New Member - -Two for the Money

[randy1234]

Hello topless rabbit forum and thank you organizers for having this group!!

I purchased my first rabbit a few weeks ago, a 1980 4dr german built 1.5 diesel-not running. It turned out to have much MUCH more rust than I saw before the cash exchange. So, I did what every sane person should do, I purchased a 1981 convertible. Needs a top, could use paint, and many small odds and ends and I am hoping to transplant the diesel in the gas model.

Thank you again!!!

[CalAltaDubber]

Hi and welcome to TRF. We would love to see what your car looks like.

I hope you will enjoy coming here. This is a friendly place to hang out.

[Calimus]

An oil burning cabby, I like where this is going.

Welcome to TRF indeed. We are a very friendly bunch, so never hesitate to ask questions. There are very few issues that we as a forum have not run into at one time or another. Especially Brian, since he has 2 cabby's and in true VW fashion, there is always something to fix.

[Briano1234]

An oil burning cabby, I like where this is going.

Welcome to TRF indeed. We are a very friendly bunch, so never hesitate to ask questions. There are very few issues that we as a forum have not run into at one time or another. Especially Brian, since he has 2 cabby's and in true VW fashion, there is always something to fix.

You forgot the part where I owned a Diesel Bunny for bout 20 years...............

[kamzcab86]

Welcome aboard!


Now, where's the pics?!

[randy1234]

Thank you for the welcome!! I sure appreciate everything! I have two very unflattering pictures for the craigslist for sale ad, but I have not yet found a way to post. I tried to drag and drop but this did not work. Also, is there an easy way to get to a place that I am should put pictures? or should I just post them here.

Randy

I have tried to upload it. The previous owner put truck bedding material along the lower portion of the doors and rocker panels. I thought about just painting over it, but I ran my hand over the surface and found a few dents that need to be fixed, so I will need to strip this off. I am sure it will look better. I have been looking around to find replacement moldings- -missing the passenger side fender, and driver side door, and this will help the appearance also. I think I am going to go with a black replacement top, but have not decided upon any certain place to purchase from yet- -your descriptions of how to replace- -briano1234- -look very helpful.

it is a bit cold up here in Northern Michigan, so I will be working through the drive train during the cold months and complete the paint work and top in the spring.

[Briano1234]

To post pictures, got to flickr, snapfish, photobucket, and create an account. Upload to the account off your computer, then cut the tag line that has [img]....[/img]

You photo will then link to the thread.

Don't even think of doing your top unless you have a heated garage. You need to be @ 75 degrees.....I can get my unheated garage to 80 by using my 2 1000watt quartz halogens and a couple of hours.

[randy1234]

Thanks again Briano! To load the pictures above, I went to the "attach file" and found it on my computer, uploaded, then it posted for me. I going to use the method you described in the future. Having a picture is worth so much to help explain things.

A previous "mechanic" apparently re-arranged a few things on the engine. the alternator, balancer, and air conditioner are not lined up well and the belt is slightly out of line. I think they installed the adjustable bracket to the alternator wrong but it looks like more than just this is out of line, so I am wondering if they forgot to reinstall a spacer. The engine is a 1.6 gas. I have ordered a couple of repair manuals- -not the Bentley yet (A man I purchased the first rabbit from is supposed to have the Bentley somewhere, if he does not find it soon, I will order one.) - -and this should help me to understand the way it should be put together.

The Vents are coming along fine and are ready for the jb weld treatment.

Thanks Again,

Randy

[randy1234]

A little update.

I have been working on several projects and the diesel rabbit has received some attention. I got it running and it cackles right along. Installed new glow plugs and changed the oil and filter.

I did find a leak in the injector pump near the main timing gear- -hoping it is just the main seal- -think I will replace it with the more expensive vitron seal.

I will be removing the engine soon and then replacing a laundry list of items while I have it out- -timing belt, tensioner, water pump, most heater hoses and radiator hoses, engine mounts, clutch and bearing, etc.

I have been pouring over old threads to try to learn as much as possible so I will not have to ask everything. I will try to purchase genuine vw parts because of problems with cheap belts, but I have not found the best site for everything yet- -hoping for inexpensive quality.

I am still trying to make up my mind if I should yank the good gas 1.6, or run it a while before putting in the diesel. It warmed up briefly, but has not stayed hot enough to consider the new convertible top project.- -I am also looking forward to the body work so I can get her back to some self-respecting appearance. Trying to get the 80, toyota celica out of the garage to make room for the diesel next to the Rabbit convertible- -I did not participate in the messiest garage. . . .not ready to admit the extent of my collection.

I will probably post updates in "this week in car repair" from now on, I was just looking for a place to enter something.

Any suggestions on part suppliers in particular is appreciated.

[Calimus]

These are the main places I get my parts from on line.

German Auto Parts - http://www.germanautoparts.com/

ECS Tuning - http://www.ecstuning.com/

MJM Autohaus - https://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/

AutohausAZ - http://www.autohausaz.com/

Tectonic Tuning - http://techtonicstuning.com/

Black Forrest Industries - http://store.blackforestindustries.com/

There are others and I'll see about adding to the list, but these are the main sites I hit when looking for parts. Hopefully others will add to the list. Those are sites that I've never had any issue getting my parts from.

[Briano1234]

parts4vws.com
Ebay mk1 Autohaus Been aka Moogie.
Napaonline
and Local AutoJobbers ie: pepboys, autozone.....

[randy1234]

Thanks Brian and Calimus!!!

I will be looking up a few things tonight and hopefully placing an order. I had an order prepared at a place called Rock auto, but the shipping was kind of weird. It had my parts coming from four different locations and separate shipping for each location. The 71 dollar order was 120 with shipping- -the great prices were undone by the shipping.

By the way. I picked up some valvoline nextgen oil at advanced auto today. It cost 19.99 and came with a 20 dollar gift card- -basically free. The offer is good until March 28th. I never planned on using this kind of oil because it is 50% recycled, but even if I use it for my less pampered cars, or the lawn mower, it is a great price.

Thanks Again!


Randy

[kamzcab86]

There are others...

which are listed here: http://www.cabby-info.com/parts.htm .

[randy1234]

Thank you so much Kammy! that is impressive!!

I did place an order through AutohausAZ for most of the things I needed. The site was clear and easy to navigate, and had free shipping on orders over 50.00. Then I ordered a injection pump seal from an ebay seller. I only need a valve cover gasket and a few things that can wait.

I am hoping the Bentley is arrives in the next few days, because I want to follow procedures listed on the diesel- -I am a little afraid of throwing off the timing. . .

I really appreciate all of you being here!!!!!!

Randy

[Briano1234]

You will need to have a Bolt to lock the timing pump, and a flat steel bar to lock the cam of the Diesel as you replace the belt. If you have it that far apart, I would also suggest the passenger side motor mount as well.

After you get the base timing set, you need to rotate the engine 2 complete revolutions to be sure there are no Mechanical binds. Go easy on spinning it and if there is a bind DO NOT TORQUE over it, back it off... (Diesels are interference engines and Valve can come in contact with the piston.).

After setting the Base timing, then you will need a dial gauge that goes in the middle plug on the injector manifold at the rear of the
Injection pump to fine tune the Pumps timing. This allows for less smoky exhaust and higher mpg.

USE NEW BOLTS, or buy the STUD kits for the head that are available off of SUMMIT racing, and APR sites. I Think you can even find them on EBAY.
I would also suggest the upgraded Valve cover gasket kit from GAP.