Make:
Volkswagen
Model:
Rabbit GTI
Country:
USA
Region:
CA
City:
Stockton
Zip:
95204
Body Style:
Hatchback
Year:
1983
Mileage:
153550
Miles
Transmission:
Manual
Fuel:
Gasoline
Doors:
2
Color:
Silver
Engine:
1.8L
Condition:
Used
This is a completely gone through and redone 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI.
This car is NOT a project. All it needs is an enthusiast and driver!! It’s tight and drives like it did in 1983. Starting with the exterior, the car was stripped of side stripes and pinstriping, the windows and sunroof were removed and it was repainted in the correct Flash Silver 2-stage paint. The original paint was faded and checked, and had just a few small dings/dents. There was zero rust as underside shots show. The rear hatch “black out” vinyl was intentionally kept as it was in good condition and was just recoated with trim paint so the factory decal overlaps would still show. The factory unleaded decal was also masked off, and was cleared over with the rest of the paint. Then all new vinyl graphics and pinstripes were applied. New window scrapers, and window channels were fitted as were new door seals. The wheels were straightened, chemically dipped, painted, re-machined and clear powder coated. The tires are brand new. The windshield is also near new and all of the original trim, emblems, bumpers and grills are intact. The interior is in great condition. The dash is in good shape, the door panels are free of damage and fading. The headliner was recently redone including the sunroof panel. The original sunvisors are in good condition as well. The drivers seat had a couple panels replaced with OEM material, The passenger seat is in good condition and the rear seat is near perfect. The carpeting is in good condition and the car still has the original Rabbit floor mats. The rear parcel shelf has not been cut as many have for speakers. All of the gauges work as they should including the tachometer and odometer. The previous owner had installed an aftermarket stereo and new speakers. I replaced the stereo with a RetroSound digital unit with the shafts to maintain the OEM look - and the sound is awesome. Mechanically the car starts, shifts, runs and drives excellent. The entire suspension has been replaced including new Sachs struts in the front and H&R struts in the rear. All the springs were replaced with slightly lowered H&R springs. The front control arms are new as are the bushings, tie-rods and ends, ball joints and hub bearings. The timing belt was replaced and the water-pump is also new.
The car originally had a/c and when it was removed a later model alternator, tensioner and serpentine belt set-up was installed. As much as I’m a purist, this was such a clean replacement, that I left it - and you get a higher (14v) output vs. the older alternators. The original pulleys will go with the car. The exhaust and muffler from the cat back is new. The plugs and wires were replaced and the fluids changed.
This car is NOT a project. All it needs is an enthusiast and driver!! It’s tight and drives like it did in 1983. Starting with the exterior, the car was stripped of side stripes and pinstriping, the windows and sunroof were removed and it was repainted in the correct Flash Silver 2-stage paint. The original paint was faded and checked, and had just a few small dings/dents. There was zero rust as underside shots show. The rear hatch “black out” vinyl was intentionally kept as it was in good condition and was just recoated with trim paint so the factory decal overlaps would still show. The factory unleaded decal was also masked off, and was cleared over with the rest of the paint. Then all new vinyl graphics and pinstripes were applied. New window scrapers, and window channels were fitted as were new door seals. The wheels were straightened, chemically dipped, painted, re-machined and clear powder coated. The tires are brand new. The windshield is also near new and all of the original trim, emblems, bumpers and grills are intact. The interior is in great condition. The dash is in good shape, the door panels are free of damage and fading. The headliner was recently redone including the sunroof panel. The original sunvisors are in good condition as well. The drivers seat had a couple panels replaced with OEM material, The passenger seat is in good condition and the rear seat is near perfect. The carpeting is in good condition and the car still has the original Rabbit floor mats. The rear parcel shelf has not been cut as many have for speakers. All of the gauges work as they should including the tachometer and odometer. The previous owner had installed an aftermarket stereo and new speakers. I replaced the stereo with a RetroSound digital unit with the shafts to maintain the OEM look - and the sound is awesome. Mechanically the car starts, shifts, runs and drives excellent. The entire suspension has been replaced including new Sachs struts in the front and H&R struts in the rear. All the springs were replaced with slightly lowered H&R springs. The front control arms are new as are the bushings, tie-rods and ends, ball joints and hub bearings. The timing belt was replaced and the water-pump is also new.
The car originally had a/c and when it was removed a later model alternator, tensioner and serpentine belt set-up was installed. As much as I’m a purist, this was such a clean replacement, that I left it - and you get a higher (14v) output vs. the older alternators. The original pulleys will go with the car. The exhaust and muffler from the cat back is new. The plugs and wires were replaced and the fluids changed.
Vehicle Features
Sunroof