Ratty retro racer project

[evsky]

G day all its been along time since iv been on here or at least being logged in but i dug up a password and I'm in.
Iv bought a 79 4 door to get around as my split as a daily in winter isn't the best. Its originally a south african import diesel thats now fitted with an 83 model petrol engine with a weber apart from that its stock original. Its a bit rough around the edges but seems to drive nice considering its quite neglected. My plans are to get it regoed next week and get to work giving it some love using parts i have kicking around although I'm looking for some nice wheels and a few other things.
Can anyone give me the run down about a south african gtd differences compared to a regular golf?
I also need to work out what exactly the motor is as the girl I bought it from didn't know much about the car.
I believe the wheels are different?
Retro club racer style coming up
Cheers Ev

[evsky]

[evsky]

[evsky]

[evsky]

I had to get the heavy tow bar straight off I kind of like them without the bumpers fitted.

[Peter Jones]

That's an Aussie delivered, German made GLD.

Wheels and seats are from a South African B2 Passat.

His name is Ziggy.http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...mk1-38301.html

What's the mileage now?

[evsky]

Hi Peter yep its Ziggy thanx for the link. Not quite the story i was told about the car but thats cool i don't care were it came from. I think its 500,000ish kms but it drives well isn lol. Just reading the link now cheers. I may have some questions for you about it if thats ok?

[Peter Jones]

Actually now I think about it the wheels were on the car when it came to me. They're South African heavy duty wheels.

Fire away with the questions, most of it's in that thread anyway.

Just take good care of him please. That cars got a lot of history. Hoping it will hit the million km mark one day.

[evsky]

Thanx Peter its good to read up on all the work you did to revive the car It has unfortunately been quite neglected since its left your hands. The paint has really aged with lots of rust stains it really needs paint but I'm not sure ill get that far with it a good polish might have to do. I gave it a good clean in the engine bay and replaced fuel lines and brake booster hose was so soft it was sucking in when the motor was running. i also picked up some wheels at a local swap meet they look a lot better than the old wheels.
Can anyone recommend a glue to fix the 1/4 window latches and brackets?
Iv got some subaru seats i was thinking of chucking in but it looks a bit tricky with how the seats are mounted is there a thread on seat conversions?
Cheers EV

[evsky]

[sports racer]

Looking good but you seriously need some lows.

[evsky]

Yeah low will happen after I get rego although it will probably be by the form of an angle grinder initially or just low springs I think coil overs are out of the budget build.

[sports racer]

Nothing wrong with the angle grinder approach, that's how all my earlier MK1's were lowered. Add a thick rear sway bar from any donor car that fits and a lower front strut brace and you've got a seriously good handling little car that can hassle modern sports cars through corners. You don't need coilovers when the cheap approach gives the same results for less than $100.

Cheers

Paul

[golfmeup]

Amazing how new wheels can change the look of a car!

I'd be careful with cutting springs unless you have done it before.
I'd recommend at least doing it to a spare set.
I'm sure you can get some cheap lowering springs- check eBay and gum tree. My mk2 ride improved so much with new mounts and lowering springs. Feels like a new car.

[evsky]

Got rego today. So I can get to lowering now. Sports steering wheel is much better to drive with.