Description
The subject of a painstaking restoration/ recommissioning after a long period off the road. (2007 – 2023) The work was completed in October 2023. Wherever possible original equipment and components have been refurbished and re-used. The obvious exceptions being the engine, fuel system and brake components. A full photographic record is available.
This car is a 1993 Golf Mk1 Convertible in “Paprika Red” (LK3A) Built at the Karmann factory in Osnabruck and among the final batches made before being superseded by the Mk3 based cars.
I bought it as the classic “Abandoned Restoration Project” It has obviously been stored for many years but there were no obvious signs of why it had been taken off the road. The wrong engine was fitted, the hood fabric was missing and there had clearly been a hydraulic issue with the hood motor pump.
Thankfully it appears that storage was dry! The bodywork was in surprisingly good condition and no welding was required.
The summary of work done to the engine, body and running gear is: -
• ALL box sections and door interiors injected with “Lanogard” or VCI penetrating Oil
• New brake components including -
o Master Cylinder
o Front discs & callipers
o Rear shoes and slave cylinders
o ALL flexible brake pipes
o Rear Fixed pipes
• New Front Suspension components including -
o Road Springs at the front
o Front Drive shaft inner CV joints
o Anti-Roll Bar Bushes & Brackets
o Wheel bearings
• New Fuel Tank and flexible lines
• Correct “EX” 1800 Engine fitted. (sourced from a Scirocco)
o Overhauled prior to fitment with -
New Timing Belt
New Water Pump Drive Belt
Oil change with Oil and Air Filters
System Flush and new coolant
Pierburg 2E2 Carb overhauled.
• NOS Hood & Frame sourced and fitted.
• NOS Alloy Wheels Fitted
The wiring harness and electrics have been extensively refurbished and updated with new connectors fitted wherever required. The “CE1” Fuse and Relay Box has been removed, dismantled and painstakingly cleaned. Where necessary, new contacts have been soldered in and new relays have been sourced. All electrical items work properly – apart from the digital clock!
There is now a battery master switch and an ignition immobiliser switch as anti-theft measures. A contemporary, operational, Sony Radio/ Cassette is fitted.
The original seats have been carefully repaired and refurbished with new seat runner spacers for the front seats fitted. The driver’s seat has the usual wear on the rear bolster but the fabric is not holed or torn. A NOS carpet set has been sourced and fitted with sound insulation underneath. The hood frame, fabric and headliner have been replaced with a NOS item. This has a repair but is watertight and the heater element in the screen even works! It is however, now a manually operated unit, the challenge and cost of sourcing new cylinders and lines proving too much for my resources.
The wheels are VW “Storm” which were sourced to replace the odd mix of alloy and steel wheels which came with the car. I understand these would have been fitted to a Scirocco. Tyres have good treads.
The car runs and drives well. The carburettor has been overhauled and tuned to the correct specs. This verified by the MOT documentation, which is current and valid until October 2024. After a flurry of failures due to emissions issues, it passed - and there were no advisories!
Any inspection invited/ recommended. Located in Lancashire (near Blackpool)I have enjoyed the restoration process, aiming to create a stylish and usable car whilst stopping short of “Concours” standards. It could be easily brought to Concours standard – or it can be enjoyed as is, ready for the show season. I am selling it to free up garage space and time to concentrate on other projects….
