Hello from London. (^_^)

Good evening enthusiasts,

I have recently acquired a mk1 GTI automatic (would prefer a manual) convertible in white, G reg.

It used to belong to my sister-in-law but, after a year or so of not driving it, my brother was attempting to sell it, and now its mine.

There are a few things that I would like to change and I feel that this is the best place to start.

I'm 24 and am an educated man but, when it comes down to cars, VW's, mk1's, I'm quite frankly: stupid, thick, dense, so please be simple with your terminology and assume you are speaking with a small child; you are Mr. Miyagi and I'm the kid.

I have also never owned a car that I actually care about before.

My goal is to restore the vehicle to its former glory. No mental body kits. I want it to age gracefully and appreciate in value over the years. I have no intention of it being my main car either. Mechanically faultless and aesthetically perfect, that's what I'm after.

So on to the serious stuff. Below I have compiled a list of things that I would like to change or that need some attention/care. Any feedback or advise is welcomed.

>>There are 2 or 3 tiny surface rust spots. What is the best method of removal and what mechanics/people/companies can help?

>>Does anyone know the actual name of the White paint and can I acquire more?

>>Some of the stitching on the hood is starting to fray and the leather (or whatever actual material it is) is starting to fade. I need to find people who can restore the hood's structural integrity and colour.

>>I hate the wheels. So much so that I don't even have the mental or verbal capacity to describe the abhorrence. I know BBS wheels look good on mk1's so, any good sites or dealers and suggestions of wheels and other brands would be great. Price range: £700 max.

>>The fuel filler cap has been changed to a horrible aftermarket one. So if I could obtain an original one; that would be grand.

>>The car runs fine and does not over heat. It was on for 2 hours and all seemed well. However, I'm still not convinced about its reliability. I need to know who to take it to, what things need to be checked, any known problems.

>>Any good, reputable and competitive websites never go a miss, so any resources that you use and are happy to share will help hugely.

I would like to thank you in advance for any help or suggestions and I look forward to getting this project underway!

-Reecon

Hi and welcome to the club!

Ok then, the small rust spots should be easy enough to fix yourself. Just rub them down with some wet n dry glass paper untill the rust bubbles have gone. Use something like Kurust from Halfords. It will chemically stop the rust from getting any worse. And while your at halfords, have a look in your boot. There should be a sticker on the beam at the back of the boot and on it it will have your paint code. Look up the code and Halfords should have something for you paint wose. If not, go to a VW main dealer and they will be able to help with the paint. There should be loads of info on the net about fixing small rust spots, good learning curve aswell. Bit of sanding, masking spraying, go on have a go!

The hood will probably need replacing completely. Not too expensive, use the "search" tool at the top and search for other who have changed theirs or down on the left hand side of this screen there is a section called Technical. There is a guide on how to change the roof.

Lenso are a make of alloys and they do a copy of BBS, a lot of people don't like them as they are not real split rims, but I think they look great and theyre not as expensive as BBS.

Fuel cap, try Crazy quiffs. Link at the bottom ish on the left hand side. http://www.golfmk1.co.uk/

Home  good cabriolet site.

Hope that helps :mrgreen:

Oh and get some pics up so we can all see her!

Hi

All you will ever need is on here!

Petrol caps are on eBay or Vw Heritage or Big Boys Toys as they were called down the left side of this page, where you will find lots and lots of parts.
Crazy Quiffs also down the left side have all sorts of new or refurbed bits. GSF and the usual Euro car parts etc for normal stuff.

Check out lots of pics of other mk1's to get an idea for what wheels you might like and as usual the forum has a wheels for sale section and obviously eBay.

Make sure you join up too as for £15 you will make that back in discounts from the advertised traders easily!!!

Can't help you with the rust, I would use a recommended bodyshop.

Don't worry about the reliability of it unless it plays up as you will just not want to go anywhere in it, just get breakdown cover and then your sorted.

You will pick it all up, I am mechanically useless and over the last year have gained a decent amount

Remember to start a build thread in the projects section with lots if pics

Cheers chris

Bouchay, we must have both been writing those huge answers at the same time, my fingers are sore  :mrgreen:

Thanks guys. I knew that this was the best place for help. I appreciate your advice a lot and will undoubtedly be looking at all the sites you have suggested. Still a bit weary about the rust spots, I would prefer a pro to do it but I may have a go.

Sorry for the huge post, but once again, I'm very thankful for your help.

And cheers for the advice about the build thread. I'm gonna give the car a clean, take some more pics and get posting!

Here are some pictures for your delectation.    



















ROFL Yeah, Thats DEFINITELY getting changed  :mrgreen:

Hello & welcome, why would you want to change the exhaust  :mrgreen:

^^Haha! I'll sell it to you if you fancy mate! Thanks for the warm welcome.

Nice car mate,

Since its such a rare care keep it orignal mate

The exhaust looks naff

Welcome to the club mate!

Honestly say i've never seen an exhaust like that haha, seems like your sister in law did some mods of her own!

As for the alloys, they're actually alright! maybe not for a mk1.. but you should be able to sell em for a decent price on ebay or what have you!

Good luck with your repairs, keep us posted