RS Help: Identification

**Polyal** · 09-02-2006, 10:59 PM

Ok guys..im 90% sure I am going to soon purchase a 1980 mk2 RS2000 coupe.

But before I do i need to know if its genuine or not. It seems it but how do I tell?

Ive got some pics that I will throw up, including the ID plates.

I will have one more drive once some touch ups are done, but everything seems alright except for a more than normal lump idle.

Well here are the pics:

Thanks for your help people, much appreciated!

:

Timmeh · 09-02-2006, 11:32 PM

The numbers appear good, 11918 is for an RS2000 Sedan 2 door 5/1979.

Some points I picked up:
Sticker kit on the rear is not in the standard position. The original RS sticker location on the back is next to the right hand tail lights and the number plate. It's pretty obvious the sticker kit is not original, though, looking at that bohemoth of a monstrocity on the bonnet.

Rims are interesting. Each to their own.

Falcon Z9 oil filter used, pretty common, it fits and is cheap.

Interior is an interesting mix of bits and pieces, but if you like it, thats cool.

As far as being a genuine RS, the numbers on the ID plates seem to check out to me. Then it would come down to what you to keep modified or returned to standard, and price.

Not sure what they are asking, but I presume it's around the 5 grand mark?

Tim

Perana · 09-02-2006, 11:43 PM

As Tim said there's a fair bit that isn't standard (Seat Trim and Steering wheel were the first 2 i noticed) but then most RS's would be in that position anyway..

According to the model number its an RS..

Lately I have heard that the VIN ending in R apparantly means its an RS too.

So going by those 2 its genuine

**Polyal** · 09-02-2006, 11:48 PM

timmeh....you know your stuff!

It was re-sprayed ~12 months or so ago...so I guess the stickers were misaligned a bit. Something that can be fixed easily.

The seats were also retrimmed recently aswell. The wheels I dont know about, I think they are called cheviots?? maybe..not my cup of tea either, but again easily changed. (I do like mini-lites)

As for the bonnet..I freaked a little when I saw it, but in person its actually kinda cool. Its a hate it or love it thing, I think its original.

You have a PM.

LUXO_8 · 09-02-2006, 11:52 PM

wheels just look like hotwires....... got a set for my nephews mk2 ghia....

Perana · 09-02-2006, 11:56 PM

Yeah they look a bit like Hotwire copies to me

**Polyal** · 09-02-2006, 11:59 PM

well I took it for a spin and everything seemed normal for a 1979 car. But my god, ill be heman after a couple of weeks, NO powersteering..ouch...I knew they didnt have it but i didn't realise how much effort parking will be.

Oh and also the rims are wide, not sure who wide but not stock, I guess that would add to the steering efforts.

And finding reverse took me a couple of go's aswell...lol Not to mention such a short throw compared to a T5 and the clutch pick up point is tiny.

But once I get used to it im sure I would be ok.

Timmeh · 10-02-2006, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

timmeh....you know your stuff!

It was re-sprayed ~12 months or so ago...so I guess the stickers were misaligned a bit. Something that can be fixed easily.

Agreed. Sticker kits go on ebay all the time, though they arent always cheap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

You have a PM.

You have a much, much larger one back!

: See you in 2007 when you have finished reading it.

Timmeh

**Polyal** · 10-02-2006, 12:46 AM

Damn that was a huge PM, but fantastic information.

Ill see hwo it goes and keep you guys posted. Oh and f anyone knows of any other RS's going for a reasonable price (they dont have to be immmaculate, something that I can work on over the years is good) then send me a PM.

Cheers

Allan

RSgerry · 10-02-2006, 01:28 AM

from the pictures, it looks like a decent little beastie. The most expensive work on the car will always be bodywork (unless you go for a full on motor). make sure there is no rust in the firewall / bulkhead and the c pillars...but i guess Timmeh has already warned you about those two spots. i agree with the other guys about teh bonnet sticker...not my taste, but sometimes these things dont work as well in a picture. the door trims look excellent from the picture. if they havent been cut up for speaker holes, dont do it. you would be better off removing the good ones and storing them and replacing with trims that have holes cut in them. things like wheels and steering wheels are easily swapped. the minilights are a good look, but i dont mind the rims on the car right now. i have a genuine RS steering wheel on my car and will be changing it for something thicker.

these are great little cars that frighten drivers of much more powerful cars. they handle like nothing else and are easy to work on and relatively cheap to fix. modifications can start to add up (just dont tell my wife...), but for the money i have spent on mine, there isnt a great deal that will keep up with it in a straight line, never mind a racetrack.

enjoy your new car :-)

**Polyal** · 10-02-2006, 02:20 AM

Thanks for that gerry..ive hassled you enough over the years abotu getting one of these...nearly there!

The door trims are good, although the am rests need a little ltc, but can be re-apolsutred (sp?).

Im going to have another spin just before I decide 100%, as I didn't really give it a gut full this time around.

Tote · 10-02-2006, 11:46 AM

Nice little beast, It's difficult to find anything dead stock that is 25 years old. Might have some issues with rego inspections with no timing belt cover but that's easy to rectify.
Regards,
Tote