Possibly looking at buying some rabbits. You know the kind.

[foxygrandpa]

Finally found some rabbits. none after searching forever and then two at once lol.
Hopefully going to look at one or the other just have to decide.

My question is there anything in specific I should be looking for in certain areas?
(ex.) Rust, leaks, structure, electrical.

the 81 looks to be rust free on body but haven't inspected further. (pics)
I can't wait to get into the hobby, finally have some time and leeway.

I've owned mk2s before but nothing pre 1987 lol.

Thanks, any advice would be nice.

[Samsquam]

Finally found some rabbits. none after searching forever and then two at once lol.
Hopefully going to look at one or the other just have to decide.

My question is there anything in specific I should be looking for in certain areas?
(ex.) Rust, leaks, structure, electrical.

the 81 looks to be rust free on body but haven't inspected further. (pics)
I can't wait to get into the hobby, finally have some time and leeway.

I've owned mk2s before but nothing pre 1987 lol.

Thanks, any advice would be nice.

A-pillars, strut towers, floor boards or any kind of flooring for reassurance sake. If it has a sunroof or seal seeming to not seal properly, just replace it. Maintenance is also a great thing. Do the filters/belts and go from there if its been sitting awhile or hasnt been taken care of well in the past while. I'm sure someone else can chime in more advice

[aeffertz]

Check the rear beam mounts and strut towers especially. If those are bad, walk away unless you're ready to do some serious rust repair.

[BoostedOne]

Yep check real close in the strut towers. Look up un the wheel well and feel/push around on everything from the shocks back. It may look fine but be crap, since Vw put a ton of undercoat on these the panel can rust away leaving a layer of undercoat as a faux body panel.
If its got fresh and average paint, beware lol.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[foxygrandpa]

Hey thanks guys, I just got off the phone with the original owner, has an extra engine, extra transmission, extra body parts/randoms, manuals, etc. I'm so giddy right now.

He also sent me some pictures. It looks gorgeous. No rust only a few quarter sized areas on door.
Of course have yet to look underneath. But it's a florida car so the odds are very good that it isn't rusted. I'm going to pick it up friday (if it is what he says it is.)

Originally was a turbo, he says he's closed up the turbo but part is still good. Also the current engine is from a Volkswagen dasher. It's a diesel.

Can't stop grinning. Hope it all checks out!!
I will be sweeping the car looking for what you guys suggested. I knew basically what I was looking for but thought the experts could help out if I left anything out.
I'll be strapped for cash for about the next month lol but it will be worth it.

Pics!

(I didn't take them, they're not the best pics but give you a good idea)





This is my dream car. Hope she drives well and he's not blowing smoke. He says he's been
driving it recently and the picture he sent me it has a recent tag so there's hope.

[foxygrandpa]

Check the rear beam mounts and strut towers especially. If those are bad, walk away unless you're ready to do some serious rust repair.

Where would the rear beam mounts be specifically? lol
Know where everything else is but that doesn't ring a bell.

[ArpyArpad]

Where would the rear beam mounts be specifically? lol
Know where everything else is but that doesn't ring a bell.

underneath the car, follow the rear arm connected to the wheel to where it connects to the car. there are two bolts. just check around there for rust.

[foxygrandpa]

Oh okay, thanks a lot. I'm more interested in how she looks underneath than her body
I had a super rusty 89 fox from michigan and couldn't even work with it so not looking for another
rust bucket.

[foxygrandpa]

Is this the LS model? Power steering, diesel 5 speed. "Slate grey" I think I spotted a sunroof in pictures but can't tell for certain.

Also, any disadvantages to buying diesels? I have never owned a diesel so this will be my first.

[crewsr]

Well, a diesel is a different breed of rabbit altogether. They perform differently and provide a different driving experience than the gas-powered species. Diesels are generally slower, so if GTI-like performance is important to you, you might not like the trip. They may also be quite loud at highway speeds (I know mine is...). They can be a little smelly and diesel soot can accumulate around the exhaust outlet, which can make the car look dingy (washing it off now and then isn't difficult)... In cold climates they can be difficult to start; a block heater, electric dipstick or heated garage may be necessary in cold climates.

