Anti roll bars

[philipayton]

I’ve recently got hold of an 83 1.6GL.
Whilst I enjoy the way it drives it would benefit from ARB’s I think. What do you need to fit to a carb model - I believe the injection models came with them as standard?

Would just a front one be worthwhile?

It’s a cheap fun car so don’t want to spend stacks on it.

Thanks

[GT_II]

I think all 1.8 engined cars came with ARBs front and rear, so for a low budget option, your best best might be to find a later donor car being broken.

Uprated ARB kits are available, eg: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152582832037

[Flags]

I’ve just sourced all the parts to do my GL from here:
http://www.golfmk1.co.uk/Items.php?cat= ... SUSPENSION
Crazy Quiffs

[philipayton]

Thanks.
I have since found out that the early 1.6’s don’t have the brackets on the floor required for the front ARB. Did yours have these already?

[mark1gls]

You need to change the rear wishbone mount for a letter type with the fixing for the anti roll bar.
Mk1 Golf cabriolet also had the later type fixings to widen your search.

New reproduction ones here
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/mk1-golf-f ... 0763-p.asp

[philipayton]

Thanks
What about the front ARB - did yours have the brackets on the floor?

[philipayton]

Sorry - that question for Crazy Quiffs!

[Flags]

Crazy Quiffs is the website
No, you will need all the brackets too.
The front inner brackets are the ones that wishbones mount to but are completely different from what you have.
Most rotten sheds that are being broken for parts will have seriously rusty and thinned out ARBs at the mounting or pivot points from what I have experienced so have a good look before parting with cash, the outer front brackets often twist and snap when removing them and the rear outers are almost impossible to re use if they have rusted in place.
Not 100% sure on all early Scirocco rear beams but I had a Mk1 Golf that I had to drill the rear beam for the inner mounts as it had no holes so worth checking that too.

[mark1gls]

The original type of outer rear anti roll bar clamps are a nightmare to fit so it’s much easier to use this type of clamp as you can bolt it together instead of sliding a clamp on.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255126927635 ... Sw03BhOMBn

Original style clamp not easy to fit.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255126927635 ... Sw03BhOMBn

[mark1gls]

Correct link to original type of rear outer clamp as I can’t edit my post….

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303706642217 ... BMhuniq8Rg

[mark1gls]

The best upgrade you can do to help with the handling is fit a lower strut brace.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191991884333 ... BM-NL4q8Rg

[philipayton]

Thanks All
The idea of strut braces sounds good - easy to fit and not too expensive. If they make as much or more of an improvement to the handling then that’s a good way to go.

[RussGLAuto]

Hi Phil, if your GL is an Auto the lower strut brace won't fit.

[philipayton]

It’s a manual - so hopefully ok

[RussGLAuto]