Stu's '88 GTX

[88GTX]

This is my GTX, which has been off the road for long enough that it needs a fair amount of work. I gather it was one of the last batch of GTXs, having Le Castellet wheels and body coloured arches and skirts. I retired it in 2005 with about 230k miles, because it was getting more difficult to start from cold, it had major clutch cable damage to the bulk head (bodged with a piece of Dexion) and the clutch pushrod oil seal was leaking oil onto the clutch. Apart from that, now it has some cosmetic problems from standing: the rubber bump strips are peeling off, the black finish on the B pillar is coming off and it has some rust that needs sorting.

The good: I've had it since 1993 so I know most of its history. It has a TSR 1.9 bottom end, ported head and intake, 50mm throttle body, Kent cam, Autocavan stainless exhaust, H&R springs, Koni dampers, poly bushes all round and 270mm front brakes (Autocavan kit, huge improvement over the stock brakes).

The bad: rust around the door handles and bottom of door skins, huge hole in the bulkhead, clutch slipping, driver's seat frame broken, gear linkage knackered (relay shaft very sloppy and relay lever loose fit), dent in OSF wing, broken tail light and probably many other things yet to be discovered.

I miss driving it though, and this year I want to get it sorted, or at least make it driveable again.

Old photo, circa 2002:

[the edmundator]

Good luck getting it back on the road, it definitely sounds like it would be a great drive when in fine fettle. I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here if you need it.

[88GTX]

Was at my parents' house, so took some photos under the cover. I figured it would need some welding - how bad does this look?

[Risocco]

Good luck dude :)

[eefy]

Fingers crossed it will make it to the National Meet in August ;)

Are you planning and modifications as part of the resto?

[88GTX]

Thanks for the good wishes. I think I need to deal with the rust first, then worry about getting it running, then mods after that. It's already lowered and I wouldn't change out the TSR engine now. If I can get it back on the road and presentable, I would like to fit some 15x7 wheels eventually.

Any advice on repairing the sills and floorpan? I think this is the year I learn to weld...

[mark1gls]

Hello 88GTX, Has the car been started over the last 11 years or just left? If it's been left please don't try sticking in some more petrol and a battery and turning the key as you may cause damage to the injection system or engine, best to service and clean out the fuel system and engine before trying, petrol goes off after about 6 months and can turn rather nasty after 11 years and you don't want to suck it through the fuel system into the engine.