Cabrio Queries

I have recently bought a Mk1 GTI cabrio (VIN WVWZZZ15ZJK005803). It's an 87 E-plate and has a clipper kit fitted. However I don't think this model should have had one and my suspicions are confirmed by the fact that it has a chin spoiler lurking beneath the deep bumper. The kit is not fitted that well either so could even be an aftermarket one. So I'm thinking of converting it back to small bumpers and original arch trims, both of which I recall should be colour coded. The V5 states the car as being silver though it's that nice light metallic blue and the car is fitted with Scala style alloys which I believe are original. What colour do you reckon this is ?



Should it have small bumpers ?  

When I bought the car it came fitted with the later style one piece twin headlight grill but I prefer the old skool inner grill and seperate outer trim type so have fitted an original one with chrome strips. The only problem is the outer plastic trims don't fit as the lower fixing point is not a hole suitable for a self tapper like the top one. It's a much larger square hole, suitable for the later style grill to clip into.

Here's a pic highlighting the lower fixing point.



I have seen other later style cabrios with early style grills in place so what's the trick to fixing the outer trims ?

I am therefore a bit confused as to what model I have. Some features suggest it should be an early small bumpered colour coded model (eg chin spoiler), whilst others suggest it's a later one. (eg the clipper kit and grille fixing points)

Another query I have concerns the rear quarters. Are these made in two pieces…upper and lower ? The reason I ask is that when I took my black/chrome waistline trim off (thinking I'd put thinner black trim on) I saw where the panels had been spot welded. This is evident on both sides. Has the car had new arches 'stitched' in or is this how they vame from ther factory ?    
 
My concerns are that perhaps the car has seen a bit of action and some panels have been replaced with newer ones.

Any thoughts from fellow cabrio owners would be most welcome.

Thanks

With regards to the colour by the looks of it the car is sapphireblau (ly5v) if thats right then the logbook does class it as silver.  My car is ly5v and says its silver.

I think this is because the dvla like to simplify things i.e silver with a tinge of blue

Hope this helps regarding colour

Rob

Nice one Rob. I recall seeing your Avatar and thought there was a colour match. :y:

That's one query dealt with

look on the log book it should say clipper if its a clipper  8)

the spot welds you mensioned i presume are on the rear if so thats normal  

andunp said

the spot welds you mensioned i presume are on the rear if so thats normal  

Phew !  

So the kit was introduced for Clippers then and they were all on carbs weren't they ?

as far as im aware

The Clipper kit was standard on ALL cabrios from early '88 (delayed from '87), carb models badged Clipper, GTI badged GTI, but Rivage models were both carb and injection. were
Have a look at Cabriolet Buying Guide
Some aftermarket kits were glassfibre, poor quality and a bad fit.

Your cab was built in September 1988 (also substantiated by the Clipper kit), but it shows an E plate for registrations between August 1987 and July 1988.

Sounds fishy.

dubboy said

Your cab was built in September 1988 (also substantiated by the Clipper kit), but it shows an E plate for registrations between August 1987 and July 1988.

Sounds fishy.

Very fishy indeed as the V5 clearly states the date of first registration as 04/12/1987.  As mentioned I'm doubtful about the originaility of the clipper kit, whether it's been added at a later date or perhaps it's a non-VAG one. The orginal chin spoiler hiding beneath also suggests it's an 87 model.

Was it my chassis number that you went by in stating it was made in 88 ?

Has anyone alse fitted an early grill top a later car ?
If so how did you fix the outer trim onto the car ?

Thanks