Vw 172 GTI

[GeorgeMK1]

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.

Haha, I know exactly what you mean. I grew up in Jo'burg,and every weekend, there would be illegal drags going on, happening on Jules St, near Primrose. There were, and still are some VERY fast mk1's in SA, and it has the best illegal drags I've ever been to, to this day!!

[Tommie]

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, rubberoo


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.

Thanks for the heads up Grant. I'll take it on board.

[Tommie]

So the holidays are over and the progress has slowed down a bit. The engine is out and slowly starting to go through a few bits and pieces. Got the engine running before removing it so it's definitely runnig. Not in a major rush but will replace gaskets and o-rings, drop the sump and fresh oil. Also removed the rocker cover to have a look. Ill give the old donk a clean as I progress.

[Tommie]

Also got some shoes for the money pit . Lol

[Tommie]

Engine and gearbox removed, time for a fresh lick of paint in the engine bay. Really happy about the condition of the engine bay as I thought there might have been a lot more rust in the old girl.





Why stop at the engine bay, the MK1 will be away to get all the rust removed and resprayed in the original Black L041 !
Thanks Lucky13 for the tow ��.

[sports racer]

Always good to see a MK1 being rebuilt, not reduced.

[Tommie]

Time for an update!!

Had a mate came round today so we made some more progress on the engine.
1. Replaced the timing belt.
2. Replaced the 1/2 moon seal on Rocker cover as well as the seal on the opposite side.
3. Replaced exhaust manifold gaskets. Bought the gaskets months ago and after opening the package up 2 gaskets were missing. After making a few phone calls I got extra gaskets and installed them.
4. Replaced intake manifold gaskets.
5. Replaced new thermostat.
6. Replaced new water pump housing. Again the pulley on the waterpump isn't the same as the old one so I'll just stop here for today.

Things are really coming along nicely, of course I would like it to be faster but that's life.

[Tommie]

Gday Fellow Dubbers,

Since the car has gone to the paint shop it feels like there's been very little progress on the build. Since all the windows are removed I thought it will be a great idea to replace old/ perished window rubbers with new ones. Also noticed the 35 year old windows have heaps of fine scratches and it really annoys me. Of course the wife reckons its character....
So this morning I thought I'll have a crack and see if I can't polish the scratches out. Ive used Cerium Oxide and mixed it with water, and also a dremmel at very slow speed as I didn't want to burn or heat up the glass. Every so often I'll spray a bit of Windex On to keep it moist and preventing the paste to clog up.
There's definitely a few less scratches, but not a 100% convinced as there's still a few scratches left. Pretty sure they might be too deep to remove.
I think I am agreeing with the wife that the little scratches and imperfections adds character 😜.
Has anyone got another or better idea how to remove fine scratches or am I just too OCD?
Also had to smile at the Vic roads rego sticker that expired in July 2003 and was still on the windscreen.

[Mk1sleeper]

A Bit like this one!


I know i'm a tease!

I can't wait to to see yours once she's painted!
What's the ETA getting her back from the painter , I know they can be slow! ......Hell I know I AM!!!!!!

BTW thanks heaps for the Pic you had of mine on the road!
I'll send you more pics soon.

Cheers, Scotty.

[sports racer]

White toothpaste is a very fine abrasive and cheap.

[Tommie]

Update Update Update

Some nice progress on the GTI.
I've never been happy with the rusted scuttle panel, so it had to go. Having heard a lot of people not happy with the replacement parts from VWHeritage I was kind of sceptical to buy one. With a little bit of gentle massaging the new scuttle panel is in and looks mint! Can't be any happier with VWHeritage.
The GTI has all its rust removed, paint removed and primed.
Getting very excited as my baby is almost home again.

[GeorgeMK1]

Wooooohooo! So close now, is the bay getting painted as well?.

I've never had an issue with VWHeritage either, always a good experience.

[HaydEn]

Looking good!

[Tommie]

Cheers Gents,

Engine bay is getting done too.

[Mk1sleeper]

Awesome stuff Tommie, they seem to be getting a move on, what's the ETA for paint. Black is a colour that needs careful prep!
It's all looking the part so far!!!
Cheers, Scotty.