1983 Golf Mk1

[adi3390]

Well I've been a lurker for a very long time, so, thought it about time to join up and add to the forum.. especially since Photobucket nuked any other thread I've had, ever.

I would do a long rambling piece on how I've seen the VW 'Scene' develop since I've had my Golf, and my take on it... suffice to say it's best left where it is IMO... *Disclaimer* I'm not into low-lows /stance/ and chrome 

Where to begin... bare with me this will be rambling and inane I'm sure

Bought the Golf in 2011 sometime, with the express intention on doing it up in a rolling-resto kinda way..... yeah that didn't happen. So it went to be an OEM+ style jobbie, and again that didn't happen

Back home -









First shopping spree



Then the rolling resto went full tear down










Then came the replacement body panels... at this point having a go at welding was well off the cards, so off it went to a local 'shop... Car is a Cat-D, from being rear-ended so needed the rear panel, had the front hanging around from another car... so had that put on, wish I hadn't - panel is awful





For scale



Aand back...






Then, the next phase, this coincided with a new job and more regular free time





Express intention at that point to strip and reseal the underside... didn't happen that way. Again age and enthusiasm opposed to money and skill... I'll do it again soon enough

So, at that point I went down the engine transplant route..

Ubiquitous 20v Turbo unit



One thing or another, didn't fancy it so went to the G60







Got so far with it in G60 guise, but had a few problems with the block not being cleaned out properly in the machine shop, so we ended up with a little sludge-gunk-swarf.... again, enthusiasm was really that did it...

So, after that, got a recon G60 engine from someone via VW. But for whatever reason the G60 was a tad tainted for me, along with its magnesium internals on the supercharger... so after all that I sold the bits on .... thought about the car too. But it keeps me from doing a mischief in other ways

So, after all that and the years it took... Voila, the DX original GTI engine is back 





At this point a few things happened, engine was rebuilt to std spec, as was the gearbox... a few gears and bearings replaced.

At some point I'd also gone for a few upgrades too -









Coilovers, thicker anti-roll bars (rear more akin to Mk2 golf)

Wheels - As most have BBS on a VW, I wanted something different, having had my fill of standard wheels, BBS RZ's... I got these -

Compomotive CX-N in 15" Guise





Refinished -





I also went through a Series 1 Golf fetish.... basically the Golfs made pre 1980, small tail lights, different dash and so many other little details





And once again, changed my mind. Its a later Golf and should stay that way... so flogged all that stuff on again. And had to then replace it for Series Two parts! A lot more plentiful but had gone through a renaissance of cost adjustment.

Prior to that momentous moment I'd damaged the windscreen, which was the wrong tint for a GTI of this era, clear opposed to green tint.

So as you do, I went for an upgrade, to a heated 'screen.. and it's deffo green this time



Which takes us to where we are now really, and compared to a lot of threads on here... this is just messing about... but once again time is now free and finances are better to get the damn thing moving.





A few recent bits -

An oh so 80's steering wheel, impressive looking sump and clocks



There is some more to add, but I'll sort that when I can take some better pics!

Opinions and thoughts most welcome

Cheers

[deano123]

Sits nicely on the wheels, which bumpers are you going to use

You selling the Wolfsburg steering wheel?

[skkylinedave]

Two of my lottery win cars - Helios blue mk1 gti And a Lhasa green one.
Nice to see its going yo be standardish and not Orange with chrome bumpers and no suspension.

[adi3390]

Oct 22, 2017 17:12:02 GMT deano123 said:

Sits nicely on the wheels, which bumpers are you going to use

You selling the Wolfsburg steering wheel?

Bumpers are going to be the small plastic rap around ones, like it had originally. Messed about with all sorts but return to ‘em

Steering wheel I’ve already let go unfortunately.. sadly I sold it for what I got it for.. seems about 40% of what they go for now 😯 I should’ve looked ‘em first, live and learn

Oct 22, 2017 17:38:08 GMT skkylinedave said:

Two of my lottery win cars - Helios blue mk2 gti And a Lhasa green one.
Nice to see its going yo be standardish and not Orange with chrome bumpers and no suspension.

The two best colours I’d say, but I’m biased 😉

Hard to find the original helios paint colour nowadays ... they revised it to have a purple reflex over the years (think TVR) ... good starting point to check for newish paint, should you get in the market for one 🙂

Thanks for he comments both 🙂

————

So small update of sorts,

OE upgrade alloys on the Mk1 (Pirelli P-Slot) are 14” ET38x6J.

Now my Compomotives, originally bought to be different, but also to house 288mm ‘G60’ callipers and discs... I do like them, but have a hankering for something 14”

So, I took a punt on some - and they’ve now arrived. Their spec 14” ET38x6J but 4x98 and a CB of 58.1 - Alfa or Fiat spec I think...

