1981 Volkswagen Other

Pickup Truck

1.6L I4 NA Diesel

Manual 4-speed

1v1kg0173bv118343

Clear

Diesel

I have a 1981 VW Rabbit (Caddy), with the 1.6L NA diesel engine, and 4-speed manual transmission. The vehicle runs and drives, but I definitely consider it a project, as it has 2 problems which will not allow it to pass inspection. I purchased this as a hobby and toy, but my work schedule has changed and I no longer have time to work on it. I know these trucks are generally highly sought after, and are hard to find, so I don't want to see it go to waste. This will not have a reserve, I simply want to see it go to a new (hopefully good) home. I drove this home from Tulsa to Houston, it got 35-38mpg doing 75mph or so. A few of the common issues I've found with it are as follows:-There is a small leak of water through the dash when it rains heavily, which will occasionally leave the floorboard damp. (Never any puddles like my '86 Jetta.)-Electrical fun: Turn signals are inoperable. The previous owner made them work by wiring them directly to the battery. The wiring for that set up isn't connected, but still present.-More electrical fun: Horn is inoperable. I was unable to get voltage to the wiring in the steering column, and never got it fixed.-MORE electrical fun: The cooling fan is rigged up to a switch under the dash, so I was under the assumption the other wiring was problematic as well. Other issues I'd consider messing with:-Tires have good tread, but are 4-5 production years old.-The timing belt's age is unknown. Previous owner couldn't provide paperwork to document when it was last changed, so I won't guess.-Surface rust on the panel between the hood and windshield. There is no cancerous rust, but it will get that way if it's not cared for.-End cap on final injector is currently a vacuum line tip, obviously that is not a proper fix, it was just to get it by for the time being. Truck has a few parts that were new or relatively new when I bought it:-CV joints-Rear window with slider-Brake lines NO rust on the strut towers whatsoever. They are solid. It has also received a few new parts after I drove it home.-New fuel filter -Fuel filter to IP fuel line (the old one was stiff, faded, and dry rotting at the ends)-Air Filter-Starter-Battery-New set of 12v glow plugs to replace the old 9v set. (One of the old plugs was no longer working.)-New glow plug relay to work with the new glow plugs. The previous owner could get the tailgate down, but I haven't been able to get it to lower since I got it home. Speedometer, fuel gauge, and odometer all work. Temperature gauge does NOT work. It drives and shifts well, there is no excessive smoke on start up, and with the new electrical goodies, starts up without hesitation. I cannot find any serious rust on or under the vehicle, but any specifics can be provided for those with questions. I have extra parts that came with the truck when I bought it.-Spare passenger door (silver)-Spare front grille-Box of parts that includes a spare set of injectors, cooling system overflow tank cap, and numerous others. Interior is in about 30 year old shape, as it is. Seat covers on the seats, no headliner, but it does have a nice dashpad. It's nowhere near showroom condition, but the seats, seatbelts, steering wheel, and dash parts are all in place. No radio, there's just a spot for one if you want to put one in. I would NOT recommend driving this vehicle home. No turn signals or horn. PLEASE PLAN TO TOW THIS HOME! Please email with questions or requests for pictures. I will make every effort to be as accommodating as possible. Please understand I have a busy work schedule during the week. I can provide a link to more pictures for those who desire specifics, feel free to email me. I have a photobucket account set up for this truck.On Nov-20-12 at 02:45:37 PST, seller added the following information: For those locally interested in coming to see the truck, it will be shown Wednesday evening after 6pm. If you would like to come see it, please message me so I can send the interested parties the address where the truck will be shown. Thank you!On Nov-22-12 at 06:54:14 PST, seller added the following information: Anyone else interested in more photos of the truck, please send me your email address so I can directly send you the link. I have been having problems using the ebay messages portion, and many are not getting the link I am sending them. I apologize for the problems, but will be able to take and post more pictures today if necessary to those who are interested. Thank you, and sorry for the problems!