my new 1992 GTi 8v. 100k miles (just broke through!)
Bought from Sam in Maine

I drove up to Maine to buy it and I drove it home. I'm surprised how strong and smooth it is.

There's some very minor issues and one major

First, the Major one to do:
Power Steering pump... she leaks. alot.
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/engine.JPG
Fixed, but eventually installed a new motor/tranny anyway

Also, not sure if it is 'MAJOR' but the AC needs a recharge. It is R-12, so I'll need some suggestions on what to do here. Someone told me to get Freeze12.
Removed AC during the motor swap

Now the minor things in order of annoyances:
Headliner is sagging.
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/sagliner.JPG
Yeah... still haven't done this... I removed the headliner, but haven't worked on it.

The front fender flares are busted and one has a bit of rust. The Sideskirt is a little loose
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/bustflare.JPG
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/fenderrust.JPG
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/looseside1.JPG
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/looseside2.JPG
Bought all new trim and flares

The hood has a little rust on the leading edge, as does the grille thingy at the bottom
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/grillerust.JPG
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/hoodrust.JPG
Going to do something special with the hood.

The drivers seat is a LITTLE loose too
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/looseseat.JPG
The door side catch isn't locking, it's stuck open. Fixed this recently. Still need to put the seat rail bushings in

I hate the squishy shift knob, and the shift boot is tattered
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/bootknob.JPG
Had a custom made shift knob and boot done

I want to do a layflat for the rear wiper
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/layflat.JPG
Slacking on this one

Gotta install my stereo and clean up the wires
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/tidywires.JPG
Stereo is in, still need to hook up the subwoofer and build the subfloor

Gotta put some Pedal covers on
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/pedalcovers.JPG
Installed some deck tape over them.

I need one of those things that holds up the rear parcel tray
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/needone.JPG
Fixed July 21st. Used shoelaces from my favorite pair of old school Adidas shoes which unfortunately broke a few years back

and I need to respray the trim on the moonroof
http://www.chapeltech.net/todo/touchup.JPG

After that, I'm just gonna drive it. Any 'mods' will be done next year, when I'm out of debt.

HA! Next year? ****in got a lot done before it's first year anniversary Motor swap? Didn't see that one coming.

Modified by Chapel at 3:29 PM 5-7-2008

They didn't.

Sorry to see that

from previous owner:

Quote »

In the last 10k mi I've replaced: rebuilt tranny (filled with redline MTF) clutch rear main seal t-belt/tensioner v-belts coolent o-ring fuel filter all fluids (except PS) radiator springs (used stock springs) valve cover gasket some other oil seal... (replaced when the timing belt was done as preventitive measure) 4 shocks/struts (1500mi ago) 4 summer tires (600mi ago) Yoko Avid H4s front bumper used passenger side mirror(literally, just the mirror, mine had a crack ) fog lights battery battery clamp in the last 15K mi PO replaced exhaust front/rear brakes (rotors, pads, shoes) rear wheel bearings plugs wires cap rotor

step 1 in restoring: buy a good candidate for a restore

As for the sunroof: I like it. I think I might replace it at some point with some kind of webasto roof. I bought this car to drive around nice and slow. I want it to remain comfortable.

Modified by Chapel at 6:17 PM 7-15-2007

I have the same sunroof. Definitely aftermarket. I use to hate it. Almost didn't buy the car just because of the roof. Well it grew on me

Nuttin' but 5 Generals

- Scirocco's current mood : Being disassembled
- Rebel's current mood : Waiting anxiously for it's lake pipes

looks like a good car overall

Also, which PS fluid is recommended?
I'm going to pick up the pump today and I need to get some fluid too

UGH! and I can't even download them to rehost...
no one ever told me about bandwidth limits!

Modified by Chapel at 9:32 AM 7-16-2007

asking price

ouch...

and that car is MAYBE in "good" condition by KBB standards..

KBB has no way of taking into consideration the relative value to enthusiasts for certain cars.

Simply put, almost any big bumper GTI with little or no rust is hard to find these days and is therefore worth more to an enthusiast than what KBB seems to think.

If you don't believe me, look up what KBB says the value is for a '92 GTI 16v (which assumes OE Recaros and RMs still being present) and then compare it what a rust-free car like that could fetch around these parts.

I told a Subaru enthusiast I wanted $14k for my WRX with all the mods and he was like "are you serious? I'd figure you'd want at least $20k for that!"

