Just joined -- Mk1 Cabriolet

Hi there,

First of all thanks to everyone who has contributed to this site, really helped me make the decision to take the plunge and enter Mk1 ownership!

Recently bought a cabby from a really nice guy in Teesside.  It was his wife's car but with two kids they couldn't get all their gear in the car so they got an Alfa saloon instead, and the Golf had to go!

It seems to be in great nick, I haven't come across any nasty surprises yet, but I do have a few questions which I'm hoping some of you guys may be able to help me out with.

First of all, some piccies!  Most of these are taken before I bought the car….













And one more when I've taken delivery, the Mrs looking (fortunately) pleased in the background



The car has stacks of personality, ie random bumps, rattles and squeaks which seems to vary on a daily basis, not to mention the lovely aroma of unburnt fuel in the mornings.  The autobox works really well, and the steering is precise and direct, and felt insanely heavy at first; now it feels just right.

The tiny 13" ATS Classic wheels look pretty trick but I think they'll have to go: it doesn't cope with speed bumps very well (I feel sorry for the sump), the speedo overreads by about 30% which isn't good as I'm on a limited mileage insurance policy.  Also the gear ratios are all to pot, is it a 3-speed box?  Anyway top gear is too short for cruising which hits fuel consumption and comfort.  

I feel a set of 15" ATS Cup wheels coming on; I've seen these on a car on this forum and I reckon they look pretty smart.  I imagine they'll fit right on: anyone got any comments on these wheels?

Cheers, I'll probably post many more questions in the future!

Martin

It is defiantly not a 3 speed gearbox my driver has 4 so you would atleast have 4.  Yes the wheels will fit straight on if you get 4x100 pcd.  Read the electrics part of the forum to try and find similar problems which may have been resolved.  Nice car and welcome to the site.

Auto = 3 speed…those wheels/tyres give you the wrong rolling radius - wrong speedo reading therefore wrong fuel consumption…
…does look smart, always loved those ATS Classics…

Now that's a sweet ride mate. She looks lovely.

T 8)

Hi mate

yes its a 3sp box, I've had a few auto's my first was a clipper cab, wasnt too bad on juice roudn town buut wasnt built fro cruising, I've also an early mk2 auto running the same 1.8 auto set up and that on its last run before stripping over 500 mile sof motorway returned around 30 at normal cruising speeds which wasnt to bad.
MrsLawsy has 1.5 gl auto thats now turning out around 35mpg on a run and 25 - 30 round town..

Looks good mate, liek the wheels, but defo need to sort out for mileage and speedo reading

hi ya welcome to the site.looks like you have picked yourself up a good car there.

as to the tecnical stuff i am sure a lot of the guys will be able to help you.

Hi and welcome to the site please have a quick look at the tread below and if you could add your location to your profile we can get you to a meet close to you

The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

hello and welcome nice car