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Tin Top vs Cabby Front Panel

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Is there any difference between a tin top and cabby front panel (other than the length of the tow hook ) ?

I am restoring my 82 GTI tin top and have a genuine panel (awaiting fitting to the car ) for a cabby, but when i offer the tin top GTI single headlight grill up to it, the grill doesnt quite fit to the top rail when the bottom is located correctly, when its fitted to the top rail ok, the bottom lugs then dont secure at the bottom ! Its as if the centre vertical brace on the panel is too high ?

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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yes the cab slam panel has big square hles for the later grille fixings, this is all you can buy these days. VW also superceeded the early panels with this type and offered a 'fixing kit' for early cars, though this kit is now NLA :(

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Thanks rubjonny, do you know what parts the fix kit contained ?
Were the dimensions of the panel changed because my grill wont sit on the grill space properly, its as if the gap between the top of the bottom valance and the lip on the top rail is about 3-4mm to much, any ideas coz its got me stumped ! ?

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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the dimensions are all the same, the kit just contained various plastic plugs and clips to allow the older style grille fixings to fit. main ones are in the corners where the end bits screw in you have big square holes on later panel which were filled by plastic nut insert things.

its not a citigolf valance is it? those have a deeper hole for the grille as they use a mk2 golf style grille with an extra bit along the lower edge, and the hole is flush with the top of the front bumper rather than extending up above it :(

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Thanks, I dont think its for a Golf Citi ! ?   The part number is 171 805 591 BK.
Ive offered the grill up to it several times from as many different angles but it still wont slot on correctly. When I put it on the original panel, on the car, it fits perfectly. Just cant figure it out. It just wont line up to the middle two top fixtures either side of the bonnet catch !!!    :ocf_emoticons__BangHead:

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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part number is fine, genuine panel?

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Thanks, yes mate, it is genuine, vw stamped and picking sticker on it.

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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bizzare! take it grille is genuine? pics of everything?

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Ive owned the grill (and car) since 1989 and believe it to be genuine (cant locate any part number or branding on the grill). The grill fits perfectly to the front panel that is currently on the car. I have the cabby front panel to replace the original panel when it goes to the body shop shortly. Ill try and sort some pics shortly, if that helps ?

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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grille should have a part number if genuine, but then id assume the slam thats on the car is original anyway so that would rule out bad pattern part i guess…

i would try to source/borrow a genuine grille just to be 100% sure but its definitly a strange one

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Just checked the grill again and found the part number and vw branding so confirms its genuine.
Looking at the cabby panel, it looks like the centre brace that is under the bonnet catch is too high, causing the top rail to curve up to the centre point ! Will need to do some measuring i think !! im surprised, for a genuine panel ?!

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550

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yeah does sound like its not been made properly, does it look easy enough to pick apart once you find the spot welds?

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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It has crossed my mind i might have to O_o   The spot welds are clearly visable, just dont want to have to cut it about unless really neccessary !!! Once Ive got the car off the roll over Ill put the panels side by side and do some accurate measuring, perhaps i should have got a pattern panel  :ocf_emoticons__BangHead:Thanks for your help and pointers

1982 Mk1 GTI 1.8 2016 Audi A3 1983 Kawasaki Z1000J 1977 Suzuki GT550
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