Author Topic: 1981 VW Turbo Diesel Pickup (Read 6130 times)

greggearhead · « **on:** July 14, 2005, 09:35:10 am »

Well, I got one, but I can't afford to keep it. I will be building a TD motor for one of my other Pickups to keep - this thing is just too much fun and practical. Not as quick as the 2.0 16V, but with a little work...

Great shape - this truck has been in Colorado all its life and therefore has an extremely good body - the only rust is on the right rear (see pictures). This has been a DAILY DRIVER for an older gentleman for many, many years. The pickups never came with Turbo Diesels from the factory. This one was converted using a Quantum TD motor and some parts from a Golf TD to complete the install (manifolds, filter flange, etc). The head was rebuilt when the conversion took place, in February of 2000, it also received a newtiming belt at 153k, so that won't need to be changed for many thousands of miles. It always starts right up - and doesn't smoke unless you are full throttle (which is correct for a turbo diesel). It will cruise down the interstate at 75-80mph no problem, thanks to the 5 speed and the turbo. It was towed behind a motorhome for approx. 20,000 miles, so the odometer shows that amount of "extra" mileage. Notice the very strong front tow bumper. Comes with the truck. The rear bumper is a very heavy duty tow bumper which is a nice feature, as the factory bumpers would bend if you looked at them cross-eyed.

It has ALWAYS received Mystik or Shell Rotella motor oil, which is specifically designed for diesels. The oil has been religiously changed at 3,000 miles, and it has been driven by an older gentleman - it has not been abused. Proper warmup and cooldown of a turbo motor has been observed. A large oil cooler has also been added - a proper feature in a turbo motor. I JUST did an oil change and filter (German Bosch filter) and coolant and thermostat (german t-stat) change as well. This truck should be good to go for a long time.

If I didn't have sooo many VWs right now, this one would be a keeper for sure. I have 2 other VW Pickups, one with a 2.0 16V, and one I am building another TD engine for (that is how much this one has won me over), a Corrado G60 (for sale), a Fox I am parting out, etc etc etc.

I have owned a LOT of these pickups (around 12 or 13) and this one is VERY clean. I can find NO rust at all anywhere near the strut towers. The floors are totally rust free. The brakes work fine, the steering is tight, it is a good little truck with a wonder of a motor. It is not perfect however. Like I mentioned, it has been a daily driver, so there are things that could use attention. The windshield is cracked, the front struts are getting a bit soft (still drives fine - I would be glad to install new front struts for you for $125 and the topper has seen better days and is not 100% waterproof.

It comes with some factory alloy wheels 13 x 5" size with good 185/70R13 tires. It looks and handles well with these. I will also include the steel wheels and chrome hubcaps with good 165SR13 tires. It even has the spare tire and holder under the bed!

greggearhead · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2005, 09:47:52 am »

Forgot to add -this is on ebay, so if you don't want to make a cash offer, click the link in my signature to go bid.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2005, 11:29:40 am »

:shock: clean. wow. supervisor must have been looking over the strut tower guy's shoulder when he did this one! nice caddy :mrgreen:

greggearhead · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2005, 11:43:49 am »

One of the many benefits of living in Colorado with like 10% humidity. No rust propagates here. I grew up in Iowa, where if you left a bolt outside overnight, it would have surface rust on it.

VWRacer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2005, 01:23:15 pm »

Greg, how much to get the windshield replaced? And can you pick up a buyer at the Denver airport? Thanks!

greggearhead · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2005, 03:11:58 pm »

I should be able to get the windshield replaced for around $150, and yes, I can pick up a buyer at the Denver airport (if they have cash).

VWRacer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2005, 08:52:30 am »

Does it have air conditioning? Today it's supposed to get to 109F here in Cali (nice pun, eh?

), and I gotta have a/c!

greggearhead · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2005, 09:08:18 am »

It does not have AC, sorry. You could always go with aftermarket or use a swamp-cooler. I had one from my Days at Rocky Mountain Motorworks, and it worked great. Got some funky looks from people because of the big thing hanging out the window, but it worked.

VWRacer · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2005, 10:52:47 am »

Hey, I remember those things from when I was a kid. Good to see they're still around.

Stan at 109F... :shock:

greggearhead · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2005, 10:59:22 am »

It has been a hot week here in CO, too. Spent Saturday at Bandimere Speedway watching the NHRA drags - hot, hot, hot. Have spent all week outside, too. Upper 90s. Luckily, the low humidity helps a bit.
Motor swap at a buddy's house that doesn't have a garage, parting an 84 Scirocco parked outside, some outside house work, etc.
It is much cooler this week!

greggearhead · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2005, 06:31:12 am »

Last couple hours in the auction right now!!