Just bought a '87 GTI, what to do next

[r4_rick]

Hi everyone, took the plunge today with a very tidy 3 door, its only done 82k miles, but has not been used for the last 6 months.  Its a 16 valve.  From a suspension and brake point of view what usually needs seeing to at this age/mileage to make it nice and tight.  Have taken a leap of faith with this car as i could not test drive it, but it has history, was owned by a lady in her late fifties - just been used as a run around really and i have not paid a fortune for it.  

Collecting it on saturday, so fingers crossed for the journey home and the MOT.  What do you guys recommend re tyres ? and what can i expect to pay ?

[Mart8V]

Hi Rick,

Having had a similar experience with an 8V back in November, here are the things I would check:

Pads and disks go without saying, but check the rear calipers.  Had to replace one of mine, and have bled brakes at the same time as putting new VAG disks and Pagid Pads on front and rear.

If gearchange feels a little sloppy, swap the long shift linkage for a weighted one (avail from VAG for Mk3 for about £12).  All fits nicely and improved the change on mine no end.  Linkage bushes another option- cheap to buy, a little fiddly to do.

Re tyres, looking into changing mine at the moment, but consensus seems to be towards the Eagle F1s or Toyo Proxes.  Either is available from mytyres.co.uk for under £35 a corner, and you should be able to get them fitted for about £20 at your local place.  Does it have the 15"BBS or earlier 14" Montreal alloys?

Might also be worth changing plugs, HT leads, oil, filters etc.  But definitely put a bottle of injector cleaner through with your first full tank of fuel.

Most of all, ENJOY!

[fin170703]

Hi on the tyre note i put goodyear f1's on mine and although expensive they seem to be lasted forever

[vaughn]

deffo check the rear calipers

[moonsta]

  welcome to the world of permenant smiles..............you will be when your driving it......good advice from the rest of the gang but i would also check when it last had a cambelt change, if at all and how long ago as they do deteriorate with age if not used.

[r4_rick]

thanks to all for the advice.  Its had the cambelt down quite recently, it has the original montreal alloys and I think I'll keep it original.  The electric windows aren't working too well, I guess a squirt of WD40 will do the trick ?
What do I need to be aware of when removing the door trim, I'm a clumsy Beggar at the best of times and dont want to snap any of the retaining pins

Cheers, Rick

[Mart8V]

Door trim is a dead easy job.  Take off the handle inside, the mirror adjuster knob, and the undo the screws on either side of the pabel.  Carfully remove the top rim form the window rubber and all should come away nicely.  Reverse to replace!

Did it this afternoon fitting the VW door speaker pods and speakers I picked up for £8 from local scrappy!  One happy boy, and no more stupid pocket things.

[...joe]

........... and I think I'll keep it original.

famous last words!!!!