1981 VW Rabbit Pickup

[kyreb1862]

Anybody have any experience with these? I saw one on Craigslist I like the looks of.
https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/821729211.html

 

[jackq]

As the owner of a VW shop, I've worked on many and owned a few. Cheap to own and operate...had a few gas burners and a couple of diesels....last week an old guy at a wrecking yeard said he had one with a new diesel engine he'd let go for 250....don't need it but it was interesting.

 

[Steve]

They have something of a cult following. Useful little vehicle, a common modification is to drop a tuned GTi mill in there in place of the standard unit, and upgrade to GTi suspension, etc....... They are pretty rare, so you won't see yourself coming down the road.

I love the first-generation Golf (the Rabbit over here). Parts are obtainable, relatively easy to wrench on, and they are pretty cheap. Big VW fan, family currently has five of 'em.

 

[vping]

We had a '79 Rabbit for about 10 years and it was very reliable. I got rid of it way too soon. My neighbor currently has a pickup and is awaiting a new engine. It has like a million miles on it and is a real work horse.

BTW:
I've got dibs on one of the those license plates if you get it
V

 

[kennypinkerton]

That GTi swap sounds interesting. Throw in a modified cabriolet top and it would be supremely unique.

 

[weewillie]

If it were me i'd go for it and as Steve says a bit of a cult following and enough room in the engine bay to drop in a 1.8t or a 2 litre, and like Steve we have 4 in the driveway. The oldest is the wife's '87 cabby(316000km and running strong) and the newest a 05 new beetle and in between a 2001 gti chipped 1.8t,lowered with 18" rims and all leather interior, and a 2001 jetta chipped 1.8t, lowered and 17" rims. All nicer than my 2002 ford windstar, you can tell the kids have all the nice cars

 

[mrsprite]

last week an old guy at a wrecking yeard said he had one with a new diesel engine he'd let go for 250....don't need it but it was interesting.

Do you have this guys contact info? I have been looking for a diesel VW truck that I can afford and $250 is affordable (even if I have to go 500 miles to get it).


Please LMK.