NP's 20VT MK1 Cabby Build Thread

[nightphotographer]

It hasn't taken long!

Last month I bought a 1991 Golf Cabriolet - it has a ripped roof, a few dents here and there, mechanically it's sound, the odd little part needs replacing, but engine and gearbox are very strong still. Shame everything is getting replaced really!

Pics: (highlighting damage mainly!)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8256575527_2fd87839a6_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8256575527/)
8D2B9942 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8256575527/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316607579_589ff7460f_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316607579/)
8D2B9945 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316607579/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316608291_9067f1f628_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316608291/)
8D2B9943 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316608291/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8317660836_cac687f7d8_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8317660836/)
8D2B9946 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8317660836/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316605157_041d8c8c7c_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316605157/)
8D2B9947 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316605157/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316604331_622757618a_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316604331/)
8D2B9948 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316604331/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316603497_24037c4638_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316603497/)
8D2B9949 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316603497/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8317656788_67bd204843_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8317656788/)
8D2B9950 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8317656788/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316600929_04f04fc0d5_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316600929/)
8D2B9951 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316600929/) by night photographer (http://www.flickr.com/people/night_photographer/), on Flickr

I'm getting to work on the interior, replacement roof, bodywork and new paint job first. Then the mechanics will follow later in 2013 with my dad in the UK about to buy a MK4 Golf GTI Donor car (had originally had my heart set on an AEB engine, but now I'm going AGU!).


Things I've already bought:
New carpet and boot lining in Terracotta Red.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8317735812_86579ab36c_m-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8317735812/)

Porsche 987 Leather and Alacantara Seats.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316680843_1f9616d876_m-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316680843/)
This seat^^ but in this style vv
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/8316680945_b9424a4c00_m-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/night_photographer/8316680945/)

Single Headlight Badged Grill Set.
Forge Short Shifter (no longer going into my Polo)
2.0T Coil packs and adapters (coming out of my Polo)

Things I've already done:
Current engine has been completely flushed and serviced and will be for sale with most of the engine components once my new engine is on a boat over here.
Interior stripped ready for sound deadening and speaker and electric seat wiring (only electric recline - nothing too crazy)

Things on the shopping list (if anyone can help):
New roof in Red from Prestige Auto Trim in the UK.
Replacement front bumper.
Replacement O/S/F Wing (or Guard - whatever you Australians call them :P )
Spare stock seat rails for the Porsche Seats (existing one's have had it)
OEM Porsche Seat Wiring loom - unless someone can instruct me on how to do the seat wiring without it?
Caliber RCD 110 Retro Head Unit
Pioneer TS-A4613I 4x6" Front Speakers (pretty certain they're a straight swap)
Other car audio related purchases.
Red Grille Surround
Coilovers (no decision on brand as of yet)
3 Piece 15x7/8 Wheels
Chrome Strips, Door Handles, Window Winders, Fuel Cap and Mirrors.
Replacement glove box (unless dash has to be removed)
K03s Turbocharger for the AGU unless I can find a compatible K04 for a decent price.
New Sun visors
Misc seals/gaitors and random parts.

So yeah - this is going to keep me busy for a long time, but now's definitely the time to do it before the strong dollar falls and the bargains to be had in Europe are thus gone! As a few may know I'm great at finding awesome rare parts and bringing them into Aus - not so great at actually putting them together and getting them to work! But hey we've all got to start somewhere and I am VERY excited about this project.

[nightphotographer]

Okay well - since posting the initial thread, I found myself a girlfriend, built a house, started a business and well forgot about the old fella. After finally getting my Porsche Seat(s) over from the UK and getting outrageously charged by quarantine, customs etc I think it might be time to make some progress!

I'm selling off all un-needed parts to help fund the project, I don't have the biggest budget right now for the car but it's always been a long term thing. You can PM me for parts - heaps of stuff is already getting taken so be quick!

I am however running into my first dilemma and would really appreciate some input from the more experienced restorers - remember this is my first ever project - and first car I've ever driven without PAS, ESP etc - I'm a complete noob!

