2026: Project Daihatsu Charade (G11) 1986 in Karachi

[sayedarsalanali]

AoA

After a long time back to pakwheels with another restoration project.

Links to the previous projects:

Project Datsun 120y (B310) 1979 in Karachi

AoA, I have started a project for restoration of Datsun 120y 1979 model (B310), and already purchased the project car. And now I am in phase of sourcing the crucial parts before proceeding with the rebuilding and restoration works. Pre-build Challenges: 1- The vehicle was base grade, thus it didn't have AC option nor the center vents - (the center vents space is sealed with cover from factory) 2- The part of Heater Finisher (Control panel for vents and blower) is missing along with the cab…

Project Datsun 120y (B310) 1982 in Karachi

AoA While I have another B310 project ongoing since ages, my Datoo madness has officially reached next level with starting of another B310 project. About the car: This car was purchased in late 2019 to serve as a low cost work horse and provide mobility to my younger brother who had just got admission in a university that is located in suburbs of Karachi. My target was to get a reliable car under 300k and my first priority was to get some decent Suzuki Khyber or Mehran, but after wasting a l…

This time its a Daihatsu Charade 1986 model and 1991 reconditioned/ import.

About the car:

Back in May 2025, I was randomly checking the used cars section on Pakwheels and the subject Charade caught my attention. Although the car was not in very good condition and looked neglected, but the pictures indicated that the car had potential.

I was outside the country at that time, so I asked my brother to go and check the vehicle and share the detailed pictures. On physical inspection it was observed that the car had been used and taken care by earlier owners and originality of the vehicle was mantained. But maybe for last few years the car was not well taken care of, but the good thing was that the vehicle was not molested / altered with cheap parts / replacements.

Some Pictures at the time of Physical Inspection

Finally on 25th May 2025 - we took the delivery of the vehicle:

On our way to home after taking delivery of the vehicle

While on way back, we got the tints removed from the vehicle and got some minor repairs done like topping up the brake oil, replacing one halogen, and replacement of radiator cap.

Finally the car reached its new home.

To be continued.....

[nfsmostwanted]

Following

[sayedarsalanali]

Some pictures of the interior at the time of car purchase:

The fabric upholstery of the seats and the door cards are matching, and looks original to me. Similarly the carpets are all OEM.

[nfssaad]

i have a 5speed diesel gearbox lying around for this model. let me know if you want and maybe a distributor too.

[nfssaad]

https://www.daraz.pk/products/1-5pcs-thickness-05mm1mm1mm15mm2mm-whiteblack-abs-plastic-plate-model-sheet-diy-model-material-material-parts-100x100mm-i1959380525-s14023489707.html?

use this type of ABS plastic sheet to redo the door cards. replace the rotten melamine/mdf wood type material with abs plastic.

use the existing door cards as a template and cut the plastic sheets.

i did this a long time ago but with 5mm mdf sheets, but abs plastic is a better option

[nfssaad]

pakwheels.com/forums/t/1986-charade-g11-door-cards-renovation/153333

[sayedarsalanali]

I am thinking in the same direction, but will focus on this later. As of now, I have some doubts related to all the alternative materials that can be used, so need to do some further research.

Back in 2006 we got the interior completely redone for a Charade '84 (Local / non-reconditioned) including the door cards, seats, roof liner etc. At that time we used the "Lasani" board in place of this cardboard, got it oil painted from both sides (after the holes were punched) and then did the upholstery. That car stayed in my circle for next 3 owners (all friends and family) for next 8 years and the door cards stayed good.

Btw, my original door cards of 1982 120Y are also awaiting in storage for similar treatment, while I installed a new aftermarket set of door cards for temporary usage.

[sayedarsalanali]

Lovely, miss the days when I could do things with my own hands. But now being overseas most of the time, age and increased responsibilities, I am 100% dependent on vendors and service providers.

[nfssaad]

yes lasani is brand name of al noor. the actual material is called MDF (medium density fiber)

i used the same.

[sayedarsalanali]

At the time of purchase following were the major works:

1- All the four tires were in very bad condition and I was afraid that even if they would make it to my home from the sellers home.
2- Engine was giving white smoke, but it worked fine even with AC.
3- Brakes were like zero - (it was a miracle that we reached home without hitting anyone).
4- Suspension was very hard

So the next day, car went to workshop and got brakes and suspension repaired. And then got all the tires replaced.

I was in mood of getting some good tires like Dunlop or Yokos installed, but our permanent tire guy strongly recommended to go for a chinese brand "Mazzini" and we did.

After that we got some electrical / wiring repair works done to the car and used it on and off for a few months without any issues.

Then the AC of the vehicle stopped and compressor issue was diagnosed. We decided to get the AC system repaired / replaced only after getting the engine overhauled.

[sayedarsalanali]

The car was parked peacefully for some time until 15th May 2026, when we got the engine overhauled and got the car back a day before Eid ul Azha.

[sayedarsalanali]

On 2nd June 2026 - car was dropped for the body works at the same bodyshop in Gulshan e Maymar where I got my '82 Datsun done.

This was the progress on 3rd Jun '26

[sayedarsalanali]

On removal of the interior trims it was found that floor panels were in original and intact condition, while both the rear wheel arches were badly rusted from inside and outside.

All the four doors were also in original condition from inside and no signs of earlier repairs / panel beating was observed on the inside of the door skins. The rusting that was visible from outside for the lower sides was spreading to inner sides on all the doors.

[sayedarsalanali]

Progress Pictures - 6th June 2026

[sayedarsalanali]

7th June 2026 Status:

Denting works for the right side was nearly completed. This included the replacement of foot board, patching of the doors and the the rear wheel arch.

[sayedarsalanali]

[sayedarsalanali]

Progress Status as of 13th Jun 2026

[sayedarsalanali]

Right side outer panel denting works nearly completed.

[sayedarsalanali]

Front facia patching and setting works.

[sayedarsalanali]

Left Side outer panel denting works in progress.