So perfect for me with some wobble bolts and spigots 😁

Onto the wheel - OZ Route C? I think. Just before OZ Racing was set up, no stickers for me 🙁😝

I’ve taken them out to look at but no pics as yet, from the ad




Ironically I watched a program a few days ago, and spotted something with the same wheel I think



But, when offered up the inner spokes get a bit personal with the brake callipers... so spacers needed, 10mm will do I think, and would take them to the same spec as the Compomotives in terms of ET and where they sit

Compomotives for sale soon 👍

[slackerTHEpinstriper]

Welcome aboard, cool build and just up the road from me too 👍🏻

[negativebear]

An enormous amount of the respect for maintaining the enthusiasm and drive to keep going despite all the back-tracking. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!

[tristanh]

Love it. I'm long-term restomodding a mk1 as well. Small bumpers, short lamps, ally block 16v on Jenveys.

What brakes are they? I use Vectra calipers, they work way better than mk1/2 ones
Perfect fit over mk2 16v discs.

[adi3390]

Nov 9, 2017 13:27:03 GMT slackerTHEpinstriper said:

Welcome aboard, cool build and just up the road from me too 👍🏻

Thanks, Barnsley aren’t you? Was tempted with the Phase 1’s 🙂

Nov 9, 2017 14:15:29 GMT negativebear said:

An enormous amount of the respect for maintaining the enthusiasm and drive to keep going despite all the back-tracking. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!

Thanks - it is hard but getting back into it... as it always is with things, but decided to pick a few small jobs to get the ball rolling

Nov 9, 2017 19:02:27 GMT tristanh said:

Love it. I'm long-term restomodding a mk1 as well. Small bumpers, short lamps, ally block 16v on Jenveys.

What brakes are they? I use Vectra calipers, they work way better than mk1/2 ones
Perfect fit over mk2 16v discs.

They’re addictive aren’t they! I had all the bits for an S1 conversion as it’s a nice simple design.

But stayed S2.... I think of the big lights like 80’s shoulder pads and the angular dash pure 80’s ..

Doing a twist with my engine too, more on that as it happens, but a spare head has been bought, and sent off, with some throttle bodies thrown in.... still a GTI, technically just not KJet

Brakes are just std jobbies on the front, 239mm type 2 callipers, Polo GTI 229mm solid rear discs. I’ve stopped short of buying flexi’s ... part of me wants some better brakes, but unsure what’s going to work best with the new wheels... so I’m sure something will happen on that front.

Forgot about the Vauxhall brakes if honest, think they’d do a job, always tempted by some willwoods or the like though... as my other car shows I can be a bit of a tart 😄

Thanks for the reply’s guys.

May as well do a little update why I’m here. So tested the new wheels -



Old and new



Seems the fit of the wheels is worse on the back for space, than the front! So going to clean the wheels up and check their all the same fitment.

Suspect it’s the calliper design though, so need 10mm on the back to clear... less on the front, but 10mm should mean we’re nice and even.

Any thoughts on how to refinish the wheels?? I’m leaning for a silver ... some ideas of similar/ same wheels -

[skkylinedave]

Normal silver is my vote - understated is best in my view .

Chrome ones look a bit naff as do the white ones , too motorsport-y.

[vwaudi]

Nov 9, 2017 19:02:27 GMT tristanh said:

Love it. I'm long-term restomodding a mk1 as well. Small bumpers, short lamps, ally block 16v on Jenveys.

What brakes are they? I use Vectra calipers, they work way better than mk1/2 ones
Perfect fit over mk2 16v discs.

Also have one in the shed... Very interested in the engine, what version of engine has an ally block, and does the 16v head go straight on?

[adi3390]

I dare guess the alloy 16v would be a 1.4 ? Or a new gen unit

[tristanh]

06b/ALT block out of a 20v n/a 2.0 A6, with mods to run an ABF head on top.

[stu67]

I've also got a 83 Mk1 GTI in a garage that I've not even been in for a couple of years. The car was driven in there about 12 years ago. You've given me the drive to get off my backside and go and have a look at it. I'll report back

[slackerTHEpinstriper]

Yes mate 10 minutes away from J36 👍🏻

[adi3390]

So little longer than I'd planned to updade.. but things are getting more regular on t'old Golf in terms of buying and fitting.

Where to begin…

Engine front, I've babbled about keeping it a GTI, and an 8v… as it feels right to me…. VR5 wobble being averted recently.

I bought a spare engine in MK2 Digifant 8v flavour, idea being to use the digi injector positioning and a stand alone ECU…but in true fashion its moved on again since.