So here's my dilemma - how on earth am I going to mount these seats to fit in my MK1 and maintain OEM functionality - i.e. all the adjusters working smoothly etc. What's the easiest and most cost efficient way? And also because this is Australia - how can I do it legally?

Here's some pictures of both seat bases side by side.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/03/8D2B9549-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/8D2B9549.jpg.html)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/03/8D2B9550-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/8D2B9550.jpg.html)

And a shot of the seat! I'll be getting the rears retrimmed in the same style.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/03/8D2B9551-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/8D2B9551.jpg.html)

[Shadow_Rusty]

Love the Carpet...
Hadn't thought about red for mine, but it very well could be the go...
Actually, I'd probably go for Burgandy to match the roof...

There are heaps of seat adaptors on ebay, but as Peter has said numerous times, probably just as easy to have some made up...

[nightphotographer]

Is it best if I keep the MK1 bases for when I get adapters made up - or will I not need them? I have a few people interested in buying the seats that's all.

[Jarred]

I'd keep em, unless you can get your hands on another set of bases. Would make it much easier to fabricate a new base with imo.

[sports racer]

Put a post in the Wanted section for some seat bases off someones crap seats and sell yours.

If you get stuck I know someone with 70 MK1's. I'm sure he'll have something to suit.

Cheers

Paul

[Shadow_Rusty]

Paul, would he have some Mk2/3 Adjustable height seat bases?
I need at least 1, as my drivers seat sits way too high... And I'd transfer my leaning, seat cushion, fabric onto the new base...

[Jarred]

mk 2 will fit, mk 3 won't, the base/legs are wider.

[gldgti]

Interesting project, nice to see a cabby (and a LA5Y Helios Blue one at that!) getting some love.

Interested to see what you do with the seats, we commute in the cabby and I am sick of the mk1 seats. They are better than many modern cars seats, but I'm a big bloke and they twist and creak with cornering forces. Be nice to have something a bit sturdier and more modern.

[sports racer]

Paul, would he have some Mk2/3 Adjustable height seat bases?
I need at least 1, as my drivers seat sits way too high... And I'd transfer my leaning, seat cushion, fabric onto the new base...

Nick's got lots of MK1s and a few MK3's. Not a single MK2 so no seats to suit. Get Andrew to do a cut and weld.

Sorry to hijack the thread.

[nightphotographer]

Interesting project, nice to see a cabby (and a LA5Y Helios Blue one at that!) getting some love.

Interested to see what you do with the seats, we commute in the cabby and I am sick of the mk1 seats. They are better than many modern cars seats, but I'm a big bloke and they twist and creak with cornering forces. Be nice to have something a bit sturdier and more modern.

If all goes to plan it won't be staying Blue for too long :P

[Goon]

Interested to see how you go converting the seats! I'm kinda in the same boat myself here..

Car looks decent man, what made you decide to go the AUG over AEB engine?

Cheers

[nightphotographer]

Interested to see how you go converting the seats! I'm kinda in the same boat myself here..

Car looks decent man, what made you decide to go the AUG over AEB engine?

Cheers

All the original info is a little out of date now. Dad was going to buy a MK4 Donor car, but at the same time Foff was selling a AWT engine for a decent price, so I went with that. It's essentially an AEB but with small ports. I would love an AEB, but the effort in trying to get one to Albury wouldn't be worth it. Foff came and dropped his engine off for me :)

I've just been reading some threads about some guy in the UK getting 270whp from his S3 Turbo'd AWT without changing internals so I would be very happy with about 240-250 :)

[gldgti]

I dont want to dampen your enthusiasm (at all!) but even 200hp is a ****load of hp to manage in a mk1 chassis. Just get it running, then see what you think :-)

The mk1 is not built to handle big torques - the design of the powertrain and the front suspension is from the 70's remember. I have heaps of trouble with our TD. Yes, you can get around it by modernising the whole car, but its a lot of work to go down that rout to make the car actually work properly with an engine that produces big hp - just take a look at any of the serious mk1 projects around - particularly the turbo petrol ones - and you'll see what I mean.

