Mk. II and the use of adhesive "linoleum"

[Dakotakid]

One of my '86 Golfs demonstrated rust (recently) on the passenger side floor. This is an American produced Golf. I never really thought about it before all this happened, but, none of the other Golfs or Jettas I have had this crap in there. The other cars simply have metal floors....none of this adhesive crap. As I peeled back the "linoleum" today, my heart sunk as I discovered just how much rust there was......gulp.

My question is three fold: was this crap put in only in the American made cars? Did it start in '86? I now realize this stuff is also under the wiper arms and in several places in the engine bay. I haven't pulled the covering back anywhere else.....I am almost afraid to for what I am going to find.

You other guys have this siht in your cars? I've looked at this stuff for years, but never really gave it much thought.

I suspect this crap is in my '87 GTI as well? What a nightmare. I'm going to have to peel back the carpet in that car to investigate...although I think that car has always been dry (inside).

[shwak23]

I don't think the sound deadening is what is causing the rust. Water inside the car causes rust regardless of sound deadening.

Sent from Outer Space!

[theman53]

It helps it rust. It holds the moisture and salt combination and never lets it really dry. In Ohio a good start is to rip all of it out and poke holes from the top down to let it drain. Then use rust bullet if you are really trying to save it. Without the stuff in there it will go much longer without rusting.

[Dakotakid]

Exactly. Once the moisture gets under the "mat," it isn't getting out. And, it does not take much. I am curious which vehicles received this stuff because my gas '85 Jetta has none of it. I don't remember seeing any of this stuff on my friend's '84 Jetta when we went through it last year, either.

My advice to anyone who loves their car:  get under the carpet and peel this crap off and apply some Rust Bullet and paint. It is better to contend with this early rather than later.

[srgtlord]

I can attest to the fact that 85 golf's do not have this matting either.

[R.O.R-2.0]

ALL of my VWs have that crap in them, even my old rabbits.. (79, 81, 84)

my 85 and 86 GTIs definitely both have that crap on the floors...

my 92 GLI has it as well..

i ended up pulling all of it out of my first rabbit, and there was something like 40#'s of the shizz in the car..