Golf GTI Anniversary Refresh Project
Discussion
I thought I'd share my latest VW Golf purchase with you guys on here, I think it will be appreciated more than on some other VW specific forums.
I picked up a Black Golf GTI Colour Concept just after Christmas, I had agreed to buy it on my last trip away as I need a runabout when we are all at home. However just before Christmas the Golf GTI Anniversary popped up on EBay, in my favourite colour, I took a punt with a low bid and won it, surprisingly.
I removed the leather Recaro interior from the Black car and sold it on, and the Silver car arrived a few days later
I took a bit of a risk with this car, as I bought it unseen for a low amount of money, and had it delivered to me, however despite initial disappointments with the state of the interior, I was relieved to find a 99% rust free car, straight sills, good floor, it seems its turned out to be a risk worth taking, and I'm now carrying out a mini restoration/upgrade
The car in question a 1996 Mk3 Golf GTI 20th Anniversary
A quick rinse down after the drive up from London
Both interior carpets are worn badly and the front and rear seats have seen better days, I decided to replace the rear carpet on Wednesday (front one will be done later) and check some of the car for rust in common mk3 areas
Drivers side rear footwell grommet area
Passenger Side rear footwell grommet area
Rear ABS sensor grommets under rear seats (common unnoticed rust hotspot)
As the front and rear seats were out I figured it would be silly to refit them as they are particularly dirty, and not that comfortable
So out of the garage came the Black Leather Recaros that I had removed from the Colour Concept a few days earlier, however these are not permanent, I have bought a German Spec GTI Edition Recaro interior from a friend, ironically this will be the 3rd time I have owned the very same interior since 2004. I feel it keeps the car within the GTI theme whilst giving me Recaros which are a must on a mk3 Golf
And the GTI Edition ones I collect next month (very poor picture I was sent on)
This brought me up to Thursday morning, when I popped in by the local VW dealer for new number plates, it turned out some parts I had ordered arrived too, namely a new front splitter and side skirt trims, excellent, not so excellent is one of the skirt trims arrived damaged so I haven't fitted them yet as I am awaiting a replacement
From this broken splitter
To a nice fresh new Genuine one (I also fitted replacement tow eye covers and indicators I got from a friend)
Years of forum folklore had rumoured them to be obsolete, however VWwere showing 3xO/S and 1xN/S in stock so I ordered it regardless, here's the bags for proof of originality (apologies for the pic being upside down PBS wouldn't let me rotate it)
And As it sits at the moment, still unwashed
As its only a wheezy 8v and my mate has a good VR6 with a rotten floor I'm going to transplant that, hopefully next time home, at the same time I will carry out the following
Koni T/A spring damper upgrade, I've had this on a previous VR6 with terrific results
2x New OEM Lower arms and ball joints,
2x New Track rod ends
2x New Front wheel bearings
Obviously install the VR6 exhaust set up.
Fit the replacement front carpet
After that I will get some bits of paint carried out and hopefully a wheel refurb, the wheels may come before paint as the bad bits on the bumpers i will touch in when I get back home.
All in all I hope to end up with a nice, OEM + Mk3 Golf, which is now becoming harder to find
I picked up a Black Golf GTI Colour Concept just after Christmas, I had agreed to buy it on my last trip away as I need a runabout when we are all at home. However just before Christmas the Golf GTI Anniversary popped up on EBay, in my favourite colour, I took a punt with a low bid and won it, surprisingly.