IMO, without doing major upgrades to the body at the front (stiffening), engine mounts, and changing to a late model gearbox, you can pretty much set a 200hp practical limit for a mk1 - and the less torque there is to deal with, the better. have been fighting the other end of that scale for the last 2 years with our cabby, since it only makes about 100hp but makes more torque than a standard 1.8T by a long way - and it does a good job of making the chassis suffer.

I only say this in the friendliest of tones you understand - perhaps you are willing to do major things to this cabriolet to get it to handle a big power engine - I don't know. But I reckon a stock standard AWT in a mk1 chassis would be a beautiful thing as a daily driver.

***FYI - about to change the turbo in the TD cabby from the GT-15 to a T3 - the GT-15 spools up from about 1200rpm and starts to be quite restrictive above 3500rpm. I am so tired of the strain on everything, the ridiculous wheelspin in the wet, etc, that I am changing to the much larger T3 which doesn't spool properly until after 2500rpm and lets the engine rev much more freely - just so it will be less punishing on the rest of the car.

[nightphotographer]

IMO, without doing major upgrades to the body at the front (stiffening), engine mounts, and changing to a late model gearbox, you can pretty much set a 200hp practical limit for a mk1

Yep - already planning on doing all of that :) And the entire suspension system is going to be changed...I guess it's a matter of wait and see. Anything could happen.

But thanks for the info - Jarred had already warned me when I mentioned the 1.8T swap - he suggested I just stuck with the K-JET, but I'm not living without a turbo!

[gldgti]

I'm not living without a turbo!

I know what you mean :-)

[nightphotographer]

Bit of an update on progress to date regarding stripping and sourcing parts:

Here's how she's looking at the moment - only a few more things left to remove before I can start working on painting the bay.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/08/DD6208741AD3426D985BF25B934B95AC-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DD620874-1AD3-426D-985B-F25B934B95AC.jpg.html)

I've managed to sell pretty much everything I'm not using which is great - only really left with the block, pistons etc from the 8V - everything has sold really well both here and in the UK so it's helped me fund the rest of the build for sure. I pretty much paid off the cost of buying the car with a handful of parts.

Here's a few things I've sourced since I last updated:

Audi TTRS intercooler - got it for a steal of a price in the UK, might be too thick to fit now I've test fitted it, but I couldn't resist the OEM+ of having one! Brought it back in the suitcase just a few weeks ago!

CTN MK3 TDI 02A Gearbox - from what I've read and researched over the past 18 months it's one of the best boxes to use in this build, the ratios are spot on - so I managed to source a good condition one from a 96 in the UK - will be shipping it over soon to be mated to the 20V.

[nightphotographer]

More parts arriving - probably some of the most significant parts in terms of the conversion! 1.8T engine mounts and 02A gearbox mounts straight from crazy quiffs!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/09/8C11D05BC1A247BFBDEBBCDE0DBF15C8-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/Mobile%20Uploads/8C11D05B-C1A2-47BF-BDEB-BCDE0DBF15C8.jpg.html)

[defie]

Cool build! very interesting, can't wait to see more progress if you need any paint questions answered do ask(I'm a spray painter)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nightphotographer]

Nothing much to update - just more parts arriving for eventual fitment:

Poly bushes all round (including front engine bush if needed and steering rack too)
16V Scirroco K Bar
Girling 2 Pot Brakes
Eibach Anti Roll Bars (Sway Bars in Australian English)

Oh and I'm buying a different 1.8T engine too - I'm definitely not going to bother trying to covert the AWT to transverse, so I'll update when the new engine arrives! :)

[nightphotographer]

Thought I would update as I've had nothing to do at work all day.

Drove 1500km round trip to steal the roof and a load of other parts from this poor thing:
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/9A4A04CE028A458ABF487185DD8C0290-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/9A4A04CE-028A-458A-BF48-7185DD8C0290.jpg.html)
The guy is wrecking it because the clutch has gone - first thing I did was look at the bulkhead and surprise surprise - the cable had destroyed it. A $20 fix to save a 100k cabby that was in great condition. Such a shame!