However, the fuel economy is excellent; mine usually goes 450 mile of mixed city/highway driving between fill-ups (11 gallons). There's also a certain uniqueness to the car which many enjoy. The engines last a long time; 200,000 is not uncommon thanks to lower revs and the lubricative properties of the fuel itself. The engine is relatively easy to work on, however certain repairs (timing belt change...) may require a few tools which you might not already have in your box.

[Samsquam]

Is this the LS model? Power steering, diesel 5 speed.

Seems to be an L. Look over this page to determine what yours is.

http://www.mk1vw.info/modules.php?na...=viewtut&id=42

[foxygrandpa]

Well, a diesel is a different breed of rabbit altogether. They perform differently and provide a different driving experience than the gas-powered species. Diesels are generally slower, so if GTI-like performance is important to you, you might not like the trip. They may also be quite loud at highway speeds (I know mine is...). They can be a little smelly and diesel soot can accumulate around the exhaust outlet, which can make the car look dingy (washing it off now and then isn't difficult)... In cold climates they can be difficult to start; a block heater, electric dipstick or heated garage may be necessary in cold climates.

However, the fuel economy is excellent; mine usually goes 450 mile of mixed city/highway driving between fill-ups (11 gallons). There's also a certain uniqueness to the car which many enjoy. The engines last a long time; 200,000 is not uncommon thanks to lower revs and the lubricative properties of the fuel itself. The engine is relatively easy to work on, however certain repairs (timing belt change...) may require a few tools which you might not already have in your box.

Thanks that is very good info. 1. I don't care about performance more on reliability lol. 2. I don't mind the dirt, degreaser cuts it right off. Plus I wash my cars a lot anyway. 3. I live in florida so it's just hot 100% of the year so cold starts shouldn't difficult. We shall see. So sounds like I'll like having a diesel. Maybe I can just add sound deadening mess under the carpet if it is extremely loud on the highway lol. Yeah I don't have the tools to change timing belt so will probably have to get that done right away depending on the shape of it.

Seems to be an L. Look over this page to determine what yours is.
http://www.mk1vw.info/modules.php?na...=viewtut&id=42

This link is to an 81 mine will be an 83. I looked at that website though, very good info.
Still can't pinpoint whether L or LS until I inspect closer. Maybe someone else has got the eye though and can just pick it out haha.

[Samsquam]

This link is to an 81 mine will be an 83.

Just went by your first post of info on it.

[foxygrandpa]

Oh you're right it did look that way haha. Sorry for the confusion, Yeah the other one I was looking at is an 83 and this is that one. The 81 was a convertible, and it also looked really nice. I've always had a thing for 4 doors though.

But yeah I guess I won't know for sure until friday/saturday what exact model it is (not that it really matters haha.) Then I'll have more time to look at things and know what options it has/doesn't have, etc.

Can't wait! It's pretty much the only thing on my mind and time is creeping so slow ha.
Thanks for the all info/help above btw everyone

[rabbitnothopper]

looks great
it still has the factory sound deadening under the hood, that massive black foam thing
those are notoriously nasty...usually missing....do your best

it has all of the side trim except the one under the fuel cap
probally rotted off

i see a broken piece of the grille, not too bad
crack on the turn signal..also not a major problem
still has a cardboard slat on the radiator
so pretty unlikely the radiator has been messed with


its missing both reverse light covers on the tails
this is extremely common they will just fall off while driving
mmm...and you cant get new ones
what i did was use some florescent light plastic, cut it, and glued it...this atleast helps prevent water and dirt


those strut mounts look nearly shot...probally factory
you'll need to refresh the whole front suspension
id look and listen to the front wheel bearings
its very easy to get a whole complete spindle with the disc brake dust covers and bearings



