MK1 VW Caddy as backup ride/parts hauler?

[LJ851]

OK
Right now i have no backup vehicle and all the DDs need some work that will remove them from the road for more than a few days. My girls e30 is getting all new suspension at least and my '85 carrera has two cylinders that are not pulling their weight so its at least a fresh top end for that. So i need a third machine to pull DD duty while our other junk is off the road and a parts / motorcycle hauler . I have always admired MK1 caddies and a friend of a friend is selling one for a suitable (cheap) price. I have worked on several rabbits over the years , but never owned one so im hoping some of you have experience and wisdom about MK1 ownership. What should i look out for , or am i heading down the wrong path? Please advise.

[joshuafr]

Ill admit i dont know too much about rabbits, but i know the technology in them is a little older than e30s and whatnot, so if youre used to that, and can fix it, then thats fine. But if you can work on it and its cheap i say why not.

Also you may find that you like modding it more than you want too because rabbits are awesome :P

[csermonet47]

Delatlanta has a good bit of experience with MKIs.

I recently bought one and they are pretty easy to work on and parts are extremely cheap. Like $25 for a shock and $20 for a control arm cheap. A full engine gasket kit is like $45. If its a diesel, I have the injection pump pin and cam shaft lock if you need to borrow them.

[lolcantturn]

I don't know much about them, but my next car will undoubtedly be an MK1 caddy diesel.

[Fah-q]

i used have this before i got my e30, and would love to have another one, or a caddy. Great fun to drive, easy to work on, cheap to run, and look awesome. can't really fault them.

[3ics]

If you can get one that is in good condition at a good price, jump on it.

[davem]

Too bad those "pick-ups" are fwd.

[AC Nico]

someone knows where i can buy those fender flares?

[LJ851]

Thanks for the replies. Im going to look at this one on monday, its a former diesel with a '90 or so 1.8 running a 2 barrel weber. davem i agree about the fwd issue, i cant leave any thing stock and am already thinking along the lines of motivating from the other end. Ive heard the front strut towers can fall off are there any other common rust areas? Someone has put a round headlight nose on it which i like.

[Fah-q]

i think the most common rust areas are the sills and probably the pick-up bed. its also pretty hard to find a caddy with a straight tail gate, is in this country anyway! their almost always bent to fuck!!

[mikeedler]

R U S T !
other than that, it's kinda like working on a bicycle.
ride like crap, are uncomfortable, but they sure do look cool.

[LJ851]

Well i made first contact with this caddy. It has a lot of loose ends that need tidying up but it runs and drives pretty well. The price seems reasonable @ 1100 bucks. I couldnt find any rust to speak of, but someone let loose with some custom door panels and headliner in the 80s that have GOT to go. Gonna go check it out again next sat.

[woodisgood]

Pics?

[bikerbill2021]

ive always wanted one, one of my fav VWs

my buddy had one, we swapped an ABA into it, and it was unstoppable. complete pile, totally rusted out, but it was a fun lil thing to throw around and lug shit in

[RicerX]

i've always wanted a caddy.. their look just draws me in :D good luck man!