What's
the story so far?
In need of an every day car, I purchased my 1981 505
STI (551 A14) in December 1998 for a bargain. It
was a three-owner car and bit rough, but I loved it so much
that I decided to keep it. It also brought back fond memories
of my Dad's 505 GL I drove sometimes when 18 years old...
While clocking up 30.000 km in it's first year it needed
new brakes (rear ones were seized), exhaust, Michelin
TR 185 tyres, Monroe dampers front & rear and
a new radiator. I also performed a rolling
restauration, starting with the rotten nearside McPherson
strut which had to go. Next, the Bosch
K-Jetronic fuel injection needed very much testing and
replacing, but since it works like it should.
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The
sunroof was replaced
and overhauled, surface rust removed and some body panels
replaced (matching the metallic brown paint gave
major headache), window winder motors overhauled, the central-locking
put to work, new rear lights fitted and most bulbs in
the dash and console replaced - now all the electrickery
works faultless (well, almost...). The suspension was
re-bushed, along with new wheel-bearings, and new
badges glued on the boot lid. I also fitted AMIL alloys
and US-headlight assemblies with Bosch H1 and
H4 inserts (Bosch part.no. 0301 302 101 and 0301 303
032) for better looks.
A original 80s BLAUPUNKT radio and Infinity
Kappa speakers make a great period sound system.
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