New to VWs, Just bought 2 rabbits, Looking for guidance

[ncrabbit]

Hello everyone,

I just bought a pair of VW rabbits and I am looking for a little advice.

First, and nicest, is a 1983 VW Rabbit Convertible, white with tan top. It has the 5 speed manual transmission with the 1.8L (I think?) gas engine.

Second, is the 1978 VW Rabbit 4 door, 1.4L diesel engine with 4 speed manual transmission. It is tan colored, with a good deal of surface rust.

I bought these two from the same guy, selling for money to buy an engagement ring. I have only dealt with muscle cars (camaros and firebirds) and trucks, only v8. I did have a 92 ford probe as my first car. No experience working on these little guys, but from my first impression, I love them. I am a big guy, and fitting inside one of these little things had me a little worried, but I did, and within seconds I was in love. It's like driving a go kart!

So, the convertible has only a few issues:
1- AC compressor is locked up, so the previous owner removed the belt. Anyone have any advice on that one?

2- Gauges - lights wont work, don't know if it has a bad dimmer switch or what. Filled it up with gas this morning and the whole rigth side of the panel went out (tach, temp, and fuel). Now the flashers won't work either, though I can hear the clicking. Possibly a fuse? If not, any suggestions?

3 - Convertible top - there are 4 tears at the rear, 2 at the top, and 2 at the bottom. Thinking of just patching them. Ay suggestions?

Haven't picked up the 78 diesel yet, but i drove it yesterday before I purchased it. Don't know of any issues yet, just needs some work (DA the body and prime).

Hoping to learn a lot from you guys, forums have always been a huge help. Looking forward to enter a new era of cars here!

[Dan_in_WA]

I come from a similar background as far as cars - and I'm pretty new to the VW's myself.

Seems our Mk1's have issues with corrosion in the electrical system. My car ('81 Convertible) has had the same problem with the dash gauges you described. There is a voltage regulator chip (3 terminal IC) on top of the printed circuit at the back of the dash gauges. Corrosion at the slide terminals was responsible for my problem. A little bit of Scotchbrite and WD-40 should take care of it.

If you're in the U.S., you'll need an EPA 609 certificate to legally do anything with the A/C. All that is, is a 25 question open book test. And a small testing fee. Go to ESCO Institute Home Page for more info.

Hope you see this post, I realize I'm jumping in a little late!

Dan_in_WA

EDIT: On the left hand bar of the link, it's the 2nd one down under "Certifications". I tested the link after posting. For those who are curious, 608 is the certification for all A/C and refrigeration that isn't intended for automotive interior cooling. 609 is for auto A/C systems.

[stealthpassat]

fix everything wrong with the cars and slam them bitches =)
haha
but the nice thing about the mk1s and mk2s is that they are pretty basic to work on and the wiring in my experience was shit so once you fix what was wrong you will have one bullet proof ride