If I only paid $400 more than KBB, then that's fine

yeah, I know
I'm going to re-host them when I get home

Its ALL about supply and demand...

As for the MKII, I can offer a bit of firsthand experience from doing my headliner. Be as careful as possible with the Backer-Board, mine was extremely brittle, the less you break getting it out the less you have to repair, Removing both front seats makes this a much safer ordeal in the golf and is almost necessary in the Jetta's...

I used the Foil type duct tape, like that used on actual sheet metal duct work, the tape is thicker and metallic so it holds its shape and adds structure to the board, much better than regular tape.

I got $30 worth of Black Headliner (OEM ish, looks plain and good) Fabric from Joanne fabrics, the first "headliner spray adhesive" I used from Joanne Fabrics sucked. I ended up redoing it with the 3M spray and have have had no problems.

Good luck with the new car! Looks like a nice one

fixed, put them on my REAL server...

Now I just gotta do some paperwork on the car (right now it's parked in my apartment complex awaiting MA plates and registration.)

probably gonna do some work on it in the parking lot this weekend.

KBB value has nothing to do with market value, especially on cars like this. I have sold cars for way less then and some for twice as much as KBB lists.

I just paid $2100 for a 91 GTI 8V with 200K, and feel like I got a great deal. As we all know, a clean shell is priceless on a 15-20 year old car.

BTW- the third person reference in the title is tacky...AKA Ricky Henderson

Modified by Rare Hare at 8:33 AM 7-18-2007

SD Region Solo #410

http://www.lustimotors.com San Diego's Largest Independent European Parts/Sales/Service
http://www.C2Racers.com Racing & Performance parts

Quote, originally posted by Rare Hare »

BTW- the third person reference in the title is tacky...AKA Ricky Henderson

It makes searching easier... considering our search feature is touchy.

I did all that crap to it already and was just starting to get to cosmetics when the **** hit the fan

headliner... tried 3M super77 on it in the front... didn't hold for long. Be super careful pulling the liner though. This is where that sunroof is really gonna piss you off and it's the main why I didn't dare pull the backer board out of the car.

As to KBB value, it's BS, value of anything is baised of what someone else is willing to pay for it. If ya wanna think that way though, I'll give ya $2,000 for your GTi Randy, since that's all it's worth according to KBB

Modified by InSaNeBoY at 12:39 PM 7-18-2007

lesse what else.. Oh, change the oil! last change was 97,300 or so.

was the o-ring in the box with the WP? if so it's for the coolent pipe that comes off the front of the engine with the two sensors in it...

I have swisscheese for memory, so I might come up with other pearls of wisdom for ya later.

I miss it now *sniff* At least the Ghia will be back on the road next week, that'll help take my mind off it

Quote, originally posted by InSaNeBoY »

another note, wiper as it sits is more aerodynamic than lay flat... it's an 8v it needs every bit of help hehehe

heh, we'll see, it's "in the way". Apparently you can put Mk5 rear wipers on? we'll see

Quote, originally posted by InSaNeBoY »

lesse what else.. Oh, change the oil! last change was 97,300 or so.

What kinda oil?

Quote, originally posted by InSaNeBoY »

was the o-ring in the box with the WP? if so it's for the coolent pipe that comes off the front of the engine with the two sensors in it... I have swisscheese for memory, so I might come up with other pearls of wisdom for ya later.

Thanks Sam. she'll be pretty. You'll see it the way you probably wanted it (clean, stock) before I go a different direction with it.

if the rear wiper is 'in the way' yer lookin through the back window too much. (besides the headliner is more in the way) Another way to think of it is winter time, wanna make that poor wiper motor have to push a heavy pile of snow up, or do you wanna be able to just flip the switch and flick the snow down off the back of the car?

Oil is regular ole penzoil 10W-30, I don't trust synthetic in older cars.

PS speaking of restoration, this is how I got it.

Quote »

if the rear wiper is 'in the way' yer lookin through the back window too much. (besides the headliner is more in the way) Another way to think of it is winter time, wanna make that poor wiper motor have to push a heavy pile of snow up, or do you wanna be able to just flip the switch and flick the snow down off the back of the car?

good point.

Quote »

Oil is regular ole penzoil 10W-30, I don't trust synthetic in older cars.

3000 mile intervals?