View Full Version : Arosa Repair Thread
lunalupi
19-02-2007, 20:33
Thought I would pop a quick thread up to keep everyone updated with the progress on repairing my Arosa :)
He is currently in a bodyshop, having the front end stripped down ready to start putting bits back on, straightening him up and generally getting on with everything.
The donor car will be brought up this week, and left at the bodyshop so all the parts are available nice and quick for the guys to use.
The bonnet was opened today, so here are the pics (very bad ones, it was cold and i only had my camera phone! :redface: ):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Picture2-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Picture3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Picture4-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Picture1-1.jpg
It seems having a little engine may have saved him - there used to be about a foot of space between the important bits and the front of the car, and the crash bar and slam panel have soaked up alot of the impact. :)
I think he's worth repairing. He doesn't deserve the scrapyard :love:
quick 'Q'.. did you decide *how* to get the donor up there??
F**k a dog loops your were lucky there. Its doesnt look too bad - although thats coming from someone who knows bugger all about cars !!! :D
lunalupi
19-02-2007, 22:08
I'm getting it brought up on a lowloader. Even calculating in the cost of that, the whole car is costing under £500 which is gonna help keep costs down :) Plus selling the spares to raise money to pay the bodyshop!
Theres a little more room in reality that there looks in that pic - but the chassis leg is/was about 3mm away from hitting my alternator! eek! Luckily alot of that plastic that looks quite close to the engine is actually an overhang - Arosa owners will know what I mean if you go look under your bonnets
ouch - nasty.
Glad your repairing it though! :)
Triple D
19-02-2007, 22:13
Hope it all gets sorted ASAP and you get you lickle car back soon :D
YAY its coming back
stickers an all
Good to so a little Seat's life being saved :)
A heart tranceplant would be a good idea.....lupo gti engine ;)
lunalupi
20-02-2007, 11:15
Thats a plan for the future ;) Something that includes a new engine, throttle bodies or a supercharger.....
.......and me being 25 so my insurance is cheaper :redface:
Thats a plan for the future ;) Something that includes a new engine, throttle bodies or a supercharger.....
.......and me being 25 so my insurance is cheaper :redface:
won the student lottery
nobody told me about that until id already graduated
You DO realise your now becoming a member of a privelidged group, dontcha... those of us that have/are bringing back seats from the brink of ..well lets not talk about that... but , good on yer for getting this sorted. :)
seli_babe
20-02-2007, 14:29
Damn girl... you really took it out on that post didn't ya..
Glad you're getting it fixed up, hope the donor car does you good hun :D
PS... be careful on your bike won't you...
lunalupi
20-02-2007, 15:30
Got my quote for the repairs now.
Including the cost of:
Towing my car to the bodyshop
Buying the donor car
Towing the donor car from Swindon to Leicester
Labour
Materials
it comes to *cough*£1500*cough*
I don't think thats too bad really, and I doubt I'd be able to buy a replacement thats in as good condition as mine for that much. Plus it wouldn't be my baby. This one is special, he has muchos sentimental value to me :love:
p.s. I think I can now join the slightly obsessed group who repair cars when everyone else looks at them funny and says 'why not just get a new one', then starts edging away when you reply 'but its my baby! He can't go to the scrapyard yet'. Hehe
Wait until the summer holidays and I might find you pootling down to Eastbourne to perch upon a fine deckchair and adhorn your head with a fetching knotted hanky !! Other possibles include discussing the war and the sixties. :p
gazjones
20-02-2007, 19:30
glad everything is getting sorted nic would be a shame to let the car go! good luck with everything and hope its sorted sooner rather than later for you
lunalupi
21-02-2007, 18:59
I've had so many people ask me why I'm bothering to repair him! They just go 'its only metal and plastic, and you're paying that much to fix it up? Just buy a new one!'
Am I really mad to be fixing up this car? :( Only I'd much rather have this one that I know all his problems, and trust to start everyday and get me around, pretty much perfect bodywork - than start over with a new car that I know none of the history, could have any number of problems with.....
On a side note - anyone want any Arosa parts?
I dont think your mad Loops (well not in this sense he he he :redface: the rest is debatable). You wouldnt put a healthy dog with a broken leg to sleep if all it needed was plaster ? Dont justify it just get on with the job in hand ! You will have the peace of mind to know you have brought your wee Awsie back to life :D Even if you are destroying My Viv's twin (Butcher !!) How much are you asking for the parts I emailed you about ??
awful lot to be said for sentimental value
chuffed for you that your getting him back-with hairs on his chest and everything
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 11:25
Oh good, I did start to worry :redface:
Well, we went to see the two Arosas this morning! Drove the donor around, and boy am I glad I have mine - its in a terrible state: engine whine, incredibly high cluch, handbrake travels about 3 miles before stopping, and it might have an oil leak around the top of the engine.
