My 1983 1.8 Golf GTI ~Help/Advice please guys!~ CLEANED PICS

Hello one and all.
I have recently purchased my first mk1 and Im pleased as punch with it!  
As i was expecting from a 25 year old car there are quite a few niggles that need sorting.
In this post I intend to help myself keep track of what needs doing and maybe help other's in the future in the same situation, im also looking for advice as some of the problems may be common ones that some of you may have had experience in fixing yourselves.

1 - The odometer (mileometer) is very temprimental, more often than not it doesnt work at all, the speedometer works fine so im guessing its not going to be a major nightmare, possibly just a loose connection as it has been working (for a whole 4 miles!).
1.2 - The temp gauge does not work at all, which fingers crossed is just a dodgy connection or maybe needs a new sender.
1.3 - The right side of the instrument display has become loose and has droped about 1CM so it looks wonky, maybe a screw is missing?

Once iv managed to get at the back of the panel Im sure the cures to the problems will become more apparent.

2 - The brake's need a fair bit of pressure applied to them before the brake lights turn on. Im not too sure how to take this one, maybe it can be adjusted? The last thing i would want is for somebody following me not to realise I was slowing and go into the back of me!

3 - Gearbox linkages need changing, Iv found the guide on here which im sure will be my bible for the job (If i decide to try doing it myself).

4 - The exhaust sounds like its blowing a fair bit and is rattling quite alot, think the whole system needs looking at by somebody that knows more than me to identify the problem('s?).

Also I think the rear N/S wheel bearing needs replacing and the drivers door has droped a little bit but still works fine, I just dont want it to get any worse.

Sorry this may not be the most interesting post but hey.
Im far far from being any sort of mechanic but im sure there are lots of things that can be done with a brew and the haynes manual that iv got!Thanks for taking the time to look,
Dan

Get stuck in!!

Any help needed just ask.

Do you have any pics??

get some pics up mate.

Ok got some pics sorted, taken this morning.







Looking quite dirty.

Now we have the problems…..
RUST!

I was wondering what i could do to sort out these areas





I know the spare wheel well is a common place but is this repaiable and how is it best done or can you get replacments?






Also with the fuel filler pipe+cap, does this look like something I should worrie about?







Any advice on what i could do to sort these areas out?

So far she's had a new clutch + middle exhaust fitted. The guy thats been doing the work on her has been ace. New gear box linkage kit, new door pockets with JBL speakers and new window winders.

Nice mk1 you have there - Best of luck with it -

Pierce

Pierce said

Nice mk1 you have there - Best of luck with it -

Pierce

Thanks mate!  
In response to my first post…

1. - The odometer (mileometer) is still not working properly, it works when its cold (mornings and evenings) but in the day it often doesnt work.
1.2 - The temp is now working, they guy who titted the clutch and exhaust fitted a new one aswell as fixing the instrument display.

Please let me know what you guys think and any advice you may have.
Thanks Dan.

:dontknow:

Alright dan, I like the look of the wheels on your mk1! Anyway, with regards to your fuel filler neck rust issue, its because your fuel cap's seal is knackerd, this can allow water in to your fuel filler neck and f%*k your engine i've heard. I replaced my filler cap with a campaign item ages ago, and my neck hasn't got any worse!

Jeevesraf said

Alright dan, I like the look of the wheels on your mk1! Anyway, with regards to your fuel filler neck rust issue, its because your fuel cap's seal is knackerd, this can allow water in to your fuel filler neck and f%*k your engine i've heard. I replaced my filler cap with a campaign item ages ago, and my neck hasn't got any worse!

Safe thanks for the reply!  
Yea I was worried about the rust flaking off and getting into the engine along with water.
Thanks for the advice, I think ill get a new filler cap (I think Iv seen some on Crazy Quiffs site)
Dan

As for the wheel well, I found some one breaking a shell, And they cut a good section out for me, I will then weld this in place.
The rest of the rust does want treating but on the whole it looks a nice car.

Yea thats a really good idea with the wheel well.
And sorry for the ignorance but when you say treat the rest of the rust…… How???      :dontknow:  


NEW PICS!
Clean now  
(Fingers crossed it dont snow or rain soon but I bet it will!)

good luck mate a little elbow grease goes a long way will be looking out for this thread

kane