I removed the leather Recaro interior from the Black car and sold it on, and the Silver car arrived a few days later
I took a bit of a risk with this car, as I bought it unseen for a low amount of money, and had it delivered to me, however despite initial disappointments with the state of the interior, I was relieved to find a 99% rust free car, straight sills, good floor, it seems its turned out to be a risk worth taking, and I'm now carrying out a mini restoration/upgrade
The car in question a 1996 Mk3 Golf GTI 20th Anniversary
A quick rinse down after the drive up from London
Both interior carpets are worn badly and the front and rear seats have seen better days, I decided to replace the rear carpet on Wednesday (front one will be done later) and check some of the car for rust in common mk3 areas
Drivers side rear footwell grommet area
Passenger Side rear footwell grommet area
Rear ABS sensor grommets under rear seats (common unnoticed rust hotspot)
As the front and rear seats were out I figured it would be silly to refit them as they are particularly dirty, and not that comfortable
So out of the garage came the Black Leather Recaros that I had removed from the Colour Concept a few days earlier, however these are not permanent, I have bought a German Spec GTI Edition Recaro interior from a friend, ironically this will be the 3rd time I have owned the very same interior since 2004. I feel it keeps the car within the GTI theme whilst giving me Recaros which are a must on a mk3 Golf
And the GTI Edition ones I collect next month (very poor picture I was sent on)
This brought me up to Thursday morning, when I popped in by the local VW dealer for new number plates, it turned out some parts I had ordered arrived too, namely a new front splitter and side skirt trims, excellent, not so excellent is one of the skirt trims arrived damaged so I haven't fitted them yet as I am awaiting a replacement
From this broken splitter
To a nice fresh new Genuine one (I also fitted replacement tow eye covers and indicators I got from a friend)
Years of forum folklore had rumoured them to be obsolete, however VWwere showing 3xO/S and 1xN/S in stock so I ordered it regardless, here's the bags for proof of originality (apologies for the pic being upside down PBS wouldn't let me rotate it)
And As it sits at the moment, still unwashed
As its only a wheezy 8v and my mate has a good VR6 with a rotten floor I'm going to transplant that, hopefully next time home, at the same time I will carry out the following
Koni T/A spring damper upgrade, I've had this on a previous VR6 with terrific results
2x New OEM Lower arms and ball joints,
2x New Track rod ends
2x New Front wheel bearings
Obviously install the VR6 exhaust set up.
Fit the replacement front carpet
After that I will get some bits of paint carried out and hopefully a wheel refurb, the wheels may come before paint as the bad bits on the bumpers i will touch in when I get back home.
All in all I hope to end up with a nice, OEM + Mk3 Golf, which is now becoming harder to find
Will keep a watch on this with interest.
I'm torn as to whether I like the idea of the vr6 transplant - I can understand why you're doing it and it's and nice engine to go for. The only thing is it goes against the originality of the car.
Car looks smart though and keeping it oem is the way ahead.
I'm torn as to whether I like the idea of the vr6 transplant - I can understand why you're doing it and it's and nice engine to go for. The only thing is it goes against the originality of the car.
Car looks smart though and keeping it oem is the way ahead.
spaceship said:
Will keep a watch on this with interest.
I'm torn as to whether I like the idea of the vr6 transplant - I can understand why you're doing it and it's and nice engine to go for. The only thing is it goes against the originality of the car.
Car looks smart though and keeping it oem is the way ahead.
Thank you, I was in the same mindset as yourself, but........I'm torn as to whether I like the idea of the vr6 transplant - I can understand why you're doing it and it's and nice engine to go for. The only thing is it goes against the originality of the car.
Car looks smart though and keeping it oem is the way ahead.
The 8v engine is lame, it needs a new gearbox as it jumps out of reverse occasionally, the rear silencer needs replaced and the gear linkage needs a rebuild kit fitted,
Not a huge amount, I did consider a 16v ABF, however I have been offered the VR6 from a close friend, a car which I know and have driven, has no running issues, and comes with a decent OEM style stainless exhaust for £300, by the time I remove the VR6 engine, scrap the old shell and 8v engine it should only have cost me around £150 and a Couple of days work to convert. Externally you will never tell the transplant has been done.
OEM is the way forwards
long time lurker said:
as a fellow anniversary owner I'm going to watch this with interest.
although i can't afford (or I'm too stingy) to get many genuine parts!
Fortunately it won't need too many genuine dealer only parts, the side skirt trims and splitter was £165, far more than I remembered, as I have purchased the same items for a previous car. although i can't afford (or I'm too stingy) to get many genuine parts!
Thanks for the interest, unfortunately very little will be happening with it for the next 4 weeks as I'm in Baku, however in the month I will be at home I hope to get cracked on with the oily bits
paultownsend said:
Will you use the widetrack front set up from the vr6? And 288 disks?
