So... how much of this is standard/factory?

Hi

Very new to the site, I've only just posted in the Newbies section, but I've got plenty of questions already!

My GF has just bought this '89 Golf convertible and I'm trying to get a feel for the lingo and things that she'll need to know when looking at replacing parts etc.



So, where to start? This is an '89 Golf Clipper according to the ad she bought it from. It says clipper on the trim that runs down the side too… I always thought that was just the name of a kit that came on Golfs, but this one seems to have Karmann written on it too (just behind the front arch)… What's the deal?

Obviously, the front grille isn't standard… the headlights have had a set of cross-hairs fitted, but I must admit these are confusing me - are they supposed to be emulating smoked Hellas? Seems strange to go to thetrouble of opening the lights to fit these when sure it would have been just as easy to fit a real set of crosshairs in? Seems very odd to me, but maybe there's a good explanation…

The engine is a 1.8 (not a GTI) - can anyone give me the engine code for it? It should help me source a cambelt kit - I think it's one of the first things that should be done after buying a car.. and on that subject, where is the best place to get such items? I'm after a full service kit - cambelt/ancilliaries belts, filters, plugs etc.

I think that'll do for my first set of questions, but don't worry, I've plenty more where those came from!

Thanks in advance

clipper is the model of the car

not all clippers came with the kit on them, but the kit over the years has enherited the name don't know why

not to sure on the karmann badge but i thought it was something to do with the designers

i use avs spares for my bits and bobs online or just your local parts shop not everywhere will stock the part but they will be able to get them easy enough

next question

Cheers  

OK - engine code? I need to start looking up info on common faults - the engine turns over once or twice before catching, and needs a bit of help to get going with the accelerator. A good service will probably help with these issues a lot, but if there's anything else I should be looking for, I'd like to know.

As for once the car is running, it has a lovely steady as a rock idle, but I've noticed that when on the move it seems rather flat and weak higher up in the rev range - it seems very low on torque especially going up hills. What do these cars generally suffer from? Carb problems? Worn cam? Iffy timing?

The paint code - can you identify it? I'll be needing to touch up a few little bits - does VW sell the best  match for the paint, or do Paint factors places do a reasonable job wit hthe VW colours (they are ppretty good at messing up the BMW ones!)

I'd of thought the Cross-hair headlight units would be aftermarket products as they come with the "cross-hair" in them. Also, they could possibly smoked cross-hairs?

jb's right karmann is the designer, and clipper does have small or big bumpers the big bumpers being on the later models

notice you need to get your side roof cable done as you can see where the roof raises above the doors

can tell you from that photo your grill, headlights, bumper indicators, side repeators, eye brow, wheels are non standard

here's my clipper, the wheels and mud flaps are not standard or the plates everything else is……..http://www.vwgolfmk1.o…viewtopic&t=61710&start=0

check inside the fuel cap around the filler neck, if its rotton and corroded then this will mean there is rust fragments in your tank that can then get in your fuel lines and can cause symtems like you describe loss of power at rev's, spluttering, low torque up hills, its getting starved of fuel due to blocked fuel lines, this is a common thing……..if it is this then sulution is replace filler neck, clean out tank, blow out fuel lines, does it have a fuel filter on the fuel line under the bonnet,if it has is it full of dirt or bits, if there isnt one then fit one and see if it catches any dirt in it when its running that will help you to spot if its sucked and dirt thro from the tank

If I were you I'd be glad my car only took one or two turns before it started.

I don't know your car history so forgive me if I sound a bit obvious but it sounds like a typical carbed car to me. If you haven't driven older cars much, especially carbed cars then it may take a short while to get used to it. When you're starting from cold give the accelerator 2 pumps:all the way to the floor and all the way back up again then start it, this will set the cold start mechanism on the carb (assuming it's the original carb).

As for it being flat up the rev range it could be timing or spark advance issues. If I were you I'd replace the cam belt making sure the crank and cam are timed together then replace all your service bits like plugs leads etc then time it up with the engine running and a strobe light. If you're still having problems then you need to look at your fuelling.

It looks like a nice car you've got as well, paint looks good. Got any interior shots?

