1981 Volkswagen Rabbit

pickup Pickup truck

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1v1kb0174bv204050

Clear

Gasoline

Up for sale is a 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup that was a low budget project about 8 years ago. Since that time, the truck has been only driven in the summers and taken off the road for the winters. It was originally a gas fueled truck and has an ’87 GTI 1.8L 8V engine swapped in. Unknown mileage on the engine. It was “freshened” up at that time with new rings, mains and rods, oil pump, all seals and gaskets, valve stem seals, reground valves, rebuilt alternator, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, clutch and pressure plate. It has an unknown brand header installed with a Techtonics Tuning aluminized exhaust with Dynomax muffler. Also a large bore intake (between MAF and throttle body) and a 2.0L 16V throttle body.It also has a G grind camshaft in it. A new radiator and all hoses were installed. The engine runs very well and does not smoke. It gets about 30 mpg around town and about 36 mpg on the highway. On top of that, it’s fast….faster than my 2.0L 16v GTI. It has always started right up every spring after sitting all winter without being touched. The transmission is the original transmission, a 5 speed. The transmission is good but the shift linkages are completely shot rendering shifting somewhat of a challenge. Nothing was ever done to rebuild the linkages. Rebuilt axle shafts were installed along with new transmission output flange seals. The front suspension was almost completely rebuilt including: new struts and springs, wheel bearings, lower ball joints and tie rods. Rear suspension is stock leaf springs with new shock absorbers. Also new rear wheel bearings and seals. Brakes were gone through and a new master cylinder installed, all new brake hoses front and rear, rebuilt calipers up front, new pads and rotors, new wheel cylinders in the rear, new shoes and springs and turned rotors. New emergency brake cables were also installed but currently the emergency brake needs some attention. The body is typical of a rabbit in the northeast…it had some rust and holes. It had the beginnings of the typical “rabbit rust” hole under the passenger side front strut tower. 14 ga. sheetmetal patches were hand formed and welded over the hole and the entire wheel well undercoated. The hole was about 3” in diameter. Obviously the passenger side of the truck had some work done in the past to it..ie the door. The lower rocker panel had some holes that were fixed as well. There is no rot or rust in the bed of the truck and the floors are solid. There are various dents and dings around the body and some rust around the wheel wells, typical for a northeast vehicle that is 29 years old. A 2.0L 16V GTI antenna was installed on the roof. The sunroof was existing, it does not leak. A sliding rear window was installed. Also a new windshield was installed to replace the pitted original. A new cabriolet nose was installed including new front fenders and front radiator support. The truck has an aftermarket fiberglass lower front air dam/spoiler. The front bumper is installed but the rear one is not. The interior is a blue stock interior that was pulled from an ’84 GTI including carpet, seats, dashboard and all gauges and center console. A custom headliner was made to match. Wheels are 14” stock snowflake rims with decent tires. Overall the truck would make a good project for someone who is looking for something fun to drive around in. It is very dependable and has been driven on several 500+ mile trips. Buyer responsible for all shipping arrangements and costs associated with. We can help load if needed. No warranty is expressed or given. Local buyers are welcome to view/test drive the truck. I can also take specific pictures if asked.