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Dilema - Scrap? Restore?

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IMG_3087.JPG IMG_3090.JPG IMG_3091.JPG IMG_3097.JPG Good day one and all

A week ago purchased my 6th MK1 an 1988 F plate Golf GTI Cabrio, loads & loads & loads of history including original bill of sale and with 6 weeks MOT left I thought whats the worst that can happen….

I didnt have time to get the car fully checked over and an idea of what was needed by way of repairs, the owner did say ' she will fly through a new MOT'.

Im an idiot, bought with my heart. Anyway…

She has been to the very, very fussy, which is good, local VW specialist and I have the following list of repairs:

2x Front suspension mounts
1x Front shock absorber
2x Front springs
1x Track rod end
Fuel tank
Fuel filler neck
2x Outer CV joints
1x Inner CV joint
1x Fuse box
3x headlight bulbs
1x Seat belt buckle catch
1x Spare wheel tyre
4x Tyres ( tread is fine, walls cracked x2 and inner bulge x2)
Tracking
Hydraulic followers
Gear box linkage set
Heater matrix
Front seat clips & runners (both wobble and lean)
Front grill
Bonnet sound proofing
Boot carpet/liner
Boot panels side
Drivers seat retrim
Hood liner internal torn
Hood release handle - drivers side
Dashboard lights inoperbale
Rear fog light inoperable
Tyre caps x3
Front wiper arms x2
Front wiper caps x2
Oil leak at back of engine (needs steam clean to look at properly)

All the glass and panels are original, no modifications other than the Rivage wheels and a new mohair roof.

Not sure what to do, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

IMG_3077.JPG

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Ok looks like you got your hands full.

Most of the stuff is doable by your self I'd say.
Depends on time and skill levels.
Sounds like you've been around these cars for a while.
However the new roof will have to come off because the headliner and the interliner and pad fixings are all under the roof. I never get why folks don't repair or replace what's needed under the roof at the same time.
Don't let anyone give you BS that the headliner etc can be replaced with the roof on the car, it's nonsense.

So you'd need to factor in the labour costs of the roof being taken off, hopefully not damaged whilst doing so. New headliner etc. You're looking at a good few hundred quid in parts let alone labour unless you're going to tackle it yourself.

plus the door capping is missing in one of the pics, missing the Karmann wing badges, centre console, blanking plate, new seat foam is around £80.00 then the material to match the existing, trimmer costs etc. Plus if the rear window frame is goosed that's another 290 euros. It soon adds up

Hopefully you didn't pay a lot for it initially.

I'm looking for a project myself, but the prices I've seen are ridiculously expensive for the state of the cars and the unrealistic expectations people think they have. I've walked away from a few. The costs of putting these cars right is often way more than the market values once you've factored in the initial purchase price too.
However if you like the car then spend the money and enjoy it, use it, keep it.

"Making Cabbies More Beautiful One Roof at a Time" 

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Can you fix it or will you just take it to a garage to do the work?

What is mileage and is the engine good?

From your list what is an MOT fail, are the CV boots split?
Is rubber on the Track rod split or just cracked?

If the boots are just cracked and not leaking grease you will just get an advisory.

Get the things that will fail the MOT fixed or just take it to an MOT station to see what fails as some of the cosmetic things like
seat bolster,
Bonnet sound proofing (They never came with bonnet sound proofing!)
Boot carpet/liner
Boot panels side
Drivers seat retrim
Hood liner internal torn
Hood release handle - drivers side

are not an MOT fail.

Most of the other jobs are simple straight forward things to do and a couple of days work.

If you are restoring it to make money forget it, you will struggle to do it unless alot of work can be done by your self.

Whats wrong with the fuel tank, surface rust or holes?


All this you do at the same time, remove struts (4 bolts)

2x Front suspension mounts (whats wrong?)
1x Front shock absorber (DO NOT JUST REPLACE 1 SHOCK)
2x Front springs (Cracked or just rusty)
1x Track rod end (Cracked or split)
2x Outer CV joints (Split or cracked)
1x Inner CV joint  (Split or cracked)
Tracking (you will have to reset if taking things apart or fitting a new track rod)

1x Fuse box (Whats wrong with it?)
3x headlight bulbs (simple change bulb or clean contacts)

Hydraulic followers (Fresh oil may fix this?)

Gear box linkage set (Not MOT fail) £6 for new bushes

Heater matrix (Whats wrong with it? no heat could be valve not working in engine bay/cable not fitted)

Front seat clips & runners (both wobble and lean) Couple £s for a new set of plastic clips.

Front grill (it looks like its there in the pictures?)

Dashboard lights inoperbale (Couple £s for new bulbs)
Rear fog light inoperable (bulb blow, faulty switch?)

Tyre caps x3 (Not important)

Front wiper arms x2 (it seems to have wiper arms? rub down and blow over with a rattle can)
Front wiper caps x2 (Couple £ new but not important)

Oil leak at back of engine (needs steam clean to look at properly) Leaking gasket, usually rocker cover gasket £3 not MOT fail unless a big leak, I had an oil leak for a few years, I called it ARPS - Automatic rust prevention system as old oil is great at keeping rust away!