it has vented windows
make SURE the seals are good and the vented hinges are solid in shape and structure
they tend to leak
and they tend to be easy to break into

interior:
its missing a dash piece under the steering wheel
that means someone's been mucking about under there...use caution
check the fusebox for rust and look around for signs of dampness
you might have a leak which is common on the fusebox

those dirtmats (floormats) in the floorboards are factory
MAKE SURE you get them.. they say rabbit and have a logo on them

that front windshield looks to have been replaced
notice the chrome trim on the door windows?
the front windshield should also have had a trim on the seal
check the glass for VW audi...make sure its not a crap aftermarket brand



on the front shock towers look for signs of surface rust or any damage to the Tower
look under the car at the floor boards
people tend to think jacking the car up directly under the seat is a good idea.....its not....


positive things..
its got the rear bumper rubber bolsters complete and intact
looks to be in good condition
the rims look clean and they have the dust caps...or atleast one of them does?

that dash looks great (most of those do)
hopefully everything works


anyhow
fire it up, drive it around, look at things
listen to things
just buy it man, looks clean and easy to fix
enjoy the stock!!!

[foxygrandpa]

Haha, man great advice. Really helpful and appreciative. Definitely gave me a few more ideas and things to check out before buying. You know how you have tunnel vision and you just see all the good things? lol, well you definitely helped me see some stuff I was looking right past.
I sure hope the suspension doesn't need replaced extremely soon, if so I will offer less for sure. Hopefully he will budge on the price if I notice some things that need repairing. But I doubt it because he's basically giving me enough extra parts (+engine,+transmission,+body parts, etc) to build a second car and even comes with all the repair manuals. I think this guy loved this thing and was just an old vw fanatic before the days of the internet lol.

But yes if it all checks out and there is no rust then I will be buying it tomorrow.
I have been anticipating it all week and I'm about to go crazy. If it turns out to be crap
I'm going to be really heartbroken lol..

Updates soon! I'll try to take pictures of what he has in spare parts and hopefully he'll have some neat goodies that I'm not expecting. Probably the last thing I should be thinking of but I really hope he has the original vw key haha. Since 1 owner, its possible but still unlikely. Also can't wait to see original title from 83.

Oh and since you could pick all of that junk out from just a few pictures, do you think this is the L or LS? or some other model?

[Samsquam]

Dibs on the radio if its origional and your willing to sell!

[foxygrandpa]

Well I picked it up today instead of friday. Of course there is always more things that need fixing than the owner originally states. lol. It's in the middle of the sticks out in Live Oak, I pull up and this guys got tractors galore, just metal everywhere, looked like a mini salvage yard/repair shop. Apparently he fixes tractors and cleans up the mess that Loggers make when they cut down trees. He seemed nice but I'm not sure if I trust him 100% The "Spare engine, spare transmission" were sitting on dirt/grass starting to rust. The "Spare body parts" was a 81-83 rabbit sitting behind all this in the woods under a tree with grass as tall as I am hiding it. I could only make out that it was red and all the body fenders etc were in good condition + glass, the rest was trash pretty much. (I might be able to pull some off this one if I ever need body parts) All in all, she's in pretty good shape. There is literally no rust on the car underneath or the body. Some imperfections of course and two quarter sized rust spots on door. I think it will be a great project for me but hopefully I haven't gotten in over my head lol. He's got taller wheels on the back than on the front.. I don't mind how it looks but will this cause problems? Drove her 100 miles on the highway going 45-65 the whole way lol..

So far just from what I could tell today she needs:
-new struts all over
-brake pads (he says the rotors are fine but the front one sounded crunchy) We shall see.
-Misc. Hoses in engine are needing replaced soon
-The oil pressure buzzing noise is on and driving me crazy. He included two tiny packages and said that's what will fix it. Relay or something? Anyway that's gotta be the first thing to fix lol. He said oil pressure was good so it was just the relay. I didn't check it but he said it was 64 or something like that. Normal?
-Sun roof seals (it's all there just needs revamping)
-Misc seals around body
-Probably needs battery/new terminal ground thingies. Hopefully not the alternator.

