New member, 1985 GTL

[Nutty]

Morning, bought on a bit of a whim a 1985 GTL at auction, wanted to buy one in the 80's but bough a Passat instead, Nutty is in remarkably good nick, MOT'd but no history what so ever. My plan is to get the timing belt and all filters and fluids changed, use it and see what else needs sorting, I will have a go at most things after all, it has only been put together by a bloke.The body work is not too bad but the bonnet has been flipped over the roof at some point, looks a bit worse for wear and the hinges have been forced into the bit under the windscreen. The looks are the least of my worries, as long as it doesn't break down too often I'll be happy. Any suggestions on a supplier for a cambelt and idler would be most welcome, went through the forum and have all the fluid and filter specs.

[chopperoli]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like a nice GTL. I would recommend a Gates cambelt kit

[essextom]

welcome, bonnet hinges are an easy change, also usually a few bonnets floating about if you need a new one.

[Blueshark]

If bonnet hinges are needed or any other parts, just ask here and a lot of folks here will help you.

Joost.

[mark1gls]

Conti belts is what I use, Euro car parts seem to not stock them at the moment...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CONTITECH-TI ... SwHaddneKb

Found one on eBay with tensioner and new stud as well.

Might be worth replacing the stud while at it, in case you don’t know... find 2 nuts to fit on the stud and screw the 2 nut on the stud and lock the together with 2 spanners and then unscrew the stud using the nut nearest the head.
If the stud looks good and not worn you may be able to leave it alone but it has been know for the stud the shear off and the cambelt to become lose, these engine are suppose to not destroy themselves is the belt snaps but I’ve never tested it...
I’ve replaced my timing belt stud twice in 310,000 miles...

[mark1gls]

Also well worth changing the gearbox oil as often forgotten about and cheaper than a new gearbox, fully synthetic is what I use in both my cars but check you can undo the filler plug before draining the old oil. Filler plug on the side of the gearbox near the wheel arch and green cap.

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/triple-q ... -522776022

2 bottles is plenty

[Nutty]

Thank you all for the advice, The hinges seem fine, the bonnet is a bit distorted, belt ordered, changing the stud sounds like a good idea, after 133K miles and 35 years might be prudent, the gearbox oil is on the list of things to change, thanks for the link.

[mark1gls]

Tool I use for gearbox filler and drain plug as I don’t have a big 17mm Allen key..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-DRAP ... SwjvJZQnNv