Last week we scored a 1989 8v Canadian Scirocco. We ran the VIN through Carfax and it looked like it was a well-maintained car. We bought it sight unseen at a decent price. We knew nothing about the car except for the fact that it was straight and looked fairly complete. The owner disclose the fact that it had a bad radiator and needed a battery.
All the photos looked great so we made a offer and send a tow truck to pick it up. This is how it came in. See photos.
The paint was very oxidized. But after buffing a small section, we were pleasantly surprised that the paint looked so good.
It was missing a driver side door card, window switch and the wiring was disconnected. Luckily most of the stuff was easily fixable and the hardest part of this car will be bringing the paint back to life.
Stay tuned for more updates on this project as a progress.
The Canada Rocc Project Part 1: Rescuing a 1989 Mk2 Scirocco
Starting a new restoration project often begins with a bit of a gamble. At WestCoastRoccos, we recently took that leap by acquiring a 1989 8v Canadian Scirocco. After running a Carfax and verifying its maintenance history, we purchased the vehicle sight unseen. While buying a car without a physical inspection carries risks, the potential for a “straight and complete” shell was too good to pass up. Consequently, the “Canada Rocc Part 1” has officially entered our shop to begin its journey back to perfection.
Assessing the Initial Condition
The previous owner disclosed a few known mechanical issues before the car arrived. Specifically, the Scirocco needed a new battery and a replacement radiator to become roadworthy. However, the real story began when the tow truck dropped the car off at our facility. We found a vehicle that was remarkably straight but definitely showed its age through years of exposure.
The exterior paint suffered from heavy oxidation, which hid the car’s true potential. Fortunately, we performed a test buff on a small section of the bodywork. The results were pleasantly surprising. As a result, we now know that beneath that dull surface lies a finish worth saving. While bringing the paint back to life will be the most time-consuming task, the foundation is solid.
Tackling the Interior and Mechanical Gremlins
Every 30-year-old Volkswagen comes with a list of small electrical and interior mysteries. For instance, the Canada Rocc arrived with the driver-side door card removed and the window switch wiring disconnected. Furthermore, several small trim pieces were missing from the cabin. We prioritize these “easy wins” to get the car functional while we plan the larger restoration phases.
Our team quickly identified the missing components and began the sourcing process. Specifically, we are using our deep inventory of Mk2 parts to replace the broken switches and missing panels. Thus, we can ensure the interior meets our high standards before moving on to the more difficult aesthetic work. Because we specialize in these platforms, we have the resources to fix these issues correctly the first time.
Why We Document Our Builds
We share projects like the Canada Rocc Part 1 to show enthusiasts the reality of vintage car restoration. In fact, documenting the “before” state is just as important as the final unveiling. Moreover, these builds allow us to test and develop new products in real-world scenarios. Ultimately, we want to inspire other Scirocco owners to take on their own projects, knowing that even an oxidized “sight unseen” car can become a masterpiece.
We are excited to see how this Canadian import transforms over the coming months. As a result, you can expect regular updates as we move from basic repairs to advanced paint correction and performance tuning. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the technical details of this 8v build.
Join the Restoration Journey
Do you have a classic Scirocco that needs a new lease on life? The Canada Rocc is just one example of how we “make it right” at WestCoastRoccos. Stop worrying about the state of your project and start your restoration today. Browse our shop for the same high-quality parts we are using on this build, including specialized 020 transmission hardware and Mk2 electrical kits.
Follow our blog for the next update on the Canada Rocc. We will soon reveal the full results of our paint restoration and interior repairs. Trust WestCoastRoccos to provide the parts, expertise, and inspiration you need for your own legendary Volkswagen!