Also, not sure if this is immediately related to struts being FACTORY or what but she drove really loose on the highway. And steering wheel is ****-eyed (when tires straight) and there is some play where the steering wheel goes to engine bay.

Probably shouldn't have drove this foxy lady home but I gambled and it made it okay.
Until it started randomly slipping out of 5th gear (going 55-65mph) ...This is what worries me the most. It didn't do it at first on the highway then towards the last stretch just started slipping out of gear. Bad transmission? Clutch? I mean, this thing is factory in and out minus the VW Dasher engine. Would the dasher engine be causing problems for the rabbit?

It's going to need mounts replaced most likely, timing belt is crazy loose when idling in park, need to test injectors (one looked leaky), also fluids/filters need to be replaced because when I asked him he paused to think and said he couldn't remember lol.. Oh boy..

Anyway, I might as well write a book here. At the end of bargaining, I paid $1200 + a haynes manual and a bentley manual, and a handshake. Wish I could have talked him down more but he needed the money for medical bills and was pretty firm.


Pictures to come soon.

[foxygrandpa]

Took pictures but my camera died so have to find some batteries. I'll probably just start a new thread with pictures and link from this one.

Also, the back emblem (not the vw one) but the rabbit it says "Rabbit GL Turbo Diesel"
I was thinking it was the LS but I guess it's the GL dlx.

Has the original floor mats, radio, and the hatch cargo cover. Radio's gotta go, haven't tried any cassettes in it yet. And I want to find a Wooden dash piece to replace this one around the gauges eventually.

Tomorrow I'll start cleaning it out and getting some stank out. and rip the headliner out and see about cutting a new one and reupholstering. I was thinking of reusing an old vintage yellow flower print bedsheet that I had lol. I'm cheap like that. We'll see if it's too clashy.

[Samsquam]

Has the original floor mats, radio, and the hatch cargo cover. Radio's gotta go, haven't tried any cassettes in it yet. And I want to find a Wooden dash piece to replace this one around the gauges eventually.

I got a wood grain panel insert your talking about. Would you be interested in trading the radio+all its harness' attached?

[foxygrandpa]

Haha, we'll see! I wanna make sure it works first. May not even work. Probably won't be getting into that anytime soon but when I do you'll be the first one I'll contact. I'll try to post pictures of it close up, seems all there minus one plastic knob for a lever is half broken off and dirty/some decals rubbing off partly.

That wood panel would definitely beef up my interior.

[rabbitnothopper]

it will slip out of 5th gear when it is low on transmission fluid
those take 75w90 GL4
about 2 liters
drain it (use a tire lug and a metric nut) or a 17mm allen socket


get some new battery clamps, they are cheap and easy
i like to get the ones that are black and red
altenator usually will require a voltage regulator ($35) if it isnt charging properly
it should be giving 13.5 to 14.4 volts at the battery

i remember when my front struts were shot....its bad...
i still have yet to replace my rear ones which are also shot
steering wheel should of course sit in the center when going straight
you can do two things:
use the bently to measure the tie rods according to spec
or fubar it...and remove the steering wheel to set it correctly
but you have a wheel to wheel lock ratio
turn the wheel fully in both directions
count the revolutions, they should be equal
if not then check the measurements on the tierods from the rack-n-pinion
you will have to remove the steering boots on the inner ties to measure the positions
or skip it and reset the steering wheel, its one large nut under the horn pad


the roof upholstery isnt hard to remove really
pull the sun visors out
pull the trim around the doors off, it should just pull off
then pull the roof cardboard out the hatch
different models have different attachments...so look carefully
if you have "hooks" in the rear where you can hang coat hangers
those rubber pieces just pull off and you can unscrew them from the car

[Samsquam]

but when I do you'll be the first one I'll contact.

That wood panel would definitely beef up my interior.