(UK) Opel Kadett GSi-16v Champion..... In grey

[8valve-craig]

Im off tomorrow to buy a champion. Its a RHD Opel kadett (I think) in grey and although i should technically start the thread tomorrow, Im like a child at christmas so will start it now.

Basically its off a friend who i've not seen for years. He's owned it for 4 years and previous to that another friend had it for 3 or 4 years. Its got all the right marks pointing to it being a genuine imported champ.

It wants a lot of bodywork and a full respray, but im hoping its not much worse than the last time i saw it. Also its been a daily driver up until now so really cant be too bad structurally.

Pics tomorrow. Collecting it at noon

[8valve-craig]

Right then, pics as promised. Been to look at it today and gave it a once over. Basically its a lot better than i expected, Needing just 1 rear arch, both front wings, nearly a complete O/s outer sill and a coat of paint. The floorpan, bulkhead and O/s steering rack mount seem fine, but until i remove the sound deadening wont know for sure.

Needless to say it is now Mine.....

A couple of strange goings on, so i will bullet point them

Logbooked simply as "opel kadett"
Engine number on the logbook C20xe
Special notes on logbook, "purchased and registered overseas. Imported to uk in sept 1993"
Has the genuine 636 leather stamp
NON sunroof shell
NO electric mirrors
NO pop out rear windows
NO headlight washers

Decals look genuine, 5 genuine champion alloys. Leather is strangely worn on the passenger side but it has definately not been converted from LHD

[8valve-craig]

Obviously there is the issue with the N/s leather damage. Cant really explain it as the car definately hasnt been RHD converted, But it is definately LHD leather with the height adjuster on the N/s and fixed height on the O/s.

Plans are to give it a light restoration, consisting of rear arches, wings and sills, Then a respray, new graphics and standard twin square exhaust. Will be getting all 8 bolsters re-trimmed then keep it for fair weather use only.

[the-darkhorse]

can i paint that please ??????????

[8valve-craig]

Nick.... You are more than welcome. Hopefully be around March time.

Probably get away with leaving the roof. Unless you want to do that too.

[pie]

love it buddy

[rc]

looks good, some strange things there with the spec, or lack of it. might be worth seeing if you can find any info on other champs in europe, as some mk3 gsi's did come with manual mirrors and windy windows over there too. the seat wear is a real wierd one though. if it had of been over there all its life then id put it down to the origional leather interior was ripped or something and obviously over there you'd only be able to get second hand lhd stuff, but as its been over here for the last 18years getting its wear and tear it doesnt make sence would be good to find out some of the mysterys though

[8valve-craig]

I found this thread from 2004. I dont think it relates to my car as the one they are talking about has manual front windows. But otherwise you would be forgiven for thinking it was this one the guy was off to view

kadett gsi 16v rhd??????

It actually hurts my brain thinking about it. Because both front seats are LHD, But its been here since 1993.

All i can think is that a corner was cut in a german factory and when it got specced for RHD they only had LHD frames. doesnt explain the wear but maybe he had a fat wife?

[Gordo]

Wear on the seat(s) may simply be due to one or both being replaced with those from a LHD vehicle - perhaps the original(s) had been replaced with full buckets at some time - of the entire interior was replaced with a leather one for some reason?

[pie]

dont know weather it the light or any thing but the leather also looks like a grey'ish colour

my connelly leather is black, but could be tha light tho

[Benn]

Could be a stunning car dude, nice buy.

[8valve-craig]

Thanks benn. Thinking of maybe going all out and getting it ready for the summer.

Regarding the wear on the N/s leather i reckon they both wore and the drivers one was repaired at some point.

I got a little more confirmation today pointing to it being a genuine GSi champion. I was already aware of the 636 stamp on the vin tag. But made a call to where it is being stored and had it confirmed that the vin tag matches the chassis stamp and log book. All is well.

Then found this sticker. Which shows its maybe a german one and that it came from the factory with 15" (champion) wheels.

[Frisco]

Opels got that no matter where they were built as far as I know mate, at least all the ones ive had (which is a fair few) did

[crombievts]

i would be happy to have any mk2 astra

[rickya130]

Good luck with the build mate, im sure its going to be stunning when done

[8valve-craig]

Opels got that no matter where they were built as far as I know mate, at least all the ones ive had (which is a fair few) did

Ah i see. But surely they dont all say 185 / 55 / 15 ?

[Frisco]

They usually have a choice

[8valve-craig]

You are saying then that europeans / Irish could spec thier standard GSi16v's with champion 15" wheels?

[Frisco]

Na just that the tags usually have a choice of tyre sizes. Can't say ive ever paid much attention to them.

[Pitstoppete]

cant wait to see this in the flesh fella.


get it sorted and then to Billing!

[8valve-craig]

Hopefully. depends how much i want to use the nova next year really though.

Found this..........

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

[Benn]

When you off to collect it then?

[8valve-craig]

I was meant to get it yesterday but with all the family festivities decided to leave it.

Its all payed for so will definately be this week.

And its overfueling and running a bit crap, so i need to get it before the tax runs out incase i need an RAC recovery.

[8valve-craig]

Finally pulled my finger out and recovered the GSi last night, All went well, Didnt really want to drive it home as its 80 odd miles and as mentioned its got a bit of a fueling problem so just stuck it on the back of a lorry.



Had it taken straight to the unit where it will now stay until ready for paint.



One more picture of the rotton arch....



Forgot to check the milage when i viewed it, But 124k isnt too bad ey. Cant really be picky anyway, Its not like i would have turned it down regardless of the milage



And finally the retro stereo i found in the glovebox. I just presumed the stereo had no front when i bought it but it was a nice suprise. Really suits the car i reckon



Im real pleased to have it back, Not sure how im going to find time for it yet but im sure it will all fall into place nicely.

Found out a bit about the leccy window install too. Another friend of mine owned it for a few years before the guy i bought it off and he fitted them. They are GM motors and mech's, with mk1 astra GTE switches. It originally had the keep fit style that all european ones got, But he sourced some uk doorcards for £150 so did the install himself.

[8valve-craig]

I had to pull it out to plaster the wall its on today so got a chance to see the N/S properly. First time really as it was against the wall when i bought it, collected it in the dark then put it against the wall again.

All is well, minor ding in the door and some shoddy patchwork on the sill and arch but no worse than can be expected.