Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now?

410 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by keyprincess, Nov 24, 2001

keyprincess

Discussion Starter · Nov 24, 2001

Hi!! Well actually I did not get it, but my cousin did. It was given to him. But my dad and I will probably doing work on it. All I know about the VW is that it is a 1981 diesel stick shift with a lot of wax on it and 60,000 miles. Are their any good websites, (besides this one), catalogs for parts or helpful books out there and if there is, what are they. I have a 1979 CJ7 that I have been working on, and I know there are plenty of sites out there for it. Thanks in advance for your help!!!
Jill Stearnes http://www.stearnes.com

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ev_gti

· #2 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (keyprincess)

What do you want to do with it? Make it a clean daily driver? Car to attract attention? Show car? Race car? I'd say get rid of the smelly diesel, and put in a better engine. (or in my case put in an electric motor!)
Also, a question: You're profile says you're in America, but in 1981 I thought american golfs were called Rabbits. Is this car originaly european?
-Nathaniel

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keyprincess

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (ev_gti)

It will be for a 16 year old, daily driver. It could be a rabbit, not for sure, that is all they told me about it.

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ian c - U.K.

· #4 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (keyprincess)

you could keep it as a tidy standard car !!!!
no matter what you do to an A1 , even after you spent your life-savings on a re-spray , the average guy on the street will just say "that old golf is in good condition for it's age "

or , you could do some subtle mods .
take a few things off , put some "other vag/euro parts" on , the guy on the street will still say the same thing , but the guys at shows will hang around the car for ages thinking "i'm not sure what , but something is definately different !! )
or you could go euro
take every bit of un-wanted trim off....... and then some !!
get it as smooth as you can (no mirrors , door handles etc) drop it as low as you can over 13" wides , euro lights and bumpers , totally stripped interior with just a couple of race seats .

or you could make it modern and classy
clipper kit , euro lamps , nice paint , nice 15 or 16's , leather trim , dash change , etc.
whatever you do , make sure you drive it !!!!!!!!
guaranteed to put a smile on your face

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keyprincess

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (ian c - U.K.)

But where do I find parts and accessories for it. Such as websites, catalogs..etc..
Thanks for the advice!!

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16v

· #6 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (keyprincess)

if it's for a 16 yr old just leave it totally stock. I learned on a diesel rabbit and it really really makes you appreciate driving dynamics since it has, no power, no grip, and no brakes. I drove it for 2 years and then got a GTI

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HyKlas

· #7 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (keyprincess)

There's tons of sites out there. Here's a few...
http://64.212.22.169/
www.parts4vws.com
www.abdracing.com
www.rapidparts.com
www.eurosportacc.com
www.tttuning.com

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The Nothing

· #8 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (HyKlas)

though they can be a little pricey at times and cheaper at others:
http://www.motorworks.com - get a catalog ordered from their site. They have everything from OEM replacements to performance pieces

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The_Hamster

· #9 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (PDX Cabby)

keep das diesel engine ya.
no power, lots-a smoke, and 60,000 miles? that's it? u sure that clock hasn't been around once already?

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ian c - U.K.

· #10 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (The_Hamster)

my advice would be :
look at lots of differnet cars to see what "style" you wanna go for .
make a list of what parts you would take from other peoples cars , and try to imagine how the car will end up . if it works for you , keep that mental picture
( even better if you find pictures of a car that's nearly how you want it )
try to stick to this overall plan , i've seen showcars that the owner has changed there mind on halfway thro' ........ generally , it doesn't work and it's not nice !!

small changes will be made along the way .
try not to go too far !!!!!!
A1's look better with subtle mods. and can look frightening with too many add-ons !!
study the car , and look at the show cars . you may find a lot of subtle mods made fom parts of other volkswagen/audi cars ............ i like this !!!
ALL MY OPINION OF COURSE !!!!!!!!!!!
there is no right way , or we'd all have cars the same...... boring
just remember to have fun as you build it , and you'll have twice as much when you drive it

[Modified by ian c - U.K., 12:08 PM 11-24-2001]

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keyprincess

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 24, 2001

Re: Got a free 1981 Golf, what do I do now? (The_Hamster)

"keep das diesel engine ya.
no power, lots-a smoke, and 60,000 miles? that's it? u sure that clock hasn't been around once already?"
Another cousins father-in-law has had it, he is like 90 years old, so no it has not rolled.
Thanks for the great help!!
Jill http://www.stearnes.com

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