Rabbit TD in America

[vegfuel]

I'm looking at a rabbit turbo diesel here in U.S. It is an 83' and is said to be rare. Can someone tell me a little bit about these? I would think that they would a little unperfected as this was the time that vw was really starting to come out with turbos, in the U.S. anyway.

[gnavs]

i think the turbo diesel rabbits were rare, there were a lot of NA diesels back then.

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

Well VW didn't really change or improve the TD over the years. The 1.9TD is pretty similar to a 1.6TD.

It should have solid lifters and an old style vacuum pump.

[Quantum TD]

Yeah. The early 1.6TD is about the same as the 1.9 AAZ Turbo Diesel (mechanical version), with minor modifications. They're extremely easy to fix (no computers or vacuum valves, etc). Just straight turbo goodness, with a mechanically adjusted wastegate.

As long as it runs well, I'd go for it. Is it that one on the west coast? It looks nice.

[vegfuel]

yep, that's the one

it's got a Yakima rack on top and it is said to have a tall 5th gear (?) so it cruise at 70 and get 50

[TD_Bunny]

I also have a '83 TD rabbit. Cool little car and really fun to drive! I got mine from NM and despite a few areas where I can see some rust bubbling under the paint there is no cancer rust whatsoever. Just need to get the interior redone and i will be set. BTW, I really want a rack so if you get the car and dont want the rack lemme know FWIW, cruising about 70 on the highway in takin it easy in town i get 47-48mpg in my little rabbit.

Its an older car so just be prepared for little surprises to fix along the way and should be good to go.

[Dennis Froelich]

1983 and 1984 were the years for the TD Bunny.

There were less than 500 total for these years.

Approximately 80 produced in 83 and around 400 in 84.

I have/had a 83 Rabbit TD. The body and floor is rusting away, so it is the new heart for my 79 Rabbit German Rabbit.

[cowboybootlegger]

1983 and 1984 were the years for the TD Bunny.

There were less than 500 total for these years.

Approximately 80 produced in 83 and around 400 in 84.

I have/had a 83 Rabbit TD. The body and floor is rusting away, so it is the new heart for my 79 Rabbit German Rabbit.

Wow, only 80 in '83? :shock:   I knew my '83 TD was rare, but i didn't know it
was that rare... cool.  

[TD_Bunny]

yep lol I got one too, practically one of a kind  

In all honesty though, unless you are a collector having a TD rabbit doesnt mean that much other than the fact it is already turboed. Still, it is cool to say you have one. DLF im surprised, you swapped it out because of a rusted floorpan? what, no miracle body work? lol must have been pretty bad.

[Dennis Froelich]

It would have taken alot of work to repair. It had been in salt country all its life which really hurt it. Rusting back by where the suspension(rear)
mounts. Wasn't worth it.

With the TD in my 79 and the 79 5 speed (FO) code, the car is fast and VERY fun to drive. I have dusted quite a few people with it. :twisted:  It hasn't been tuned on yet either.

Soon to get put away for the winter....

If I get another one, I want a 2 door this time. (Westmoreland)

Dennis

[cowboybootlegger]

yep lol I got one too, practically one of a kind  

In all honesty though, unless you are a collector having a TD rabbit doesnt mean that much other than the fact it is already turboed. Still, it is cool to say you have one.

Darn, and i was all ready to make thousands on mine. :lol:
Not really, but there is a certain cool factor to having the privilege of
owning a piece of VW history.  Kinda makes you all warm and fuzzy inside... :lol:

[TD_Bunny]

i dont know Dennis i might be able to get mine up to par since you have to put yours away! course i dont think i can match the sick restore job in a weekend like you. heck snow has only stuck in town here once in the past 8yrs lol. I just realized we also have the same tranny code :lol:  only difference is mine is a 2dr.

[Dennis Froelich]

Ed

Your TD Rabbit is cool. I would love to have a factory 2 door TD 83 or 84 Westy Rabbit. Maybe I'll happen upon one someday. Hell, the 83 TD Rabbit I have now I got for free 3 years ago. I had to go to Vermont to get it. It was worth it.

Dennis

[anavark]

yep, that's the one

it's got a Yakima rack on top and it is said to have a tall 5th gear (?) so it cruise at 70 and get 50

Have you seen that car in person?  I'm not in the market yet, but love those cars and have been trying to get an idea of what they go for, for "one day"...  Any input on it?  It looks nice, but $4k seems like a lot of $$$ for that car, unless you're in it strictly as a collector thing.

Curious what your first-hand experience might have been.

[vegfuel]

It was just a consideration car. I was coming over to the coast for TG break and wanted to look at a really nice 81' rebuilt rabbit pickup, an 86' Golf and a that TD Rabbit. Well I decided on the Golf because it had newer mods and was upgraded to biodiesel, so I never drove it or saw it. It still might be for sale on craigslist.

BTW: If you look on the back of the rabbit in one of the pics it says "Rabbit Turbo Diesel GL" GL? in 83? that sounds rare! :?