New parts truck - 1981 VW Caddy (Rabbit Pickup)

[TruEdrty]

Earnhardt WHEEW!

[Hey-U]

I really like these little trucks, probably the only VW that I would own again. They look so good when they are super clean and lowered. Good luck with your build sounds like you are on the right track.

[E30Kaiser]

I am seriously considering getting a Rabbit Diesel for daily driving and turning it into a mpg project, so I am following this car closely for motivation! If I had the money to blow I would put a TDI engine in it like the Top Gear Proj. Sipster http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGBqBVoAcMs

Keep up the good work with your Caddy, and best of luck with the rust tackling.

[ethree]

Have you done the rear disc swap? If so, what'd you use? Also, what model from Monroe are they running? I'm gonna get her rust free and then worrying about tightening everything up. I've got a lot of work to do to get the body/paint looking right. I do, however, want to know what suspension everyone is running in these. I want something a little more aggressive than stock, but I don't it to be too low. I know that a lot of people say you can never go TOO low, but I want to keep this truck's practicality, while still looking better than it does stock, if that makes sense. Thanks for the comments/help.

Chris

I have not done the disc swap or anything else to the rear but pretty much any set up from a mk1, 2 or 3 with rear disc so mostly 16v cars or corrados.

I'd have to search around to get the model number of the monroes something weird like early 70's corvette application or something, but I've seen a number of guys running them with drop plates and when the need to haul something the air the shocks up with a portable compressor and raise the ride height and dampening rate. I'm planning on helper springs in the back to raise the ride height a little and help with hauling a lot. This site has some excellent info and products. http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/ForSale/

[Ryann]

Replace your injector o-rings and cups.

[FreedS4]

Oh, and with the rear disc set-uo, what does everyone run for a parking brake set-up? Thanks

Chris

[FreedS4]

You know what the say about bags right?

I'd do the rear disk swap if you're disassembling the rear end anyway. If you do actually haul stuff a lot of guys like the airshocks from monroe? I think, I haven't started on the rear yet, lots of info on vortex.

I'd also look at stiffening up the front, strut bar, lower brace, sway bar etc.

Have you done the rear disc swap? If so, what'd you use? Also, what model from Monroe are they running? I'm gonna get her rust free and then worrying about tightening everything up. I've got a lot of work to do to get the body/paint looking right. I do, however, want to know what suspension everyone is running in these. I want something a little more aggressive than stock, but I don't it to be too low. I know that a lot of people say you can never go TOO low, but I want to keep this truck's practicality, while still looking better than it does stock, if that makes sense. Thanks for the comments/help.

Chris

[ethree]

You know what the say about bags right?

I'd do the rear disk swap if you're disassembling the rear end anyway. If you do actually haul stuff a lot of guys like the airshocks from monroe? I think, I haven't started on the rear yet, lots of info on vortex.

I'd also look at stiffening up the front, strut bar, lower brace, sway bar etc.

[FreedS4]

i drove one when i used to work for VW, i would deliver parts... man on man they are def not built for a guy who is over6ft. so fing small.

I feel like I've got more room in there than I do in my e30 and I'm 6'3"! It's probably just because I'm sitting up higher in the Caddy, though.

[mitch500]

i drove one when i used to work for VW, i would deliver parts... man on man they are def not built for a guy who is over6ft. so fing small.

[FreedS4]

Some inspiration ;)

Well done, I've been inspired! And this pretty much settles my decision on what color to get it painted. Nice work, thanks!

Chris

[Moto-Mucci]

Some inspiration ;)



















This one has always done it for me ...

[FreedS4]

Work in progress...

[FreedS4]

No they are not. All 4 wheels are identical. The "turbo twist" or what ever they call them now all are identical and twist the same way, so depending what side of the car you look at they twist towards the front, and the other side towards the back.

Good info, thanks. Looks good either way.

My brothers friend has one with a turbo 16v, puts down like 300whp. Silly fast. And they look cool.

Don't know I'd want THAT much power in a FWD Rabbit, but that's sweet. Pictures?

[SamE30e]

My brothers friend has one with a turbo 16v, puts down like 300whp. Silly fast. And they look cool.