F.A.Q.

CHRISTOPHER SANTOS answers some frequently asked questions sent to him via Email.

Q: What made you create such an extensive website?

A: Over the years I had gathered together a lot of Mk1 GTI related information and decided to publish it on the Net.

Q: After two restorations, can you recommend any garages or companies?

A: Unfortunately, the VW specialist who restored both my MK1 GTIs is no longer in business. However, I can recommend PPG Autopaint, VEGE engines, Central Axles, 3M sealant, D.B. Cartrim, Trimsport, GSF, Ronal road wheels and last but by no means least, the merit of going that extra mile and sourcing those hard to find genuine VAG parts.

Q: I want my Golf repainted, how much will this cost?

A: For a proper job in a VBRA approved bodyshop budget for around  £2000.

Q: Why did you not have your Campaign repainted?

A: After various treatments, (mopping etc.) the paint came up like new and it was good to keep it original. 

Q: Why was the original DX engine not rebuilt in your Campaign?

A: It was decided that for 100% reliability, a proper remanufactured engine with warranty would be sourced and fitted. A VEGE engine was the best available.

Q: I am looking for hard to find parts for my Mk1 Golf. Where should I start looking for them?

A: Try your local V.A.G. dealer and ask them to do a nationwide search of all their dealers. If this does not help, there are many reputable companies (dismantlers) advertising in the VW press. Also, try and locate a genuine VW parts CD, this can help with part numbers and their variations etc. 

Q: I also own an early GTI, are there any plans for a pre 1980 GTI register?

A: Have a look at the Mk1 Golf Owners' Club for they have many Mk1 Golf registers.

Q: How did you go about finding your old GTI Campaign, 15 years after you had sold it?

A: I wrote to the DVLA asking if the car was still on the road. When that was confirmed, I then explained that I had the car from new and wanted to buy it back. The DVLA then offered to assist me in contacting the current owner of the car - who agreed to sell it to me.

Q: If you had not been successful in buying your old GTI Campaign back, would you have purchased another Campaign instead?

A: Despite considering various Campaigns that were offered for sale, including a very well known Helious blue example with incredibly low mileage, the only Campaign I wanted was the car I had from new in 1983.

Q: You have restored two Mk1 Golf GTIs - will you do another?

A: No.

Q: Your two GTIs were comprehensively restored. How much did they cost?

A: Both cars took an awful lot of time and money - say no more!

Q: Which car cost the most to restore?

A: There's not much in it, but the 1979 GTI cost the most.

Q: You've had your 4-speed GTI seats reupholstered in leather. Can you recommend anyone to do this for me?

A: These original seats and oval headrests were given to D.B. Cartrim in Blackpool and I found them excellent.

Q: Why did you not keep the original rare chequered seat pattern on the 1979 GTI?

A: Certain VW dealers offered a full leather interior conversion using the original seats and headrests when the Mk1 Golf GTI was sold new. However, as this was an incredibly expensive undertaking, not many customers took up the offer. During the restoration, I decided to replicate that option on this car. However, I have since investigated the possibility of returning the interior to standard condition - with the chequered seat pattern. This may be done some time in the future.

Q: How many standard RHD 4-speed Golf GTIs are there left in this country?

A: Impossible to say. I know of only a handful of good examples in the UK.

Q: There has been a lot of talk regarding the EW chassis being the only reliable way to distinguish a genuine factory Campaign from fakes. Do you believe all genuine UK Campaigns had an EW chassis number?

A: Yes.

Q: Is the Campaign worth any more than a basic 1800cc Golf GTI Mk1?

A: I personally would not pay any premium for a Campaign. One could argue that a good standard Mk1 1800cc GTI is now rarer than the Campaign.

Q: As someone who owned a Golf GTI Campaign from new, what audio equipment did it have when it was delivered?

A: None. All Campaigns (and Mk1 GTIs) built for this country had no audio equipment (not even an aerial) fitted as standard equipment. This is clearly stated in the VW brochures from the period. As for my Campaign, when I had the car new in 1983, a specialist car audio shop in Glasgow fitted some superb ICE.

Q: Your early Golf GTI looks fantastic, will you ever take it to any shows?

A: Since being restored in 1996, HMJ761V (currently registered as SORN), has never seen any wet weather conditions.  Although occasionally driven on private roads, this car is unlikely to be recommissioned for daily use. In years to come, it may be lent to a reputable car museum.

Q: I would like to make you an offer on one of your cars, will they be offered for sale?

A: No.

Q: Why then have I seen pictures of your cars for sale on Ebay?

A: It would seem some people are nicking photographs from this site!

Q: I would like to make you an offer for the registration number 83 VW. Are you interested in selling it?

A: No.

Q: What was it like to have a brand new Mk1 GTI Campaign?

A: Great.

Q: Why did you sell your Campaign GTI in 1986?

A: The car was coming up for three years old and it was policy at the time to change all cars before their first MOT. 

Q: What is your 1983 Campaign like today?

A: It remains a great deal of fun and there are no computerised aids to dilute the driving experience which is so common in many 'drivers' cars today. 

Q: Which one of your two GTIs is the most dynamically rewarding to drive?

A: The 1979 GTI. This is probably due to the smaller wheel size.

Q: There is much discussion regarding the black surround of the rear window on the Mk1 GTI. Which cars had these?

A: By referring to official sales brochures from the period, it would seem that all Golf GTI Mk1 models had this black surround, except for black cars. Others may argue that the Helious blue models would not have this black decal, but I believe they did. To see a Helious blue Campaign with this black decal, click here.

Q: How bad is corrosion on the Mk1 Golf GTI?

A: With the youngest Mk1 Golf GTI now over twenty years old, rust will always be a major concern when buying an unknown car. Pre 1982 models can now be riddled with corrosion and pre 1980 models are best avoided unless the car can be thoroughly inspected on a professional garage ramp. The 1983 Mk1 GTI is the best bet, although my own private theory is that metallic painted cars suffer more corrosion.

Q: Yours cars have been featured in many magazines/books. I want mine featured, how do I go about achieving this?

A: Write to the magazine's editor, describing your car and why you think their readers may be interested in it. If your car is well known, the editor may even contact you.

Q: Why did you not re-use your Pirelli alloy wheels in the Campaign restoration?

A: I was never a fan of the Pirelli wheel and much prefer the look of the Ronal R10 on the Mk1 Golf.

Q:  Why don't you participate in displaying your cars at the various VW shows?

A: I am not interested in doing it.

Q: How often do you use your two Golfs?

A: The black GTI is dry stored and run up to working temperature on a regular basis, given a short exercise and fastidiously maintained. The Campaign is fully road legal and is used regularly - but only in dry weather.

Q: Is your idea of sending away for the vehicle's V55 document a reliable Campaign verification test?

A: It would seem not, as personally imported cars, or vehicles that have been first registered abroad, but are nevertheless genuine Campaigns (with an EW chassis), may not have this description.  

Q: You have financed two professional restorations. Any advice would be appreciated.

A: Firstly check the garage thoroughly. Ask to see any previous/current work. Speak personally to the people who will work on your car and keep in regular contact. Get written quotes for everything. Also agree a time scale for the whole project and have written terms for their guarantee. Also, make sure any new parts are of the quality you have asked for.

After two restorations, catalogued (surplus) new parts.

Scuttle panel label.