Dann wäre der Einser nicht jetzt so kostbar

[@nazwazmienionaincognito891]

Very nice work

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@KevinSimpson_MTB]

I’d forgotten some of the repairs you had to do to the shell. You’re way past the point that a lot of restorations get sold as unfinished projects, keep going Dan you’re nearly there. Also I’m really enjoying the house series 🤙

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@JohnWD40TC02]

It's when you see this you appreciate just how much time and effort you have put into this restoration Dan, right back when it was a rusty old shell to now when it's probably better than new, really! really! fantastic work mate you have come a long way during this build so should be proud of yourself 👌👏👏🙏👍

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@user-fx7xy8ft8o]

Слов нет 👏👍 вот так заморочился красавчик

[@neugierigeringenieur9593]

Amazing skills

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@donaldwainwright]

Absolutely amazing car I had 1 my was metallic bronze it was my third car I bought after my MK1 and mk 2 escorts

[@alexandrevillar1260]

Good job, perfect !!!

[@fatboymotorsport]

Serious job so far Dan, you have to be chuffed on how it turned out, all the hard workbis done now, just bolt in the new parts and she will be mint 👌

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@csbatimar7094]

Hi, amazing job, well done, from Hungary,

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@gearwarr878]

work of art if i have the money and the skill i would do that to my car but maybe in other life i will be able to make my dram come true :) keep the good work

[@mikelmendizabal8177]

Great when you get in through the roof window! From Basque country: milesker, excellent video!

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏

[@RaulGomez-xi4qk]

Excelente trabajo y video gracias por compartir tu gran experiencia desde costa Rica Maestro gracias

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@pauljellybeanjones5740]

Sorry Dan I ain’t watch for a while but I just wanted to say that is looking amazing FairPlay mate 🙏

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@brettalfero6245]

Abso amazing!!!

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@danielfigueiredo3785]

Trabalho lindo 👏👏❤️ profissional top

[@micheldube5542]

Excellent travail mec !

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏

[@roybrown4944]

Beautiful

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@pierluigi6686]

Asi es como se pintan los coches ... excelente ..

[@scirturbo1234]

Seems a lot of spare sheet metal parts are still available...great job!

[@russelblackwell6041]

What skills in bodywork metal fabrication all your repairs and the finished product beautiful colour put many panel beater spray painters to shame

[@SILife-ep5qg]

Nice job.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@fanantsele4950]

Badass😎Satisfying to watch

[@ericpullen524]

That's true MK1 love.

[@rallyfpv8459]

Good job

[@stevencrosland581]

Such a result you should be proud of yourself Dan especially after all the depression last year and how fare you have come with the build looks better than it did from the factory can’t wait to see this come together your such a decent bloke . And loving the new content on your new home be great to see the new workshop with this amazing build in there good luck with the new adventure 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@xavierdemotier95]

Super boulot 👌👍👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏

[@VC301000]

excellent

[@RickGTI2019]

OK, so your welding, body work, and painting is pretty good, I get it. If you ever move to so. Florida call me, I got a small ding in my door that needs to be fixed ! LOL ! Great job, video. Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴🇺🇸

[@craigbarrett2278]

Shoulda just stamped the vin # on the new parts....😂 But awesome turnaround, we car lovers thank you for your restoration efforts. 😁 had a mk 2 gti, modded, such fun times!

[@saidber7813]

Good job,

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@shahidapajraou231]

Viry nice 🖒

[@downnoutmotors]

Awesome recap.. wish it could all be done in 18.5 minutes 🤣 just reminds you of how much work you've put into it too.

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@Dima-jg5hb]

Огонь, круто получилось ))

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@Elitevolkswagens]

God man you forget how crusty this thing actually was…. It’s come a seriously long way you should be so proud of yourself! 🙌🏼x

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se inscreve, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@Ben-in6qh]

Changed the roof skin kept the sunroof? Mad man

[@Winnipuh50]

Das ist eine unbezahlbare Arbeit. Hier wer das kann muss viel Erfahrung haben als Karosseriebauer. Und er muß seinen Beruf gerne ausführen. Und er muß diese Fahrzeuge lieben. Ein solche Golf GTI ist gegenüber dem heutigen Golf GTI kein vergleich mehr. Aber dieses Auto stellt irgendwie wenn es fertiggestellt ist einen Neuwagen dar.

[@latortue4352]

Bjr j'ai bien aimé vos étape decrestauration sur cette golf gti beau travail

[@rodriguezgarage1609]

Te quedo bien chingon bro

[@lucadeangelis83]

Porco dio che lavoro👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@peterpaliwoda1527]

Passed your welding apprenticeship now Dan’o……Good Luck..Peter P

[@pilotofuracao2989]

Gostei parabéns pela produção do vídeo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😎. Viva o estado Unidos USA.👍🏽👏🏾😎

[@ramezgoldman6590]

wooow I love it 😍😍

[@Cupra317hp]

A Little Buff a Little Polish and this thing rocks Hard

[@marco-58]

Great job. I bought an MOT failure 1981 GTI in Mars Red from a neighbour for £40. Second hand (White) doors, (Silver)Tailgate new (Black)wings, welded repair rear wheel arches, new bumpers, bit more welding, service, and full respray by a classic car resto mate for another £40. All to o/e spec. Sold for £1,650 before the price rise! All done outside on my driveway. Not a patch on yours though.

[@Star69ca]

Лучше чем многие!)

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigos, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço

[@lukasnevidzan5523]

Awesomeee... DIY metal work ....... DIY paints............. niceee

[@resgateerestore]

Oi amigo, tem vídeo novo no canal de uma kombi 6 doors, assiste lá e se subscribe go, se já for um inscrito estamos juntos, abraço