GLD issues/things to look out for.

[JimmyVR6]

G'day everyone,

I'm Jimmy, currently own a mk3 97' VR6 12v and love it.

But I'm considering buying a second car as a project and I've decided on a Mk1 diesel, given their relative simplicity and frugality from what I've read and seen.

Just want to know any common issues or things to look out for when scouting out these little monsters aside from the all too common electrical gremlins.

Cheers!



1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[sports racer]

Rust. Anything mechanical can be sourced and replaced but bodywork is a pain to cut out and replace, unless you know what you're doing.

Are you looking at keeping it standard or upgrading to a late model turbo diesel motor?

Cheers

Paul

[JimmyVR6]

Rust. Anything mechanical can be sourced and replaced but bodywork is a pain to cut out and replace, unless you know what you're doing.

Are you looking at keeping it standard or upgrading to a late model turbo diesel motor?

Cheers

Paul

Hi mate,

I'm planning to keep it stock as the standard power plant is reliable, simple to work on and relatively easy to source parts for. It's slow as buggery I'm sure (my grandfather's 1983 hilux has a naturally aspirated diesel as well, had to borrow that for work several times, not fun.) but I've got the VR6 if I want a bit of poke.

Basically I'm thinking of turning it into a little ratrod styled daily driver if I ever decide to get rid of the VR (which I will eventually - most likely when I go back to Uni as the fuel cost and rego for two cars would kill me) and whilst the petrols are just as well suited I never really seem to be able to find one that an owner is happy to part with at a reasonable cost, plus I like the old diesels, they've got a bit if character to them.



1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[Jarred]

As Paul said, rust. Biggest time consumer, and requires skill and dedication to fix. Mechanical stuff can be replaced.

Check the smoke from the exhaust, in day light, there really shouldn't be that much smoke coming from the exhaust even under full throttle (yes, there will be some, and they do "build up" so if it hasn't been full throttled for a while, it may be a bit sooty.)
Blue smoke means oil use, and probably new rings, black smoke means fuel, which could be tuning, injectors and the entire injector pump.
Check that the cooling system appears to be working and in good condition.

They're good fun to drive, but yes, they wont be going anywhere in a hurry.

There are a bunch of pretty easy and reasonably cheap mods that will make the car much nicer and safer to drive too. (or any mk 1 for that matter)

[JimmyVR6]

As Paul said, rust. Biggest time consumer, and requires skill and dedication to fix. Mechanical stuff can be replaced.

Check the smoke from the exhaust, in day light, there really shouldn't be that much smoke coming from the exhaust even under full throttle (yes, there will be some, and they do "build up" so if it hasn't been full throttled for a while, it may be a bit sooty.)
Blue smoke means oil use, and probably new rings, black smoke means fuel, which could be tuning, injectors and the entire injector pump.
Check that the cooling system appears to be working and in good condition.

They're good fun to drive, but yes, they wont be going anywhere in a hurry.

There are a bunch of pretty easy and reasonably cheap mods that will make the car much nicer and safer to drive too. (or any mk 1 for that matter)

Thanks mate, appreciate it muchly.


1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[RedMk2Gti]

Why not just buy this ??

1980 Volkswagen Golf GLD

[sports racer]

Is that still available? Belongs to a forum member and he raves about how much fun it is to drive. There's a topic about the car somewhere on this forum and all the work he's done.

[JimmyVR6]

Why not just buy this ??

1980 Volkswagen Golf GLD

I don't know if it's still available mate, he had it up on Gumtree as well but he's since taken it down. Wouldn't be surprised, it's been for sale for a while and it's in good condition.


1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[RedMk2Gti]

GT ad automatically expires in one month. If the seller advertised it in carsales he wouldn't bother about GT anymore. Why not just give him a call or PM him in this forum.

[JimmyVR6]

GT ad automatically expires in one month. If the seller advertised it in carsales he wouldn't bother about GT anymore. Why not just give him a call or PM him in this forum.

Ah okay, didn't know that, the more you know!

Yeah may as well, it's more of a matter of distance (I'm over 7 hours away) and availability of cash right now, as I'm attending to some suspension issues on my VR, and I know what it's like to be buggered around by someone when you're selling a car. If he sells it before I have a chance, that's totally cool. It's only an idea I've been playing with.

I'm getting paid for overtime in two weeks or so and I'm lucky enough to have a well paying job, but we'll see!


1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[DieselMk1]

I've had three GLD's now and after rust (look under the passenger carpet if possible, moisture gets in under the antenna and runs down the cable, also at the bottom of the windscreen) check the cooling system. Once a diesel head goes it's a pain in the arse job as (as far as I'm aware) diesel tolerances are very fine and there's a few different types of head gaskets...although I'm not too sure on that. Make sure the glow plugs work as it won't start cold without them, especially on a chilly morning. Can't really think of much else more to look for other than the normal second hand car stuff

[JimmyVR6]

I've had three GLD's now and after rust (look under the passenger carpet if possible, moisture gets in under the antenna and runs down the cable, also at the bottom of the windscreen) check the cooling system. Once a diesel head goes it's a pain in the arse job as (as far as I'm aware) diesel tolerances are very fine and there's a few different types of head gaskets...although I'm not too sure on that. Make sure the glow plugs work as it won't start cold without them, especially on a chilly morning. Can't really think of much else more to look for other than the normal second hand car stuff

Yeah I can't imagine it having too many issues aside from the head and rust, and maybe the injectors/pump. They're hardy little buggers from what I've read and seen. Much easier to work on compared to a 12v VR6 I'm sure.




1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[littlegldgti]

I started out driving in my Dad's Mk1 GLD, and then I got my P's on a Mk1 GLD. Probably the most careless car to drive in the world. There is no word to describe the simplicity and the ease... They're just a gem.

When you hear James from Top Gear bang on about how the Fiat Panda is really fun to drive - You can pretty much relate that to the Mk1 GLD. It's got so little power - but it's small, maneuverable, cheap, easy to drive, can go pretty much anywhere within reason, and the 13" Steelies fitted with Bob Jane Burnouts and stock suspension makes the car wicked to go around corners with. Easily the best car ever made.

[JimmyVR6]

I started out driving in my Dad's Mk1 GLD, and then I got my P's on a Mk1 GLD. Probably the most careless car to drive in the world. There is no word to describe the simplicity and the ease... They're just a gem.

When you hear James from Top Gear bang on about how the Fiat Panda is really fun to drive - You can pretty much relate that to the Mk1 GLD. It's got so little power - but it's small, maneuverable, cheap, easy to drive, can go pretty much anywhere within reason, and the 13" Steelies fitted with Bob Jane Burnouts and stock suspension makes the car wicked to go around corners with. Easily the best car ever made.

This rustles my Jimmies.


1997 12v VR6 in Dragon Green

[sports racer]

There's 3 GLD's in the Cars For Sale section. All in Canberra but might be worth a look.