Its the perfect example of why I am repairing mine :D
I did find out a bit of a coincidence - it was first registered 1 day before mine, on the 27th of Feb 1998. Mine was registered on the 28th - they're almost exactly the same age....... :-o
Tailgate and bumper are good if you still want them GG :)
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 17:05
The bodyshop just sent me this picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/22022007.jpg
:D
Got him straightened up now, and he was test fitting the panels to make sure it all lined up. Yay!
Think of the smoothing work that could be done while its in ;)
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 17:30
Oh, don't worry - some smoothing is already taking place ;) Along with a few other little touches I've been meaning to get done!
UncleFester
22-02-2007, 17:36
Hehehe patchwork car Nic ;) Good to see it coming along quickly though
He he he Get them to send you a bigger picture and you can use in on christmas cards ! 'Awsie Does Christmas' Looking good though they work pretty quick !
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 17:53
Hehe, I thought that too! Someone else has said it looks a bit like a dragon. And about 3 have said I should keep him like that cos it looks cool!
But he's really going well at the mo. All seems to be well *touch wood*
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 21:06
Latest update from the bodyshop, in pictures :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/1-bonnetbutchered.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/2-weldingnewstrut.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/4-maskedup.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/5-sealed.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/6-twoarosas.jpg
Triple D
22-02-2007, 21:11
Now that green looks :cool:
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 21:20
Stop saying that! :lol: You are the 5th person now to say it looks cool multicoloured.
Its going reed, the green just doesn't work with the white alloys....or the ones I'm refurbing black!
:cry: Its my cars twin I tell you :cry:
Hey its all in a good cause ;) means there is one less Green metallic one on the road !!!
Slighty puzzeled, would it not of been easier to take the good bits from the red arosa to the green one and not fork out for all that straightening/bodywork/paint?
Or have I missed somthing?
lunalupi
22-02-2007, 21:28
You've missed alot - I paid £400 for the green one, and you can tell why. There's rust on the rear OS arch, front NS pillar and on the leading edge of the roof. The engine squeaks like theres a mouse city in there, the clutch is going and it handles like a boat :lol: Plus it failed the MOT and needed work doing.
Mine on the other hand is exactly the same age and milage, has not one spot of rust, has a custom exhaust fitted, coilies, a really good engine, passes his MOT with flying colours everytime and is generally in fabby condition!
Plus its mine, and I'm rather attached to it.....
Didn't realise the green one was a shed - as you were...:)
lunalupi
24-02-2007, 15:30
Arosa coming back on monday, arosa coming back on monday! :bounce:
Wohoo !!! They did that quickly ! :clap:
gazjones
24-02-2007, 18:20
that is really quick!
have you thought about putting the other engine in the back :lol:
driveforward
24-02-2007, 19:57
That was a quick turn around, make sure you post up some finished pics :)
lunalupi
24-02-2007, 20:08
It was quick - its because he only has a small workshop, so they get one car inside and work on it till its done, then get the next car in and so on...!
I'll be sure to get some nice pictures for everyone! Can't wait to have him back :D
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 00:33
And the update at the end of today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/7-primered.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/8-primered.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/9-painted.jpg
And look at that shine - no stone chips!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Accident/11bonnet.jpg
Only one day to wait until we're reunited! :D
Is that a smooth bumper I spy ?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 00:36
Well....it would have been rude not to get a few extra things I wanted done ;)
gazjones
25-02-2007, 00:44
dont blame you you had the rear bumper done as well? looks really nice now nic
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 00:52
Yep - good thing too, the garage discovered that the argument we had with a van last year had crumpled in my crash bar! So thats replaced and strong again now :)
gazjones
25-02-2007, 00:58
ah cool is the rest of the car being cut back to match that super shiney front end?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 01:00
Rest of the car hasn't been touched - although he's in such good condition a good clean and polish will bring it up to match! :)
gazjones
25-02-2007, 01:03
cant wait to see out come, has the smoothing cost you much more than it would have if it was just sprayed?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 01:05
Not much more, about £50, and he sprayed up my wing mirrors too.
gazjones
25-02-2007, 01:07
cant complain about that then thats a good price. is the bottom of the rear bumper still plastic colour?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 01:09
Yep, I decided to buck the trend and stick with unpainted lowers. Couldn't get the idea I wanted for the front to work in reality so decided to leave it rather than compromise
gazjones
25-02-2007, 01:14
you had the exhaust cut oyt done again then and neatened up?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 10:54
Must have done - bumper won't fit without cutting the exhaust bits out!
