Polo Restoration Project #3 - Another 66TSI

[Sharkie]

I really should stay off the Pickles website ....

Came across this little red 66TSI (2015 manual) and snapped it up.







With only 73000km, it was too good to not try and rescue it.

Low front hit it looked like and expected the usual suspects, radiator support, radiator, AC condensor, intercooler, bumper, grilles and lights.

[Lucas_R]

Far out has that Polo been written off by insurance for such a small amount of damage? What a waste!

[Sharkie]

Far out has that Polo been written off by insurance for such a small amount of damage? What a waste!

These always look like minimal damage, but it is always what you can't see that gets you. Most repairers will quote the insurance full retail price for OEM parts and that very quickly makes it uneconomical to repair.

Parts needed to repair with rounded OEM costs was radiator cradle ($900), radiator ($800), AC Condensor ($800), Intercooler radiator ($700), aircon compressor control valve ($260), front bar ($1000), lower front grilles ($600), L+R running light housings ($600), intercooler radiator hose ($150), oil pan ($1000), paint ($1500) plus some other odds and ends = $8300 to repair + labour.

As a private person to reduce those costs you have to turn to wreckers, FB marketplace and overseas suppliers. In some instances the only option would be OEM though. I got everything needed for the repair for ~$3000. Total ORC of $4500 including the $1100 for the car delivered from Pickles.

[Sharkie]

1 of the big surprises was the extent of damage to the oil pan.




OEM cost ~$1000, found a "OEM" replacement (made for VW China) on Aliexpress for $170 delivered.

[Sharkie]

My brother in law is a spraypainter so a new aftermarket/grey bumper (perfect fit) for $214.50 was acquired and painted (cost less than $200 in supplies).




Aftermarket/grey lower grilles ($120) and running lights (aftermarket/grey for $170) fitted.

[Sharkie]

Fixed, roadworthy and ready for its WOVI (written off vehicle inspection)


WOVI passed

[Sharkie]

And now registered on the road with some 16" alloys. Perfectly useable restored 66TSI.

[Sharkie]

Incidentally, having my brother-in-law here visiting, we decided to refurbish a few sets of alloys we had lying around the shed taking up space.

Filled, sanded and taped ready for spraying



1st coat -



End result - 1 set gloss black, 1 set gunmetal, 1 set silver.

[Lucas_R]

Great result and what a cool little runabout for $4500. What are your plans with it? Will you sell it or keep it do you think?

Wheels turned out nicely too - very handy to know someone who has painting skills.