I've wanted to send a head off for some work for a long time, but hadn't ever had the confidence to follow through with it… but now I have! Woo. So having spoken with a couple of tuners/ garages. I chose JMR Clubsport - Jason Moyle / MrHillclimber on other forums..

Spoke through my ideal spec, what I wanted and what would be nice to have… can't fault him, he's listened advised and taken on my silly ideas… saying no to *bling bits* where appropriate, on account of me being a magpie and it not adding anything to my spec (Down draft manifolds I'm firmly looking at you)

So new spec in time will be as follows;

> 1.8 8v standard rebuild bottom end
> JMR Road Sport head + Fast road cam & a Vernier
> JMR Front and Rear mounts
> ITB in DCOE fitment and the associated gubbins
> Distributor delete + coilpack/ trigger wheel ignition + timing
> Depending on ITB's either DTA or Omex Ecu

So this should go nicely with the Powersprint system I've had on the Golf for years, but it never being used…

A few other little bits done on the engine bay recently



> Upper strut brace… will eventually go to powder coat, black I think
> Heim jointed brace for the alternator bracket… I'ma magpie, no judging
> Swapped the oil cooler over the newer style/ water-oil cooler, however I'll be running a Thermostatic Mocal jobbie
> Black coolant cap… magpie
> Various little things like sensors and oil dipstick etc




> Also rebuilt my drive shafts… a 'reyt palava, seems with mine being a late 1983 model, I've got a strange mash of components…. Basically the splines/ retaining area on the shaft inner side would only accept a circlip instead of the thick clip/ ring … I understand the bigger-later CV's to be similar



I'll also add the metal clips for securing the boots from the 'kits' are utter pants and useless, bought some thicker branded clips, straight on with no problems.

Either way drive shafts in… makes it feel like were getting somewhere

You might notice something else in the last pic…. got carried away and bought something I've looked at for a long time… I'll get a pic of it in full next time I'm under but -



Basically a front brace from Go-Kraut in the USA, which also extends to the rear ARB + Wishbone mount… well made and very happy, should all go together nicely with the large ARB I installed many moons ago .. most other offerings are the front only, yet still a similar price... minus postage and tax, but who counts that anyway?

Otherwise, I've been tarting the old girl up… mainly to make me feel better and making it look like some progress has actually happened




> New Heritage Bumpers (Bit miffed I had to drill my own holes for the number plate plinth )
> Powerflex exhaust hangers… powersprint and the cold destroyed the GSF jobbies
> CQ stainless numberplate plinth
> CQ GTI red stripe for the grille
> Heritage Duckbill spoiler
> Heritage Headlight rings… my OE 'rings were for a different spec model I surmise, had big blocks where part of the red trim lives
> Hella Indicator assemblies
> Motorsport Front Grille with Marchal fog lights, differs to the later Hella Grille in terms of the fog light mounting and associated trim

To continue the theme of tarting up the outside, I've been meaning to change the rear window rubber. Since I'd done the front, figured the rear could do with it… so, set off knowing there was a 'bubble' to investigate and the lower left side..

During


Sign of what I should know to expect …


Window and Rubber off



And the pièce de résistance…


The entire curve of the inner seam was recreated with filler, as was the hole.. sad really, as the rest of the tailgate is in decent paint and 'nick

Anyway… new tailgate needed, didn't fancy a SA/ Citi version as its a. Expensive, b. Missing badge holes and has a wiper on the wrong side. Fortunately eBay had a listing for one locally, which I won..

Full tailgate for less than half the Citi one… plus side being it's been stored in a Sheffield body shop for over 20 years so nice and straight, but in black, and a bit scratched… but, she's not beauty queen at the mo, so 'nay bother with paint yet



If your still here, almost at the end…

So, I've got a few steering wheels for the old girl, an Atwie Indianoplis Colt, in a fetching 80's tastic red. And a Porsche Raid jobbie. However both in varying stages of usability..or lack of, therefore a recover would probably be about the £200 mark.. so I went on the hunt for another.. that didn't need work.

Criteria-

> Smaller than the Atwie, but similar to the Raid -330mm
> Momo fitment.. I have an Atwie > Momo adapter
> Period to the car

So browsing along, as you do on eBay, I saw something period (1982), smaller than the Atwie and similar to the Raid (320mm) and would fit the Momo boss… its a Momo.




A Momo Monte Carlo 320mm… first impressions, nice to hold and turn, and feels about right for me sat in the drivers seat. Also being a magpie, I liked the idea of a removable steering wheel, security etc blah, insert justification *here*



So I ended up with an NRG slim quick release, friction fit with spring loaded pin lock… seems ok for now, not sure how it'll go with usage..

