mk1 project car advise?

**amrjon** · 19-01-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi there, first post in this section, so g’day all.

Lets say you were thinking of getting a mk1 or mkII (preferably already in fair condition and registered) as a bit of a weekend/project car, but were a little short of knowledge on the various models and model history?

I have done a bit of searching and reading in this section but thought I’d try my luck just asking for some advise here directly too.

What are the most ‘collectable’ models? (I know not collectable in the sense that they will one day be highly valuable)
What are most appreciated by those in the know?
Which models/engines actually go hard enough to be satisfying to drive?
Are there actually any mk1 GTI’s in Aus (I’m assuming with all the various present day media references to this being the ‘original hot hatch’ this might be a preferred model to look for?)
What sort of $ would some of the different options involve?

What about mkII’s, I was originally thinking mkI but saw a mkII gti on ebay this week and actually thought it looks OK too.

The project car idea may or may not actually get past the loved one yet, but any general advise along these lines much appreciated.

**Retired** · 19-01-2009, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by amrjon

Hi there, first post in this section, so g’day all.

Lets say you were thinking of getting a mk1 or mkII (preferably already in fair condition and registered) as a bit of a weekend/project car, but were a little short of knowledge on the various models and model history?

I have done a bit of searching and reading in this section but thought I’d try my luck just asking for some advise here directly too.

What are the most ‘collectable’ models? (I know not collectable in the sense that they will one day be highly valuable)
What are most appreciated by those in the know?
Which models/engines actually go hard enough to be satisfying to drive?
Are there actually any mk1 GTI’s in Aus (I’m assuming with all the various present day media references to this being the ‘original hot hatch’ this might be a preferred model to look for?)
What sort of $ would some of the different options involve?

What about mkII’s, I was originally thinking mkI but saw a mkII gti on ebay this week and actually thought it looks OK too.

The project car idea may or may not actually get past the loved one yet, but any general advise along these lines much appreciated.

Hi, Most collectable or desirable models would prob be in this order, GTI, GLS and then GLD/LS.

GTI's are the most appreciated and yes there are a handful in Australia and they occasionally come up for sale. Not many people want to let go of them though so expect to pay quite a lot for a genuine GTI unless its just a shell/bad condition.

In terms of which is desirable by driving standards, I would say even a stock LS/GLS with the 1.6 carb can give you a big grin when taking it up/down a mountain or around some fast bends. It is all in the low weight of the car, usually only the GTI will have a bit more power as they either had a bit more powerful 1.6 with mechanical injection (kjet) or the 1.8 with mechanical injection (kjet). Because these are so few and far between, most mk1s will have the standard 1.6 but it is common to find one with a 1.8 out of the GTI's running on a carb. Engine swaps are rather straightforward and easy with a couple of exceptions (20v 1.8T, VR6, 2.0FSI and so on).

In terms of pricing, a benchmark for a running car could be anywhere from $1000 to $5000 depending on condition, mods and who the seller is.

Try and aim for a GLS as these were built in Germany and have thicker metal and more rust proofing than the Australian built LS models. These have left over parts from Germany. Some will try to tell you its a swallow tail (which is the rear panel that has some funky dips in it) but it is only the rear panel and not a real swallowtail.

Good luck in your hunt. Keep an eye out on the road and if you see one driven by and old lady/man you should try to follow them and persuade them into selling.

**WABIT** · 19-01-2009, 02:47 PM

hey mate, basically cameron has told you what you need to know

there is also a few other things when actually restoring one, it is wise to build a mk1 and use original or "replica" parts, people here appreciate more of an "original" and "simple" look, nice and clean, us v dubbers also use other vw model parts that bolt on to give it a special touch but sometimes they too are hard to find..... also if you see a part you like overseas some advice would be to be patient and wait for that part to show up in OZ because you will be suprised how many people are hiding goodies on this forum

also you can kinda get an idea as to what people like and appreciate in a mk1 or 2 simply by flicking through the pictures here

hope that helps

also where are you from? you might wanna update your status

dom

**amrjon** · 19-01-2009, 04:08 PM

Thanks for that, some good tips to think about.

So Mk1 GTI or GLS are the ones to look out for.

Interested to hear that engine swap is not too difficult. Are the 1.8's hard to come by? How hard/available are the 20v 1.8T engine swaps? that sounds interesting.

No words of appreciation for the mkII's?

I'm assuming that the chances of something rust free are pretty slim?

I might start looking into this more seriously.

I'll update my profile too, but I'm in the Gong, already have 2 golfs in the family, a mkIV 1.6 and and MkV GTI. I love the GTI, but have basically finishing doing all the little mods and personal touches that I had in mind, and I also finished building up a new bike that I'd been working on and now it bugs me not having a little project to be working on.

I'm not ready to buy anything now, but I take it something like this would be a typical starting point unless one is willing to patiently hunt out a gti?

Sorry for all the questions, I'll keep browsing and reading, but appreciate the replies.

**WABIT** · 19-01-2009, 04:13 PM

that car is more than enough to start with, everything is complete on that one!

dom

**pr*duct** · 19-01-2009, 04:22 PM

I was wondering if anyone was looking at that tidy example!

**greasykitchen** · 19-01-2009, 04:56 PM

Older models (mostly LS I think) had chrome bumpers while later ones had black plastic bars (as stock at least). Some have a preference for one or the other. 2 doors are often seen as more desirable and look better (to me, anyway). Later ones also have more options, fabric covered seats etc, while earlier ones have vinyl.

Most MK1s around these days have a good bit of rust regardless of if they're LS or GLS. Good luck trying to find a GTi - they were never originally sold here but they are about, as are replicas.

And I agree that a stock 1600 carbied engine can be a lot of fun

Well done on your choice of car though.

**amrjon** · 19-01-2009, 06:09 PM

Chrome bumper would be the pick for me.

Have to amdit I've also been thinking about a few other options, but a golf is the preference.

Im not looking for anything that will be worth/cost big money, just something that I can enjoy tinkering with, something that I remember liking back when I was starting to drive several years ago.

(OT now but..) others I have been considering are a 240Z, an peugeot 504 (theres a nice sandstone one on carsales at the moment), or perhaps a mini (had 3 of those in the past) but the golf is most likely if I can get 'permission' to make a start!

**Golf Loon** · 19-01-2009, 06:16 PM

There are a couple of sciroccos for sale in Melbourne at the moment if you fancy something retro and cool and cheap as people dont know what they are.

They also handle a little better than a golf and are more comfortable to drive. As well as being newer.

Most Mk1s need a bucket of money thrown at em and will never be worth what you spend on em.