detachable front panel?

hi im doing some work on my mk1 and wondering has anyone made a mk1 front panel removeable like the mk2 mk3 e.c.t. if so any pics would help iv brought a new front panel and would like it removable

The front engine mount is on that panel [mk2 and 3 use a sub frame] that could be why it is welded ? Never seen a standard MK1 with removable panel plus you would have to drain and remove the radiator etc on removal .

hi im thinking of doing it as part of my 20v converstion as it gives loads more room, ya you have to drain the rads on the mk2,3,4,5 but the room u get to take the engine in and out with really make a massive diffrence. and for that you have to drain the rad anyway

you would need to fabricate your crossmember for the rad and front mount.then the rest would be pretty easy i would have thought

Maybe you'd be stopped by regulations of some kind, not because its any less safe (it could be engineered to be just as strong) but because changing the welded front panel to a bolted one would attract the attention of MoT, so you'd need to have the "structural change" IVA tested. The IVA manual is vague about what is a change or not. It might be that an engine mount is considered structural.  :dontknow:

VW Volkswagen MK1 Crossmember Brace - Golf GTI Rabbit item number 140332371682 on ebay should help you i would add the picture and details but cant it is on the american website

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Volkswagen-MK1-Crossmember-Brace-Golf-GTI-Rabbit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem20ac760ee2QQitemZ140332371682QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

you can bolt it in and then weld it

hi that looks perfect for extra strenght and i got a new front panel will add some pics of my ideas soon thanks for all the help

that looks pretty good for 100 quid!