Considering a Mk2/Mk1 Cavalier to restore

[Cavalier342]

So been looking around tonight, really want to get my clutches into a Mk1 or Mk2 Cavalier, loads about, some are a few grand, but seen some really nice looking GL spec Mk2 ones for a few hundred quid bidding, in the rare pale blue colour like my old China Blue Mk3.

Thing is I love my Mk3's and I don't want to break either just yet, but the auto is heading that way slowly, what I wanted to know is, what are parts like for availability for the earlier ones? I know there's always headlamps and tail lights etc on ebay for Mk2 Cavaliers, but generally speaking is it still viable to restore one? I love the look of the early mark saloons, not keen on hatchbacks, but the saloons look proper nice in my opinion.

No solid plans just yet but really am thinking this over....

[planetc]

Learn to weld and you will probably manage

[Envoy CDX]

Learn to weld and you will probably manage

What he said.
Some of the MK2's and MK1's I've seen and looked at are more jigsaw puzzles than cars.
Learn to weld (and fabricate panels) and you'll be fine.

[Cavalier342]

Cheers for the heads up... May have to give it a bash at some point.

[James McGrath]

Great idea!

If you want something different go for a MK1 and enjoy some RWD fun.

Otherwise MK2 would probably be an easier restoration.

[Cavalier342]

Great idea!

If you want something different go for a MK1 and enjoy some RWD fun.

Otherwise MK2 would probably be an easier restoration.

I wouldn't mind either.... love the massive dashboards on the Mk2's But then again the Mk1 has the proper classic looks.... Definitely not for drifting, I just want a restoration project. Maybe I'll make a decision one day, who knows. I thought it's best going for an earlier Cavalier mark as I'm fairly familiar with the Mk3, even if they're not that much related.....

[Envoy CDX]

I prefer the look of the mk1, but thw,familiarity of the j platform of the mk2.

Mk3 really is a heavily facelifted mk2 anyhow, with curves.

[humbucker]

I love the mk2, would love a Calibre or an SRi hatch, but get to grips with your Mk3 first, they're likely to be a lot more forgiving than the Mk1/Mk2 rotboxes.

[btcctroy]

I'm considering a mk1 astra or mk2 cavalier.
Anything this old really has to be cared for so learning to weld is a must.

[James McGrath]

I honestly think the MK2 SRi hatch is one of the best looking cars to come out of the 80's. Must be a hatchback however.

MK1 sports hatch isn't bad looking either though.

[Envoy CDX]

I'm considering a mk1 astra or mk2 cavalier.
Anything this old really has to be cared for so learning to weld is a must.

Exactly.

I honestly think the MK2 SRi hatch is one of the best looking cars to come out of the 80's. Must be a hatchback however.

MK1 sports hatch isn't bad looking either though.

Hatchbacks rule.

[Envoy CDX]

Have to say, tempted isn't the word..
MK1


But I have too much on already!

[Kevwaggy]

I can't look at a mk1 without wondering if a v6 will fit in it

[Envoy CDX]

I can't look at a mk1 without wondering if a v6 will fit in it

Probably when you start looking at Omega V6's and boxes.

[vauxhallnutter]

Parts are still a plenty for the mk1 and 2 if you know where to look, the owners clubs are the best place to start and e-bay occasionally brings up the goodies. There are still quite a few clean 1 and 2's that come up but like clean 3's they command top money but then you would most likely spend the extra and more welding up a rotter!

Good luck in your search

[Cavalier342]

Cheers dude, you never know when a bargain comes up

[James McGrath]

This looks like a good one if you're still thinking about getting one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-VAUXHALL ... 27e5f703f8

[Cavalier342]

Thanks James. Does look ok.....

I've kind of shelved the idea for now.... Although it's not forgotten!

[Metallicav]

I quite like mk1 and 2 Cavs, especially a black mk1 GLS. Someone my mate knows has recently bought a Sky Blue mk1 as a project.

[VauxhallGirl]

I owned three Mk1's. Loved them all...but my fave was a jade green 1.9 coupe. Nice.

[planetc]

Tidy mk1 started parking outside one of the local motor factors, will try and get a photo