Hi from South Africa

Hi, I have been on the forum for about two weeks, just haven't had the time to check in. I currently have 5 VW's as listed below. I was prompted to search for technical info due to my latest "baby". I bought a 1984 GTi MK1 about three weeks ago as a project. This will be my fourth MK1 to date. The car has been off the road since 1996. It is totally complete, and the interior looks as if it came out of the factory just last week. I wish I could say that for the exterior. Unfortunately the previous owner didn't have a garage and she had to sleep out in the elements. I realize for you guys it may be a stretch of the imagination, but the sun here in S.A. is deadly and took its toll on the paintwork. There is no more clear coat, and very little paint left  8O. There is very little rust though except for on the righthand rear panel and the tailgate, but I got a new tailgate as part of the deal.

The engine was professionaly rebuilt during the time that the car was off the road, and has been modified extensively. I personaly know the chap who did all the work on the car, thats how I got to know about it. He is a marvel with engines, especialy VW's. It has been modified to 2200cc, and the cylinder head was flowed and ported by one of the top companies around here. It also has a different cam fitted. He paid more for the work on the engine alone than I paid for the whole car :mrgreen:

There are of course many problems to sort out. I have spent many hours so far sorting things out, and at least the list is getting shorter. There were only about 3000 MK1 GTi's manufactured in this country and production ceased in 1984, so they are as rare as hens teeth by now. Hopefully with a little time, patience and yes some hard work and money… a brilliant car is lurking behind that faded shell.

Nice to see so many fellow enthusiasts, even if we are separated by a lot of water. Great site guys, thanks
Riaan

Hi Riaan

I lived in S.A for 26 yrs……. long time!
I have been here for 3yrs now. I am restoring a 1983 MK1 Gti.

Where in S.A are you?

Welcome to the site man!
Matt

Hi Matt

I live in the south of Johannesburg. Great to hear from you! Good luck with the restoration. I have owned three 83 GTi's and they are wonderful cars. The smile factor you get from them just cannot be beaten! I am quite jealous though, it seems that parts over there are a lot easier to come by, and they appear to be quite cheap…… in comparison with here.

The current 83 GTi that I have is mechanically sound, the engine is very strong with minimal mods, and it pulls like a steam train. The bodywork also needs some work though. Luckily body panels, doors etc is readily available and fairly cheap thanks to the millions of citigolfs running around here.

Be blessed Riaan

Hi and thank you for your post on my build thread.  Can you start a build thread showing your cars as it's brilliant to see someone from S.A on here!!!  You have 5 VW's and I'm sure we'd love to see all of them!!  If you get stuck on how to put up pics let me know and I'll help you :wink:

Welcome bro…

I'm also from SA JHB…

we should hook up at one of the VW club events

Hi spud I will try my best to do a thread about my cars, looking at buying another GTi this week…. dont tell the wife please! I have actually sold the one polo and bought a stunning Jetta Cli 16v in its place 8) I also spent the holidays rebuilding my 84 GTi's engine. The previous owner neglected to mention driving the car without oil and blowing the head gasket and frying the pistons 8O . They seem to have done a "quick fix" just to sell :x Oh well, the car has now been rebuilt from the ground up so at least I know what I have :wink:

Zikker, nice to meet you, yes we should get together at one of the meets. What are you driving at the moment?? By the way… whats up with the name? will my car be safe with you around or what?

Welcome to the site mate.

Do pst us some pics

Cheers

wfc you've got it bad …. and to be honest I'm jealous.  I want 4-5 mk1's in total… an original, a modified, a rare one and a cabby…. if I've still got money then I'll get myself a caddy   .

We are getting a lot of people from S.A lately.  Maybe start your own section in Regional chat and see if you can get a meet going  :dontknow: .  Great to see you all on here…. pics when you can please  :wink:

I've got 82 GLS which I'm busy restoring

and yes your car is safe around me

Hi Zikker

Good luck with your golf project. My first golf was a 1982 GTS in canary yellow. I bought it in 1992 when I was still a student. It used almost as much oil as it did petrol 8O , but it was a great car to drive, and surprisingly had lots of power. Also gave me around 13 kilometers per litre of petrol. Brilliant car! Then I sold it for my first 1983 GTi and I got hooked on the GTi's.  :mrgreen:

No rust would be a god send. Painting is easy