1983 Mk1 Golf GTI Complete 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 whole restoration start to 'finish' (Are they ever really finished?!)
Thank you for watching and thank you to the series sponsors
Heritage Parts Centre
GT Air
Breakwells Paints
Tony's Refinishing
Dodo Mat
Ben's Trim Shop
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

[@Slampharos]

This guy practically refabricated the entire car. That takes a lot of determination and skill, much respect!

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, First time doing this and learnt a lot from it!

[@adammbuisberbat1680]

Is you a drowzee with sunglasses?

[@user-er4kz8yu8o]

تعنلهعلد

[@FirstLastOne]

And then doesn't use the factory lift points at 18:58 which you can clearly see the round factory lift point to the left of the rail unused and instead using the rails like all lazy and ignorant stealership mechanics. Double facepalm on that major ooof.

[@maxtrim865]

​@FirstLastOne they are not factory lift points they're jig points when in manufacture... the cills are reinforced with the arrow to show, This guys not an idiot 😂

[@nickgt1997]

Amazing to see how cars like this receive a second life, wish there were more people like this

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏

[@ryanjohnson6636]

Right! A lot of people don’t understand the amount of time is put into this, just the fab work and shaving the engine bay is ALOT of time. He must love this car or had one when he was younger

[@North49191]

cheaper to buy one done already

[@brownah]

Genuinely one of the best restorations I've ever seen. Exceptional work my guy!

[@ChachiMogo]

This wasn't a restoration but a complete new build. One of the best I've seen yet.

[@2610Someone]

finally a restoration video that is not fake or half-assed

[@DanChambersDAC]

💪 some work went into it

[@raym6415]

Watching Restoration is one my most favorite subjects on KZbin. It’s been a while since I have seen a super nice vehicle restoration until this video. What a wonderful job! Thanks for sharing 💕

[@bigbadspikey]

Damn! What kind of sorcery is this? That was one of the most amazing things I watched ever! Incredible!

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏

[@renovateandflip2073]

Just an incredible rebuild. So much effort gone into it.. an absolute credit to you pal

[@1968roadrunnerred]

Very cool. Happy to see people doing real hands-on work. Real skill. Mechanical art work.

[@McKluskie]

This was a really great series to watch, really looking forward to your next project.

[@KS-gv8jy]

Great to see saving these classics for future generations good job love the attention to detail

[@foggyroadie1807]

This is such a great restoration project. I had a 1983 MkI Golf GTI back in 1992. Upgraded it to a MKII 16V engine and gear box, suspension upgrade, exhaust and rear disk brake conversion. Amazing to see one of these old beauties brought back to their former glory. Well done!!

[@tech-mike321]

Can call this guy a wizard! What a transformation of a classic VW! Bing watched the Playlist and made me want a classic VW project lol! 😊

[@vartan2014]

Daaaamn! that’s how it’s done, son! Love it when a restoration of anything is meticulous w/o ANY shortcuts. Got a stiffie watching this mesmerizing display of skill. Well done!!!😊

[@wynsky21]

This video deserves a million views. So much hard work put into this. Kudos to the makers, you've just gained a new subscriber.

[@TheBeltman123]

Dude, your a legend! Amazing how many skills you have!! I found this pure art to watch! Thanks!

[@bebo104]

Thanks Dan - Great inspiration to continue with my project. I'm at the rust free shell stage and just used your discount code to buy a load of parts.

[@nesay678]

Maybe I've watched hundreds of vehicle restoration videos, but I've never seen someone who does their job so diligently and professionally.Brawo bro

[@joemangini886]

WOW. just WOW! Amazing build! you left the classic look, but turned it up to 10! LOVE IT!!!!

[@peterleid5060]

JUST LIKE MAGIC! CONGRATULATIONS ON AN AWESOME JOB. DO ANOTHER!!

[@GlenSRII]

You put your heart and soul into this one mate and it paid off well done ♥️

[@h-j.k.8971]

Astonishing amount of work well done, great accomplishment.

[@gert-jandejong1832]

Now that's dedication. Absolutely incredible work!

[@jayacourt8282]

Been so good following this one Dan, so much hard work and dedication. And glad you kept the red, just a beauty 👌🏻

[@PeterBooth-jn4gc]

When I was 18 years old, I had a 4 year old Wolfsburg edition scirocco. I bought it with the money I had been saving since my first paper route. I loved that car and have longed for it every day since my girlfriend crashed it. I had it for less than one year. Feels so good to see a hot hatch from the same period treated to so much love.

