New Project - Barn find VW Golf II Rabbit

As we're a bit stuck with the house right now, here is my latest mid life crisis project, a 1988 barn (or really garage) find VW Golf Mark 2 Rabbit.

[t.s.]

She was waiting for you to put some love into her... You are becoming the master of breathing life into the old!

[Cloudeeuh]

You have no idea how this made me smile. I loved my 1982 VW rabbit. I got it in 1995, just out of college from the original owner. It was white just like yours. It was diesel and had over 200K miles on it when I got it! It had a glow plug to pre-warm the engine in cold weather but that didn’t work all the time so sometimes I had to roll start it. But I loved it! When I started making money (and could get a newer used Jetta), I gave it to my younger sister who drove it for 4 years, with the promise that when she was done, I would get it back. I used it as my spare car for long trips and going into NYC (no worries about parking that thing anywhere!). When it was time to let it go, I gave it to a neighbor who has a farm in Pennsylvania and wanted it to knock around the property. Well guess what? That little bunny is still going strong. Maybe some rusted out floorboards and some leaks now, but that engine just won’t quit.

[vanessawade]

Welcome back. You have been sorely missed and look forward to your new adventure. Love your optimism - how hard can it be!

[sherae]

Lovely to hear from you again!
Cars not my usual cup of tea, but glad to hear from you again.
It seems like you have found a little gem!

[kathyusa-iowa]

Boys and their toys. 😎
It's apparent you are going to enjoy this project as well❗ 👍 🤩
Good to see you, Raff 🥰

[annalott]

Thank you for sharing your new challenge. Good luck . I enjoy all of your videos and will be looking forward to these as well.

[christineharmon]

Yeah! You’re back! Tough not getting back to Italy now. Really missing. Visiting your casa and little town so you must be going through major withdrawal!
Love the Rabbit. When you first said VW, I was really hoping you purchased a bus but maybe later. This Rabbit looks in great shape nice story behind it. Think you’ll do a splendid job with

[annaezzeldin]

This is sooo nice. You are talking over a legacy. You have a special gift😊

[theycallmemoody]

Nice find. There is no reason to believe it won’t run so start with the basics . Fuel system flush including drop the tank and inspect it for rust, flush and seal. Replace fuel lines. Coolant system next, same thing. Then onto the brake system with thorough inspection. You may want to replace all vacuum lines as they will be brittle as well. Replace all 4 tires regardless of tread wear due to age. Get it running and driving well before starting any cosmetic items.

[martinholling]

Great project! My brother and I just bought a FIAT 850 that stood praked away since 1992 and want to bring it back to life... That car would perfectly fit your italian house and that village with the small streets... :)

[suenorton]

Good to see you back. I hope you all are well. As for the car, congrats! Nice clean inside, good luck with it. Stay safe

[annbottelli]

So nice to see you again and know you are all well, even if I have no interest in old cars! :)

[liampoole]

Hey Raff. Great to see you back!
What a terrific find, and she looks in fantastic condition for a car that’s 32/33 years old 👍

[P.Galore]

Certainly the gas has solidified. Drop and clean the gas tank, replace the fuel lines and filter; flush the radiator and do an oil & filter change. Do these things before attempting to start it....or else.

[oz-man]

Good to see you back, and with a new interest! I look forward to seeing how you get on.

[SDugan]

Another unique treasure to watch you master your skills! I hope your family is well.🌿❤️

[fatimaa]

How good of you to be back! You did very well to buy the car. The former owner had many happy moments in it and you will renovate it with a taste of nostalgia for remembering your old one. I hope you and your family are all well, let's hope this is all over soon and we can get back to our normal lives! Be well, success in the reform of the car !!!😄👏🇧🇷

[elfregis]

Happy to see you back again! Good luck on this new project, really interested to see the progress 👍

[cathysmiley]

Good to see you back. The car looks like a good find. Good luck 👍

[thundaera]

Wow! She's looks amazing good luck on this refurbish! So happy for you, my first car was a one previous owner silver 1968 VW Bug she was awesome💜! On Saturday all us girls would go crushing down 4th Street! Wonderful memories, I later got married moved to Bamberg Germany. My brother was supposed to care for her, he ran her to the ground. Never saw her again, I certainly feel your joy, Bless you. Thank you for having us along on your adventure.