"Inherited" an unmolested 87 Scirocco 16v

[silverspeedbuggy]

I just brought home my dad's 87 16v. I'm going to attempt to get it up and running this winter.

Major info:
Dad bought it used in 1992, he was only the second owner
Drove it mostly on nice days
It saw a few winters while he had it
Has been repainted once (decent job too)
Sat for 3 years outside on the driveway
144,000-ish miles (odo spins freely)
NOT running, needs
- coolant work (overheats, tow driver smelled coolant on drive)
- brakes including BLOWN brake line (made a mess of his flatbed)
- gas siphoned and fresh fuel added
- oil change
- spark plugs (might as well)
- two engine mounts
- new struts
- new tires
- a few rust spots

My plans:
- Keep it bone stock
- Fix the above
- Get it running by the spring
- Eventually have rust addressed and a respray
- Get teardrops refinished

On to the pics!

As it sat on dad's driveway yesterday:



Rust:



Sunroof seal is shot:



Getting towed:


Brakes were locked up, but freed when winched onto the truck. Notice the brake fluid under the rear passenger tire; brake line blew when I mashed it.



Parked in my driveway, time to really assess the car:


More rust:


Hood is shot:


Not bad for 144,000 miles:


Both strut towers are good:


Something was living in it;


Found the shift knob for mom and dad's old 74 Super Beetle!


Some wear on the bolster:


No rust:


Some rust on the hatch:


Must be some rust on the bottom edge of the doors under the bodykit molding; the strip on the door is peeling up:


Cleaned up the interior:



Gave it the first bath it's had in 3 years:


Noticed this tube (for the airbox?) under the battery is cracked:


At some point I may need to have this fender replaced. I guess my now-deceased grandfather backed into the car. It's tough to really see the problem though:


Overall I am VERY excited to get this car running again. Dad bought it my senior year of high school and I had visions of driving all over the place in it. After three failed stick shift lessons (lasting 10 minutes each), dad's nerves were shot. I think he also realized if me or my brother didn't know how to drive stick then we couldn't mess up his car. I'm betting it wouldn't be sitting in my driveway right now if he had suceeded in teaching us how to manipulate a clutch. The 18 year old me hated that I didn't know how to drive it. The 37 year old me is incredibly glad I didn't know how to drive it.

[Eistreiber]

well... I hope you've learned to drive a clutch by now.

You bastard. You lucky, lucky bastard...

Looks decent, certainly has potential. Keep us posted.

[silverspeedbuggy]

well... I hope you've learned to drive a clutch by now.

You bastard. You lucky, lucky bastard...

Looks decent, certainly has potential. Keep us posted.

Ha! Been driving stick exclusively since 1998. Test drove an A3 DSG once and didn't care for it. A clutched transmission is the only way to go.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Latest update:
Dad mentioned yesterday that he wonders if the car has a cracked block. The last time he drove it the car boiled over with no warning. That's when he parked it intending to get it looked at a later date. That was 3+ years ago. The tow truck driver mentioned catching a whiff of coolant from the car. When I checked the oil it was light amber in color but was considerably higher than the max level on the dipstick. Now I don't know much about all this, but if the block is cracked couldn't the coolant get into the oil (and then raise the level of oil)? A buddy explained how to pull a plug and use an air compressor to check.

Obviously this has me very concerned, but my dad is not very good at diagnosing car repairs.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Hmmmm...there's ZERO coolant in the overflow tank.

[Chris16vRocco]

Hmmmm...there's ZERO coolant in the overflow tank.

That explains the overheating, but as long as the oil is still oily and not a milky substance, I wouldn't worry too much about cracked blocks yet. A blown head gasket is much more likely than a cracked block, but start with the simple things first.

Fill the cooling system with water and start it up, check for leaks everywhere (whilst keeping an eye on the temp and not letting it overheat, of course). 16v engines are notorious for getting air pockets trapped in the cooling system and overheating as a result, so disconnect the upper radiator hose and fill the engine with water from there, then reconnect and fill the rest of the way up at the reservoir.

If you're getting a smell of coolant inside the car, it's likely that the heater core is leaking. If white smoke is coming out of the exhaust, that means that it's burning coolant, which is likely to be a blown head gasket.

[Iroczgirl]

Still, all in all, a great start.

That hood is totally salvageable. Mine is worse.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Still, all in all, a great start.

That hood is totally salvageable. Mine is worse.

You think? Did you see the rubber piece that is pushed up into the hood support structure? It's like that on both sides.

[83mk2scirocco]

Still, all in all, a great start.

That hood is totally salvageable. Mine is worse.

All in all it looks clean,This makes look back on what I got rid off.
0 rust.

It had the mono wiper hood too...Man that pic makes me sad.
I totaly dig the shift knob.

Hope there is not too much hidden surprises.

[vwdaun]

Welcome to the Scirocco forum, and congrats on the acquisition!

