Looking at a Cabby, what should I be aware of?

[ByronRichesMk1]

Basically I may have the opportunity to pick up a Cabby on the cheap. (sitting unregistered in a shed)
If I can go and have a suss of it to purchase it, what should I be looking for in particular?
I'm mainly concerned with common rust spots on them, and anything else you think I should look for!
Thanks!

[Tim]

late model cabbys dont really have too many rust concerns from what I have seen.

First thing to check is that it has had a reinforcement plate added to the firewall where the clutch cable enters the cockpit. Same as any other mk1. They tend to pull through and make a mess of the metal.

Steering racks can also break loose from their welds.

If its a late model another thing to look out for is a car that doesnt like warm starts. Kjet injection system is good when its working but there arent too many good mechanics that know their way around it and parts can get expensive.

Roof condition is a big factor in pricing. You can import a new roof at a reasonable price but installation is a big job that requires as many arms as an octopus and as many swear words as a navy

Im sure there are other things but they are pretty simple cars and great fun to get about in.

[gldgti]

Yep, what tim said and also:

Roof operation - if its not working its going to take time and effort to fix.

Rust - only real issue IME is the windscreen sill where the impressions for the LHD windscreen wipers would go if there were any.

[Brisben]

late model cabbys dont really have too many rust concerns from what I have seen.

First thing to check is that it has had a reinforcement plate added to the firewall where the clutch cable enters the cockpit. Same as any other mk1. They tend to pull through and make a mess of the metal.

Steering racks can also break loose from their welds.

If its a late model another thing to look out for is a car that doesnt like warm starts. Kjet injection system is good when its working but there arent too many good mechanics that know their way around it and parts can get expensive.

Roof condition is a big factor in pricing. You can import a new roof at a reasonable price but installation is a big job that requires as many arms as an octopus and as many swear words as a navy

Im sure there are other things but they are pretty simple cars and great fun to get about in.

I concour, my steering rack broke loose, no rust on mine, few blemishes an a couple of bubbles, but its 20 years old.

As above really, hood is a biggie, some trim parts can be hard to find, especially exterior rubber strips. Makesure it starts well, dash guages all work, doesnt overheat, wait till the fan kicks in, no major oil leaks.

[roccodingo]

WOW Byron.

Cabby's are great cruisers for the summer bud

Check the rear side window seals, they want to be in very good condition. If the seal against the glass is poor ( cabby rear quarter windows roll up and down same as the door glass ) then rainwater can enter the inner sill area causing rust way down the bottom. Windscreen frame where the glass sits and at the point where the front guard meets the base of the windscreen can be a rust spot as mentioned above.

The aussie delivered later cars are pretty gutless ( JH on Kjet ) but updating to a 2E short block and a few other minor upgrades can make it get up and go.

Pics when you go check it out please. Good luck.

[RedMk2Gti]

This is good reference.

http://golfgtisportline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Buyingacab.pdf

[gordymatt]

G'day,

Could you advise what sort of problems you get with the roof not operating electonically? What sort of $$$ can it cost to fix etc? I guess it would be good to know what the common problems are and what they can cost to put right?

Cheers

Yep, what tim said and also:

Roof operation - if its not working its going to take time and effort to fix.

Rust - only real issue IME is the windscreen sill where the impressions for the LHD windscreen wipers would go if there were any.