VW Golf Mk3 Renovation

Posted on by Admin

Time to turn the old rattler into a retro classic

Current state of my VW Golf Mk3 GTI (1998)

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The desired renovation would look like this:-

mk3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some nice examples here and vehicle spec.

Car Specification:

VW Golf Mk3 2.0 GTI 8v (1998)

  • Only 2 owners, owned by me 7 years (since 2008)
  • 12 months MOT (car passed MOT with no issues on Friday 17th July 2015)
  • Taxed until February 28th, 2016
  • 1998 Mk3 GTI 8 valve, 2.0 engine, R reg, 145287 miles (July 2015), Black.
  • Full service history, MOT passed with no faults
  • 5 door hatchback
  • Power steering
  • Electric sunroof
  • Electric door mirrors
  • Scorpion alarm and immobilizer system
  • Alloy spoke wheels
  • Pioneer CD-Audio with Bluetooth phone handsfree and iPod/iPhone music adapter

Service history:

At a high level, the recent service history is as follows:

Current mileage: 145,287
Last oil change: 141,296 (10/4/2014)
Last 12 month service: 130,326 (18/7/2011)
Last belt change: 93,272 (2/11/2006)

Service Book Recommendations:
Every 12 months: service & oil change
Every 24 months: brake fluid change
Every 40k miles: spark plug change
Every 60k miles: belt change

Worklist:

  • New nearside front tyre (slow puncture)
  • New or fix steering wheel housing (cowling)
  • Retainer clips for dizzy cap
  • MW reception not possible – investigate aerial behind stereo
  • Gearstick tightening (ball and socket)
  • New rear window wiper and water spray needs adjustment (doesn’t spray well)
  • New bulb for dashboard clock
  • Possible radiator ball leak requires investigation. Following diagnosis, radiator coolant pipe slightly corroded and radiator cooling housing needs replacement.
  • Minor rust patches near two doors. Sand down and apply metals primer.
  • Diagnostics engine timing check and tuning, possible fuel injection and ignition review using Vagcom service.
  • Parcel shelf has a slight bend
  • Nearside rear electric window doesn’t work. Easily fixed by reattaching wire to the clip inside (need to take off inside door cover).
  • Central locking system has a slight noise for 10 secs after locking the car. Central locking is working, is just a slight air noise. Would require investigation of the pump hose and door actuator (offside rear/boot) – used with central locking air compressor system.
  • New mats

Enhancements:

  • Some minor scratches on the car. Would come out a treat with a simple t-cut and polish.
  • Refurbish bumpers or buy new. Bumper spray paint from Halfords. Trim Restorer. Bumper red pin stripe kit from Halfords.
  • Refurbish alloy wheels
  • Refurbish faded or buy new window trims/seals
  • Black out radiator grill, red GTI logo
  • Smoked indicators
  • Red brake calipers. DIY job nice video tutorial here, and here, could also bleed brake calipers same time if take them off. Halfords brake caliper high heat paint.
  • Add some Aluminium engine paint. Halfords engine paint spray.
  • Lower suspension slightly!?

Parts: