1981 Rabbit Pickup LX, 1.6 Liter NA Diesel, Rebuilt Except Paint & Body

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit LX Description

1981 Rabbit Pickup LX, 1.6 Liter NA Diesel.

CURRENT STATUS- The glass, bumpers and chrome are off the truck so that it can have body and paint done. You aren't going to drive it home unless you live fairly local or put the windshield and lights back on for street legal driving. All the parts are here in good or new condition ready to put back on but you will have some restoration work on a few items like the wipers and rear bumper. You can also make choices and restore the original seats (I have fabric), put the sliding window in or not, restore the side mirrors or use the flag mirrors, restore the vent windows (I have the parts) or make them fixed.

I have to make this disclaimer.

• 1) No warranty, as-is where is, cash or cashiers check only, $250.00 deposit required within 48 hours of winning the auction. Full payment and your plan to remove it due in 7 days.
• 2) I do not guarantee I will have every single part, nut and bolt. I might miss something, or forgot to buy it.
• 3) I will make photos, videos and documents available for download for a limited time, it is up to you to claim that data and download it before I take it off line.

OVERVIEW - The project started about 8 years ago and has started and stopped many times. I did a lot of research and waited for the right time to find rare parts and repair all the little things that go wrong with this model. I like the mechanical, the research and the detailed restoration to original (or better). For example nobody ever fixes the entire HVAC. On this truck it is not simply repaired, it is restored by replacing all the damaged foam and seals on the dampers, tubing, compressor, evaporator, condenser, gas lines, oil and refrigerant etc... it functions as new (with R134A refrigerant). The speedometer/odometer gear has been repaired using the snap ring method. Steering column bushings are replaced. The horn assembly and bushings that always come apart are restored with new parts. The ash tray latch closes and does not rattle. All shift linkage bushings were replaced and the main linkage rod bushing was updated using a specialty bushing. And so on...

Below is an overview video and a running video. There are many more videos about this truck at this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCADJKPKFeaPvEC54MELjVxA

1A1 Truck Overview - YouTube

Video will open in a new window

1B2 Lets Run It Inside - YouTube

Video will open in a new window

HERE IS WAY MORE INFORMATION

The triangle vent windows are always a problem. I have the original glued windows and parts and I have a set of drilled screw-in hinges and latches with frames and new gaskets. I waited and searched and bought the right parts to restore the vent windows to original working condition.

Interior is in good condition. Dash has no cracks. I have the original seat covers and fabric to replace the center fabric on the seats. Sadly the fabric is not VW fabric, maybe you can find it if you don't like what I found. There is enough fabric to cover the back panel in the cab if you don't want to use the original vinyl on it. The seats have an all vinyl set of covers on them now which will last a long time. Carpet is original with some wear, but good. The window cranks, handles and other plastic door parts are original and have the expected discoloration to deal, the door panels are in good condition.

Engine is the original, rebuilt with basically no miles on it. The injector is original, Bosch rebuilt. Transmission is 5 speed, original, not rebuilt except seals and clutch is new with remanufactured axles. Struts and shocks are new. Front control arms and suspension bushings are new as are tie rods. Brake cylinders, brakes, springs etc. on rear are new and front are rebuilt, both front and rear are new discs and drums. Master cylinder and booster are new. Vacuum pump is original, rebuilt. Fuel tank is original, but was cleaned (over and over) and then all rubber and hoses replaced. The tank has a couple odd sized fittings... none of the hoses are forced to fit, adapters were made so the connections are first class. By the way, hoses throughout are new, either OEM replacement or actual VW parts, like the cloth braided line. The hose clamps are correct metric style and size.

A mistake I made was reusing the original radiator. I thought it was clean but after running the truck a few times it contaminated the coolant with oil. I replaced the radiator and spent a lot of time trying to clear the coolant of oil. There is still a little residue, but pretty much gone.

For glass, I have a new windshield and the original side windows. As mentioned earlier, I have two sets of triangle windows. I have the original rear glass and I have a brand new slider window. I have all new gaskets and felt for all the windows... I think, something tells me there might be a wiper for the roll up windows missing, you'll have to figure that out. The window regulators are original and work, they need to be lubed and cleaned, I have new holders for the windows.

The wiper assembly is not rebuilt yet, I think all the parts are there. The antenna is out, it is a hard to find item that you'll have to figure out. The original radio is in the dash, it works but the volume wipers need to be cleaned to remove the scratchy.

Front bumper is original, I have all the parts and pieces to put it back together. The rear OEM bumper is rusted out but I have all the parts if you want to copy them to make a new one... I had not decided. The wheel well chrome is in good shape. I have only one of the chrome side trims, but I have all the OEM clips to mount them. Tires are new, including the spare. Wheels are repainted originals and I have all the small hub caps in nice condition. I have old style hub cap clips that you can sort through to mount the hub caps.

Side mirrors were originally the extended style and I have the old parts. I preferred the flag mirrors and I have new flags for it. You can choose to restore the originals or use the flags.

Body is in good condition except for some dents on the driver side rear and some other dings here and there. There is a small rust through on the driver's side on the windshield frame. There are a number of small pits where the paint chipped and it rusted a little. The bed has a couple small rusted spots and is fair overall. I straightened some of it, but someone else can do better than me. I have the original gate and a used replacement which is in better shape. Bodywork is not something I like to do and that is why the project is not finished. The truck is stripped of all glass and trim, ready for the body shop, I just never got around to sending it.