Only other things are, I've finally done the gear linkage.. 5 years or so that's taken, mine seems to like 10mm gap between the selector rod and base plate... Hayne's says 15mm. Anyway, it selects all gears..

On the wheel'\s front, I need to bother myself to send 'em off to Metal Magic in Barnsley... do a great job on my bits and bobs so far.. and buy some more centre caps for them... I got some nice red faced old style OZ logo ones... too small

Current to do list -

> Centre Steering rack ('cos I'm stupid and moved it before I connected it all up) and fit some heim jointed track rod's
> Fit adjsted manifold then send it off the JMR for port matching
> Buy oil cooler bits and fit
> Fit brake lines … and decide to go all flexy or metal and flexy … already buying the metal line kit ha
> Dismantle and rebuild the steering column with uprated bearings sourced from Chris in the US /usaygo
> Redo the 'rack boots, as I've now got some 'proper' clips and I like to make my self feel good with things I can do.

So steering and stiffness should be covered off soon O_oIn the future, past that above-

> Fit JMR mounts when I receive them
> Raid Newton Commercial for interior bits
> Send fuel tank off for blasting and plastic coating, almost 4x the price of the repro tanks, but feel I can just-about justify it, i think. Maybe.
> Fit new Bosch fuel pump and find a nice fuel filter and run some fuel lines
> Send a load of stuff off for powder coat
> Decide If I can justify ARP headstuds … probs can if I think for long enough
> Fit JMR head, ITB's and ECU

As always lemmie know what y'all think … and if I've done anything the wrong way around 

[shielsy68]

lovely wee motor , not many about these days

[tristanh]

Love it. Especially the plan for the JMR screamer!

[adi3390]

Jan 7, 2018 16:50:51 GMT shielsy68 said:

lovely wee motor , not many about these days

Thank you... aye, I think their mainly all in parts these days !

Jan 7, 2018 17:32:14 GMT tristanh said:

Love it. Especially the plan for the JMR screamer!

Ta... yeah I hope the engine will give it a bit more zing around town... not that it ever felt too slow when I did drive it .. 

_____________________

Bit of an update, snow was a bit of an annoyance... still, few bits done..

.... Mainly tarting the interior up, so I can think I'm getting somewhere ... stupidly let most of the original stuff go for near enough free many years ago... 

Anyway, gave me an excuse to buy new shiny bits... always good eh. Should've spent it on oily bits, but... this makes it feel like I'm over the hump.

So bits so far ;

 > Seat belts (Mine had seized since being stored) ... went for red (wanted a contrast and figured GTI... might swap them out at some point, still a bit undecided)
 > Carpet set, fitted 'ok' never going to be factory, but looks nice enough
 > Underlay for said carpet ... I put it in the wrong way, black bit facing down.... job for another day
 > Over Mats
 > Door Cards / Inner sheeting







Nearly done piccy - 




And then... little touch... if you frequent VW sites or look for bits, the terms 'rare' and large prices get stuck on bits quite often... often for no real reason.

Well, I found a NOS bit... for maybe a bit much for a ciggy lighter, but, little 'tax' compared to normal... drum roll...




Yep, a car lighter with a zippo stylee lighter on.. instead of a cigarette ... yep I'm sad I know..  ... still bit nicer than the usual, not that I smoke come to think of it...

Onto oily bits. So little progress my end, snow, other medical problems that I'm using as an excuse... other car to fix yada yada..

Anyway I ordered some heim jointed track rods some time ago, likewise some extended ball-joints to try and reclaim some geometry to the front suspension, being a tad lower.

Fitted - 



(New brakes are sat on a shelf waiting to be fitted... forgive the rusty bits)

I measured wrong and there's still a bit of an angle on the wishbone .. but not as much = good. However I'm thinking of raising t'old girl up a tad, as the front splitter is only about an inch from the floor at the mo... speed bumps and recent pot-holes/ uncharted volcanic craters would remove it for me around here

The track rod's are designed to be flipped... so require a pin to be made, enabling it to work closer to standard. So, mercifully, I can raise it and measure before their made... should make for a tight steering machine.. woo.. 

And the engine... Had some progress pics from Jason -






Can't wait to see it and what it does at the end now 

Other than that I've had my Powersprint manifold shortened, I think it was about 12mm on the header part in the end, takes it away from the steering knuckle/ rubber boot nicely..

Cheers,
Adam.

[adi]

Being a golf gti owner, I’m following with interest. I actually owned a helios blue mk1 gti myself about 6-7 years ago but that was a cabby that some (insert insult here) had put a carb engine in!
Its almost as gorgeous a colour as my BBM 👀😂