starting a project

[nicci_mk2]

Hi guys, ive just gone and bought a 1989 mk2 gti 8v, its all completly standard at the moment but its going to be the start of a project car, basically everything looks old and tatty now and i want to replace everything but where do i start!!??! its a 1.8 at the moment and i dont want it to be any higher because of insurance but i want to replace the engine but should i put an audi or seat or another egine in there.. or should i start with other things first?

Any help appreciated..

Ta

[Jay]

You're worried about insurance, start with other things.

Clean it up and make it look good again, replace the worn gear knob, steering wheel, switches etc.

[nicci_mk2]

Ok thanks, yeah i wasnt sure what to start with really, looks or engine.. but eventually in time the whole thing will car will be modified, but ill definatly get it resprayed the only thing is theres really bad rust on the back so ill have to have it cut and welded first,

[radz]

How much did you pay out for it btw? Just wondering

[nicci_mk2]

£650 lol, but it runs fine, just really basic

[weazgti]

I d change the gear linkage bushes  and get a mk3 weighted shift rod as a first improvement if everything else is up together with it.
Lots of people i know think that when they are worn and sloppy is how they come out of the factory. Makes a lot of difference to the way it feels for peanuts.
Also linseed oil on the black trim works wonders. I tried some for the 1st time last week and it makes it look new again.

[radz]

£650 not a bad amount, gf paid 800 for hers and its in mint condition ^.^ pretty lucky.

get some pictures up when you can?

[nicci_mk2]

Thanks, yeah ive given it a good clean ill put a pic up how i bought it, but when i start changing things ill put some more up

[peaky83]

How difficult a job is it to change the gear linkage bushes? And what do you do to change them?
I've heard of the synchro rings wearing out causing grinding when cold into second gear? Any ideas how to replace them and where to get them from and more to the point what are they?

Dan

[midz16v]

How difficult a job is it to change the gear linkage bushes? And what do you do to change them?
I've heard of the synchro rings wearing out causing grinding when cold into second gear? Any ideas how to replace them and where to get them from and more to the point what are they?

Dan

Just done the linkage bushes last week using this as a guide and it wasnt too hard
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33100.0
No sure about the syncro rings i think there in the gearbox tho.