concours or modded?

what are your opinions.

and if mods what mods are in taste an not?

I've gone light modded. Whilst you can't knock some of the true and original classics like Rajan owns, you can't beat a MK1 slightly lowered with decent alloys on - that's all it takes! 8)

If you change anything, it has to be for a damn good reason. Hence (for me):

In
More powerful engine
Lowering (less drag at front, better handling)
Slicks at front
Various bits & bobs removed to lighten the car
A few more instruments - to look after the expensive mechanical work done!
A few extra electronic gizmos - to check all is well!

Out
Crystal headlamps - nout wrong with originals
Gaff body kits - too heavy
Bigger wheels - no need, same brakes under my original wheels! And the originals look good to me
Same colour as left the factory (black)
Same trim so it looks like GTI, eg badges, red grille, side stripes, etc
Massively tinted windows - no point for me
Loud stereo - save weight!

for me, Light mods

anything 'bolt-on' so it can easily be put back to original but I don't agree with naff bumpers/bodykits! the Mk1 has a perfect shape as it is so why ruin it (but each to they're own)

lowered on a nice set of 15's (to accomodate G60 calipers  :wink: )

job done  :mrgreen:

Me,I like my heavily modded track car BUT I also appreciate a nice unmodified Golf,basically I am with a few others on here bodykits NO!! chav stickers NO!! Stereos so NO!! ops:  ops:

Whilst my car is completely modified from original, i have tried to do it in a retro style, i always wanted a mandarin swallowtail but obviously couldnt afford on, i think lowering, brakes and suspension need to be considered because technology has advanced since then, and you may as well make all that money you're driving around in comfortable!

mine is an A reg driver with completely different paint and diff engine, interior, and largely the only thing left that will be original is the headlining…ive done it in a style that i think is respectful of the cars age, i think thats where alot of people go wrong with modifying…despite this i still agree with slightly modded dailies

i.e. a black single headlamp gti, red grill trim, nice alloys, remove plastic flares, few simple things and i think they look lovely, but remember mr vw had to budget in some areas and if they are old and tired why not upgrade as long as it keeps in the theme or looks period/unnoticebly different i..e brake upgrades

JJ

concours or very light mods.

wheels from the right era (p-slots, bbs etc.)
slightly lowered (40-60 mm)
resonable stereo no massive installs maybe a sub in the boot and some decent components and head unit but thats it.(i never turn my stereo on but its nice to have and shuts chavs up when you blast metal at them)

body coloured bumpers are a now in my book as are stupid body kits and late cab bumpers on a tin top)


and thats about it for outside the car

under the bonnet is what ever you want but i like the stock engine even if it is a 1500 in mine.

i do however hope to get mine back to concours in the next few months (well not concours but original)

I prefer standard cars or cars prepared for the track. Why?

1. The standard car looks best. Its the reason most of us like the car, it does not follow fashion and is a timeless classic. It has everything you need and no more. It also gets the most admiring glances wherever you go, maybe not by the boy racer brigade but by those in the know.

2. The standard car is tried and tested. Sure it is not up to modern standards but it is way more durable than a modified car. It is always the modded car with bits falling off or broken down. Most people modify cars but have no idea how they will perform - the parts are not tested to any length in the application. Manufacturers spend millions testing cars for a reason.

3. Generally the standard car is cheaper to own. The parts are cheaper, the car is cheaper to insure and you will get a better %age return on your outlay come selling time.

4. The standard car (even 1.1 engine) is quick enough to keep up with todays traffic given it is slowing down due to congestion, increasing taxes, spiralling fuel costs and increasing law enforcement. It is also fun to drive being more involving. If I wanted a quicker, fun car I would buy an Elise or VX220. I can only see the point of modifying a Mk1 for the track - built for a purpose where the potential can be fully utilised.

I have owned a few modded Mk1s, they are fun for a while but generally disappointing in the long term. This seems to be born out if you look at then number of owners a modded car has had compared to a standard one.

I would prefer standard..

Yes i know i own a modded mk1 g60 but when rebuilding it, it is easiler to modify because there are no rules,
 
However those that know my car will also notice that bodywork wise it is 100% MK1 golf no silly repositioning of filler neck no extended arches no bonnet louvres etc.. Ok there is a cage but if push come to shove that could be chopped out.

When i get time the cabby rebuild will be standard, unless Claire wants a colour change  ops:

I've put concours, but still like some light mods if done tastefully!!

Light mods for me, anything thats a worthy imrovement, such as brakes and suspension is acceptable. When people start putting filler in the engine bay and smoothing out wheel arches I feel a bit  ops: for them  :cry:  

ive put concours mine is a long way from it condition wise while the other has a bbs bodykit and 15" bbs ra's a votek steering wheel and gear knob
which are all early 80's aftermarket bits i am keeping it this way after restoration as it adds to the history off the mk1

Light Modds! Its just how I like it and my taste!

I think light mods is a fair one, wheels, exhaust, suspension, its all it needs really, and its all easily reversable

no point putting a wild cam in a car if the rest of the engines not done to match it, like big brakes, cant see the point unless you up the power seriously, mk1 brakes work fine if they are well maintained and working properly!

My sportline has a BBS steering wheel and a set of RM`s, a small amp and a stealth shelf

all the original parts, wheels, parcel shelf and black centred RA`s are in the loft and the garage

i think im gonna run my RM`s on the Corrado a lot of the time so the sportline will be pretty much put back to totally standard soon

probably the best way long term, as Rajan says those in the know, know what they are looking at and an "original" car is a joy to look at in my opinion

As close as possible to how it left the factory with the exception

of safety brakes tyres alarms etc  8)

Not certain about fluffy dice hanging off the mirror though :roll:  :roll:  :roll:

Have to say if you had asked me 15 years ago I would have gone for modified. But now - as it left the factory.

Must be getting old!  :dontknow:

starting to get the feeling my cars not going to be very welcome on the mk1 owners stands, ive got my name down for a few and have done almost everything that's getting a negative vote. :dontknow:

I guess that makes My vote modified then!

light mods or concours for me,ive gone slightly lower on my diesel,bigger brakes,turbo engine,but to look at the car it still looks normal,just under the hood mods and a big T3 hanging off the manifold  :wink:
Bert

i think as long as it looks OEM then that is fine by me.  8)

k33ts said

starting to get the feeling my cars not going to be very welcome on the mk1 owners stands, ive got my name down for a few and have done almost everything that's getting a negative vote. :dontknow:

I guess that makes My vote modified then!

But if they were all original that would be boring, Your demonstrating what can be achieved, and the quality of the work you`ve done you should be proud of.

You will always be welcome on the stands rob