I want a mk1 project car.

Hello,

I'm new here, I am currently in the process of selling my Mk5 Golf as I have a company car. I want to get a mk1 as a project for me and my old man to complete. I am fairly good with anything electrical/mechanical. My old man can weld and is good with engines. I have most of the tools I think I would need and access to more from work.

I have a few questions I want to ask before jumping straight in:

1. Is there anything I should know before starting the restoration?
2. How hard is it to complete a full restore of a MK1?
3. Where is the best place to look for a mk1 base car? and anything to look for?
4. Importent pieces of tools/equipment needed?

I like the Mk1's with smaller tail lights. Does anyone know what model it is and what years they were produced. (pic below)

Ultimate Dubs '11 - VW Mk1 Golf | Mike S | Flickr

This will be my first restoration and I cannot wait to get started!

Thanks for any advice,
Ollie

Are the mk1s with smaller rear lights know as swallow tails? This is the one I want. Any idea what years they were produced from and to? And what models?

Im a Mk1 noob!

swallow tails were only made 74 and 75. 76-79 also have the small rear lights but small changes were made to body panels. they are known as series 1's with the larger tail light mk1's being series 2 80-83.

all i'll say is they suffer badly from tin worm check everywhere for rust basically…. also whatever schedule you have planned and budget double them both… me and a friend started restoring his over 2 years ago with an aim to have it done in 8-9 months it's nearly finished now though….