Also bought what was described as an AGU engine - turned out to be an AWU - ahh well. Either way it had only done 79k and looks pretty immaculate!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/0E5D4228E1FD45B4BC7A58585A4A5305-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/0E5D4228-E1FD-45B4-BC7A-58585A4A5305.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/DB5C728AC25D421D96E209EEBB358DF6-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/DB5C728A-C25D-421D-96E2-09EEBB358DF6.jpg.html)

Within a few minutes of uploading the pic to social media I'd already sold the turbo off it which was handy as I already had a K04-001 in the shed.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/552F2B49EF89459089F66DAD25C5AFF1-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/552F2B49-EF89-4590-89F6-6DAD25C5AFF1.jpg.html)

My dad just arrived from the UK with a suitcase full of parts - like this darkside lightweight SMF setup - got that all bolted up to the new engine.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/8B264DBB51284747978F3F997D1CCAAA-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/8B264DBB-5128-4747-978F-3F997D1CCAAA.jpg.html)

We've now put the struts, control arms etc back in to make it more of a rolling shell in prep for paint.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/F5B159A45699484082E24060ED2E459C-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/F5B159A4-5699-4840-82E2-4060ED2E459C.jpg.html)

And yes you probably spotted the token BBS RS hiding under the car!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/1AD06810AF0B4DB6BF0EBC1D0C92EA31-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/1AD06810-AF0B-4DB6-BF0E-BC1D0C92EA31.jpg.html)

[sports racer]

Looks like Christmas has come early to your place.

Cheers

Paul

PS. You're a bit young to be balding so much aren't you? :-)

[nightphotographer]

PS. You're a bit young to be balding so much aren't you?

Haha that's my Dad! He's the reason Christmas has come early - he brought most of the parts over in his suitcase!

[nightphotographer]

Thought I'd get a shot of the engine within the bay :)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/C092EA4C452449DBB8F8F65C8DDE9B0A-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/C092EA4C-4524-49DB-B8F8-F65C8DDE9B0A.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/EDBDD457187A4431B46FE2C12FE850A8-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/EDBDD457-187A-4431-B46F-E2C12FE850A8.jpg.html)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/03D7158F07334069A80DF16010FDC288-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/03D7158F-0733-4069-A80D-F16010FDC288.jpg.html)

[Petska84]

That's awesome, looks like it's coming together. keep up the good work.

[nightphotographer]

Not really much of an update, just a few more things deleted.

Wiring loom is now all within the car, brake booster is gone, exhaust has gone - well look at the engine bay below. Stay tuned as this weekend we're taking a grinder to it :D!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/D5A3FD7CFB7E4781BCFFA539D556F2E1-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/D5A3FD7C-FB7E-4781-BCFF-A539D556F2E1.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/876E393297F54221A1EDEC63A3970407-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/876E3932-97F5-4221-A1ED-EC63A3970407.jpg.html)

[nightphotographer]

Got the grinder out over the weekend to remove a few things I won't be needing for the build. First to go was the battery tray, then coolant reservoir bracket, air box bracket and other random bits. Car looks heaps cleaner and love that you can properly see the gearbox mount now.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/E585210265B944D39A8B5E223E38935D-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/E5852102-65B9-44D3-9A8B-5E223E38935D.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/14E51D8B97BF46CC963FF0FCE7A44A4A-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/14E51D8B-97BF-46CC-963F-F0FCE7A44A4A.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/E75826F6179B4EB5843DE7571BBD0CA5-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/E75826F6-179B-4EB5-843D-E7571BBD0CA5.jpg.html)

It was so motivating getting the car out of the shed and back on 4 wheels. Damn the mk1 cabby is such a nice car to look at! Even half dismantled!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/21D5F2FD7DB34F28B7B663DBEA5F8412-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/21D5F2FD-7DB3-4F28-B7B6-63DBEA5F8412.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/8D51822BD1204FF483B8630EDF20B9C3-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/8D51822B-D120-4FF4-83B8-630EDF20B9C3.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/12/AD4D622EEDD44076A3A9019757C87F2E-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/AD4D622E-EDD4-4076-A3A9-019757C87F2E.jpg.html)

Next steps now are to get hold of a 16v timing belt tensioner and get that on the new engine along with the engine mount and I can start getting things mounted up and ready to go!