I think karmann is the factory where cabbys were made, and not necessarily the designer tbh

Dibdub1 said

I'd of thought the Cross-hair headlight units would be aftermarket products as they come with the "cross-hair" in them. Also, they could possibly smoked cross-hairs?

That's the weird thing - they look like they're trying to be smoked cross-hairs, but the cross does not extend to the back of the headlight bowl, if you get what I mean - DIY cross hairs are not too tricky to make, which is why it seems strange to me that someone would go to the bother of making 'fake' ones. I'll need to take a closer look at them and get some better pics.

zambeaky said

check inside the fuel cap around the filler neck, if its rotton and corroded then this will mean there is rust fragments in your tank that can then get in your fuel lines and can cause symtems like you describe loss of power at rev's, spluttering, low torque up hills, its getting starved of fuel due to blocked fuel lines, this is a common thing……..if it is this then sulution is replace filler neck, clean out tank, blow out fuel lines, does it have a fuel filter on the fuel line under the bonnet,if it has is it full of dirt or bits, if there isnt one then fit one and see if it catches any dirt in it when its running that will help you to spot if its sucked and dirt thro from the tank

Cheers - there's definitely an in-line fuel filter in the 'bay, I'll have a look to see how manky it is!

yradave said

If I were you I'd be glad my car only took one or two turns before it started.

I don't know your car history so forgive me if I sound a bit obvious but it sounds like a typical carbed car to me. If you haven't driven older cars much, especially carbed cars then it may take a short while to get used to it. When you're starting from cold give the accelerator 2 pumps:all the way to the floor and all the way back up again then start it, this will set the cold start mechanism on the carb (assuming it's the original carb).

As for it being flat up the rev range it could be timing or spark advance issues. If I were you I'd replace the cam belt making sure the crank and cam are timed together then replace all your service bits like plugs leads etc then time it up with the engine running and a strobe light. If you're still having problems then you need to look at your fuelling.

It looks like a nice car you've got as well, paint looks good. Got any interior shots?

Cheers - a cambelt change is very high on my list of things to get done, along with a belts/fluids/plugs/filters service. Are these interference engines?

The interior of the car is quite nice - the seats are cloth, no rips, but they're going to need a bit of a clean. It has an aftermarkket steering wheel that I'm not to keen on, but the seller says that he thinks the original is still around somewhere, along with the original wheels - if they turn up, he's going to give me them.

As for my car history, I drive old BMWs - currently a 1983 320i, which I recently converted to a 2.5 manual from the 2.0 auto that was in there. But you're right, I know next to nothing about carbed cars, I've always had fuel injection. It's reassuring to know that the pedal pumping is normal!

i've only just manage to geet my head around the gti injection system then i did a silly thing and bought a carb

ok lets answer some questions
1. clipper is the model. nothing special about it really. didn't add anything to it except a sticker
2. karmann is the coach builder who designed and manufactured of the convertible golf. the panels where still pressed by VW but the car was built at the karmann factory.  
parts.
3. GSF car parts for things like plugs,leads,belts,filters,etc.
4. the headlights are aftermarket. bought on the bay for about 80 quid.
5.carb should be a 2e2. theres a good write up on these in the big block section below.
6. engine code isn't really an issue as all big block engines use the same belts,tensioners,plugs,leads etc. and gsf will tell you which.
7. paint code can be found on the sticker in the boot if it's still there.

common faults.
same as any other 20 year old car. rust, gaskets, rings etc. but the engine is pretty much bomb proof to be honest.

for engine work a haynes for a 1983 tin top will cover most things. for anything else your struggling to get a manual.

enjoy the car. they are quite good fun.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmann

"Alyman" said

Dibdub1 said

I'd of thought the Cross-hair headlight units would be aftermarket products as they come with the "cross-hair" in them. Also, they could possibly smoked cross-hairs?

That's the weird thing - they look like they're trying to be smoked cross-hairs, but the cross does not extend to the back of the headlight bowl, if you get what I mean - DIY cross hairs are not too tricky to make, which is why it seems strange to me that someone would go to the bother of making 'fake' ones. I'll need to take a closer look at them and get some better pics.


That's because the cross-hairs don't have a cross that extends to the back of the headlight bowl. As Novocaine said, they're aftermarket ones =]

Peace :y: