1986 Golf Diesel, My First Restoration by bdub

6 minute(s) of a 27 minute read

I got the Windsor blue paint in cans, it was fairly difficult but being on a budget it turned out pretty good, heres before clear coat









The clear turned out alright, I believe it needed some more, but it works for now







Did some more odds and ends, painted bumpers and rims..







The wiring wasn't too bad but still messy



Re upholstered the ceiling



I went to Joann Fabrics, they had a fabric with foam layer on the bottom, worked out well, used spray glue



Got all the seats and carpet in, put the ceiling back up and washed the seats and doors











Engine Running!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...20484960777639

So been spending a lot of time buttoning up the car. Bled the brakes, attached the inner fender linings, random electrical and etc.. One MAIN problem I had was that all the lights were staying on when the battery was attached, idk why I couldn't figure it out but replaced the brake sensor above the pedal and it didn't work. Eventually I put a little rubber grommet over the end of the sensor and it was pushed in far enough. wow lol. Anyway its snowing a good amount today in Milwaukee and took the car out for a test run. Overall the car handled great, suspension was firm, steering felt great however Ive been having issues with the engine bogging down. I purged the fuel system however I still feel there is a little bit of air in the lines.. As well the shift linkage needs to be adjusted, I believe the main connecting point on the shaft from the box to the trans was loose, causing me to have difficulty shifting into first after flooring it around a bit. I will post some pics tomorrow of it SOMEWHERE ELSE besides my garage





So I drove her home today. Overall it went fairly well, the shift linkage needs to be adjusted, first and second were difficult to get into, as well when the car would come to a stop and drop back down to idle sometimes it would bogg down and die. Overall it went well besides the couple break downs lol. Plan on getting it aligned in the next day or two and going over to my buddies to adjust the shift linkage, e-brake and idle. I might also re-prime the fuel line, I feel there is still alittle bit of air in the lines. Otherwise the ride felt really smooth, the FK street lines are not too bad, hit some pot holes and it didn't rattle my spine. As well the new engine mount make a WORLD of a difference, the whole cabin used to shake fairly violently. After replacing them, adjusting the idle, and boom-matting the dash and floor at one point the car was so quite I didn't know if the car was still running lol! Now that all the mechanical issues are being sorted im excited to fix all the other random parts that are showing their age. The vaccum pump is leaking a tiny bit of coolant, and the hose had a hole which we temporarily sealed. The central air units gasket it corroded to hell, replaced the blower, but the directionals don't work. The rear view mirrors on the side rusted, so new ones are in order. The seats lost their plastic guides that keep the seats snug. Stereo at some point. And my worst fear, rain and gutter trims.... Been having a difficult time locating these. Anyway im excited shes proven herself road worthy, will update with new parts and pics.