Suggestions needed: Restoring a Maruti Suzuki SS80

We would love to keep the car as stock as possible and are looking forward to this restoration project.

BHPian Nitish75 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello All,

I've just joined Team BHP - on March 12th. Really happy to be part of this community - I feel at home with fellow car enthusiasts.

Coincidentally, a second good thing also happened to me on the 12th - I finally took the plunge and bought an SS80 on 12th morning - a Dec '84 Std model. Buying and restoring one is actually my Dad's dream project and I'm glad he and I can finally start work on this.

Drove it 18km to bring it home - runs fine but noticed a few things that will need work.

• Body seems to be reasonable shape for a 38 year old car

• But will needs full repainting - maybe will get total strip/repaint

• Obvious mechanical work needed : engine tuning/service, oil leak (need to see how bad it is, hopefully wont be major work), clutch plate replacement, steering is a bit tight, 4th gear whine, brake overhaul etc

• All lights and gauges work fine (except temp gauge which seems dead)

• Some trim parts needed - windscreen trim, RHS outside mirror, hub caps, tool kit and spare is missing.

• Seats and door pads in good shape but refinished in dark brown synthetic material - will need to find originals/original look-alikes.

We would love to keep the car as stock as possible and are looking forward to this restoration project.

I'm based in Bangalore - any leads for a good garage which can help with SS80 restoration + any leads for spare parts will be very helpful.

Pic of car attached, as bought. Look forward to sharing updates as we go along.

Cheers

Here's what BHPian ajay99 had to say on the matter:

Better not to do a total strip if it is still having original factory paint.

RHS mirror- very difficult to source the original one

Hubcaps are available. So are the original black door pads (not SGP but made in Delhi). Most mechanical parts are available except a few like front shock absorbers

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.