New caddy here

[rumbling_caddy]

  Hello.  I picked up this caddy last week.  Haven't done much except the get it running and properly road legal registered.  It passed DEQ on the first try     It also has a newer motor from a 1986 diesel jetta w/ hydraulic lifters.   I also slapped on the cabby bumper to have a place for the front plate which is required here

[Rabbit on Roids]

passed DEQ? a diesel shouldnt have to pass DEQ in oregon i thought.. unless that was an original gasser truck..

[rumbling_caddy]

   Diesel exemption is only for vehicles over 8500 lbs in the Portland metro area.  The caddy isn't old enough to be fully exempted,   maybe in a few more years

[rumbling_caddy]

Did a little bit to the caddy today.   

Out with the old stuff, cut stock springs and blown struts.  Sorta of a bumpstop on one side just a sliver on the other side



In  with the new stuff.  Slightly cut H&R springs and used KYB struts.  Also new strut bearing, 1/2 bumpstops each side, and new strut holders   Can't complain, I have some working front suspension now.


Face to face with my other vw:

[mystery3]

Is the back of that truck lowered? Did the truck bumper not have a plate bracket?

[rumbling_caddy]

Yes the rear is also lowered.  The axle is flipped, it's on top of the leaf springs now.  Probably shorter shocks too.  I didn't do that.  Bought it that way.  There's a rear plate holder and plate now too

[rumbling_caddy]

   Something just broke on the caddy shortly after I replace the front suspension.   The engine is working fine, just no power to the wheels.   Good thing that happened only a block from my house. Could be an axle or the clutch.  If it's the clutch then this is the perfect opportunity to put in a 5-speed trans to replace the 4-speed.

[rumbling_caddy]

   My passenger side drive axle broke.  Good thing it's not the clutch, because that's more work than I want to do right now.  The caddy is learning a trick from the Corrado.  I go in and fix one problem and something else unrelated breaks.

[GEE-BEE]

VWTRANSAXLES.COM is close when your ready

GB

[rumbling_caddy]

  What does South African caddy bumpers look like?  Could I get a better pic?  I've heard these little Mk1 caddy's were made all the way to 2006 down there.  Is that correct?

[Rabbit on Roids]

i bet anything south african front ends are rare, and worth more than their weight in gold. usually thats how all things are that GB owns. he probably paid more for his bumper alone than you did for your whole caddy, Michael.

did you ever contact tyler (burn_your_money) about the turbo kit he has?

[rumbling_caddy]

   Yes I did.  Thanks for the tip Kevin.  Some rebuilt axles are on order.  Whoever had this caddy before  does nothing until something break.  All four CV boots and both steering rack boots are shredded.  It's going to get some attention and fixed up nice though. 

[GEE-BEE]

Ref: South African parts:


Core Support 65.00
front bumper new 38.65
fenders with indicators new :51.77 each
rear bumperett's 15.50 ( pair )
rear plate lights 12.50   ( pair )
clear tail lights 91.00 pair

I brought in few at the time and the frht was more, If i did the conversion again I would get the fenders with the side turn signals

Want a pic of my tail ?
[email protected]

Check out :www.autostyle.co.za/

You will have to do a wire transfer and they can mail or fed ex your stuff


While your under your truck , dont forget to replace all the boots : suspension, shifter etc.
GB

[Powered by Spearco]

I also like the Rabbit rear quarter flairs. Chrome or carbonfiber  .

Lots of cool stuff,  but I'm sure its spendy for shipping.

[rumbling_caddy]

   The current plan for this caddy get all the neglected maintenance stuff  taking care off.  Rebuild drive shafts are on order and a Neuspeed short shifter kit is coming too.  The truck already feels so much better with working front suspension.  Adjustable air shocks will go in the back at some point.

   Already inspired by this forum and looking forward to turboing this 1.6D.  Good to know that's a lot more potential in this little motor.  A 5 speed trans will go in probably after the turbo stuff  or when the clutch is gone.  Maybe a differential bolt kit is enough.  An LSD would be spendy.

  It'll be quite a while before body and paint.  I'll probably using more of the clipper kit with some mods since I already have all those pieces