If you don't have the skills or funds sell it on, those jobs are simple and easily fixed to get it on the road then the cosmetic things can be done later on, they make good commuting car as that's what I do with mine 40 MPG, 285,000 miles later and 21 years of ownership and it's never left me at the side of the road or a breakdown lorry!






 

Last edit: by mark1gls


1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Thank you for the reply Chortle, appreciated.
Do you have any recommendations for new parts suppliers, mechanical items, that offer a M1OC member discount please?

I paid £2,400.00 for the car from a fellow MK1OC board/club member, tried to haggle the price lower but time and his defiance LOL mean this was the price.

Love these cars so heart rules head.. and a rather heavy financial lesson learnt.

However, my thoughts, given she is structurally spot on with no evil rot,  this will be long term ownership so have the essential mechanical elements replaced from the list of issues, and work on the cosmetics in time,  buying a house restricts available budget.

I have several cosmetic items in the garage, door caps supplied by previous owner, center console blanking plate and Karman badges.

The interior I can live with, come winter I will have the internal roof and seats refurbished.

Simply put, I don't have the mechanical skills to undertake the bulk of the work myself and don't wish to throw thousands upon thousands at her as I am well aware I will never realise the cost by way of return.

Heart rules head… again… Bloody MK1 Golfs, they really get you where it hurts. Wallet and Heart…!!

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Hi mark1gls

The work will be carried out by the local VW Specialist as I dont have the time or skills to complete the work myself.

She is going through an MOT today, as the garage and now yourself suggested, gives a clear view as you mention.

I dont want to make money out of her, to recover costs would be great over a few years of ownership, I bought her to enjoy and 'restore' so would prefer not to scrap or sell her on.

One question please… and it may sound stupid…

Why do you never replace one shock absorber and what is the format/requirement for replacing shock absorbers please?

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If you post up the reg we can check the MOT history for the last 10 years then you can what was an advisory before.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Thank you, I have the MOT print outs from DVLA.

Some of the items that require attention were advisory on the last 2 MOT tests, so not so bad I guess :thumbs:Why do you not replace one shock absorber please? How should you do it?

 

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Shocks are replaced in pairs as if one is old and one is new you may find the car dips to one side under braking.

Same for things like suspension spring, brake shoes, brake pads, brake discs.

If any one tells you to just replace 1 then walk away as its bad practice and an false economy.

Good to hear you will try and keep it.


Places for stuff needed.

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/

http://www.eurocarparts.com/

Car Parts & Spares -- Buy Online with Fast UK Delivery | GSF Car Parts

Always use a discount code from website as at weekends and bank holidays upto 60% off on all 3 sites above.

AVS Car Parts - [The VW - Audi - Seat - Skoda Parts Specialist]

Good place for good quality and genuine VW stuff.

http://www.classic-vw.co.uk/

Club discount here.

http://www.classic-vw.co.uk/

http://www.golfmk1.co.uk/


and of cause ebay or amazon.

If you need help with what fits and parts ask we are always here to help.  :thumbs: 

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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AMAZING…

Thank you mark1gls…!!!!

I have decided to keep the car and sell my immaculate,
 orignial, 85K, Black, MK3 VR6 Highline, 3dr automatic as its sits stored away to fund the rebuild of the MK1.

House and car… all at the same time   :lol:

Several emails have been sent to suppliers ( classic VW, VW Heritage and Euro Parts ) for mechanical parts so fingers crossed the bill isnt too traumatic.

How do I find discount codes please, is it via this website or the suppliers website?

Plan is to have the mechanics resolved then find a decent interior company to restore the seats, sound proofing and trim.

Happy Boy….!!!

Thank you for your help so fara, no doubt I will have further questions to ask via this thread.

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Euro car parts discount code on the main page of there site. This weekend it's WEEKEND60 - 60% off this weekend, don't always trust what Euro car parts says as they do sometimes list the wrong part.

VW heritage and classic VW I'm not sure how to get discount code from this club as I'm not a paid member of this club as I get discount through the Scirocco register as I'm a paid member of that club.

Seat cloth is a little trickier to find, the only place selling it is in Germany but a good place to get lots of hard to find parts. If lucky you can buy a good 2nd hand set and use the passengers seat to make yours good.

https://www.werk34.de/index.php/cat/c2595_Seat-Upholstery.html

Lots of interior bits here.
http://www.newtoncomm.co.uk/home/

Under bonnet sound deadening, as I said there was none fitted as standard to a 1988 car but there is a chap in the Netherlands who has had some made to the original spec, I've bought stuff from him in the past so he's a good chap.

link to the thread.
http://sciroccoregister.co.uk/carforum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18596&start=45

Or Newton sell a universal pad which covers the whole bonnet not just the flat sections.

