GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk1 => Topic started by: goodo on 04 October 2005, 11:24

Title: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: goodo on 04 October 2005, 11:24
I bought me a mark 1 Cab sportline back in october last year. It came with lowered suspension, which is good for the cornering, but makes the ride very harsh. I think they are Jamex springs and dampers.

Given that the cabriolet isn't as rigid as the hardtop, I can feel a lot more scuttle shake as a result. I was wondering whether anyone had any experience of standard dampers and springs versus lowered suspension, and whetehr it's worth going back for more comfort (I live in london and there are speed bumps aeverywhere). There is also an unbearable amount of creaking form (especially) the front suspension. I suspect the top mounts have gone and need replacing. I was told by the guy who did the MOT that all lowered golfs have creaky suspension.

Anyway the long and the short of it is, I'm thinking of going back to original, what do you guiys think (and will the creaking stop?)?

Andy
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: gibby on 04 October 2005, 11:50
The simple answer is that it's the price you pay for going lower I'm afraid, I ran my Rivage for nearly two years on standar suspension and I'm in my first year of having it lowered, yes the ride was better standard and I didnt cringe when I hit a slight ditch in the road as I do now, but it certainly looks and drives miles better now.  :smiley:

But at the end of the day it's your car, you are the one driving it and you should do what you feel is right for you.  :wink:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Bronze MK1 Cab on 04 October 2005, 15:33
I lowered mine 40mm the  same as Gibby, like Gibby said, it's the price you pay.

I'm quiet lucky that the roads aren't too bad around by me. I would never go back to standard suspension though as my cab looked more like a Golf Country before I had it lowered  :shocked:

Got any pics of your cab?
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Madone_si on 04 October 2005, 15:42
Well I'm running standard suspension on my 92 cab and I have to say I won't be changing the suspension.. I prefer the smooth ride to the low look... but then again I do have FK fully adjustable suspension on my old skool cab and that sits so low - you feel the road itself sometimes....  :laugh: :laugh: its more for show then driving.....

You can lower your cab and still have some the smooth ride - but you need to go air suspension - which costs LOADS....
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: goodo on 04 October 2005, 17:12
I have to say I think my car looks phat with lowered suspension, and if I lived anywhere else where the roads were good and I didn't have to deal with speedbumps every farkin 20 yards I'd keep it, but it just sounds like the cars creaking and groaning under the strain. Perhaps it's the top mounts and bushes which need attention, the shocks I'm sure are better than standard...........

BTW, I have some pics but how do I get them on here. Do I need a webhosting site?

G
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: gibby on 04 October 2005, 17:26
To post pics read this thread --> http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2049.0 so yes you need a hosting site so use www.photobucket.com as it's free :smiley:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Phil303 on 04 October 2005, 18:22
Keep it low and slow.

They'll all rattle a bit but I've never had mine creak; perhaps it'll stop when you replace the parts?

Mine is lowered 40mm as well and I'd never go back. You may have to slow down for the speed bumps but at least it gives pedestrians a good chance to get a look at your car! :wink:

Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Dinky on 04 October 2005, 19:09
i wudn dare go back to the way my cab looked before lowering...the amount of grief i got! :laugh:
oh..n mines only lowered 40mm too :smiley:
Dinx :kiss:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: goodo on 04 October 2005, 20:09
I think the excessive play in the suspension is causing the cronking creaking noise. MOT guy said the top mount was knackered. I'm sure the hard suspension doesn't help. So I'm going to have to replace them when I do my suspension overhaul. I'm planning polybushes and new front wishbones and new top mounts. I'm sure after that it'll all be tight and less creaky than before. I suppose you're right. It's not a racing car, so I should be taking it mice and easy over those bumps... Give everyone a change to gawp.....and the generally do......and did I mention the birds love a convertible.......

I'd really like a mohair roof but I park outdoors and in London, and I'd worry anything too flash would get slashed.

pics coming soon
Goodo
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Dinky on 04 October 2005, 20:13
yeah..birds do..thats why i bought one.. :tongue: and dont talk to me about mohairs getting slashed.. :cry:
but..tbh hun..if you can park it sum where safely,all the time,i wud deffo recommend a mohair..much nicer than vinyl imo..

Dinx :kiss:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Bronze MK1 Cab on 05 October 2005, 08:46
Keep it low and slow.

They'll all rattle a bit but I've never had mine creak; perhaps it'll stop when you replace the parts?

Mine is lowered 40mm as well and I'd never go back. You may have to slow down for the speed bumps but at least it gives pedestrians a good chance to get a look at your car! :wink:


  :cool: I liked the last sentence Phil  :evil:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Phil303 on 05 October 2005, 19:19
Cheers!

Half wishful thinking and half true; since getting the car sorted properly I've had compliments from people who I would have never of thought of being remotely interested in cars. Work colleagues, mates and in some cases complete strangers.

Makes you feel good inside!  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Bronze MK1 Cab on 06 October 2005, 17:30
Your cab is looking very nice in your sig Phil  :cool: Gutted we missed each other at BVF this year. Will have to keep an eye out for you at a show next year  :wink: You're more than welcome to come and join us Newport clarts at a show  :evil:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: Phil303 on 06 October 2005, 18:04
Cheers bud, much appreciated. Likewise  :smiley:

Gutted to miss BVF but back then I hadn't finished the car and I didn't want to turn up amongst some sweet looking Mk1's in a rusting Cab with a rotting vinyl roof. I would have felt like a right pikey.

It's a shame, but next time there's a meet, I'm up for it. It'll be a good excuse to give the car a run.
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: eyeletboy on 06 October 2005, 18:21
mines lowered on the same kit as gibby's.i found it to more stable around corners and quite a comfy ride. :smiley: i would never go back to the standard ride it looks to high.now the cars looking a little bit phat on the arse end.time for 7x15's me thinks. :cool:
Title: Re: Mk1 Cab, lowered or standard?????
Post by: ride the split on 08 October 2005, 05:11
My Cab is on standard suspension at the moment, however I have some adjustable struts in the garage waiting to go on..........

Easy question for you, how difficult is it to change the struts?