[@jameselliott9384]

Watched all of these, you have done a lovely job on it. well done

[@gilles2712]

Big Respect for the work and determination. Love the end result. Something very soothing about watching this as a Timelapse as well.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you for watching, Glad you enjoyed it.

[@UngluckInc]

Loved watching the process across IG and FB,etc etc. AS the former head fabricator at Singer, I have SSOOOOOO much appreciation for what you've put into this. I can't wait go through the process again on my Jetta. Massive respect and props for the knowledge, mental fortitude, dedication, ability, tools, tricks, passion and drive that goes into doing this to a vehicle, at this level. The support you have is also something people tend to disregard, it can not be done alone, and having the resources, friends, money and ability to dedicate time and effort is so huge. I wish to see the car in person one day.

[@spinnetti]

It can absolutely be done alone. I'd have killed for a lift and rotisserie! Its just a shi**oad of work lol (interiors are more of a pain than the rest IMO). Poverty is all the motivation you need... I did this to a 79' rabbit (rusted out), 78' Scriocco (rusted out), 77' Celica (rusted out), 79' Supra (totaled) 85' AE86 Corolla race car (totaled) and a 81' Starlet (totaled) for starters, but only because I couldn't afford new cars or even decent used cars.. I took all day Saturday bodyshop classes at the local community college which gave me access to the bodyshop and paint booth :)

[@UngluckInc]

@@spinnetti so you took classes, so that's help from others. and no one, not a single person helped you along the way..food, motivation, finding parts, getting parts, or physical labor....you did it entirely alone outside of seeking education?? Weird flex dude, I'm giving him props, why even respond?

[@dmytromykhailov3691]

huge amount of effort and dedication! one of the best videos of this kind thank you!

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you!

[@1mancity2]

Stumbled across this, Mk1 Golf was my dream car (still is) you have done a fantastic job, love it.

[@AngelJul]

What a beautiful car! Love how it turned out - precious choices for the interior, love those seats! I wish I could drive it! Congrats!

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you! It is a lot of fun to drive.

[@adamhotrod]

First class workmanship. I love to see a car restored properly like this. I'd have lost my shit seeing the state of the shell in the start.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers! I didn’t think it was as bad as it was 😂 but we got there in the end

[@55cisco93]

Honestly, that's a piece of art!

[@DbDragRacingSwiss]

Wow, this is amazing work! You have a lot of passion in what you do

[@dumafuji]

Pretty mindblowing. That was more than a restoration.

[@MarcoPereiraFerramenta-Online]

I have been following its restoration. Congratulations on the work and the restoration . 👏

[@shazandju]

Beautiful build , every aspect of it. Some skills on show.

[@petergearing4796]

WOW that body was definitely a labour of love. Good on you to bring a classic back from the crusher.

[@ricknick74]

Amazing workmanship

[@Vernonchan]

Astonishing job. What a beauty!

[@donaldkrump666]

Insane work and craftsmanship!

[@saschadiestelow8368]

Clean Job. Great Clip. Pure Joy. Nothing more to say👍

[@marcosmagri3212]

What a beautiful work! Congratulations on your care and dedication.

[@stevenmiller2837]

Truly SPECTACULAR work! You are VERY talented!

[@Gibbydogs]

Man what an incredible restoration that was,such skill and professional results.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud. Took a lot of time and taught me so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@shanetorok3293]

Seeing this makes me happy I live in Australia with the hot dry conditions. Restoring a car of a similar age and apart from red dirt everywhere, there's no rust at all.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Rust is the main problem we have here.

[@joshzimmer]

Unbelievably impressive, well done 👌

[@junkobison]

Patience and painstaking make a beautiful car. This is an amazing job man!

[@pablogranados7792]

This is another type of art, congratulations.

[@stephenfoster9009]

Great job. Especially the seam sealer on the bottom of the vehicle to prevent water from rusting out all your hard work.

[@DavidMcBay]

Outstanding job Dan, so glad to see how well this car turned out. Just goes to show that hard work really does pay off. Hopefully by the time im done with my Subaru itll be in as good a shape as this!

[@Michelpropag]

Insane home made and fantastic restoration! Tks for share!