I would second the blown head gasket theory. The blocks are incredibly robust on these cars, though it's not impossible to crack one.

I would also recommend (since I didn't see it on your "to do" list) that you change the timing belt / tensioner and passenger side motor mount. If the belt breaks.... well, using coolant isn't going to be your only concern.

And hey, for a goal, get ready for a 4-hour roadtrip to "Cincy" the first weekend of June. (Do a search....)

[silverspeedbuggy]

Welcome to the Scirocco forum, and congrats on the acquisition!

I would second the blown head gasket theory. The blocks are incredibly robust on these cars, though it's not impossible to crack one.

I would also recommend (since I didn't see it on your "to do" list) that you change the timing belt / tensioner and passenger side motor mount. If the belt breaks.... well, using coolant isn't going to be your only concern.

And hey, for a goal, get ready for a 4-hour roadtrip to "Cincy" the first weekend of June. (Do a search....)

Thanks for the welcome! Saw the pics from Cincy 2011; looks like I have a goal to get the car up and running by!

There are two motor mounts that are shot; they're definitely on the list. The belts look to be in really good shape, but I'd rather be safe and get them swapped out with new ones. I really can't believe it's a cracked block since my dad babied the car. When it overheated he shut it off almost immediately.

[Teighlor O']

Hey man, im in Cleveland as well.. Nice car, good luck with it!

[silverspeedbuggy]

Hey man, im in Cleveland as well.. Nice car, good luck with it!

Hey

[silverspeedbuggy]

I sooooo badly want to fire up the car but don't think I should.

Some random questions:
- Car has half a tank of 3 year old gas. Siphon out old gas or top off with fresh 93 octane and some fuel injector cleaner?
- I removed the fuel cap and there was a phenomenal HIIIISSSSS as the fumes/air escaped. Is this to be expected (taking into account 3 year old fuel and sitting outside in -10 to 100 degree weather)?

I'm definitely going to change oil before firing up the engine. I also topped off the coolant tank and will watch for leaks.

[Chris16vRocco]

I'd siphon it out, personally. Take note of what the fuel coming out looks like. If it has a lot of crud/rust in it you need to get that all cleaned out so it doesn't ruin the pumps. The pumps may/may not even run after sitting that long. Might as well see if they work first, but be prepared to buy replacements. Change the fuel filter right away too.

That hissing sound when loosening the cap is normal, just caused by the pressure in the tank from temperature changes.

[crazyaboutrocs]

Well the hiss is normal for some of us, but for the rest whose vents work properly, then it isn't.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I'd siphon it out, personally. Take note of what the fuel coming out looks like. If it has a lot of crud/rust in it you need to get that all cleaned out so it doesn't ruin the pumps. The pumps may/may not even run after sitting that long. Might as well see if they work first, but be prepared to buy replacements. Change the fuel filter right away too.

That hissing sound when loosening the cap is normal, just caused by the pressure in the tank from temperature changes.

Thanks, that's what I needed to hear. I have a tendency to get a little too excited to start a project and rush into it then screw it up. I don't want to create any more problems with this car than it already has.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Some additional observations after spending a few more days poking around the car:
- I'm amazed how complete dad kept it. The ONLY thing he changed was the radio; there's a later model VW "Premium" radio in it (with tape deck AND "CD in" jack). Unfortunately the radio reception is poor and there's a short in the volume control knob.
- All manuals including the Warranty manual are with the car
- Wheel centercap removal wrench is in the glovebox

Some additional issues found:
- Power mirrors and driver's door window work
- Power passenger window doesn't work using the driver's door switch. Not sure if it works using the passenger switch
- Sunroof slides back, but does not tilt/vent. There's also an additional sunroof hand crank lever in the glovebox. Gotta ask dad about it.

[Tim Chunks]

[Teighlor O']

Yep siphon that crappy gas out and put new fresh stuff in, also add some Marvel Mystery Oil to the fuel(add however much it says to on the bottle) to clean out whatevers in there. Hell i think id even add a little bit to the cylinders before starting it as well, sure couldnt hurt. Go over to Euclid Foreign Auto at 185th and St. Clair and get a fuel filter, im sure yers is full of crap, be sure to get the copper washers(4 of them) for the fuel filter. Also get a Mann or Bosch oil filter while yer there, please dont buy a crappy Fram oil filter at McAutoparts.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Yep siphon that crappy gas out and put new fresh stuff in, also add some Marvel Mystery Oil to the fuel(add however much it says to on the bottle) to clean out whatevers in there. Hell i think id even add a little bit to the cylinders before starting it as well, sure couldnt hurt. Go over to Euclid Foreign Auto at 185th and St. Clair and get a fuel filter, im sure yers is full of crap, be sure to get the copper washers(4 of them) for the fuel filter. Also get a Mann or Bosch oil filter while yer there, please dont buy a crappy Fram oil filter at McAutoparts.

