Golf MK1 GTi 1983 Project

I found this MK1 GTi project that was supposed to be 95% complete although not the original engine. The body seems to be remarkable condition so I thought I'd take a punt. It arrived last week and I'm starting to wonder what I was thinking. As I pulled all the parts out of the interior and the various boxes it was clear that 95% complete was a slight exaggeration - missing front seats, dashboard, parcel shelf, engine - although ABF included oh yes and only one wheel. My heart has ruled my head I feel. But as the shell is in great condition maybe it'll all be ok. I’ll keep you posted….

finding the parts is half the fun.
Good luck!

How do you know it was a GTI?

Real GTi - did as much due diligence as possible. The VIN number on the data plate and the number stamped underneath the windscreen match the number in the V5 and the V5 says it's a GTi. So hopefully that's not another item to add to the growing list of 'reasons I shouldn't have bought it'

It's has been de-badged and had the wheel arches removed and had the boot latch button removed and wider rear lights already fitted. It's a dilemma as to whether to take it all back to original, scarp the ABF engine and find and install an original DX engine - any views welcome.

richiepl said

Real GTi - did as much due diligence as possible. The VIN number on the data plate and the number stamped underneath the windscreen match the number in the V5 and the V5 says it's a GTi. So hopefully that's not another item to add to the growing list of 'reasons I shouldn't have bought it'

It's has been de-badged and had the wheel arches removed and had the boot latch button removed and wider rear lights already fitted. It's a dilemma as to whether to take it all back to original, scarp the ABF engine and find and install an original DX engine - any views welcome.

Strange someone had the holygrail of MK1s, a rot free GTI and removes all the bits that don't rot and doesn't use the shell…..

If it was a 1.8 DX it would have had the S2 wider rear lights anyway? What's the boot sticker say?

It's been de-badged. The V5 says it had a 1.8 DX engine.

Is there still a paper label in the boot with the vin number, engine number, gearbox code etc?

The ABF engine is bolted to a gearbox that has a hydraulic clutch and a cable gearshift. At some point I'll need to weld a master cylinder to steering column but I'll focus on getting the engine going first.

I'm not sure which gear linkage cable setup to use - MK4 Golf I've heard works well but not sure if later linkages will work as well - more research!

richiepl said

The ABF engine is bolted to a gearbox that has a hydraulic clutch and a cable gearshift. At some point I'll need to weld a master cylinder to steering column but I'll focus on getting the engine going first.

I'm not sure which gear linkage cable setup to use - MK4 Golf I've heard works well but not sure if later linkages will work as well - more research!

Go old school

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I've had a bit of break from the golf over the summer - but now it's getting colder and the evenings are drawing in I can get the heater on and get back in the workshop!

I'm just getting to the bottom of splicing in the MK3 ECU loom into the MK1 fusebox with help from RubJonny - nearly there…

It occurred to me, as I was re-addressing the project that maybe I should go back to all original MK1 - get a DX engine, go back to the original rear lights, rear wiper and boot latch etc.

Does anyone have an opinion?
Would it make it more desirable in todays market?
The ABF engine seems like a good idea but does that ruin at straight, rust free (high milage) GTi?
Or am I overthinking it? - Feedback welcome.

Thanks in advance…

Build it how you want, chances are when you want to sell it someone will have a vision close to yours  

It's your car so as has been said, it's entirely up to you. Mine was always going to be as close to stock as original (bar bigger front discs, servo, and MC) as that's what I wanted it to be. I've kept the original parts in case I want it fully original again.

To build it as a stock car I think with all the good parts you'd have to source could make it a long and expensive build, where as if you build it as you like it's ready to enjoy, nothing to stop you collecting the standard parts in the future \ long term to either return it or sell on with the stock option.
I'm a little like Paceman, I have everything (except front seats) to return mine to stock, but wanted to build mine as VW might have if they had done a mk1 16v, bigger brakes / rear discs, central locking, slightly lower springs, period wheels etc but looking standard.

I think the demand for stock and modified is sufficient for both so either way works

Great, thanks for your feedback Jake and Paceman.

ABF engine conversion it is then and I'll keep on the lookout for any stock items if I decide to convert it back in the future…

More pictures to come if anyone is interested.

Does anyone out there have experience fitting a hydraulic clutch master cylinder?

There is an expensive kit by Retrofication but it just looks like a T4 Master Cylinder - anyone know?

Thanks

richiepl said

Great, thanks for your feedback Jake and Paceman.

ABF engine conversion it is then and I'll keep on the lookout for any stock items if I decide to convert it back in the future…

More pictures to come if anyone is interested.

More pictures  

Engine in - it's firing back cuts out straight away?

Front suspension rebuilt. I've got lowering springs. Maybe a job for the future? And maybe repaint the BBS's

Hoping to get the engine working right then I'll pull it out again and tidy up the engine bay

Still head scratching. Nearly there - hopefully