1988 Golf Cabriolet GTI restoration

**mjv79** · 23-02-2015, 10:57 AM

After 4 months of sourcing and buying parts, I'm finally pulling my finger out and having them all fit.

So by the end of the week i'll have the following fit.

H&R Comfort Cups suspension
New engine Mounts
new wishbones (track control arms)
Steering rack
Tie rod ends

Should start to handle correctly then. Then its time to start saving for the next thing. New brakes.

Does anyone know of local suppliers for parts? rather than the usual suspect's in Europe? The Freight is killing me. I've spent nearly as much on freight as the cost of the parts.....

**sports racer** · 23-02-2015, 12:18 PM

Give Brian at GTI Imports a call. He's got or can get almost anything and at decent prices.

Matt at Camden GTI has lots of local parts and might have bigger brakes off a Seat that suit. I'm in the process of stripping a Seat Cupra for parts for my MK1 (280mm disks, bigger calipers, brake booster etc).

Cheers

Paul

**mjv79** · 23-02-2015, 12:32 PM

Thanks for that. Not heard of gti imports.

**sports racer** · 23-02-2015, 03:57 PM

Brian's a one man show, works from home at Galston. He imports a lot of aftermarket stuff for VW's and has been doing so for over 30 years. 02 9653 1114

**mjv79** · 06-03-2015, 06:28 AM

I now have a different car. With everything I've done to the front end, getting rid of mixed springs and tie rod ends. New Rack. Pretty much everything made of rubber has been swapped too.

When I go around a roundabout I now have a bit of confidence that I'll come out the other side unscathed. it was like driving a cruise ship before.

Only down side, the degreased engine bay..... I have work ahead of me there...

Big shout out to Julian Jones for helping me with everything and not charging ridiculous pricing. He cut his teeth on early golfs and what he doesn't know isn't worth knowing.

He fixed a few other problems in my engine bay, cooling issues etc. if your Sydney based he's worth a call..

Now to start collecting parts for my next project....

**mjv79** · 31-03-2015, 02:42 PM

I'm trying to get the interior finished, so at least its one thing complete. I'm thinking of going down the path with the stereo, of VW Gamma. So it looks more original than a flashing beacon.

I know they ones from the 90's golf/Passat/bora can be updated with a 3.5mm jack or iPod connector. Not sure on the earlier ones.

Or even an Blaupunkt.

Just want an old plain stereo which can be updated to accept mp3.

Anybody done this? or got any other ideas?

**Vinda76** · 31-03-2015, 04:18 PM

I adapted an early 80s blaupunkt so when the tape is pushed in it switches to an aux line, needed the wiring diagrams (googled) and a steady hand to solder the wires. I'm no expert but if you find any diagrams I can have a look for you.
Gav