Miles Bennett
The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is a popular car for modification. Modifications can be made to the interior and exterior of the car, as well as to the engine and gearbox. Some popular modifications include changing the rims to 15-inch rims, which improve the vehicle's drivability, and upgrading the brakes to MK III GTi discs and calipers. Other modifications include changing the clutch cable to a shorter one, as well as making changes to the windows and doors, such as adding vertical hinges to the doors to make them stand out.
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What You'll Learn
Modifying the doors to have a full window and vertical hinges
Modifying the doors of a Golf MK1 GT to have a full window and vertical hinges is a unique modification that will set your car apart from others. To achieve this, you will need to address the following key aspects:
Removing the Quarter Glass
To achieve the full window look, you will need to remove the quarter glass, which is a distinctive feature of the Golf MK1 GT. This modification will give the car a more streamlined appearance and emphasise the full window design.
Custom-Made Windows
As the Golf MK1 GT has two doors, the length of the doors is longer than standard, and you will need to have custom-made windows created. This customisation ensures that the windows fit perfectly within the doors and achieve the desired full window effect.
Vertical Hinges
The vertical hinges are a crucial aspect of this modification. When installed, the doors will pop open about 5-10cm, and then swing up to an angle of 75 degrees. This unique opening mechanism will require reinforcing the door frames to handle the weight of the doors and prevent buckling over time.
Door Frames and Reinforcement
The door frames on the MK1 models are known to be flimsy, so reinforcing them is essential before installing the vertical hinges. This reinforcement ensures that the doors remain sturdy and secure, withstanding the stress of the new opening mechanism.
Ceiling and Carpet Considerations
With the new door design, you will need to consider the impact on the ceiling and carpet of the vehicle. The ceiling may require modifications to accommodate the new door mechanism, and the carpet may need adjustments to fit seamlessly with the new door design.
Overall, this modification is a complex process that requires custom-made parts and careful planning. It is a unique way to transform the look of your Golf MK1 GT, giving it a one-of-a-kind appearance and functionality.
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Upgrading the rims to 15 for better drivability
Upgrading the rims of your Golf MK1 to 15-inch rims can greatly improve the vehicle's drivability. When upgrading to larger rims, it is important to select the correct size tires, bolt pattern, center hole size, and offset to ensure proper fitment and optimal performance.
If you plan to upgrade to 15-inch rims, it is recommended to choose tires with a size of 195/50-15 or 175/55/15. These tire sizes will provide a good balance between performance and aesthetics, ensuring that the tires fill the wheel arches adequately without requiring any modifications to the fenders.
When selecting rims, it is important to consider the bolt pattern and center hole size to ensure compatibility with your Golf MK1. The offset of the rims is also crucial, as an incorrect offset can cause the tires to rub against the arches or result in undesirable wheel spacing. It is recommended to stay within the offset range of 35-38 for a good fit on a 6.5" or 7.0" wheel.
Additionally, some Golf MK1 owners have suggested that upgrading to 15-inch rims provides an opportunity to improve the braking system. By upgrading to MK III GTi discs and calipers, you can increase the brake size to 256mm, which will improve the braking performance and further enhance the drivability of your vehicle.
When modifying your Golf MK1 with larger rims, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic and functional aspects of the upgrade. While 15-inch rims can improve drivability and provide a more aggressive look, it is essential to ensure that the tires, bolt pattern, center hole size, and offset are all properly matched to your vehicle's specifications.
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Replacing the clutch cable with a newer, shorter version
One modification that can be made to a Golf MK1 is replacing the clutch cable with a newer, shorter version. This modification is known as the "Soft Clutch Mod".
The first step in replacing the clutch cable is to purchase the correct replacement cable. There are two different clutch cable part numbers, and you will need the shorter one. It is important to verify that the new cable is the correct length by physically matching it up against the old cable.
Once you have the correct replacement cable, the next step is to remove the old cable and install the new one. This process involves working under the dashboard of the car to connect the cable to the clutch pedal. It is important to ensure that the cable is installed in a straight, unstressed loop to prevent kinks. The hardest part of this process is getting under the dash to connect the plastic bit on the pedal, as there is limited space and visibility.
