I have a chance to buy a VW Rabbit Convertible

[MONSTER]

Hi Everyone. Havent been here in a while...one long story after another, some good, some not so good, but more good. Hope everyone had a great Christmas, or whatever Holiday you may celebrate.
Anyway, about the subject of this post. I know there are a couple VW Enthusiasts in here. Info is very limited so far, like I havent seen it or anything, but what Ive been told (that I can remember ) is, its around a 1982 Model, Glass Rear Window, it has Stock Aluminum Wheels, Roof leaks a "little" ( I know thats subjective, and I will "test" it before I do anything), has some sort fuel pump problem (pump was "hotwired" about a year ago, "just to start it up"), hasnt been driven in 2+ years, I believe he said the body is straight, could use a paintjob.....um, oh yeah, its green .
Anything anybody can tell me, ie, stuff to look for/at (probably go look at it tomorrow), good and/or bad attributes Rabbits may have had, blah blah blah, whatever you think may be helpful, would be much appreciated.
The only thing thats been said about money was, I ask what he wanted, he said, "I got $600 in it".

Thanks in advance!!! And Happy New Year, to all!!!

[vwjuice]

Hey monster, the big thing about A1 cars (first gen rabbit, scirocco, jetta, cabriolet) is the fuel pump. It can be very expensive to get $300+. They go out and they had electrical problems, mostly stemming from water getting onto the fuse block. The windshield start to leaf after time and drain onto the fuse block. They are good cars, just need a little work now and then. You can get all kinds of aftermarket parts and accessories for them and they don't cost a lot to fix up.

[Halgar]

Tell him that if he gives you another $600 you'll haul it off for him. Ought to be worth that much as scrap.

Unless you're very mechanically inclined and like projects, I'd steer clear of any vehicle with this description that's been sitting for two years, jury rigged components, with a roof leak. It's probably been stored outside with the top down the whole time as well, which might actually do it some good.

[badhoopty]

a vw with electrical problems? say it aint so....

[sixdub]

Hey monster, the big thing about A1 cars (first gen rabbit, scirocco, jetta, cabriolet) is the fuel pump. It can be very expensive to get $300+. They go out and they had electrical problems, mostly stemming from water getting onto the fuse block. The windshield start to leaf after time and drain onto the fuse block. They are good cars, just need a little work now and then. You can get all kinds of aftermarket parts and accessories for them and they don't cost a lot to fix up.

Yup. I'd just add that the fuseblock is under the dash on the drivers side. If you see any corrosion on the fuses or relay contacts, I would walk away (unless you really want a rabbit convertible). As with any convertible, replacement tops are relatively expensive.
If the body is rust free, they are great cars to own and drive. They are like Legos with part interchange from other models and are very easy to repair.

Good luck

Jeff

[DV8ion]

Mk1 cars are fun cars, but you have to be into Vdubs to really enjoy them, (read put up with all the problems that come with them). I work for the brand and I see it everyday, some people are super loyal and wouldn't trade their VW for the world, some will never own one again as long as they live. Me I'm in the first group, I love my VW's I have a MkV GTI and a Mk3 GTI track car. Everyone above has covered the basic problems, some parts are very hard to get and very expensive, most wreckers have been picked over, but if you are dedicated you can find what you need. My suggestion is to check out sites like VWVortex and read and learn as much as you can and base your decision on your own. If you need any help let me know.
Good Luck,
-Josh

[markt311]

Get a real VW, you know ones that are air cooled lol I love air cooled V dubs, never got into the water coolers.

[vwjuice]

Mk1 cars are fun cars, but you have to be into Vdubs to really enjoy them, (read put up with all the problems that come with them). I work for the brand and I see it everyday, some people are super loyal and wouldn't trade their VW for the world, some will never own one again as long as they live. Me I'm in the first group, I love my VW's I have a MkV GTI and a Mk3 GTI track car. Everyone above has covered the basic problems, some parts are very hard to get and very expensive, most wreckers have been picked over, but if you are dedicated you can find what you need. My suggestion is to check out sites like VWVortex and read and learn as much as you can and base your decision on your own. If you need any help let me know.
Good Luck,
-Josh

Got any pics of your track car? I used to race a '79 scirocco. Miss that car, had so much fun with it and rarely had any problems with it. I am also in the first group. Have always had a vw since 18 and always will. A1 (states) or MK1 (rest of the world) are really fun to drive, lots of potential, easy to work on because they are so basic. I need another scirocco now dang it. Might be time to sell the super beetle.

[HotRodJosh]

An H2O VW 'vert?
Are you a hot blonde?

[RedScampi]

An H2O VW 'vert?
Are you a hot blonde?

I agree, that's a serious chick car!

[civilguy]

Are you a hot blonde?

Well, we know where to get some pink panties.

[DV8ion]

No real good pics of the car, shes blown apart for a rebuild this winter, just a 97 GTI flat black. The VR6 is coming out and maybe a turbo 2L 16V (ABA bottom end, ABF head) going in, depends on funds and how much time I will have to do it, or if a cheap 1.8T swap falls my way

Mk1 cars are fun cars, but you have to be into Vdubs to really enjoy them, (read put up with all the problems that come with them). I work for the brand and I see it everyday, some people are super loyal and wouldn't trade their VW for the world, some will never own one again as long as they live. Me I'm in the first group, I love my VW's I have a MkV GTI and a Mk3 GTI track car. Everyone above has covered the basic problems, some parts are very hard to get and very expensive, most wreckers have been picked over, but if you are dedicated you can find what you need. My suggestion is to check out sites like VWVortex and read and learn as much as you can and base your decision on your own. If you need any help let me know.
Good Luck,
-Josh

Got any pics of your track car? I used to race a '79 scirocco. Miss that car, had so much fun with it and rarely had any problems with it. I am also in the first group. Have always had a vw since 18 and always will. A1 (states) or MK1 (rest of the world) are really fun to drive, lots of potential, easy to work on because they are so basic. I need another scirocco now dang it. Might be time to sell the super beetle.

[aconsola]

No real good pics of the car, shes blown apart for a rebuild this winter, just a 97 GTI flat black. The VR6 is coming out and maybe a turbo 2L 16V (ABA bottom end, ABF head) going in, depends on funds and how much time I will have to do it, or if a cheap 1.8T swap falls my way

I miss my VR6. that thing sounded great and ran well, if only everything around it wasn't falling apart at 98k miles I would have kept it.
I'd love to do a 1:1 VW project car some day.

[Diggley]

Get a real VW, you know ones that are air cooled lol I love air cooled V dubs, never got into the water coolers.

Count me in on this group.

"Water cooled" VW describes washing my Bug on a hot summer day...(IMO) the last "real" VW breathed air...

[vwjuice]

Get a real VW, you know ones that are air cooled lol I love air cooled V dubs, never got into the water coolers.

Count me in on this group.

"Water cooled" VW describes washing my Bug on a hot summer day...(IMO) the last "real" VW breathed air...

That's awesome. I always liked the phrase, "it's not leaking oil, it's marking it's spot." I love my '63 factory ragtop. One day it will be done.

No real good pics of the car, shes blown apart for a rebuild this winter, just a 97 GTI flat black. The VR6 is coming out and maybe a turbo 2L 16V (ABA bottom end, ABF head) going in, depends on funds and how much time I will have to do it, or if a cheap 1.8T swap falls my way

Very cool. Are you building it for drag racing? I used to run in a local SCCA club. Lots of fun. My wife used to have a '97 Jetta glx vr6. Love that engine. We never had any problems with the car at all. Still be driving it if my wife hadn't of gotten nailed from some jerk in a truck.