Holy crap; I forgot about Euclid Foreign! I used to get parts for my Quantum sedan from them back in the mid 90's. I'm really close to them, I'll give em a call tomorrow to get the parts.

Thanks man!

[Teighlor O']

Holy crap; I forgot about Euclid Foreign! I used to get parts for my Quantum sedan from them back in the mid 90's. I'm really close to them, I'll give em a call tomorrow to get the parts.

Thanks man!

Yer welcome. Dont take it personal if Dan(the older guy with the glasses) seems like kinda an ass to you. Hes like that to evryone the first few times ya go in there, but he will eventually warm up. He got hit on his bicycle a couple years ago, and i think it did some damage to his melon, so hes a little out of it and crabby sometimes. I always call/ order from them before ordering from German auto online or somwhere else..

[silverspeedbuggy]

Yer welcome. Dont take it personal if Dan(the older guy with the glasses) seems like kinda an ass to you. Hes like that to evryone the first few times ya go in there, but he will eventually warm up. He got hit on his bicycle a couple years ago, and i think it did some damage to his melon, so hes a little out of it and crabby sometimes. I always call/ order from them before ordering from German auto online or somwhere else..

Dan = Moe on the Simpsons. Got it.

[silverspeedbuggy]

What gives with the fuel tank? Tank is 13ish gallons, right? Guage says it is a little over half full. That should be 8.5 gallons or so, correct? I've filled up a 5 gallon gas can so there should be less than a quarter tank. Guage says it's between 1/2 and 1/4 tank now.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I should add:
- My siphoning set up works, but is a pain in the ass. ($3 pump fuel siphon from Home Depot + rubber tubing from HD to reach the fuel in the tank)
- I really don't want to buy another $13 5-gallon gas can.

[Teighlor O']

What gives with the fuel tank? Tank is 13ish gallons, right? Guage says it is a little over half full. That should be 8.5 gallons or so, correct? I've filled up a 5 gallon gas can so there should be less than a quarter tank. Guage says it's between 1/2 and 1/4 tank now.

Man thats the LEAST of yer "worries" right now, haha... My gauge is retarded sometimes too. Maybe the fuel tank sending unit is dody in these. Hell im just glad it "kinda" works. My little 75 Ford Courier pick up has NO working fuel gauge!

Get anything else done yet?

[silverspeedbuggy]

Man thats the LEAST of yer "worries" right now, haha... My gauge is retarded sometimes too. Maybe the fuel tank sending unit is dody in these. Hell im just glad it "kinda" works. My little 75 Ford Courier pick up has NO working fuel gauge!

Get anything else done yet?

Not yet; I've had some family things this week so it's been slow going. I want to get the gas out today, do the fuel filter tomorrow (maybe tonight if possible). Trying to get the house decorated for Christmas too and the lights up. Coffee is my friend.

[silverspeedbuggy]

No fuel filter till tomorrow; Euclid Foreign had to order it. I ordered an oil filter as well. I'd love to get the oil changed on Saturday.

[Teighlor O']

No fuel filter till tomorrow; Euclid Foreign had to order it. I ordered an oil filter as well. I'd love to get the oil changed on Saturday.

Dude MAKE SURE you get the 4 copper washers with the fuel filter. there are two 14's and two 15's. Dan will prolly just give you ONE of those copper washers with the plastic inner ring on it, but ask for the other ones. Get a new copper washer for yer oil pan bolt too.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Dude MAKE SURE you get the 4 copper washers with the fuel filter. there are two 14's and two 15's. Dan will prolly just give you ONE of those copper washers with the plastic inner ring on it, but ask for the other ones. Get a new copper washer for yer oil pan bolt too.

Will do. He said something about "I've got those sizes here so I won't have to order them" but I'll double check.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Most of the gas has been siphoned out. The gas gauge is showing 'in the red' but not empty. I reek. Better stay away from open flames. Good thing I don't smoke.

[Chris16vRocco]

What gives with the fuel tank? Tank is 13ish gallons, right? Guage says it is a little over half full. That should be 8.5 gallons or so, correct? I've filled up a 5 gallon gas can so there should be less than a quarter tank. Guage says it's between 1/2 and 1/4 tank now.

I take it you're not a mathematician.…

Half of 13 gallons is 6.5 gallons, so if your tank has 5 gallons in it the gauge should read just below 1/2.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I take it you're not a mathematician.…

Half of 13 gallons is 6.5 gallons, so if your tank has 5 gallons in it the gauge should read just below 1/2.

Ha! Total right brained art guy.

However, gauge was a little over half but I've filled up two 5 gallon cans. Gauge must be off. Just like my math.

[Teighlor O']

Ha! Total right brained art guy.

However, gauge was a little over half but I've filled up two 5 gallon cans. Gauge must be off. Just like my math.

Were you parked on a hill? haha

[silverspeedbuggy]

Were you parked on a hill? haha

For the three years it was outside, it actually was (front driver's side downhill). But it's all flat and level at home in the garage.