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Advice on \'78 VW Golf purchase

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gotheek Learner Dubber

1 post · joined Apr 2006 ·

#476077
Hi,
I'm thinking of purchasing a '78 VW golf

The specs for choice (a) are:
1978 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GLS
Price $650
Kilometres 303,378
Body 5 door Hatchback
Colour Metalic Green
Interior Colour Brown
Transmission 4 speed Manual
Engine 4 cylinder Petrol Carburettor 1600L (1588cc)
in need of a new carburettor mount and a bush kit for the gear box


The specs for choice (b) are:
1978 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GLS
Price $800
Kilometres 300,000
Body 5 door Hatchback
Colour red
Interior Colour beige
Transmission 4 speed Manual
Engine 4 cylinder Petrol Carburettor 1600L (1588cc)
Alloy Wheels
Radio Cassette
Sunroof
Tinted Windows

I will be purchasing only after a mechanical inspection and visual check for terminal rust, etc.

Is there anything I should be aware of with a purchase of this age and this type of vehicle? Assume I only drive, I don't know how to check engines, cylinder stuff, etc, etc.

Oh, further to this, is it possible to install a diesel engine to a Golf? I'm thinking long-term here for if and when ethanol and/or canola becomes more viable a fuel-source.


Thanks in advance,


L.

[ Edited on 14-4-2006 by gotheek ]

karmen Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,648 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#476140
L, the diesel engines use a diff gear box
as they are heavier there a re stronger springs and bigger brakes
I have a 1978 built Golf Diesel for sale
GTi looker
lowered Koni springs and only done 205,ooo kms
6 stack c-d
centr lock
later seats 1998 i thik radio cass tow bar gti dr lights in gti grille
its a collector car at this age and standard with Mk 3 wide 5 spoke mags.
no terminal rust , no dents interior v good,
but would be around $2300 del from here.
Karmen
56 oval resto 60 Cal KG
58 & 62 beetle parting. 74 panel parting
63 Baja 80 GLD parting
58 donor split 11 window 63 Splitty sgle cab /son's
96 Seat Cordoba GLX daily drvr.

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 ·

#476143
A conversion can be done, but it's easier to buy a diesel like Karman's.
Good luck with your purchase either way.
-Staggers.
STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist
JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders
2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

karmen Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,648 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#476144
have a Diesel Gearbox and cables etc ...am parting atmo ...cheap
mtr gone
Karmen
56 oval resto 60 Cal KG
58 & 62 beetle parting. 74 panel parting
63 Baja 80 GLD parting
58 donor split 11 window 63 Splitty sgle cab /son's
96 Seat Cordoba GLX daily drvr.

karmen Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,648 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#476147
where u at in Bris vwboy
have u any Golfs??
Karmen
56 oval resto 60 Cal KG
58 & 62 beetle parting. 74 panel parting
63 Baja 80 GLD parting
58 donor split 11 window 63 Splitty sgle cab /son's
96 Seat Cordoba GLX daily drvr.

karmen Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,648 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#476152
hi Bruce

happy EaStEr
Karmen
56 oval resto 60 Cal KG
58 & 62 beetle parting. 74 panel parting
63 Baja 80 GLD parting
58 donor split 11 window 63 Splitty sgle cab /son's
96 Seat Cordoba GLX daily drvr.

david777 Officially Full-On Dubber

307 posts · joined Mar 2005 ·

#595519
I had a 1977 one of those for a few years.
If the body is solid, with that many km, engine and drivetrain issues are most likely, unless they have had a significant rebuild.
Get whoever is doing your mechanical check to do a compression test on each cylinder to check for head gasket, and valve problems.
Does the exhaust smoke?
Also check carefully the rubber boots on the drive shafts. If they are broken, dirt gets in and you are likely to need expensive CV repairs (a few hundred $ each side)
Turn the steering full lock and drive around slowly each direction and listen for clicking sounds. If so -you have CV problems

Apart from that they can be economical and reliable little cars.