Ibiza Monkey
25-02-2007, 13:08
Is that you back on the stand at ulimate dubs then?
lunalupi
25-02-2007, 13:18
No, unfortunately :( My place is already filled
But I did cheekily email the organisers and say I'd be there if anyone dropped out of the top 100 show and shine ;)
Nic, to say Im impressed would be an understatement!!
the 'turn-around' has been phenominal and the work seems to be of the highest order.. you were right to keep your motor. I was really saddened the day I sold my 'Red-shed' as I had done so much to it, it felt 'me' in a sense.. the Cupra (cat 'C') that replaced it didnt.. but has started to recently..still a touch of bodywork left to do then get the respraying done got a few little ideas too that will hopefully come to fruition.:)
just saying to the missus, I understand your sentiments re your 'baby'.. they can get that way, cant they ;) she also said would it be worth me taking my car to Liec's to get the sprayig done there as he's done such a good job of your. :):)
lunalupi
26-02-2007, 18:08
Look whos baaaaack :D :D :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/back.jpg
With a few alterations:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/frontbumper.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/Backbumper.jpg
So extremely happy right now, I'm grinning like a cheshire cat. Doesn't he look lovely :love:
UncleFester
26-02-2007, 18:16
He looks a whole lot better Nic, no more swirls either!
smoothed bumpers? looks great
lunalupi
26-02-2007, 18:27
Yep, smoothed bumpers, and colour coded wing mirrors. They used a bit of fibreglass on the bumpers too, to make them stand up to flexing a bit better.
And I would definatly recommend them to anyone. They've done a grear job in a very short amount of time! :D
Martin M
26-02-2007, 18:31
Looks awesome!
looks great nic just try and keep it that way eh
Those smoothed out bumpers look really, really nice on the MK1 Arosa [B)]
I defo think I may try and book my wee Arosa in to have it done in time for the summertime.
How long did it take to get the work on the bumpers completed?
lunalupi
26-02-2007, 19:17
It took them three days in all to do all the repairs, and that was them working on my car flat out for all that time.
Expect a couple of days, as they'll need to let them dry and cure properly before putting them back on the car. :)
Looks stunning Loops, like the smoothed bumpers :D Is it strange seeing him back when you thought he had gone ? Almost very emotional I bet !! :redface:
driveforward
26-02-2007, 20:13
Smoothed bumpers look ace, and one hell of a quick turn around!
brilliant job in the timescale
dont think it could have been done better if they had spent a fortnight
glad you have him back
needs some hairs on his chest now
lol
Ibiza Monkey
26-02-2007, 22:17
The bumpers look really good. I would like to get mine done but i dont think they would be as simple as yours to do. The detailling sits slightly proud of the bumper.
Looking very nice....
Bet your please to have him back ..
lunalupi
26-02-2007, 22:30
I am so chuffed :D I was out driving this evening just enjoying it.
Glad everyone likes his new look!
looking very tidy! Cleans the way to do it!
Triple D
26-02-2007, 23:20
looks fantastic chap :D
Loops you coming to Brum on Sunday??
would be good to see the little beastie :)
might actually give me the boot in the ass I need to get back to sorting mine, too..
lunalupi
27-02-2007, 08:29
Yep, I'm coming :) You can all admire him and say how good he looks! hehehe
Oh, and Triple D - I'm a lass, not a chap ;)
are you sure?
heheheheh
Given the way she referr's to her wee Arosa as `him` oh yeah I'm sure she's a lass ;)
lunalupi
27-02-2007, 19:37
I am pretty sure I'm female ;) *checks* Yep, I'm female alright!
Triple D
27-02-2007, 21:03
Yep, I'm coming :) You can all admire him and say how good he looks! hehehe
Oh, and Triple D - I'm a lass, not a chap ;)
oops shit :hide: didnt i tell devonmikeyboy off for calling you a chap before? :runaway: sowwy honey
lunalupi
27-02-2007, 21:07
A couple of better pics to finish up with :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/front2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/lunalupi/My%20Arosa/Repaired/back2.jpg
A set of 14"s and a good slam would finnish that off perfect :)
Paint finnish looks spot on, you must be well happy
lunalupi
27-02-2007, 21:57
Never, 14s look too small, at least with the 15s I can go low but still make it over speed bumps and onto garage ramps.
And anyway, I like the rally look :)
Its is a good finish - I had it out under streetlamps last night, couldn't pick out the new panels!