Top-fill radiators

Hey everyone,

Haven't even got my mk1 yet but looking to prepare for when it does come along, focussing on cleaning up the bay a little bit first.

Who's running a top fill radiator? I heard there is a polo one that will fit with little modification and removes the nasty often stained coolant bottle. Can anyone shed some light on this modification?

Thanks 

The "coolant bottle" is an expansion tank for the radiator. 
The top fill radiators have the expansion tank built into the side of the radiator.

If you do remove it you will have a reduce coolant capacity and no way of determining the coolant level until the engine is cold and you can remove the cap.

Top fill rad will work fine though.

Thanks for the info bud, that does sound a little bit risky! Although I would say it's probably alright as long as they are checked?

I wouldn't be scared by it, i just check mine more often. Use a series 1 gti radiator from www.classic-vw.com instead of modifying stuff for a small rad. 

If you are worried out an old dirty looking expansion tank why not just buy a new clean one? 5 minute job to change.
They are £15-£17 depending on quality. You just need to buy the right one, there is 2 out there 1 without the coolant level sensor and 1 with, it has a hole in the top for the sensor.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FEBI-02136-VW-Golf-1-8-Injection-MK-1-84-93-CONV-EXPANSION-TANK-/200992492859?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ecc160d3b

I had a top fill couldn't bleed it properly and it kept blowing side hose to matrix gone back to standard and all works as should