1988 VW Golf Restoration

[Jujub]

Needing some advice.. I just purchased a 1988 mk2. It needs the timing belt replaced as well as a new battery. So as of this moment, it does not run, but it’s a relatively short journey to do so. The thing is, I don’t necessarily want to stop there. I would like to do a fairly heavy overhaul so that eventually over the course of the next 5-7 years, I end up with a “new” car. Here’s the kicker… I know nothing about cars. I saw this car in front of someone’s house and fell in love. I knocked on his door and asked if I could buy it. I would like to start with some literature to educate myself on all of the components under the hood. Is there a book someone can recommend that I could purchase to educate myself. I’m very mechanically minded and I have no doubts about my ability to do this. I just need to gain the proper knowledge before I start dissecting. Thank you!

[Jujub]

I am absolutely overwhelmed with the responses - in a good way. I thought maybe one or 2 people might offer some tips. I wasn’t quite prepared for this amazing village. I am located in the US. I will look into everyone’s recommendations. I won’t say the car is in amazing condition but it was stored in a barn for a long time so it was fairly protected. However, it’s been very well loved. And it also has a couple aftermarket modifications (2 switches required to be flipped on to start it) that I don’t even know what they are or what they do. If I could figure out how to post a photo of those and the car as a whole, I definitely would.

I know this is a bit of an unrealistic goal for me. I’m a mom of a 2 yr old. I’ve never even changed my own oil before. I have changed a tire.. I have a full time job as an interior architect and almost no time to spare. I know this will be a long arduous process with some help involved, but I’m a quite determined person and I’m not sure anything has captured my attention like this car somehow has. I’m lucky to have an incredibly supportive husband that supports this crazy dream of mine - although it would be nice if he had some sort of mechanical background

[Jujub]

[quote=plfrench]In terms of a book, how about a good old Haynes manual for it?

Perfect! I ordered one. Thank you!

[Jujub]

Thank you!! I will check out VW Vortex. I’ve ordered the Haynes manual as well as another model specific manual. Right now, I’m so uneducated, I don’t really even know the questions to ask but hopefully that helps.

In terms of order of operations, where should I start. Yes, there is absolutely rust all over the underside. Do I need to start by completely separating the body of the car from the chassis to thoroughly address that?

Also, this one is not a GTI. I’m not looking for something to renovate and then try and sell eventually and get my money back. It’s purely for joy or perhaps to expand my curse word vocabulary. However, prior to buying this car, a mechanic told me I was wasting my time if it’s not even a gti. Before I completely go for broke, is that the general conceals amongst vintage golf enthusiasts? (He was not an enthusiast..)