2001 VW GOlf GLX Vr6 12V

I bought this 2001 Volkswagen Golf GLX VR6 12V as a project. It has approximately 200,000 miles, and my objective has been to go through the car properly, address the mechanical and age-related problems, refurbish the interior, and bring it back toward its original configuration rather than continue modifying it.

This has involved considerably more than routine maintenance. I removed the engine from the car and it was recently refreshed. While doing the mechanical work, the timing-chain system was renewed, including the timing-chain kit, intermediate timing sprocket and gear and associated hardware. A new Sachs clutch and rear main crankshaft seal were installed, along with intake-manifold gaskets, exhaust-manifold installation hardware, NGK spark plugs, NGK ignition wires and a new ignition coil. All three principal engine and transmission mounts—the right engine mount, left transmission mount and rear/dogbone mount—were replaced. The CV-joint boots were also replaced and the transmission was serviced with fresh 75W-90 gear oil.

The cooling system received extensive attention. The radiator, both radiator fans, expansion tank, Bosch auxiliary water pump and its support, cooling hoses, oil-cooler hose and seals, coolant and related components were replaced. 

The car had previously been modified with coilovers. I removed the coilovers and returned the suspension to a conventional/original-style configuration with new springs, Bilstein front struts and rear shocks. The suspension work also included front strut mounts and bearings, spring isolators, dust covers, bump stops, control arms with bushings and ball joints, complete tie-rod assemblies, sway-bar links and related hardware. The rear suspension mounts were replaced recently. The front suspension was disassembled as necessary during this work and the car was subsequently aligned.

The wheel bearings and hubs were also addressed, including the front wheel-bearing kits and hubs and the rear hub/bearing assemblies. The brakes received new rotors and brake lines. The car now has VW Arietta wheels with new tires, wheel hardware and center caps.

One of the largest parts of the project was the interior. I essentially stripped the interior, removing the headliner, pillars, interior plastics and trim, center-console components, door panels, rear interior panels and rear seat so that the individual pieces could be properly addressed.

The deteriorated headliner material was removed and the headliner and pillars were reupholstered with new foam-backed material. The sunroof was disassembled and serviced: the glass was removed, the mechanism and tracks were cleaned and serviced, guides were replaced as necessary, and the sunshade and glass were reinstalled.

Numerous interior plastics and trim pieces were individually removed, cleaned, repaired, refinished or replaced, including the steering-column trim, sun visors, grab handles, center shifter console, cupholder console, wood trim, door-pull and window-switch trim, shift boot, pedals and other interior pieces.

The door panels were removed and repaired, including the leather inserts. The leather was cleaned and recolored where necessary, and a tear in the rear bench was repaired. The interior was then reassembled and is complete. The glovebox is installed and present; only its latch is broken.

The instrument cluster was removed and refurbished, including installation of a new LCD display, and is now installed in the car. New projector headlights were also installed. Additional work has been done to the turn-signal and wiper controls, washer system and nozzles, door locks, window regulators and related electrical components. The battery was replaced, as were various seals and weatherstripping. The antenna mast, antenna base and gasket were replaced, and the radio was replaced with a new Crutchfield-supplied unit.

Exterior work has included the grille and grille insert, front spoiler and related bumper components, removal/alignment and reinstallation of the front bumper, hatch struts, exterior lighting and trim components, body plugs, fasteners and liners, and repair of a body dent.

I also replaced the windshield with a new windshield. Unfortunately, that replacement windshield subsequently cracked and will need to be replaced again.

The exterior paint is in bad shape and the car needs to be painted. I want to be very clear about this. The extensive mechanical and interior work should not be confused with a completed exterior restoration. The car still needs paint, the cracked windshield needs replacement, and the glovebox latch needs repair.

I have records of the parts purchased and the work performed. This is a 200,000-mile Mk4 VR6 into which I have put substantial work, particularly in the mechanical systems and interior, with the objective of bringing the car back toward its original configuration and preserving one of Volkswagen’s VR6 Golfs.