newbie here

Just wanted to say hi, i will very soon be the proud owner of a mk1 cabriolet and looking forward to it. Thanks for having me here i am really enjoying it so far. :-)

Welcome to the Club first of all.

As for importing one, do you have yet any idea what the total shipping costs would be from there back to the UK?

That would be my starting point.
Converting them is doable of course but the shipping costs might be a show stopper!    

Yeah i was just reading up on that this morning. Theres the shipping cost but also vat and import duty too unless you have owned the car for at least 6 months in the country its coming from. Then you have to keep it at least a year in the uk. Customs are aware of scams too and have the power to take your car so all in all i can see why people dont bother with the hassle and expense of it. Its a shame when you see them for sale over there from £200 and upwards.
Oh well i just stick to hi im a newbie.  

Why not start small. 
What is the supply of parts like over there?  

Parts are good too. Whats hard to lay your hands on here?
I can get wifey to search.