Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

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Wed 10 Mar 2004 19:39

Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? - bazza

Hi Folks

I'm considering buying an old one as a project, with a view to keeping. They seem pretty cheap at the moment and I reckon they'll become collectable. Any major problem areas to look out for? Anybody out there running one or similar hard top GTi? Also, what engine is in the "Clipper" version, 1800 injection or carb? I can't remember.Grateful for any feedback
Ta
Baz

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Wed 10 Mar 2004 22:53

Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? - Andrew-T

Mainly the top I should think. A genuine replacement may be 4 figures?

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Thu 11 Mar 2004 08:06

Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? - owen

You can generally get replacement tops for £3-500 for most cars if you look in the right places, not sure if the Golf is any different.

I had a 1981 hard-top GTi, pretty reliable really, only problem was that they do tend to rust considerably more than the MkII golfs (which just don't seem to rust, ever!). But since they carried on the MkI body shape after the introduction of the MkII, it may be that corrosion protection was improved?

Personally i think that the soft top won't become as "classic" as the original car, i would imagine that the extra wieght will take the edge off the performance for a start. But they are still good looking cars, just don't get one in white cos you'll look like a hairdresser!

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Thu 11 Mar 2004 13:04

Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? - Thommo

If I remember rightly no power steering and whilst I struggled with it SWMBO could hardly turn the wheel and refused to drive the thing.

Does not matter if its a toy might be important if you intend to actually use it occasionally.

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Thu 11 Mar 2004 13:51

Mk1 Golf GTi convertible? - owen

You're right, no power steering, but easy enough to manoeuvre, remember the current Golf is almost twice the weight of the Mk1! I think the original weight was 800kg ish - less than a Metro. The cabiolet will obviously be a bit more, but i don't know by how much.

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