Vw 172 GTI

[Tommie]

After buying the car 4 months ago Ive decided it's time for a build thread. In doing this ill stay motivated and can post pics up as I complete various stages in this build.
I first saw the GTI in 2012 and the previous owner didn't want to sell it as its his pride and joy. Always looking at mk1s and draining out all my resources and connections, I thought the last resort is to contact the original owner. Unfortunately I was informed that he passed away 2 years ago and that his son inherited the car. Long story short and after many stressful days, money was swapped in exchange for the mk1.
The car has been hidden in a shed for the past 10 years and is pretty original. Its still got the original matching number 1600 cc EG engine. The body is pretty straight and correct for its age, and a really complete interior sweetened the deal. As expected its no show car yet....
The plan for the car is to keep it original as much as possible and fix it up to the best of my ability.

The day we picked it up and brought it back!










There's no time frame set for completion, but the progress will be steady.

[sports racer]

Original GTI.

Good pickup and worth the wait to get it.

[Neilmk1gti]

Nice 85k miles too...Mine has 89k miles

[Tommie]

The GTI safely in the garage.



Started removing the old window tint, and got some Pirelli P-Slots for the GTI. As some of you might know they are Mk2 P-Slots but stay tuned...

[GeorgeMK1]

This makes me happy P slots look right at home too.

[Tommie]

This makes me happy P slots look right at home too.

Thanks George, I had my eye on your Campaign but you beat me to it. ��

[GeorgeMK1]

Hehe, I had to beat it out of the owner for a while with constant haggling haha. Yours is a lot more complete than what I have, so I think you've done very well. Look forward to updates!

[Tommie]

Started removing the plastic wheel arch trims to investigate any rust. To my surprise they are solid and in great condition.
Just dirty.









Also removed the Front and Rear plastic bumpers.
Again very happy with condition. They are old and faded but will clean up nicely.

[GeorgeMK1]

The GTi's have pretty thick paint and tend to survive rust better than most standard mk1's, so I'd say yours should be in good nic all round.

What is your method of re-shinning the black plastics?

[Tommie]

The GTi's have pretty thick paint and tend to survive rust better than most standard mk1's, so I'd say yours should be in good nic all round.

What is your method of re-shinning the black plastics?

Haven't given the bumpers and plastic trims a proper birthday yet... what I've done so far
I washed and dried mine and then used a heat gun with a bit of patience it came out rather nicely. Just be careful as you don't want to give it too much heat and start to burn them. After that I used some plastic and vinyl rejuvenator. This is just temporary and will try a few different techniques in the future.
Also heard people using Peanut butter, WD40, boiled linseed oil, car products and Kiwi black liquid shoe polish.
Let us know how you go.

[Tommie]

Time for some more stripping and more cleaning.

[78GTI]

I'm really interested in this thread, since I lost my '78 GTi I've been on the hunt for another one. Glad someone else has got a Mk1 to restore, don't know what it is but there something about Mk1's I love

[Tommie]

I'm really interested in this thread, since I lost my '78 GTi I've been on the hunt for another one. Glad someone else has got a Mk1 to restore, don't know what it is but there something about Mk1's I love

That's exactly my problem too 78GTI. Since I can remember I loved Mk1s. Growing up in South Africa I was fortunate enough to see and enjoy Mk1s on a daily basis. One of my best memories ( going back 14 years or more) was a Mk1 turbo smacking a Lamborghini Diablo run after run at the illegal Sunday night drags. The guy in the Lambo eventually cracked it and left fuming.
Those were some crazy days....

[Tommie]

Happy New Year to you all.
Being the first day of the new year it's probably the right time to go over the 1600cc engine. The plan is to remove the engine and go over it from top to bottom. Open up the engine, and replace or fix to bring it up to that mighty 81 kW lol.
This is the first time that I've tackled something like this , needles to say I am super excited but also a bit nervous. With some really close friends that's got a world of VW/ Mechanical knowledge I am sure I've got all the backup I need.
Things I've got so far, new expansion tank, water hose set, gearbox mount, exhaust rubbers, front and rear wheel bearings, head gasket, thermostat, drive belt, ignition leads, water pump, bottom sump gasket and timing belt.

[roccodingo]

Happy New Year to you all.
Being the first day of the new year it's probably the right time to go over the 1600cc engine. The plan is to remove the engine and go over it from top to bottom. Open up the engine, and replace or fix to bring it up to that mighty 81 kW lol.
This is the first time that I've tackled something like this , needles to say I am super excited but also a bit nervous. With some really close friends that's got a world of VW/ Mechanical knowledge I am sure I've got all the backup I need.
Things I've got so far, new expansion tank, water hose set, gearbox mount, exhaust rubbers, front and rear wheel bearings, head gasket, thermostat, drive belt, ignition leads, water pump, bottom sump gasket and timing belt.

Heads up bud, ditch the cork rocker cover gasket and buy the later model rubber 1 piece version , same with the sump gasket, ditch the gasket paper and purchase the rubber newer version or better yet the factory windage tray item.

Valve cover gasket update kit, rubber

Oil pan gasket, rubber

Windage tray with built-in rubber oil pan gasket. Original equipment.

cam splash cover is also a benefit...

Oil baffle for camshaft. Located under valve cover.

If your taking the engine right down then now is the time to re ring and light hone ( if bore wear is acceptable) if the block has to much wear you may be hard pressed to find oversize pistons unless you go to Wossner JE or one of the other after market manufacturers. ( have 2 EG engines here waiting rebore )

Have fun.