I may be wrong but the 8v's didn't use the above.
I completely agree with you about using the vr6 anchor. It's a peach of an engine and with the correct breathing mods, sounds sublime.
ALL 5 stud mk3 Golfs use the wide track front and rear set up, they also share the same size brakes too, 280mm up to 1995 and 288mm after 1995 build year, so I dont need to concern myself with the brakes or some of the suspension components, which is a bonus. I may be wrong but the 8v's didn't use the above.
I completely agree with you about using the vr6 anchor. It's a peach of an engine and with the correct breathing mods, sounds sublime.
Things like this is why I love VWs of this era, they are just like a grown ups Lego set.
Re the VR6 breathing, it's got a full stainless exhaust at the moment, and I intend to modify the stock airbox, for a few reasons, it sounds great, gives reliable consistent power and more to the point looks original, as the mods are unseen
Small update, I am heading home from my trip today so I'm hoping to get cracked on with the VR6 swap next weekend,
This week however my friend has been running the car, he collected and fitted an interior I had bought when I was at home.
I have a bit of a history with this interior, long story cut short this is now the 2nd time since 2004, when I originally purchased it for my first Golf, a 1995 VR6, that I have owned it.
So here are the picture I got on Facebook of it fitted, European Spec GTI Edition Recaros, more fitting I feel than the leather Recaros and a damned sight rarer
Matching door cards with leather "furry" pockets retrofitted
In going home to a small shopping list of parts,
Coilovers, as the OEM suspension is a bit soft, subtle, 30-40mm drop when I fit the engine
Mk3.5 Cabriolet steering wheel, freshens up the interior vastly
Black ABC pillar trims from a highline
Front and rear mudflaps
VR6 Inlet cover
OEM Airbox
O2J shifter cables, still need to source a tower
I still need to visit ECP and the dealers on Monday to get the final parts for next weekend, safe to say I'm looking forward to the car coming together
This week however my friend has been running the car, he collected and fitted an interior I had bought when I was at home.
I have a bit of a history with this interior, long story cut short this is now the 2nd time since 2004, when I originally purchased it for my first Golf, a 1995 VR6, that I have owned it.
So here are the picture I got on Facebook of it fitted, European Spec GTI Edition Recaros, more fitting I feel than the leather Recaros and a damned sight rarer
Matching door cards with leather "furry" pockets retrofitted
In going home to a small shopping list of parts,
Coilovers, as the OEM suspension is a bit soft, subtle, 30-40mm drop when I fit the engine
Mk3.5 Cabriolet steering wheel, freshens up the interior vastly
Black ABC pillar trims from a highline
Front and rear mudflaps
VR6 Inlet cover
OEM Airbox
O2J shifter cables, still need to source a tower
I still need to visit ECP and the dealers on Monday to get the final parts for next weekend, safe to say I'm looking forward to the car coming together
Edited by martin mrt on Saturday 16th February 10:14
I thought i would update the thread as progress with the car on this trip home has been much better than i expected.
Firstly i got the VR6 donor car dropped off at a good friends workshop to allow me to carry out the conversion, however i literally had 2 full days to strip the donor car, and strip and rebuild my silver car so it at least pushed out of the workshop as the ramp was booked up for a job. With this in mind i didnt mess around and cracked on, there are very little pictures as i just wanted to get things finished in the timescale i had
Basically within 6 hours of the donor car being rolled in it ended up like this, i only needed to remove the rear axle with some assistance the following morning, good progress was being made
VR6 Engine ready for its new home
Thats all the photos for the actual strip and build that i have, due to timescales i just wanted to get knuckled down with the Silver car, i had Saturday and Sunday to get the majority of the work carried out, things went without too much issues, brake pedal clip was an absolute ballache to fit as expected, other than that things went well and the engine was in the silver car and running by Sunday lunchtime. At this point i found out i could have until monday evening so i managed to get the following jobs done at the same time
Coilovers fitted
Black ABC Pillar trims and headliner fitted
Mudflaps fitted
Magnex exhaust modified and fitted
New heatshield clips fitted
Whilst i was under the car it became apparent just how good this MK3 Shell is, absolutely zero rot in the usual places, all brackets are still fitted with the correct bolts underneath, heatshields are all present, even the power steering pump splashguard was still fitted, i have never seen a mk3 as clean as this underneath in at least 7 or 8 years,
Anyway here are some pictures of the car as it is now, a factory look was always what i had wanted with this car, and i think i have done quite well to achieve this
VR6 Engine fitted
The car as it looks now
Inside with the GTI Edition interior, Mk3.5 cabriolet steering wheel and switches, USA Spec centre console, Black ABC Pillar trims, headlining and OEM Rubber mats
USA Spec console and anniversary handbrake
These im particularly proud of, a hybrid of 3 different clocks, VR6 Internal workings, 8v Anniversary Rev counter foil, 16v Anniversary Speedo foil, the result of this is a factory look Anniversary clock set that works with the VR6.
