Need advice/parts for MK3 Golf Cabrio 1997.

[wirysage]

Hi,
Ok long story short my sisters just got her first car a 97 cabrio MK3 with a non functioning roof.

One of the driver’s side hydraulic lines is leaking from the connectors and I have been given the task to fix this problem. I have seen a replacement line from VW is like $300 and I've also checked on ebay and found a new line from the UK for about $120.

Before buying that ebay item I am going to Enzed and Pirtek the hydraulic hose manufactures to see if they can make me a replacement line.

Here are my questions and parts requests:

1. I need a driver’s side rear wheel mudflap (used)

2. Can you post links to sites which offer discount ordering of genuine VW MK3 Golf parts?

3. Can you post any sites for Australian distributors of aftermarket/used MK3 parts (such as specific wreckers)?

4. Also need the tiny switch from the reading light mechanism (used)


Thanks btw I drive and restore early 80's Celica's and being a Toyota guy I gotta say the interiors of these cars are well built.

[kideuro]

i can help you out with the mudflaps i got spear ones, im wrecking a 97 golf so hit me up

[wirysage]

pm'ed still chasing the other stuff besides mudflaps.

[Ben J]

I may have the switch you need, pm me.

Cheapest actual OEM parts I've found are at https://www.1stvwparts.com/partscat.html but places like German Auto Parts, ECS and MJMautohause (or whatever) also sell a lot pretty cheap, with some aftermarket oem alternatives which are even cheaper.

Dub Ad·dic·tion [duhb uh-dik-shuhn] is the only australian site I know that sell aftermarket things.

[VR28LT]

if you need any bits and pieces for your mk3 give these guys a buzz

Camden GTI

wreckers and full workshop in one place..... never did Matt not have what i was looking for

[karmen]

post what u are looking for here and someone will find it incl Camden gti
Loon.
some Cordoba parts fit incl all under the bonnet. enjoy

[paulie71]

Welcome to the world of Golf's This is my 4th (3rd actually driven on the road), and the 97/98 Cabrio has been a bit of an evolution from old Mk1 bodies throughout the ages. One word of advice is to get some good service manuals (Bentleys do one as does Haynes), these are great sources of tips and understanding how things go together and fall apart. Specific answers to your questions though (in bold text below):

1. I need a driver’s side rear wheel mudflap (used)
Seems sorted, so will bypass this one
2. Can you post links to sites which offer discount ordering of genuine VW MK3 Golf parts?
germanautoparts.com have a good rep, they are based in the U.S and I have done three orders without any gref and lots of savings. Parts are OEM or good quality replacement.
3. Can you post any sites for Australian distributors of aftermarket/used MK3 parts (such as specific wreckers)?
The boys at Camden are close to you and seem to have most things. They are also a good source of new parts as well locally. I use Volkspower in Melbourne and managed to have a good rapport with the HSY crew in Brisbaen when I lived up there, but HSY tend to be for wholesalers only. If you are able to get their service, go prepared with part numbers if possible or as a minimu your VIN and some willingness to work around their core work of wholesaling to workshops & mechanics.
4. Also need the tiny switch from the reading light mechanism (used)
Try the Camden boys for that.

[wirysage]

Thanks man. I don't like the brakes on the cabrio we had the entire system overhauled and our mechanic says they are fine. Also with the autobox the 1.8 just don't have enough torgue for the mountain roads here in the Blue Mountains. But hey its not my car and its built well.

The drivers seat belt does not rewind anymore and after taking it apart its clean inside and the problem is the worn out metal coil. From what I can tell I need to get a whole new drivers side seat belt unit with pretensioner just to have a new coil.

I've messaged CamdenGTI and Volkspower asking for a really good used unit or a new unit.

Welcome to the world of Golf's This is my 4th (3rd actually driven on the road), and the 97/98 Cabrio has been a bit of an evolution from old Mk1 bodies throughout the ages. One word of advice is to get some good service manuals (Bentleys do one as does Haynes), these are great sources of tips and understanding how things go together and fall apart. Specific answers to your questions though (in bold text below):

1. I need a driver’s side rear wheel mudflap (used)
Seems sorted, so will bypass this one
2. Can you post links to sites which offer discount ordering of genuine VW MK3 Golf parts?
germanautoparts.com have a good rep, they are based in the U.S and I have done three orders without any gref and lots of savings. Parts are OEM or good quality replacement.
3. Can you post any sites for Australian distributors of aftermarket/used MK3 parts (such as specific wreckers)?
The boys at Camden are close to you and seem to have most things. They are also a good source of new parts as well locally. I use Volkspower in Melbourne and managed to have a good rapport with the HSY crew in Brisbaen when I lived up there, but HSY tend to be for wholesalers only. If you are able to get their service, go prepared with part numbers if possible or as a minimu your VIN and some willingness to work around their core work of wholesaling to workshops & mechanics.
4. Also need the tiny switch from the reading light mechanism (used)
Try the Camden boys for that.

[paulie71]

ah yes the small bits that fail that require either a whole new part, some cannibalisation from donor cars or some home 'engineering'. See how you go with the boys at Camdem, give Volkspower a look up (my local aftermarket new/old dealers), or hunt down a wrecker.

The brakes are pretty sturdy and reasonably simple to work on, there are some traps with working around the ABS, but if you have the manuals are easy and logical. I Can't speak about auto's as I like my manuals. In saying that over the years I have read and heard the autos weren't that great until VW released the DSG boxes.

Happy restorations mate

[wirysage]

More parts

I got a replacement drivers seatbelt unit from a 97 VR6 (Thanks to Camden GTI the seatbelt is the same as the cabrio + pretensioner dispite different product codes) and it has a different plastic bolt cover on it to my cabrio's stock seatbelt bolt cover.

I need a VR6 (or other model which is same cover design which will fit) MK3 drivers black seatbelt bolt cover which fits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/wirysage/DSCF6858.jpg

Also I need a replacement black reading light switch

Here is a picture of the reading light with the missing switch

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/wirysage/DSCF6857.jpg