[h100vw]

Next steps now are to get hold of a 16v timing belt tensioner and get that on the new engine along with the engine mount and I can start getting things mounted up and ready to go!

I have done the hyd tensioner delete on my Polo and it wasn't just the tensioner itself you needed. Check what you get in the IE kit.

Gavin

[nightphotographer]

Nothing major to update other than I might have a little secret in the pipeline - all will be revealed over the next few days.

It's new year so I would like to send a massive thank you to Gav or h100vw for his help throughout 2014 - I probably wouldn't be this far without his advice from my constant nagging.

And also my dad - I wouldn't be able to source any of these parts without him - he actually woke up at 5am today (new years day) in the freezing cold to box my gearbox up because there's a 20% off shipping promo with the company I use. Such a legend. Hopefully I'll see this thing running and moving in 2015. But it won't be on the road for another 18 months or so haha.

[h100vw]

Nothing major to update other than I might have a little secret in the pipeline - all will be revealed over the next few days.

It's new year so I would like to send a massive thank you to Gav or h100vw for his help throughout 2014 - I probably wouldn't be this far without his advice from my constant nagging.

And also my dad - I wouldn't be able to source any of these parts without him - he actually woke up at 5am today (new years day) in the freezing cold to box my gearbox up because there's a 20% off shipping promo with the company I use. Such a legend. Hopefully I'll see this thing running and moving in 2015. But it won't be on the road for another 18 months or so haha.

No worries, keen to see it running!! Before 2016. :cookie:

Gavin

[nightphotographer]

Surprise! Bought another cabby! Unsure why at this stage but it was too cheap to turn down, great condition and low mileage too.


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/01/1EB4D6B79D614B1AB9A36F7B9F6858A4-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/1EB4D6B7-9D61-4B1A-B9A3-6F7B9F6858A4.jpg.html)

[sports racer]

Is that the one you run around in while you build your dream cabby?

Be careful you don't start buying bits for it to make it "just that lille bit better to drive". :-)

Cheers

Paul

[nightphotographer]

Is that the one you run around in while you build your dream cabby?

Be careful you don't start buying bits for it to make it "just that lille bit better to drive". :-)

Cheers

Paul

Well I haven't really decided what to do with it yet - drives really well apart from a knocking noise when steering to the right - haven't investigated yet. And the brakes definitely need some attention - was running a tad hot at idle the other day, but it was 40 degrees out! Drove it 550km back from Sydney with no issues.

There's a few options.

I replace all the broken, dented and poor condition parts off 20VT cabby with these ones and part the rest out to further fund the 20VT project. I'm confident I could make my money back + more as that's what I did with the 20VT Cabby - I sold everything I was replacing and it actually paid for the rest of the car!

I put all of the **** panels from the 20VT project on this car, then rust it out, slam it on the RS I bought and have a ratted out cabby show car for a year while the 20VT project gets completed. If it gets defected, who cares? Not that cost effective though - because I'd have to get it through a roady.

Any other suggestions are welcome, must be low budget friendly haha.

[sports racer]

Do you need another registered car or are you happy not driving a MK1 for another year?

[nightphotographer]

Well I already have a Polo GTI that I don't drive because I'm usually driving my girlfriend's dad's Q7 - so the answer is, not really. The smart thing to do is to sell off all the parts - but it's so cool having a nice working cabriolet there when mine is in pieces!

[sports racer]

So, speaking as a MK1 and MK2 owner, why keep the Polo?

Sell it to get the new Cabby running. Use the rest of the money to get all the parts you need for the old Cabby.

Trouble is the Polo GTi is a really sweet car.

You know what you're going to end up doing? I bet you get the new one rego'd and enjoy driving it which pushes back your project but you'll be smiling the whole time.

[Water Boy]

Rust is 2007 mate!

[nightphotographer]

So, speaking as a MK1 and MK2 owner, why keep the Polo?

Sell it to get the new Cabby running. Use the rest of the money to get all the parts you need for the old Cabby.

Trouble is the Polo GTi is a really sweet car.

You know what you're going to end up doing? I bet you get the new one rego'd and enjoy driving it which pushes back your project but you'll be smiling the whole time.

