Advice needed on '82 cabriolet - Location of engine number, VIN, value

*newbie alert*

I have a 1982 Golf C convertible. Its had a very checkered history, which I foolishly didn't research before buying the car.

The VIN number appears to have been cut and pasted from a different car (see pic). This explains could explain why the VIN plate/tag states the car to be green, whilst the MOT history states it was changed from red to white in 1999. However, the tag by the bonnet latch and the imprint near the wiper motor both display the same VIN number.




Also on the MOT history, it had about 9989 miles on its MOT in 2010, and on the next MOT in 2014 it had 115,831 miles.

From what I can deduce, I'm pretty sure the engine and VIN numbers has been taken out of a different car and put into the current one.

So, what I need some help on is:

- Location of engine number
- Is there any other VIN locations apart from in the engine bay
- Will I have trouble registering the car for V5
- Is it worth keeping the car?!

Thanks in advance.
 

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There should be a paper sticker in the boot of the car on the rear strengthening brace which has all the numbers on it.

The engine code is on the engine block just below cyinder 3 spark plug, you can see a flattened panel where the number should be, you may need to wet it to see the number or carefully scratch it with your finger nail.

If you google image Mk1 Golf engine numbers or vin sticker/data sticker you should see where it is…

MOT mileage could be someone inputted the wrong numbers at the MOT station, I have seen this happen before…

You should be able to search the MOTs for the last 10 years online at the gov.uk website.
 

Yes,  however its a 1.1l so I doubt its going to be there. I've already had a look in that area, but I can't see anything. Surely, I dont need to remove the exhaust manifold or inlet manifold to view it?

Also, there isn't a sticker on the rear cross brace.

Thanks for any help.

I did not think VW made a small block (1.1 or 1.3) cabriolet for the UK market?
Is it an import?

I could be wrong…

1982 sales brochures shows 1.5 or 1.6 engines.

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page=galleries&type=misc&id=1982_golf_cabriolet


Anyone else know more?

If I were you I'd probably stop digging.
You are probably better off not knowing

mark1gls said

I did not think VW made a small block (1.1 or 1.3) cabriolet for the UK market?
Is it an import?

I could be wrong…

1982 sales brochures shows 1.5 or 1.6 engines.

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page=galleries&type=misc&id=1982_golf_cabriolet


Anyone else know more?

Yes, I believe the only Cabriolets to be fitted with a 1.1l engine were from Italy. The records show that the car hasn't been imported. Why someone would want to downgrade is a bit wierd….

I guess it's a left hand drive then?

The big difference between a small block and big block engine is the engine mount, (drivers side in uk or end furthest away from the gearbox), do you have a picture of the engine and mount?

I can’t help with where the engine code/number is as is been years since I’ve played with a small block.

I guess it's a rare car being a 1.1, not sure I would want a 1.1 in a Cabriolet because of the extra weight but I expect it's insurance friendly.  

I can't help with where the engine code/number is as is been years since I've played with a small block.

 
 LOL . Over here when we think of small block it is related to V8's as the 215 ci Buick, or 327 Chevy….4 cyls are usually referred to as 4-Bangers. Best thing Rover ever did, take the 215 and redesign it…loved my Rover for it…A lot of the small class speed boats prefered the Rover 215 as it was Aluminum, vs buicks cast iron….less weight more speed.

Here is the absolute beast in all its glory.

I spoke to the main guy at Crazy Quiff, sorry I forget his name, but he said that the engine mounts look a bit sketch… So I'm pretty sure the engine has been downgraded for some reason… maybe for cheaper insurance as Mark1gls suggests…

It is a RHD, and I havn't found any holes where the steering column could have gone through on the LHS. However, there seems to be a few patches and sound deadening which I havent dared to investigate further 

Idk if this helps at all….

it came back ok when we did a
vrm check mate looking good
as far as the engine mountings
you can only see one  

Yes, thanks.. Although its still a little bit wierd, why there is a hatchback and cabriolet with the same VIN… but that's the least of my worries.

Here's a pic of the engine mounts - still haven't figured where this jolly engine number is!

Does look like that drives side engine mount has been moved as there's a lot of blackening around it, should be painted white like the other side..
Front and gearbox side engine mount are the same on all engine sizes.
I guess it was a big block when it started life.

Get a cam cover on that engine, that rubber fuel line is close to that cam belt, unless you have just removed it.  

Thanks, I'll have a look at getting one tonight.

I also need a rubber gasket for the rocker cover, can't seem to find many online for a 1.1l, hopefully Crazy Quiff will have one.

When searching for parts don't look under Golf Cabriolet as the 1.1 was not used over here, you will need to search Mk1 Golf.

Not sure you will be able to find a rubber gasket as the one for the big block engines are off a Mk3 Golf, not sure if VW had a 1.1 engine in a Mk3?

Nothing wrong with a cork gasket as long as you don't over tighten it.

Check fitment as I don't know your engine code..

https://www.vwheritage.com/052103483c-rocker-cover-gasket-10-13-with-metal-stud-vw-spare


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-Mk1-1-1-Rocker-Cover-Gasket-74-to-83-BGA-5013066-052102483A-052103483A/232407431982?fits=Model%3AGolf&epid=1332783827&hash=item361c8ffb2e:g:nzgAAOSwvD5Z5mlZ

Found this on small block engine code location..

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=small-block-carb-engines_2%2Fwhere-to-find-engine

Some pictures of what the original mounts would look like, my car has not been resprayed so what you see in the pictures is what it left the factory like..

View topic: My Daily drive 1988 Gti cabriolet - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

Thanks massively for your help Mark.

Ive found the supposed place where its meant to be. Looks like I've either got the wrong place or its been scrubbed off pretty neatly…



Maybe its time to buy a new engine!

PM me the VIN number and I can do some digging in ETKA.

However you may not liek what I find

in all honesty though, if its stolen/ringed/whatever this will be years in the past and any original owners of said cars will have had their insurance payouts and whatever way back.

If you have a full set of documents to go with the vin and number plate then you can be pretty happy no-ones going to take the car off you. all the evidence of what the shell was in its previous life is long gone…