MK1 GOLF 1.9td aaz conversion, 3dr, exips, apex coils t&

Not sure if I should do this but this project has fought with me since I've purchased it and I think I may be looking at mk1's through rose tinted spectacles nowadays.
Started life as a mars red 1.6 diesel van in 'C' spec so has the small centre console and a few series 1 bits and pieces which has had the rear window panels taken out and replaced with glass.

1983 'Y' reg, 10 months MOT, 4 months tax, clocks reading 104k, engine supposedly on 90k.

AAZ 5 speed conversion, standard other than pipercross cone filter and modified aaz boost pin and tweaked fuel screw. Goes pretty well for what it is. Custom Ashley exhaust with upswept backbox. Series 1 scuttle cover.


Unknown horrible paint color, could massively benefit from a respray as the previous owner painted it and shows, no visible rust other than passenger rear arch which needs a new panel putting in due to my mate reversing into it, underside of the leading edge of the bonnet is also starting to go. Main issue is the drivers lower door hinge has been previously welded and has now decided to come away so will need rewelding properly. Door still shuts and seems to be a tiny bit of weld/rust still holding it on.
Rivets in the roof plugging up the orange light it had on it. No sunroof though so plus point. Rare diesel badged grill, smoked front indicators.


Comes on Exip weaves, 15x7 et30 but one is et25, i have a spacer to make one axle et25. All faces and dishes are identical though. 185/45 nankangs near to the wear limit on the front and 195/45 falken ze512's on the rear with 6mm tread. Unfortunately some daft cow ran me up a kerb so damage is shown below, i've been quoted £25 to weld and dress in some new metal. Still tracks and drives fine and holds air so is just a cosmetic repair.
New Apex RDX monotube coilovers…these are literally 2 weeks old as I had to remove the ebay rubbish the car came on. Height and spring preload is separate adjustments so you still retain full damping travel at max lowering. Still very firm so ideal for track days.


Reclining low backs in black vinyl, no idea what they came from but vag fitment so early mk1 or audi perhaps, drivers side needs attention, carpets are tatty. Momo wheel and boss…again leather is tatty. Brand new genuine door seals fitted 2 weeks ago. No rear seats, front door cards have speakers cut in unfortunately and rear door cards have been custom made with 6x9's installed, no headunit fitted.

Now this car requires work, i purchased it under the premise of a few issues that needed sorting but once in my possession was pretty obvious there was a lot more he never mentioned. Now i've done an awful lot of work already and most of the issues are sorted but still a few left that need attending to. Don't get me wrong I use this everyday for work covering 50 miles so it's not a case of a non runner with loads to do but I think I've lost the enthusiasm as soon as I bought it and had to start fettling it.


Jobs I've done:-

Change the awful ebay suspension to proper coilovers

New 2w dash lights so i can see at night!

Sorted the wiring for the heater motor so it now has heaters

Replaced the front engine mount which fell off!

Changed the awful short steering wheel boss for a full length one

Changed the polycarb rear windows to proper glass

Adjusted the clutch cable

Cleaned and adjusted the throttle cable and put a new rubber grommet at the pedal end to secure the cable

Adjusted the cold start handle so it actually works

Changed the wiper stalk so the wiper motor works

Change one rear light as the seal had gone on the other

All bushes/washers replaced for the gear linkage, could just do with a fine tune from the main shaft under the car


Jobs to do:-

Takes a bit of cranking to start and seems to be down on mpg that i'd expect, I've set the timing correctly and tightened the aux belt but would benefit from a look over from a proper diesel specialist as I fear the pump needs a proper rebuild even though the previous owner assured me it's been rebuilt!

My fix was to buy a proper gtd pump with more fuelling adjustment and have it looked over but haven't got round to it.

Temperature seems to rise when it gets death so probably needs a new 'stat and possible radiator. Doesn't lose coolant though. Fan switch has been reconnected and the fan override the previous owner left has been kept as a back up. Temp is fine under normal driving.

Rear screen demister doesn't work, guessing its wiring related.

Could do with a good tracking alignment.


So as you see I've done a lot of fiddly stuff already and nothing too major to do but the car still looks identical to when I bought it which annoys the hell out of me and i think coming out of a nice comfy audi has spoilt me.

I'd rather be honest and upfront unlike the previous owner with me.

Plus points…obviously 3 door, non sunroof, diesel engine, fancy coilovers etc…

It's all there in various conditions and I'm sure with the right amount of work it could be a cool little car but as I said I've lost all enthusiasm for it.


So to pics












damaged wheel




Asking £1400, car owes me more than that but I realise its only worth so much due to the condition and what needs doing. I'm open to near offers but not willing to have the pee taken.
No p/x's as i've my eye on something non vag


Car is located in Lichfield, Staffordshire

07973 907322