1980 (basket case) rabbit convertible

[roadtech]

Purchased a real project. working on the dash, cleaning things, checking connections and vac lines. I found a couple of 82's at pull a part, look same but subtle differences. Pulled the instrument cluster, speedometer cable is clip on mine screw on, I swapped the speedo's between the 2 instrument clusters, noticed a circuit board in the speedo compartment (82), which required me to swap the odometer drive gear to make room. My question is the 82 has and extra component (temp light), do you think the 82 instrument pod will work in my 80. I was also looking for info on "ground your cluster".

[CalAltaDubber]

Here is a good place to start. a couple of photos will go a long way to help you explain stuff.

One good resource is http://www.cabby-info.com Kamy has much of the information you are looking for there.

I'm sure you can swap in the cluster from an '82, but you will need the wiring diagrams from both years to make sure. So comes the next question. Do you have the Bently manual? If not, it is a very wise investment to get one.

[kamzcab86]

The '80 convertibles used the hard-top version of the dash, including instrumentation. The '80 convertible is quite different from its later counterparts:



vs.



The cluster should work, but, obviously, you'll need to do some wiring work, not to mention things not looking "quite right" with the square speedo/tach being in round housings. What most folks do in your situation is simply swap the entire dash and kneebar from the '81+ cars into their '80s. The '80 convertibles are hard to find these days for getting interior parts; however, remember, that the hard-tops of that era ('70s-1980) use the same dash and instrument components. Those cars, too, are hard to come by these days, but it does broaden your search.

[roadtech]

Sorry guy's My cabby is an 81 and the dash is from an 82. The 82 dash looks just like kamzcab86's lower picture. All electrical connections look the same just more stuff inside the 82 cluster.

[roadtech]

I'm sure you can swap in the cluster from an '82, but you will need the wiring diagrams from both years to make sure. So comes the next question. Do you have the Bently manual? If not, it is a very wise investment to get one.

I have a Haynes manual the wiring diagrams are ok what does the Bently look like (do you have a picture of a page.

I looked at your web site and want to say great job. I purchased my cabby to save gas but I see changes in her future. First task is to get her running and driving. The interior was filthy as well. front seats missing, new top but not well installed. It seems every time I turn around I am still removing things and not putting back together yet.
With the dash off I want to be sure all vacuum and wiring is good, a good bath and then back together, then seats, and back end and convertible top squared away, then get engine running. It was running when I purchased but since fails to start. I have located the good sites, These have been very helpful. I keep thinking of documenting my work but will find myself getting started on something and 14 hours later I am doing 5 different things and nary a picture. That what old age will do to you.

http://mk1vw.info/ http://www.cabby-info.com/cis.htm

[Briano1234]

For Electrical, the Haynes has a far better copy of the wiring diagrams than Bentley.
The Haynes is better than Chiltons, and I used a Haynes for 20 years maintaining my Rabbit Diesel.

[CalAltaDubber]

I have a Haynes manual the wiring diagrams are ok what does the Bently look like (do you have a picture of a page.

The Haynes should have the wiring diagrams you need. I have both. The Bently has better mechanical and procedural descriptions. Whereas the Haynes tends to leave lots out. My Bently is only for '85 to '89. There is one for eariler Rabbits and Cabbys.

I looked at your web site and want to say great job.

Thanks. I'm always looking for input.

I purchased my cabby to save gas but I see changes in her future. First task is to get her running and driving. The interior was filthy as well. front seats missing, new top but not well installed. It seems every time I turn around I am still removing things and not putting back together yet.
With the dash off I want to be sure all vacuum and wiring is good, a good bath and then back together, then seats, and back end and convertible top squared away, then get engine running. It was running when I purchased but since fails to start. I have located the good sites, These have been very helpful. I keep thinking of documenting my work but will find myself getting started on something and 14 hours later I am doing 5 different things and nary a picture. That what old age will do to you.

I know exactly what you mean. I guess that's part of the reason Posh Bunny took me five years to build.

http://mk1vw.info/ http://www.cabby-info.com/cis.htm

These are two very good sites, Cabby-Info is Kamy's creation, and I still say she has more information about these cars than VW.