1979 VW B1 Passat Estate - Ready for MOT

I think you've picked the perfect starter project here. It's mechanically simple, it's got an extraordinarily sound-looking shell, and it's a little bit different.

Nice find.

Yeah the engine turns over, just doesn't want to start, although the battery has since given up. Picking up a new one on Monday, although I've yet to learn actually how to diagnose what's wrong! I also know the carb isn't getting fuel though (pipes are dry and the fuel filter pipes are super loose and knackered - when we tried turning over the engine we added some fuel to the carb to see if we could just get a splutter).

Would I be able to fill a jerry can and bypass everything including the fuel filter then? I live opposite a petrol station which makes things easier!

Cheers.

Thats effing awesome right there, lve always wanted a B1 and in yellow its a win win lucky you..
Cant wait to watch this further

Looks excellent, glad you got it home ok. I've had various old VWs of this era as have plenty of others on here, so just post up any questions and I'm sure you'll get quick responses and it'll be going in no time.

The timing belt on that looks a doddle to change, right at the front under the old type metal cover. I had a 1980 Polo like that but transverse engined, belt change took about 10 mins and was well overdue as it was split when I removed the cover! Takes yours off and inspect before firing it up.

Looks like my great uncle already did a good job with waxoyl - lots of clear/yellowy rubbery paint on the underside, assuming it's this? Can I just add more over the top to double protect (cleaning anywhere that needs it first)?


The black panel with the Audi/WV logo on it? Thanks


Get it fully cleaned/sealed and de-scuffed inside and out, get the engine going, keep it absolutely stock (for the moment) and use it as a dry weekend outing car If I get it to be a reliable runner, it also means I can give my mk3 fiesta some much needed attention from what I hopefully learn! Rust has started to set in and the last MOT had some scary advisories!

Wanting to take the fuel tank off to get it decontaminated inside (plus new fuel lines) so hooked up the dead battery to my other car in the hope the fuel gauge would give me an idea of how much was still in there, but no luck so assuming the engine needs to be going. Any way I can find out before I take it off?

On a side not, while the battery was hooked up, I thought I'd see if any electrics still worked. Turned the key to position 1 and bing! Dash lights, headlights, fans, radio and windscreen wiper all buzzed into life! The only thing that didn't work was the brake lights - could this have anything to do with the brakes not physically working themselves?

Also pulled out a spark plug, fuel filter and a pipe to hopefully replace. Can't seem to find any on-line though, only options coming up are for a 1.5l diesel, not a 1.6 petrol. Hmm...could I just filter my searches by inputting the 1979 Audi 80 1.6 petrol? Things come up for that...

Would post pictures but my internet won't even load facebook at the moment...

Yes, get a mate to hold the Jerry can higher that the carb whith a length of hose to the carb, gravity feed like this will bypass the pump and filter, pretty much guaranteed the whole fuel system will need refurbed but this will let you get the engine running to see if it's sound.

Your plans for the car sound great.

Good crowd on here to help you out, keep us all updated

Carlosfandango. - Aesthetically I'm hoping to keep it standard. Truth be told, I wouldn't really know what to do with it otherwise!

markgenesis - Thanks, that makes sense I'll try this once I figure out the ignition system, e.g. sparks and points/distributor? Think that's what I mean! The pedal does go to the floor but with what feels like 'usual' resistance on working breaks. Not sure about the reservoir - what ever is in there will likely be manky!

Also, I'm having trouble identifying which engine I've actually got. This website www.ukpassats.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13186&p=692648#p692648 shows the 4 potential different types of 1.6 I might have, but how the heck do I work out which one is mine? I've got the engine code 049 103 373 stamped on the block, but can't see any other markings.

Ta.

Don't condem the MC that quickly. Those switches are notoriously wibblepoo, I could stop my mk1 caddy without turning the brake lights on.

What an awesome find! Don't see many around any more and like others have said the shell looks to be very solid!

Like others say, check the timing belt before trying to start the engine, you don't want it slipping or snapping.


I picked up a 1.8 Mk2 Golf GL from a neighbour which had been sat outside untouched for 15 years, even the battery was still connected (and he wondered why it wouldn't turn over?) Getting mine going took some time, after checking the belt was ok for testing purposes (I believe these are non interference engines anyway). We did the following:

1) Checked the oil and coolant levels
2) Checked for a spark, (removed one spark plug, put the plug lead back on, rest it on the block and turn the engine over, looking for a clean bright spark)
3) Primed the carb with petrol (Remove the plastic airbox cover and put a little petrol down the carb throat whilst holding the throttle open)
4) Crank the engine and pray, but don't keep the starter running for more than 15 seconds or so (to avoid heat damage)

Eventually we got the golf fired up, and after dragging fuel through from the tank it would eventually idle on run on its own, albeit very lumpy on 15 year old petrol! The clutch and gearbox should hopefully free up a little with heat/vibration from the engine.

If it will run from priming but not on its own (as in it cuts out once it burns the small amount of fuel you put in the carb) check that fuel is making it from the carb to the tank, and don't try pouring fuel into the carb whilst the engine is running, it may fire out of the carb! (I learnt the hard way many years ago!)

Good luck and let us know how it goes!