Market Position:
The Golf Mk1 Cabriolet (Einsitzer Cabriolet) was a popular and stylish compact convertible, known for its sporty handling and open-top driving experience, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Competed against other compact convertibles of the era, such as the Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra Cabriolet, and similar offerings from other European manufacturers.
Key Features:
Lightweight chassis, engaging handling, iconic design inherited from the Golf Mk1 hatchback, excellent build quality for its time, and the freedom of open-air motoring.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, detailed, and illustrated guidance for maintaining and repairing the Golf Mk1 Cabriolet, enabling owners to perform tasks themselves, saving on professional labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep of this classic vehicle.
Market Segment:
European and North American markets (implied by model availability)
Engine Variants Covered:
1.8L Water-Cooled 4 Cylinder
Transmission Variants Covered:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission
Page Count:
Not specified, but described as comprehensive with detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and common for international manuals)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, performance tuning, component replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types, bleeding procedures.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Pierburg or Solex) or fuel injection (if applicable to later models), fuel pump, lines, filters, testing.
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter (if equipped), pipes, gaskets, mounting points.
Emission Control:
PCV system, EGR system (if equipped), evaporative emissions control.
Ignition:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wires, timing adjustment, electronic ignition components.
Manual Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch release mechanism, shifting components, fluid specifications.
Clutch:
Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, hydraulic system (master and slave cylinders), adjustment.
Automatic Transmission:
General operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance (specifics may vary by AT model).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam or independent suspension (depending on specific Mk1 variant), control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, steering components.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common), hydraulic system, master cylinder, calipers, pads, shoes, fluid types, bleeding.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, convertible top mechanism, door mechanisms, glass, weatherstripping.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system (alternator), fuses, relays, instrumentation, convertible top electrics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks, lubrication, belt tensioning.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common problems, fault finding procedures, using diagnostic tools (if applicable).
Repair:
Component replacement, assembly/disassembly, adjustments, seal and gasket replacement, engine rebuild basics.
Installation:
Installation of replacement parts and accessories.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to major repairs and component overhauls. Suitable for DIY and professional mechanics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Water-cooled
Engine Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1781 cc) - Common for this period and engine size.
Engine Code Examples:
DX, EV, EZ, GU, GW (Specific codes would be detailed in the manual).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-112 hp (depending on specific engine variant and tuning, e.g., GTI models).
Torque Range:
Approximately 140-155 Nm (depending on specific engine variant).
Fuel Delivery:
Likely a mix of Weber or Pierburg carburetors for base models, and Bosch K-Jetronic or Digifant fuel injection for performance variants (e.g., GTI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant mixture (specific VW specification likely detailed in manual, e.g., G11).
Body Style:
2-door Convertible
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2400 mm (94.5 inches)
Length:
Approximately 3975 mm (156.5 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1600 mm (63.0 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1370 mm (53.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 980-1050 kg (2160-2315 lbs) depending on equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Not specified, but would be available in detailed specs.
Trunk Volume:
Limited due to convertible nature, but practical for its class. Specific liters/cubic feet not provided in overview.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Specific interval will be in the manual.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for this engine. Intervals vary but typically around 40,000 - 60,000 miles (60,000 - 100,000 km). Manual will specify exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 is common for the era. Manual will specify exact viscosity and API rating.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. VW G11 specification likely applicable.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid (specific type will be detailed).
Common Issues:
Convertible top mechanism wear, aging rubber seals and hoses, carburetor tuning issues, rust in common Mk1 areas (wheel arches, sills), aging electrical components, clutch wear.
Brand Heritage:
Volkswagen, a German automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable and popular vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the groundbreaking Golf.
Model Evolution:
The Golf Mk1 Cabriolet, also known as the Golf GTI Cabriolet or simply Cabriolet, was introduced in 1979 as a convertible version of the highly successful Golf Mk1 hatchback. It continued in production for over a decade, receiving minor updates and facelifts, including the 'facelift 2' or 'Golf 3-style' front end introduced in 1983/1984 which is likely present in the 1985-1993 models. The 'Scirocco' mention in the product description suggests potential overlap in service information or shared components with the first-generation Scirocco coupe, which was also based on the Golf Mk1 platform.
Production Period:
1979-1993 (overall production run).
Production Location:
Osnabrück, Germany (by Karmann, who specialized in convertible conversions for VW).