[@fordnut4914]

Looking good. One of my favorite cars

[@darktdi85]

Tolle Arbeit und ein wirklich wunderschönes Auto!

[@energysnakepsnpl]

Amazing job, looks gorgeous 🤯

[@lutzpreuischerherkunft6173]

Sehr tolle Arbeit, diesen Golf GTI wieder Herzustellen und wie ich sehen konnte, ist er jetzt in einem besseren Zustand, als 1983 geboren wurde... danke euch

[@m3n3phisfm50]

the real definition of restoration. great job

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏 thank you bud

[@denislykov7472]

Amazing work, well done, very well done indeed! Thumbs up!

[@hawkertyphoon4537]

Man, the post blasting inspection... that was rough man.

[@ramzey7891]

Great build on this MK 1 GTI a lot of work has gone in to this build it is all about love for the project well done. Brilliant

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you! It took a lot of time and effort but was so worth it!

[@sirgaryo]

Insane levels of workmanship, talk about watching “poetry in motion”, absolutely brilliant 😍😍😍👌

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you!

[@mclark3874]

Amazing work guys gd to see old cars 🚗 kept on the road 👏 🙌

[@ValkerieSilk]

Holy Crap... This is amazing!

[@sicelolongo2388]

Great job, few people out there willing to revive cars to this level

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, Took a while but so worth it.

[@RickGTI2019]

How does one man know so much, and be so talented ? Excellent job, and time lapse video. Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴

[@vagyou_streetwear]

Awsome Work 💪🏽

[@leandrocarrasco9001]

great work

[@taffygup1272]

Fantastic transformation and hefty work and experience 💪 👏 👌

[@RaudiA4]

Looks soooo good! Great work

[@user-ql1oz9ol7r]

This is a piece of art! And you are an artist! Greetings from Greece!

[@dharminderbhambra249]

WOW that’s always been my dream car. Just like to say what a amazing job that you did on the car

[@joaorato2087]

looks amazing! i have a really bad day and this make me fell so good and relax.. with the desire to make a project to! cheers bro

[@andreasstein8302]

Great job, beautiful car 👍🏻

[@VYJ-7]

Congratulations!!! Great work!!

[@helbertdeguilmo2684]

Very mythical restoration!!!

[@aminereda6175]

Very good work, I salute you😊

[@marcionunes5416]

Parabéns, o resultado do trabalho, ficou sensacional! Um abraço do Brasil 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@ireaddekker]

A beautiful car, one of my favorites. And the restoration you did was amazing; cleaner than factory! Good job!

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you for watching and for the comment.

[@matmul4850]

Wow that's a LOT of bodywork. Top job.

[@berndschmitz5770]

Every move is perfect! Good Job 😎

[@dyarch7002]

This is sooo satisfying

[@user-yd7ni9nn7x]

Great efforts made this beautiful car!!!

[@germi1306]

Great job, perfect car!

[@cesarmiguellopezherrera5072]

Excelente! Excelente! Excelente! increíble restauración, increíble que lo sepas hacer todo... Saludos desde Morelia Michoacán México.

[@gman5523]

Absolutely brilliant. Very talented man great work 👍👏

[@Frank-hg9rl]

Man, i'm jealous of your skills! When i watch someone like you, it makes me relaxe....Good job! 🤙

[@steva30]

blast from the past!

[@SalwanJBinni]

Astonishing!

[@Slay3975]

just amazing.... Well done

[@kainep]

Amazing work!!!

[@informyourself4074]

That was an amazing job!

[@fidanzogaj6440]

Amazing job! Loved the video and the car work .. thanks

[@waynerigsby7330]

OUTSTANDING BROTHER!!!!!

[@thrashstronaut]

Amazing job. Could never imagine making something so beautiful. Only this i would have done different is keeping and reconditioning the rims in the samer colour.

[@Derfgrebennar]

Deutsches Qualitätstsprodukt aber nicht nicht für die Ewigkeit gebaut. Gut dass es Liebhaber gibt,die es für Zukunft erhalten. Super Arbeit!

[@AnteFuerst]

Crazy work.... Good Job 👍

[@superradada]

It's totaly amazing!!! Just i love the old BBS....except that it's a colossal work and it's fabulous.Thx for this vid!

[@TrsBo]

Great job! 👏

[@georgesitjar4154]

Great job, its amazing and make me smile. 😊 respect!!!

[@etinni8716]

Keep up the good work buddy