Toby's Lhasa Green 1600 GTI

Very nice GTI you've got there. Do you mind me asking what suspension is on the car? And how much its been lowered by?

mk1newbie said

Very nice GTI you've got there. Do you mind me asking what suspension is on the car? And how much its been lowered by?

Thanks, shocks and springs are standard at moment, I'm fitting Bilstein B4 Shocks and Eibach 40mm lowering springs in the near future though.

Nice choice, I'm considering the same suspension setup for mine.  

mk1newbie said

Nice choice, I'm considering the same suspension setup for mine.  

Yeah I'll post up pictures when I do it, hopefully next month.

Those seats look great! Interested in seeing how the suspension looks and rides as well.

Saw your GTI at the Chiltern Hills Vintage Rally yesterday. Really nice example in lovely condition! Was a shame you weren't around when I saw it to have a chat.


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Ah gutted I missed you, there was so much to see there I wasn't around the car much except to grab a bite to eat. Glad you liked it, another time maybe!!

Yes definitely! Think I may show mine next year


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Well I did it, fitted Bilstein B4 Shocks and Eibach lowering springs all round. I decided to refurbish the front struts and wishbones whilst I was at it, a bit of wire brush traetment and then a couple of coats of Hammerite did the job! It wasn't a hard job and the only specialist tool I brought was a spring compressor and a 22mm ring spanner. I also changed the top mounts, bump stops and also replaced the rear bushes with Powerflex yellow ones. It's well worth soaking all bolts with penetrating fluid a couple of days before, I loosened the bolts with a 17mm socket on a long breaker bar. I think I will source a set of new camber bolts and washers as the existing camber washers are a bit worn and sloppy on the bolt.

Well its only been a few days but I am well pleased with the results, before the suspension was pretty boingy and my rear tyres would rub the arches if I went over a bump at speed, lol. The suspension is much stiffer and more direct, its given the car a much sportier feel and has decreased body roll significantly. The ride is still comfy, I have to say its quite fun feeling the undulations of the road. I would definately recommend this to anyone considering a upgrade, its excellent value for money and a straightforward fit. My only dissapointment is the amount it has lowered the car by, less than I was expecting, but it is still early days and I am expecting the springs to give a bit more.

I have also treated the old girl to a new set of rims, Ronal R10 Ball Polished with Nankang Ultra 185/45/15 tyres, got um off a nice chap on ebay today. Well pleased!!!!

 

Thanks for the suspension info, car looks great. Actually like the suspension height, but it might be I'm getting older!?

Thanks shepp  its no problem, the tyres are pretty low profile, I would probably go for something different maybe 65's when they wear down, to fill the arches a bit better! Also changed the grill from quads to twin.

A picture outside the pub today

Really nice Gti you have there, Big fan of the seats they look great!

Panch_mk1golf said

Really nice Gti you have there, Big fan of the seats they look great!

+1  

Just got a few engine bits powdercoated and am well pleased with the results - thanks to Bucks Powdercoating for doing a great job, I paid £60 for these bits which I think was a fair price.



I've had a busy couple of weeks starting with fitting a new alternator, then got her Mot'd with no advisories, then fitted a new starter motor and finally a new water pump, phew. The old girl should be super reliable now. My next plan is tidying up the engine bay - mainly cleaning. I've decided to stick with the 1600 lump as it's plenty fast enough for my needs and the more I drive her the better the engine goes. Still got lots of bits I've brought to fit so will keep the updates coming. 

Powdercoated parts look great, fantastic price too  

Good news on the mot.

Matt

I've got the Mk1 bug so have brought a cabby to add to my collection, more details to follow!

Looks brilliant. I see a black grille badge in your future.

Great looking car, love the Ronal wheels   

My Golf is now for Sale on Ebay - heres the link - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285261665981