Red Rallye resto

[Ben_w]

So, today was about stripping down the front end as much as possible.

Started by taking out the bumper and slam panel off. Not impressed with what I found (see previous post...) but not much I can do about that now. Explains the panel gaps. So, with that lot out of the way, I'm left with this.



Generally doesn't look too bad. One of the three tabs on the bottom of the bumper is broken, along with the grill section in the bumper. No issue there as ive a brand new grill in the packet in the garage. Bumper I'll probably end up replacing. There is one bolt out of the bumper through the slam panel that's just turning when I try and remove the nut. New slam panel and bumper onto the shopping list.

Rest of the frame behind the bumper doesn't look too bad. Not sure if this side has had some work, doesn't look like factory seam sealant...



This side looks OK



So, once cleaned up with some G101 and the radiator removed, it looked OK...



Fair bit of surface rust, looks to have been painted over on the passenger side of the engine bay. Still, no real issue.

Removed the battery, battery box, ECU, and as much in the way of other bits as I could.



There isn't anything now I can remove without the engine being removed. So, this week all being well before I go into hospital, the Rallye will be moved to my friends unit. Having had the engine in and out of his GTi-6 3 times in the last two weeks, we kind of know our way around them now! Engine will then be taken out, the engine bay stripped entirely and I'm now looking at removing the front wings too and having the whole lot blasted by a mobile blaster.