I'm pretty sure I'm probably just going to part it out and keep the things I want, which is actually a fair bit - it's got indicator wings which mine doesn't - I think they look really cool. Could do with a fair few things off it as well as cutting up some of the fire wall to smooth out some of the holes in mine - especially where the clutch cable had ripped through. Like I said I only do a couple of ks a years in the Polo, so if I got rid and drove this it wouldn't get that much use. I don't know - I'm pretty torn haha - maybe I'll see how much work it needs to get through a roady.

[gldgti]

I'd pay money for straight bumpers..... need project funds? :-D

[nightphotographer]

I'd pay money for straight bumpers..... need project funds? :-D

I've got 2 rear bumpers and one front one going spare - other than that, there was a guy wrecking a Cabby up in Gosford - I drove up to pick the roof up and a few other bits.

[nightphotographer]

More presents arriving from the UK, the legendary CTN code gearbox I bought a few months back - finally here!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/01/550591EED3A947D1BB8E4198FD5126CB-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/550591EE-D3A9-47D1-BB8E-4198FD5126CB.jpg.html)

[Petska84]

Wow shipping would have been a Killer!!!

[nightphotographer]

It really wasn't too bad - it cost me $250 to ship. But if you consider the low price of gearboxes in Europe - total cost was about $400. Which for a long ratio'd TDI box is pretty good! :)

[GeorgeMK1]

Why use this box as opposed to the std mk4 gti gearbox?

[nightphotographer]

Why use this box as opposed to the std mk4 gti gearbox?

Well to be honest I don't have any real facts over why I chose this box opposed to the 02J.

I started looking into which 02A box would be best, knowing that all 02Js were hydraulic clutch, then I came across a thread with all the best ratio'd 02A boxes for the 1.8T build - it put 2 boxes at the top in terms of best ratios they were ASD and CTN - mine being the latter. I found it for a steal on ebay in terms on condition and what it came with that I didn't even think about whether it was hydro or not - which it turns out it is. So basically if I was going to do it again I would have bought a TDI 02J Box. Every thread I've seen on which box to use always puts the diesel boxes as preference over the petrol ones. The ideal box is always a hybrid of different gears anyway - knowing the troubles the Polo 1.8T guys go through, always wanting different ratio's, stronger boxes etc.

Considering most people want between $500-1000 for a 1.8T box in Australia and then I have to ship it up to Albury anyway - my total cost of $400-450 for a well ratio'd TDI 02a box actually isn't bad and it came with all the flanges I need too, which should've cost me even more coin.

[nightphotographer]

Also George - re the flanges - 02J has 108mm apparently - these need to be swapped to 100mm or 90mm depending on your drive shaft choice. So basically 02J = more expensive for the same result.

1.8t/20v Swap FAQ - Engine Setup (http://myweb.whitman.syr.edu/srotblat/swap/trans.htm)

[gldgti]

The flanges will depend on the car it was in, frinstance, any 5 speed 1.9TDI's in the mk5 era seem to have 100mm driveshafts. My Skoda wagon did.

[nightphotographer]

Starting to take some goodies from the new Golf. Not taking too much from it so there will be parts available - pretty sure the motor will be sold in a week or so if I can get it out in time!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/01/D86E3A7E61724D4D89BF9EF98B21AAAC-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/D86E3A7E-6172-4D4D-89BF-9EF98B21AAAC.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/01/4FD23CE582014495A519FF881F140717-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/4FD23CE5-8201-4495-A519-FF881F140717.jpg.html)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/01/D12B664127AA41E2AC1E9104AB7DB1AF-1.jpg (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/fabiavrs181bhp/media/D12B6641-27AA-41E2-AC1E-9104AB7DB1AF.jpg.html)

If anyone wants anything PM me.

Other than that - new parts arriving as the days go on, gaskets, water pump, thermostat, BMC CDA, starter motor, right entry inlet manifold, correct throttle cable for 1.8t engine - just random parts, no air struts yet :D

[Lucky13]

Nice to see another cabby with 1.8T
I did the 1.8T conversion in mine back in 2010 before I imported it.
currently still on the right hand drive conversion