 

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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For your roof stuff me!
I supply and fit.

Cheers

"Making Cabbies More Beautiful One Roof at a Time" 

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Thanks Chortle I will certainly let you know when the hood is next on the agenda, appreciated.

One question re: hood… does it have a layer of sound proofing between the outer mohair section and inner headliner please?

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mark1gls thank you, I have ordered the seat fabric 2 sections, not cheap but its factory so what the heck.

With regards to bonnet sound proofing, I have looked at the Scirocco thread and its perfect, cant see 'Bluesharks' contact details anywhere to order a set,
I dont suppose you have them please?

Been on multiple sites this afternoon ordering various bits and pieces, oemepc.com is brilliant for images and part numbers. I am looking forward to deliveries early next week, thank god I'm single and have no lady to answer too…  :thumbs:

Thanks again mark1gls, really good of you to help!!!

ALL - Would anyone, and would you, be interested in a build thread of the car?

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Yes the the top assembly as it's known consist of these parts in order.

On a bare frame.

1) headliner.

2) interliner.

3) pad.

4) roof, hood, top or whatever you want to call it lol.

You'd need to unglue the hood all round from the front and side parts above the front side windows.

Unglue it from the lower rear frame arms and undo the side tension cables. Peel the roof back to expose the staples for the interliner and the headliner.

the headliner is glued to the cross rails riveted to the front sides, clamped by the strip at the front, screwed into the corners of the rear body, hung on straps tensioned by rubber bands and held under the parcel shelf supports by glue and spikes. Stapled at the rear bow.

Interliner is held in front by metal retaining rod,  glued over the header bow, a strap is cut out that is riveted to the rear frame section. Stapled into the rear bow recess.


"Making Cabbies More Beautiful One Roof at a Time" 

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Blueshark will hopefully be in touch.  :thumbs:http://sciroccoregister.co.uk/carforum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18596&p=145536#p145536


Maybe start up a new thread with a restore/build thread as this one has gone a bit :offtopic: 

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Just about finished mine so may beable to help with some pointers!! 20170609_173048.jpg

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Leesuper13…

WOW, she looks superb!!!!   :wub:

What did you have to do in order to achieve the level of finish you have?

The mechanicals of mine are being repaired/replaced this week, all of it, get it done and then the interior.

Have to say, if I can get mine looking like yours I will be one very happy chap.

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Glad to hear you've decided to restore it.

Unfortunately it sounds like your VW 'Specialist' was extremely picky and TBH, possibly not a mk1 specialist!

I'm intrigued as to how the springs are broken or need replacing!!

Best advice is to get in and do some stuff your self. You say you have no knowledge, but nor did anyone to start with.

I could barely change a tyre 5 years ago and I'm currently rebuilding mine after stripping it down to a bare shell! But this is the fourth project and each time you do a bit more.

Get a haynes manual, join a local region as there might be someone just down the road who can lend a hand or point you in the right direction, or just drink tea and watch you do stuff. Or better still come and stay with me for a weekend an help me put mine back together!!  :P  

Don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting you re-build the thing from the ground up, but checking light bulbs is fairly easy to do and access is easy and doesn't require any special tools. Cheap to buy and hopefully cheap to fix.

Get a build thread going and ask questions as you go.

Take plenty of pictures so you know how stuff came apart and make lots of notes. Freezer bags for bits are useful as anything you take off can be bagged and tagged (most of my tin top is currently in bags in a filing cabinet).

Have a look through the FAQs and the guides sections too, lots of useful info in there.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ian

Cornish Host.
1980 VW Derby
Clive the Cabby
Ujum the Invisible
Mynx the  Tintop

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Hi Ian

Appreciate the reply thank you.

I agree, a number of elements that need repairing I will and can do myself.

The interior I will tackle on my own as I'm comfortable having stripped and restored 2 interiors previously.
Simply the mechanical items I will have the local specialist resolve, the owner is a very good friend hence he was super picky on the faults with the car, they know MK1s inside out and  he will look after my so to speak so all in I'm happy with the process of restoring this ugly duckling.

Have to get the VR6 up for sale to fund it…!

Cant wait to get her back later this week.

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BirchyB0y said

Leesuper13…

WOW, she looks superb!!!!   :wub:

What did you have to do in order to achieve the level of finish you have?

The mechanicals of mine are being repaired/replaced this week, all of it, get it done and then the interior.

Have to say, if I can get mine looking like yours I will be one very happy chap.

Thanks pal, I'm a bit of a perfectionist! If you don't mind taking your time, spending a bit of time researching on the net and parting with a bit of cash you'll get there… my advice, don't rush!
And if stops being fun, take a break!!

The local vw specialist will do you a job, but charge you for the privilege! If your logical these cars are pretty straight forward to work on.

The chaps on here will always come to your aid if you shout up!!

Good look, looking forward to your thread!

Just read the previous post, if the vw specialist is a good mate get him drunk and play the symphty card!!!




Last edit: by leesuper13

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