summary = "And now for something completely different: I'm going to fix up 1994 Volkswagen Golf III Cabrio at home."
+++
Any of my friends or co-workers will tell you I'm a nerd. I like technical stuff. To get outside more, I decided my next technical challenge should be something that I do outdoors. The plan to convert a van into a camper was quickly dropped as I'm apparently the only person in the family who enjoys camping. I soon found that older Volkswagen Golf cars can be found for cheap, but will need work: precesily what I'm looking for.
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="featured.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Working on the rear brakes. There are jack stands under the car. (it\'s not resting on the wheel, thanks for asking)">}}
With a car of this vintage you can expect things to be wrong with it. I try to keep a complete list of issues I find, when I fixed them and what the repair cost.
Most of the repairs and maintenance I will do myself. I either already have the proper tools or want to buy them anyway. I bought a [Haynes VW Golf Repair Manual](https://haynes.com/en-us/volkswagen/golf/1993-1998) and watched a metric ton of [Chrisfix Youtube videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCes1EvRjcKU4sY_UEavndBw). Also, I have some friendly mechanics in my network that I can ask for help if need be.
I cannot do _everything_ myself because I lack the proper training or tools. Things like replacing tires, wheel alignment, and validating the exhaust system is airtight. I will also bring the car to my local mechanic for the required periodical vehicle inspection. This means they will check if the suspension, brakes, and exhaust are functioning correctly (after I've had my hands all over them).
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="golf_3_pre_apk.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Showing off pre-inspection">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-07-10 13-07-51 0307.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Nothing to see here (notice the large amounts of dripped WD-40 on the cardboard)">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-06-18 15-34-02 0168.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="That does not look new and shiny">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-07-01 16-41-59 0234.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Out with the old\...">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-07-02 09-55-17 0236.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="\...and in with the new!">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-06-18 15-34-45 0170.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Did anyone say coolant leak?">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-06-25 10-56-55 0214.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Easy fix, fuel supply hose not tightend properly">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-07-17 09-58-14 0320.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="Out with the old\... and in with the new!">}}
{{<lightbox-imgsrc="22-07-18 09-24-51 0340.jpg"lightbox="golf3"caption="The mechanic doing the wheel alignment was cursing like a saylor — and applying the necessary heat.">}}