My new mk1 gti with probs...

[G60GTI16V]

Picked up my early 82 mk1 gti today the clutch seems like its slipping from time to time when i change gear and release the clutch. 

Also it does not have the MFA (like my old mk2 gti had) the seller told me this model was to old thats why it has not got one. Instead theres a needle type temp gauge on centre console (in front of gear stick) in one of three holes, there also seems to be one missing as theres a blanking plate in one hole, temp guage, then theres an empty hole (with no blank plate)
What guages am i supposed to have there so i can get them back in to its original state?

Another thing the seller asked was, have i ever driven a mk1 gti (no i replied i have only driven a mk2 gti which i just sold) then they said the brakes are really crap on them so be aware and keep a distance the reason being because the master cylinder is on the passenger side if it was on driver side where the pedal is it would be much better..? I keep asking myself if this true (which i dont think it is) or were they just saying this to convinse me? My mk2 gti brakes were amazing but i did have goodridge braided hoses drilled n grooved discs as my mk1 is all stock parts! Is this what i need for the mk1 to improve my brakes the same setup as my old mk2 had?

I hope you guys can clear my mind a bit 
Many thanks
Dan

[G60GTI16V]

Seeing the Oettinger topic im guessing im missing the VDO Bar guage as i already have the temp guage. Is there another one to go in the third hole as it will just make the centre console look complete instead of having a blank plate in one.
Also do these have backlights as mine dont light up at night and having to use my mobile phone light to view it as i dont seem to have an interiour light or is there one, have not realy had a good look yet.
Dan 

[sus]

i had a brand new gti  back in 84 and still remember how bad the brakes were

[mk1GiT]

Dude, I think your no-MFA and clock arrangement is cock-on for the age of the car - it's the same as mine except I don't have any dials in my centre console at all.

Personally I wouldn't mess 

Brakes, well yes, MK1 brakes are poor. On mine the brake pedal is rock hard and I've lost count how many times I've nearly put the wife and kids through the front windscreen of the Scenic after driving the Golf   

[gibby]

Yup, mk1 brakes were notoriously rubbish. They slow you down ok it's the actual stopping bit that becomes a bit of an issue. You can upgrade the back brakes to disks and there's a user on here called Kram who moved the master cylinder (but it wasn't easy) and he said that it made loads of difference.

[grungeisdead]

Couple of answers mate

MFA's - Pretty rare by all means, look to pay 50-70 quid upwards. hard to find one in working condition.

Guages - I have oil temp, pressure and volts in mine, not sure if thats orig tho.

Brakes. - They are pants, the guy is correct about the servo/mc being on the passenger side, its because the golf was built for lhd and not for us brits :*(

hope that helps

anyway the best options for perfect breaking is

-Mk2 16V Servo (clevis pin needs cutting down slightly)
-Mk2 Golf 16v/G60/Passat 20/22/22.2mm Master Cylinder (you will require teh larger servo, so this upgrade should be done together)
-239mm x-drilled/grooved brakes
-decent pads (mintex/pagid/greenstuff)
-braided hoses
-brake fluid change
-refurb rear shoes etc and adjust handy b cable...

you'll find your braking will be fantastic after that...

further braking upgrades include
- 4 pot calipers
- 256mm or 280mm big brake conversion
- rear disc conversion from a mk2 golf, although i would get mk3/4 anti sieze calipers for safety, and id only convert to rear discs if i fitted oversized discs at the front. it would be wise to change the proportioning valve at the same.