Henley Blue GTi journey

[111SLi]

Ok, so the first finished side. I have since refitted the spat and rear skirt piece.

Really good paintwork, but if you look hard you can see the blend. Pretty good though.









Sean has found a way to get the rub strips off undamaged, so whats the best tape/ adhesive to use for putting them back on?

[111SLi]

Driver's side all done, cleaned and waxed. In direct evening sunlight too.





and some beading the next day


The car will be getting lowered to about 310mm after the passenger side has been sprayed, but left interlinked.

Also, had this badge made up for something different on a spare steering wheel centre I had. Got the idea from a 205GTi.


What do you think

[111SLi]

So the car had developed a metal vibration at certain revs and after removing and accidentally breaking a perfectly good heat shield I worked out it was the downpipe. Therefore, I ordered a new Genuine downpipe from Rimmers cheaper than my local factors could supply a aftermarket one. (Good deal at Rimmers for once! )

Couple of pics for ref





Genuine pipe for £15 inc VAT! :p

[111SLi]

I found that the HG was failing with some mayo appearing in my header tank and with the impending lengthy trip down to Somerset for Metro Camp I decided I wanted it fixed. It never overheated or anything, most of the time it stays under 1/2 anyway.

Sean and I fitted a Payen Elastomer gasket, as these through experience seem to be the best.







The head removed and old gasket with the rubber coming away just by touching it.


Head face as removed


Head face cleaned up


Block face


and the nice new gasket.


I have also flushed the coolant through and so have an efficent and clean cooling system.

[111SLi]

Had some new numberplates made up as I wasn't happy with the ones on the car and the rear one was all scratched from when it fell off (shitty tape) and laid in the road for a day!

I contacted DMB Graphics after searching a few classic car forums and through the Maestro forum found them as they like their original dealer plates over there. DMB normally specialise in Ford decals etc.. but also will do anything to order.

We had no idea what the original dealer plates would of looked like but based on a Ford Henlys one he had pre made and the original sales receipts for my car we came to a design I was happy with. £28 posted! They are also made the old method with the film and letters places behind clear plastic so they look much better in that respect too.



Anyone going for originality this is a place I would highly recommend. They also do replica dealer window stickers and tax disc holders.

[Metromartin]

Superb car and build diary David, great to see such a rare and maybe the only Genuine Henley blue GTi kept in good hands. Keep up the good work.

[111SLi]

Thanks Marton, it's been a long project and it's still not as mint as I'd like it to be but I don't think I could achieve that unless I had the shell dipped and fully resprayed- Lottery win needed haha