Today the chap from Dent Devils was round to see if he could do something with two dents on the car, one in the OSR door and the other in the NSR quarter
OSR Door Before
And After
NSR Quarter Before
And After
Delighted with the results of the dent repair, especially on the rear quarter panel as i had my doubts as to whether it would be repairable through a PDR. It was thankfully
Thats it pretty much done now, needs a wheel refurb, some small rust repair on two doors and a service so im going to start with the latter and work from there
Firstly i got the VR6 donor car dropped off at a good friends workshop to allow me to carry out the conversion, however i literally had 2 full days to strip the donor car, and strip and rebuild my silver car so it at least pushed out of the workshop as the ramp was booked up for a job. With this in mind i didnt mess around and cracked on, there are very little pictures as i just wanted to get things finished in the timescale i had
Basically within 6 hours of the donor car being rolled in it ended up like this, i only needed to remove the rear axle with some assistance the following morning, good progress was being made
VR6 Engine ready for its new home
Thats all the photos for the actual strip and build that i have, due to timescales i just wanted to get knuckled down with the Silver car, i had Saturday and Sunday to get the majority of the work carried out, things went without too much issues, brake pedal clip was an absolute ballache to fit as expected, other than that things went well and the engine was in the silver car and running by Sunday lunchtime. At this point i found out i could have until monday evening so i managed to get the following jobs done at the same time
Coilovers fitted
Black ABC Pillar trims and headliner fitted
Mudflaps fitted
Magnex exhaust modified and fitted
New heatshield clips fitted
Whilst i was under the car it became apparent just how good this MK3 Shell is, absolutely zero rot in the usual places, all brackets are still fitted with the correct bolts underneath, heatshields are all present, even the power steering pump splashguard was still fitted, i have never seen a mk3 as clean as this underneath in at least 7 or 8 years,
Anyway here are some pictures of the car as it is now, a factory look was always what i had wanted with this car, and i think i have done quite well to achieve this
VR6 Engine fitted
The car as it looks now
Inside with the GTI Edition interior, Mk3.5 cabriolet steering wheel and switches, USA Spec centre console, Black ABC Pillar trims, headlining and OEM Rubber mats
USA Spec console and anniversary handbrake
These im particularly proud of, a hybrid of 3 different clocks, VR6 Internal workings, 8v Anniversary Rev counter foil, 16v Anniversary Speedo foil, the result of this is a factory look Anniversary clock set that works with the VR6.
Today the chap from Dent Devils was round to see if he could do something with two dents on the car, one in the OSR door and the other in the NSR quarter
OSR Door Before
And After
NSR Quarter Before
And After
Delighted with the results of the dent repair, especially on the rear quarter panel as i had my doubts as to whether it would be repairable through a PDR. It was thankfully
Thats it pretty much done now, needs a wheel refurb, some small rust repair on two doors and a service so im going to start with the latter and work from there
BlitzE34 said:
Its nice to see a nice original car, almost all of these are stanced and sticker bombed.
Thank you, the original basis for the car has always been to improve, upgrade and change the car using as much OEM parts as possible, and I hope that I'm sticking with the original plan. It's a great feeling driving it, as you say original looking cars are so rare these days.
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