What to look for when buying a Mk1?

[Pollywaffle]

I'm about to be in the market to buy a Mk1 golf (I'm trying to sell some personalised number plates). I'm looking for a 3 door model and I originally wanted a GTI but I can't afford it =/

In your experience, what should I keep an eye out for when looking at a Mk1?

I want this as a project/weekend car and I'll probably give it the 'rat' look. I know some people don't like it, but I LOVE it

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[16v_kid]

well the most common thing on a mk1 is rust.

the rust is most likely to be found around the pillars area and the floor of the car.

[Jarred]

depends what your strengths and abilities are when it comes to working on a car.

if you have access to a welder and can weld, alot of rust you'll be able to fix, so it broadens the range of potential cars. There's also sometimes a few electrical issues as mk1's are getting old now.

it's best to start off with the cleanest car you can find and or afford. Pretty much everything mechanical can be replaced or upgraded, but I foudn (when I bought my first car) it was better to have something that was running and close to Roadworthy, and go from there. 2 doors are sometimes harder to find and slightly more expensive (more desirable for some) but parts shouldn't be any harder to come by than 4 door parts.

Rust will be the major issue though. the structural (and body) areas are: around the windscreen and (complete) A pillars, floors (mainly the front footwells and spare tyre well/boot area), under the radiator, rain tray, lower sills (complete).Check the wheel arches too, they can be prone to rust in thier extremities, also the join between the roof and the C pillar, as well as the roof gutters/sills. Check where the tailgate joins to the roof as well.

body panels: Front fenders lower qtr behind the wheel, doors- both lower corners and bottom edge as well as under the window trim. Tailgate - both bottom corners, and under the window as well.

So basically, they can rust in a lot of places. If you found a car with about 3 or more major rust issues, in structural/body areas, I'd keep looking personally, (unless you can weld or have acess to someone who can etc) removable panels with rust are much less concerning, as they can be replaced with relative ease. Most mk1's are bound to have some front window/A pillar rust, as well as surface rust around at a few of the other structural areas. bolt on panels are likely to have some rust too.

I'm not trying to scare you away from getting a mk1, I think they're great and love em too bits, just trying to be honest and helpful!

[Pollywaffle]

Big thanks for the helps guys. To be honest, I've never really done any major work to cars before. My brother is pretty good with cars and bikes. My grandpa has some welding gear and he could maybe get any rust out.

What about engine wise? Anything I should look for there?

[DangerDan]

Motors are pretty good, just be aware if they are original as they are getting on in age. The carby's are the most annoying I'd say with the auto choke. You'll mostly likely get a 1.6 as they were the most common type sold in aus.

[GoLfMan]

Motors are pretty good, just be aware if they are original as they are getting on in age. The carby's are the most annoying I'd say with the auto choke. You'll mostly likely get a 1.6 as they were the most common type sold in aus.

the engine choices that bolt straight into the mk1 are vast and relatively cheap, so I'd most likely be concentrating on a straight and relatively rust free body before worrying about a dead 1.6 banga, people give the dam things away!

good luck!

[Pollywaffle]

Hmm, I've heard somethign about this auto choke. I'll have to do some research about it. I'm really keen to buy one and it's so hard not to just jump in!

[Jarred]

yea the stock carbs are getting old, and with age comes problems. plenty of easy upgrade, both carb and engine wise available though.

[Pollywaffle]

Yeah I've seen a few engines and parts available for sale throught his website. Should come in very handy.

Can anyone quickly explain what this auto choke is?

DangerDan, I was kinda looking at your Mk1 for sale

[DangerDan]

yeh i've pulled the carpet up and there's little rust (nothing a grinder cant fix) and driving to gerringong the other day, i drove from georges hall sydney. Thats was 120Km each way at 100kph (P plates) for 2+ hours straight, no stopping. And she drove like a dream (apart from the vibration of the accelerator pedal). I even stormed past cars comfortably at 120+ (FUN!). And all on one tank of $30 worth of premium. Cant ask much more of a 33 year old car. They dont look bad either. Wish i could have drove down in the mk2 but shes been towed up to matts (hope he'll fix her).

[Jarred]

Yeah I've seen a few engines and parts available for sale throught his website. Should come in very handy.

Can anyone quickly explain what this auto choke is?

DangerDan, I was kinda looking at your Mk1 for sale

auto choke works off the coolant temp. so when the coolant and hence engine temp is down, the choke becomes on, and when the coolant (and engine) warms up, the choke comes off. well it's something like that anyways.

Aftermarket carbs have the option of having this set up (a water choke) which I would avoid at all costs, or an electric choke (good), or manual choke (best) or even no choke at all, which is do-able as well.

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks for the info DangerDan. I've never bought an older style car like this before so I'm very wary. I'll probably be in contact

Thanks too Jarred. Sounds like someting I'd be replacing when I got on. If it was playing up of course.

[Golf Loon]

DangerDans one is a good un and 2 door.

Basically they are old and rust a lot and dont drive like a new car. if thats what you want, get in.

[Pollywaffle]

DangerDans one is a good un and 2 door.

Basically they are old and rust a lot and dont drive like a new car. if thats what you want, get in.

I had a '85 Corolla as my first car. I'm used to a bit of a rough ride and break downs

[SpeciP3]

hey mate, i swear once you get in a mk1 you'll never want to drive anything else, they're awesome! i've also been checking out dan's car and it does look very tidy, would recommend you check it out, good honest old beast!

another few things worth mentioning with mk1's are: never trust what the owner says, check everything you can yourself or else bring someone along who can help you out. Secondly be aware of home botch-jobs, particularly self-made cabrio's and poorly repaired accident damage.

keep looking tho, you'll surely come across a good original beast, and don't be affraid to spend a little more on a clean example, it'll save you a heap in the long run.

cheers and happy hunting