registered at last but still not an owner

Hi guys, I've been a dedicated classic car driver (ahem did anyone say banger driver?  :wink: ) since I passed my test and I currently have a mk2 driver and a big BMW 635. I have always had a mk2 golf knocking about as they're so reliable and dirt cheap.

I'm now after an upgrade for the driver in the shape of a campaign gti. Is this a sensible move? I will need it to be my regular daily drive (shopping, IKEA trips, commuting, etc.) and it'll be parked outside year round. So it needs to be robust, reliable and self-sufficient (and water tight of course).

I plan to do any maintenance work myself, I'm very familiar with mk2 mechanics and have experience of k-jet from an old 911 I used to own so I'd hope to not be too suprised by a mk1 gti. Plus this site is invaluable too…

All opinions welcome but specifically, opinions on motorway miles in a mk1 (how comfortable?) and modifications. At the moment I'd be putting an uprated headlight loom in (direct swap from my mk2) and an electric wing mirror loom in too (again from my mk2)

plus part compatability, obvioulsy all my old carb parts and trim parts can go in the bin but what parts might be intercahngeable with my mk2 spares collection (things like CV joints, brake parts, suspension top mounts, clutch parts)

many thanks in advance
another Drew

Welcome 'another' Drew!!

Hope you enjoy your soon to have MK1!

My advice if you're after a daily ride is don't have to go for a Campaign model. Se this thread http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=6777 on current debate between Campaign model and late series 2 MK1 Gti's. (also check our guides for 'Campaign checks) You will normally pay a premium for buying a Campaign and for a daily drive you may want to broaden your choice a bit.

Mine has been a daily driver - top tip is spend as much as you can on the car rather than go cheap and save for spares. You should be able to get a very good original or previously restored MK1 Gti for the ?1500-?2500 bracket, depending how lucky you are as some bargains to be had now and again!

Worth doing the headlight upgrade but IMO wouldn't worry about electric mirrors, you can reach both from the drivers seat and only something else to do wrong!

Keep us posted, ask any questions you have and show us some pics when you've bought one!!

Cheers
Andy

yeah, I've just read that thread. Very relevant to me. Its correct in that I don't worry about the campaign cachet but the things that are important to me are all campaign features. ie 5spd box, 1781 engine, alloys, youth (relative youth anyway).
The other bits, leather steering wheels, sunroof, having EW written in the engine bay, etc. are less important.

questions:
which mk1s came with rear disc brakes as standard.
did any mk1 come with 239mm vented front discs as standard (ie mk2 size)
I read that the campaign model came with a slightly different engine (cam profile) and a slightly taller 5spd box than the late series 2 car. Is this correct?
how likely is a sunroof to leak (ie should I actively avoid sunroofs)?

cheers

Hi again, all series 2 MK1 Gti's are 1.8 5-speed boxes, so will be same as the Campaign.

To answer your list of questions;

1. None had rear discs as standard
2. Again no, I believe all were same size
3. Not as far as I'm aware - defo same 1.8 engine, ref the box the Campaign had a 9A box which I think was the same on the non-Campaign 1.8 Gti's. 1.6 Gti boxes were different ratios I think as I've heard people talking about swapping
4. If it's rusty, it will probably leak!! A lot is personal opinion as many wont buy a MK1 with a sunroof. Personally, I really like them - it's like anything, check it for rust - esp. in the drain tubes. If no rust, chances are it wont leak!

Hope the above helps (and is all correct!) but I will soon be corrected if any of this is wrong! ops:

Just get the most solid, 1.8 Gti you can, be it Campaign or not. You can try people like Wagen Wheels in Southampton http://www.wagenwheels.co.uk/cars_for_sale.htm but you will obviously pay a premium over a private sale but at least have some come-back.

What sort of budget are you lookin to spend?

Cheers
Andy

Hello and welcome. Good to hear of yet another poteteial mk1 owner . Are you keeping the 635 - always had a soft spot for them, great shape and engine.

The 5 speed box and 1.8 engine (DX engine code) are not exclusive to the Campaign. The engine was first fitted to the GTI in 1982 and the 5 speed box was standard from 80/81. No mk1 (even GTI) came with rear disc brakes as standard. The GTI came with 239 mm vented front discs as standard.

From what I understand the cam profile is the same on Campaign and non-Campign 1.8 DX engines fitted to mk1s. Its profile was changed when the DX engine was fitted to the mk2. My understanding is that the mk2 had a taller box than the mk1, but that the Campaign has a slightly taller box than the non-campaign 1.8 GTI.

Factory fit sunroof (which were only ever sliding steel panels) should not leak if looked after and well maintained. Opening the sunroof up should immediately highlight any rust marks or bubbling around the sunroof aperture. Stay away from glass sunroofs (these can leak badly, may be made by a defunct manufacturer and effect the value of the car). You will also find the occasional mk1 with a Webasto sunroof. These can also be leaky and are non-standard.

From what you say you should be looking for a Yreg 1.8 5 speed mk1 GTI. These can be found with or without steel sunroofs and come with trip computers as standard.

Good luck with your search.

Cheers

Ahhh.. you beat me to it Hairyarse . Aren't all mk1's fitted with 239mm discs, the GTI ones being vented :dontknow: . The 1.6 did have a shorter ratio box (often refered to as a sprint box) than the 1.8. Assume this was ok as 1600 revs higher and has a higher torque/BHP peak.

Cheers

ah ok, re the brakes. What is the upgrade I have heard about? mk2 gti comes with 239mm vented discs as standard also. Are the calipers different on a mk1? surely not if the discs are the same!!

The taller box ratios are important to me as I'd like to be good on a motorway run as well as on roundabouts  :wink:  . So budget permitting I'm still looking for a campaign model.

plus leccy windows. I've found an EW car with window handles. Would this be original?

anyway, thanks for all the help guys. I'm looking at a few cars over the next couple of days so I'll keep you posted

The brake upgrade is from 239mm to 256mm (which I think were fitted to the 16 valve mk2 GTI). Should be lots of info on this in the Modifications section of the forum. I do know that you need at least 14 inch wheels to accomodate the bigger discs. Not aware of electric windows ever being a standard or factory fit on any mk1 GTI.

Cheers

Our resident expert 'dubboy' (Rajan) will know the answer but I have seen a MK1 Gti with aircon and electric windows. Can't recall if options (don't think so) or just after market jobs. Both were tidy options though!

Ref daily driver, any 1.8 5-speed will be a good motorway cruiser, my Campaign will happily keep up with modern traffic (and surpass it sometimes even! :wink: ) My only niggle with mine is the drivers seat is a little saggy but aside from this I've done 200-300 mile trips with no worries, taken it on holiday…..

Cheers
Andy

I know the air-con was a US option on the rabbit, and i've seen one go on ebay recently.  Think electric windows were too. I'm taking my GTI on a 600 mile round trip this weekend, and picking up lots of parts on the way…hope it manages  :dontknow: