Unstable Mk1 HELP

Hello, need some advice. I have a 1983 Mk1 golf gti which I have only owned for a few weeks, the problem I've got is when I accelerate the car becomes very unstable and hard to control, it feels like it's swaying. I've checked everything and cannot see anything wrong. I've had alignment checked, engine mounts. It's got terrible coilovers on which don't help, I've had a few mk1's so know how they should handle but this one is all over the place at speed, it's got upper and lower strut braces which I thought improved handling! it has been restored and put back together, pretty much new everything, it's driving me crazy as I cannot drive it as I feels like m going to come off the road. can coilovers break but still look in tact? any advice would be great fully appreciated. cheers Andy

A few things I would look at if in your shoes…

Wishbones and bushes, what's fitted rubber or polly?
Angle of wishbones, how low is the car?
Camber angle and most places only check the tracking?
Age and condition of tyres?
I don't like budget aftermarket coilovers so if you want a nice and comfortable to drive on normal uk roads and still feel sporty when pushed then you can't go wrong with this kit.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eibach-Lowering-Springs-Bilstein-Gas-Shocks-Bumpstop-Kit-Golf-Mk1/233057944785?hash=item36435604d1:g:OsYAAOSwzQFZ-eze

You will need to find some 2nd hand/recon front struts And some mounting fixings and I guess you have a tin top?

Any play in the steering rack mounts, tie rods?

As the cars been apart and you have only had it a couple of weeks it's worth checking all the important bits are bolted up right and correct…

Post up some pictures and more info if you can…

Thank you for your swift reply, I will get those things checked out and let you know my findings, I've bought some normal suspension,  it already has front struts fitted, there is play In the steering so that may be the  First port of Call.
Have a good day, I'll keep you posted. Andy

Sounds obvious but tyres?

Is it tramlining?

Has brand new toyo tyres on it so don't think it's that, feels very skittish like I'm fight when accelerating and turn corners, think it's a more serious problem which I'm yet to work out!! 😡

Something is definitely loose. Check the tyres are fitted correctly if directional and that the rims are also not distorted. Check the shock mount to hub bolts on the front.

I've tried a different set of wheels also check the front mounts, it's driving me crazy, if feel like the rear axle is moving but it's solid when I look underneath. 🤔

If its the rear I would suspect the rear axle mounts. There may be a possibility that the body steel part may be very corroded and possibly flexing. Is there any history to suggest either they have or haven't been done. Is there anything on the MoT history check to point towards any corrosion issues. There may be a possibilty that the rear shocks differ in some way. I've had it that the tube spacer has been a different size and an alternative material has been used!

No mot advisories, car has been bare shell resprayed  and the underneath is in good order, polybushed all round, have noticed the top of one of the rear wheels is sitting slightly under the arch, more than the other side, could this be it? If anyone is  local to me I could drive up and let someone with more knowledge than me take it for a spin. (Bedfordshire or I could travel) so frustrating as I just want to get out and drive it!!

It could be lots of things, you say you've replaced a lot and looked at it but can't see what it is. I could type in a list of items to check, or ask how you've checked stuff but I'd be guessing.

What kind of help are you after? Just more suggestions on things to check? What did they do in the alignment, garages don't usually do the alignment if something is obviously loose or wrong?

When I say I've checked mean when the wheel alignment was being done I was able to get underneath With a bar and pull on everything which all seemed fine, in terms of help I'd ideally like Someone to drive it and try and diagnose as it's beyond my expertise. Can a coil over break but still look intact??

Lots of things have been replaced prior to my ownership, also has a brake conversion from a mk2 I think.

With regards to coils yes.

Whereabouts are you located?

Dunstable in Bedfordshire 

I am way too far away anyway. But I think its a job for a proper garage, what with CV19, they'll have the facilities to disinfect a car which needs workshop/test drive.

It could be something really simple but if you haven't found it…..and I am not going to type in 300 components in the hope I am lucky in identifying the one it is etc….

I'm sure it's something simple as well, I'll try and get it booked in to a suitable garage and keep you all posted.
Very much appreciated all the comments and suggestions, I'm going to have another cold one🍺

No worries, its a shame really because its 95% certain its something really simple. I mean, have you done the basics like just jacking up and spinning the wheel round? It could be not mounted on the hub, etc. But I'm just guessing.

Good luck with the garage. Personally I think they should have found it at the alignment, sounds like they missed something - you align a car then it drives straight?

I watched them doing the alignment and was told the rear is fixed so can only do the fronts, I also chucked some p slots on then to see if was the wheels but still no joy, at low speed It's ok just as soon saying get going and cornering it's very unstable, I've taken the p slots off now and put the originals on, so bloody annoying, I have jacked the car up and checked the wheels are mounted to the hub which they are, it also has some lower braces connected to the rear axle which look solid and would have though they've would aid handling but sadly not.
I'll keep looking and let you know. Thanks again.

The rear isn't adjustable but it doesn't mean you need not check its alignment. For example, if it were bent due to accident, or a component misfitted, it would reveal itself.