During the installation, it is crucial to pay attention to the details to ensure a proper fit. For example, make sure not to lose the three pieces that hold the nipple bit at the gearbox end of the cable. Additionally, you may need to adjust the clutch cable by tightening or loosening certain nuts to get the desired amount of play in the cable.
After the new cable is installed, it is important to test the clutch to ensure it is functioning properly. Test the clutch pedal to ensure it has the correct amount of free play and stiffness.
By following these steps, you can successfully replace the clutch cable in your Golf MK1 with a newer, shorter version, improving the performance and feel of the clutch system.
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Lowering the vehicle with shocks and springs
Lowering your Golf Mk1 with shocks and springs can improve handling and ride quality. There are several options to consider when choosing a setup, including coilovers, shortened shocks with lowered springs, or a full strut replacement. Here is a guide to help you lower your Golf Mk1 using shocks and springs:
Firstly, it is important to understand the relationship between shocks and springs. Standard shocks are not designed to work with lowered springs, and using them together can result in a bumpy ride and reduced handling. Shortened shocks are specifically designed to match the length of lowered springs, ensuring optimal performance and ride quality.
When choosing a setup, you can opt for coilovers, which are an all-in-one solution, providing both the shock and spring function in one package. Coilovers offer a wide range of height adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height to your desired level. They are typically more expensive than other options but can provide a more comprehensive solution.
Alternatively, you can choose to use shortened shocks with lowered springs. This setup offers a more cost-effective solution, as you can find shortened shocks and lowered springs separately, allowing you to mix and match brands and specifications. When choosing this route, ensure that the shocks and springs are properly matched to avoid compatibility issues and premature wear.
If you decide to go with a matched set of shortened shocks and lowered springs, it is recommended to opt for quality brands like Bilstein, Boge, or Sachs, which have a good reputation among Mk1 enthusiasts. You can also consider adjustable shocks, such as Spax damping adjustable shocks, which offer the ability to fine-tune the suspension to your preferences.
Finally, consider the ride height you want to achieve. Common lowering amounts include 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm. Keep in mind that lowering your vehicle too much can cause rubbing issues and may require rim upgrades to accommodate the increased suspension travel. It is always recommended to seek professional advice and ensure that any modifications comply with local road regulations.
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Using an Audi brake setup
Upgrading the brakes on your Golf Mk1 is a popular modification. The car's lightweight build means that you don't need to make drastic changes to achieve exceptional stopping power.
One of the most popular upgrades for the Mk1 Golf is a Mk2 Golf 16v 9-inch servo and 22mm master cylinder. This setup improves pedal feel and gives more reassurance when braking. You can also opt for 256 x 20mm Mk2 rotors, which match the leverage and piston size of the calipers, resulting in consistent pedal feel and reduced risk of locking up.
Another option is to use caliper carriers and calipers from a 5-cylinder Audi 80, 90, Coupe, Quattro, or Passat. These will bolt onto all Mk1 Golf GTIs (1600 and 1800). However, you will also need to change the servo and master cylinder when using larger calipers.
If you're looking for a more powerful brake setup, the G60 setup is often considered the best bang-per-buck option for the Mk1 Golf. This setup requires at least 15" wheels to clear the 280mm rotors. You'll need caliper carriers, Girling/Lucas Calipers, and matching brake hoses from a Mk2 Golf or Corrado G60.
For those seeking an even more substantial upgrade, VUDU Performance offers a Volkswagen Golf Front Brake Kit with 356mm rotors for 18" or larger wheels. This kit includes a six-piston caliper design for improved brake balance and high-quality seals that enhance resilience to road salts and other corrosive elements.
When upgrading your brakes, it's important to consider factors such as wheel size, suspension struts, and your intended usage, as these will impact the suitability of different brake setups.
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Frequently asked questions
You can replace the quarter glass with a full window, and add vertical hinges to the doors. You can also consider adding gull-wing doors, but this may require reinforcing the frame to prevent buckling.
Some recommended modifications include replacing the clutch cable with a shorter one, upgrading the brakes, and using 15" rims. You can also modify the gearbox and engine, but these require more technical knowledge.
One issue with modifying a Golf MK1 is the electrics, which can be complicated and poorly designed. Another issue is the fuel pump, which may require modifications to function properly. It is also important to consider the compatibility of parts, as not all modifications may be compatible with your specific model.
