Hey Guys, Well the time has finally come for my restoration work to start. I've got a 1986 Series 1 Factory Calais Turbo with leather interior. I've owned it for 8 years and havent really spent much on it. Its all original except for the stereo and ct.com.au sticker, and I still have the original stereo if I want to take it all the way back. Its been daily driven and used to tow the boat and has had a track day out at Wanneroo. (Standard VLT brakes are a bit hairy around there all day.) Seen as now its starting to show its age I have decided to start putting some money into it, so on Tuesday its off to get all the rust removed and prepared for some new paint. A few photos of the rust problem... I'm also building a new & improved engine, I havent decided if I'm keeping it original or not yet but I'm thinking of going for a sleeper look with the polished calais rims and a decent engine under the bonnet. I'll keep updating this thread with progress pics etc. If anyone needs any advice or parts (I have plenty of them) send me a PM I'm happy to help people out. Cheers, Oliver. Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Good stuff mate... Looking forward to seeing how your car turns out!

damn thats ashame about the amount of rust, goodluck!

bloody ripper...thats alot of rust Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

nothing a couple of new panels won't fix... bring on the rebuild!

Nice boat got any pics?

hahaha pete aka rex hunt gets a woody over the boat

hahaha will be looking shmick again soon!

thats a tornament yeah?? i fit those boats out at hayway haha well till they changed their name gluck with the car,, lotsa skin cancer to fix $$$$$ Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Good on ya Oli, will be good to see the car looking mint man. Thats a lot of rust but the end result when its all fixed will look the goods. Good Luck man

That is alot of rust Oliver. After living with that for a few years, the difference after all the removal of the rust will probably be a welcome change on your behalf. Hope it goes well and look forward to seeing more progress pics. Matt

lol Rust: the cheap man's weight reduction Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Good luck oli... cant wait to see the finish project. go the sleeper.

yo!! Good work ol!! Nice to see you have committed to the VL. 8 years is a good haul plus the next 2 or so you will spend building it... then the years of enjoyment post build!! I say keep with the original theme - love the burgundy colour scheme (wish i still had my burgundy one ), leather mmmmm but with a swish donk Catch up soon! Stevie Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Good luck with the build. Looks like this beast has been for a swim with that boat. it would be great to see some step by step repair pics on this car.

mmmm its a vl and once u start doing it up... the rust wouldve been the smallest of ur problems this car is sik and i heard its damn good on fuel.... goodluck! Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Thanks for the comments guys, fair bit of work but I think it will be worth it in the end! I'll get some pics of the new engine etc up as well for you to have a look at. Burgo88: Yeah its a Tournament Stevie: Yeah keeping the original colours, the champagne colour in the door moulds looks awesome in decent light. Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Just got back from dropping the car off with Gary @ Malaga Rust Repairs. Anyting that is rusty is getting removed fixed properly and ready for new paint. Decided to go to a one piece seal as they fit a lot better then the standard seal. He's taking progress pics for me so I'll post them up as I get them.... Here is a photo of the new engine, genuine A8 block, that cam is only a standard turbo one, wont be using it will be going aftermarket. Still a long way to go but will be awesome when finished! Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Its started man - thats all that counts at this point!! You've got the motor to work on too - whilst the body is getting done!

Just went and had a look at the car, its looks awesome! Nearly done so should be able to cruise on Friday night Some original photos have not been recovered yet.