What direction to go - fix it, sell it, or motor swap it

SANDBAM

SANDBAM

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1984 rabbit cabriolet 

A project car for a guy and his dad and they gave up on it after the dad's health started to really decline

The car is in original condition - lots of good patina - car has sat since 2007 

The previous owner started on resurrection and replaced the gas tank - started replacing the fuel pump

I finished the pump install and installed a new fuel filter - added a new battery

gave it a shot turned the key and the car immediately started right away at a higher idle - (false hope) 

I found the alternator wasn’t charging and the water pump was leaking , so replaced those and while in there, replaced the coolant hoses and timing belt and drive belt

All timing marks including distributor are properly lined up - I started it up again and it’s just not happy - running very rich

I replaced spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor and still not happy - it runs and revs up ok but not just happy at idle - and won’t idle 

I brought it to a VW mechanic here in town (AZ) for review of my work - he found that timing marks are lined up and set correctly

He mentioned fuel or ignition as possible next steps - I thought clean the Injectors ? He also said he doesn't have time and room in his shop to go down the Rabbit hole - literally - and said it can get expensive to trouble shoot - I agreed fully  

I’m out of ideas - and figured I’d reach out for what anyone here might know about these cars - 

there are a bunch of forums out there, but don't also room in garage as the Funco is about back from powder coat

So, what to do - fix it, sell it or swap the current motor with a 1993- 1999 MK3 GOLF RABBIT motor - reading this is the go-to motor for replacement - not super expensive and can get harness to adapt to this early style MK1 rabbit

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That is a clean little car.  If you like the car, maybe the swap is a good way to go.  

 
I have to be honest with you, we used to make fun of any dude that drove those..............but the teenage chicks driving them were usually pretty hot.  For some reason, this car is super cool to me now.

I would try to fix it................how much would a swap cost?  Lots of VW experts in Ca, not sure what AZ has to offer.  To me it is even worth a tow to VW paradise in San Marcos before I would do a swap.

Don't sell.

 
Cookie said:
I have to be honest with you, we used to make fun of any dude that drove those..............but the teenage chicks driving them were usually pretty hot.  For some reason, this car is super cool to me now.

I would try to fix it................how much would a swap cost?  Lots of VW experts in Ca, not sure what AZ has to offer.  To me it is even worth a tow to VW paradise in San Marcos before I would do a swap.

Don't sell.
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I agree, looks like a clean car, just needs the right mechanic to dia.

we use mesa west in costa mesa for all of  our old vw stuff

1959 bug conv./ 1976 bus

 
Try Aviation Auto Salvage in Tucson. They used to have an extensive line of vw stuff. 520-574-1700. Maybe ask for Henry.

 
Those of us in the VW crowd call those Bitch Baskets! :lol:  BUT they're still rad little things. Whilst I have an appreciation for the Mk1 cars, dealing with their fuel injection systems just plain sucks. All the guys that I know that used to work on them have moved on with their lives and are into different things nowadays otherwise I'd offer some recommendations. A Mk3 ABA swap would be the ticket IMHO since they're so simple and reliable.

 
Or you can get carried away and do an ABA swap with a little more excitement. Here’s a Mk1 pickup that was once a diesel

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Recently my mindset is to minimize my projects.  I just want to be able to drive and enjoy a few vehicles instead of piling up more things to work on.  Not enough time in the day for family, work, chores and then more projects.  

My vote would be to sell.  🤷‍♂️

 
Can't you just drop that off at FAT performance and tell em to fix it? 

 
Cookie said:
I have to be honest with you, we used to make fun of any dude that drove those..............but the teenage chicks driving them were usually pretty hot.  For some reason, this car is super cool to me now.

I would try to fix it................how much would a swap cost?  Lots of VW experts in Ca, not sure what AZ has to offer.  To me it is even worth a tow to VW paradise in San Marcos before I would do a swap.

Don't sell.
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Hahah so true - should have mentioned that this was intended to be a car for one of the two daughters - but wont happen unless it runs better - as then I’d have to fix it again or tow when it shits the bed on them and the son in laws 

Also I first knew about these back in the day with an ex-girlfriend in the UArizona days - and yes was always a chick driving these back in they day 😂 

but was so clean and original figured I’d give it a shot 

 
ElCaminoManT said:
Those of us in the VW crowd call those Bitch Baskets! :lol:  BUT they're still rad little things. Whilst I have an appreciation for the Mk1 cars, dealing with their fuel injection systems just plain sucks. All the guys that I know that used to work on them have moved on with their lives and are into different things nowadays otherwise I'd offer some recommendations. A Mk3 ABA swap would be the ticket IMHO since they're so simple and reliable.
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Bitch basket is friggen funny 😆 

But yes it’s a cool deal

Im about there with leaving it for the next guy - thinking injectors clean or replace

then will reassess 

 
ran out of time and skill to finish this project  - see for sale post

 
Just saw the for sale post. I want it! Not making an offer, just a statement, but those are cool. I am on my third pick up, and have wanted a cab for a while now. Its not the time for a project, but I will be watching. 

 
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