This thread all sounds a bit too good to be true to me. My 1990 16v died in February. I got in one day, went to start it, it made a few funny noises then nothing happened, tried again and all the electrics failed. I tried a few things including charging the battery but it was all looking a bit terminal (thousands spent on other problems over the years etc). Decided enough was enough, put it in the garage and bought a mondeo as a run around!
Got the garage roof fixed this week so had to push the Golf into the drive. It still looks a brilliant car so i decided to trawl the forum for hints as to what might be wrong. I charged the battery, cleaned as many electrical connections as i could, put it in 3rd and rocked it back and forward a few times. I got in, noticed the clock was working, promising, turned the key... and of course, it started first time!!!
These cars are unbelievable! This is just one of many little tricks that seem to bring them back from the dead. Now i've got a mint Golf that actually works just in time for the summer! Awesome!