1981 VW Rabbit Caddy Diesel Pickup Truck Volkswagen 151K miles 1.6D w/ Topper

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Description

Bought this from a buddy of mine was going to fix it up over time. Just found out my wife is pregnant so wont have the time or money, would like to try and break even, I paid $1800 and put some time and money into it. I lost some time this past month due to a non paying buyer so now Ive got to list it at a no reserve auction, so what it sells for is what it sells for.
The good: runs and drives great, no smoke at start up, doesnt burn any oil, starts in the cold even single digits (below freezing i cycle glow plugs twice) 4 speed manual, motor is quick, sounds good, clutch good, new shocks, new V belt, new CV axle, newer glow plugs and newer set of four Cooper tires. Fiberglass topper is in good shape, Ive been getting around 40-45 mpg took it camping this spring and towed my john boat to some lakes for fishing. It loves 50-55 mph Ive done 65 and it still had more to give but I didnt like the way it was revving out (4 speed) so I didnt push it past 65. Truck is a little champ. Some stuff works and some doesnt, speedo and odometer work, coolant temp and lights work (turn signal relay has been intermittently buzzing instead of clicking lately, think it might be on its way out). Trip, e-brake, clock, gas gauge doesnt, I just go off of miles driven. Odometer works and reads 151K miles, although the title says not actual. My buddy said this was because he filled the title out wrong. Not sure, it definitely runs like it has low mileage. There are some old records in the glove box from a guy in Ohio who owned it for about 20 years and didnt seem like he drove it much. The bad: Truck got side swiped pretty bad on the passenger side when my buddy owned it. I planned to find a new door (theyre the same on 4 door rabbits) although this one still opens and closes fine and window works too. I was also going to pull the bed out a bit where it got pushed in. I dont think its a great restoration candidate since rust has started creeping in. Its got about a fist size hole under the drivers seat and rust spots all over. none on the shock towers and nothing that i think a safety issue. My plan for this truck was to fix a few things, give it a once over and drive it til the wheels fell off. Driver seat is ugly but comfy and functional. Definitely not a gem has a bad paint job. But the mechanicals and functionals are there and strong motor. If you want a garage beauty queen collector truck keep looking. If you want a little commuter or work truck that gets good mileage and do light hauling, drive it til the wheels fall off like I was going to. Thanks ask any questions you have