Windshield Types

1980-1989: press-in windshield.

1990-1993: glue-in windshield (USA only).

Note: The press-in seal/retainer can be used on 1990+ Cabriolets but you will also need the windshield glass for/from the '80-'89 cars.  There are two types of press-in seals available: with and without the groove for the chrome molding.

*If you want to replace your drab "chrome" windshield trim, it's still available through your local VW dealer (part #255853305).  The parts person may say that you need to order two.  This is not true; one piece is more than enough to do the entire windshield.  To make your life a bit easier, use this tool to install your new windshield "chrome".

Bumpers

All 1979-1993 Cabriolets can interchange their bumpers with each other.

Removing the bumpers

Disconnect the front turn signal wires from their harness connectors.  Remove the 4 bolts holding the bumper brackets to the frame, two bolts per left and right side (rear bolts are accessed inside the trunk; front bolts are accessed from under the car -- one left side bolt also holds the horn bracket in place). Clipper kit bumpers: Remove the screws and/or rivets in the fender flare area.  Bumpers weigh approximately 50 pounds each; be prepared to hold/catch the bumpers as the bolts are loosened and removed.

Euro bumpers  

There are two types of Euro bumpers: small metal bumpers (a smaller, lighter version of the USA bumpers) and plastic-over-metal bumpers .  RPI, Concept1, Oldskool Industries, Rabbit Parts, etc. sell these Euro bumpers.  The black plastic bumpers can be painted to match the car.  If you order the plastic bumpers be sure to request that they include the fender mounting clips and check to see if the lights are included.  

Note 1: You cannot use the USA bumper bolts. You will need to purchase M8x1.25x25 hex bolts as well as matching washers (best to use one larger washer with one smaller washer).

Note 2: Euro bumpers use bulb #1156. Be aware that most stock light housings that come with the bumpers are not dual-filament/dual-contact which means the lights have to be wired as running lights or turn signals, not both. If you wish to have the running/turn light combo, you'll need to order light housings for Euro bumpers that come with "city lights". Furthermore, the stock USA bumper lights will not fit Euro bumpers without modification.

Mk2 bumpers  

Mk2 bumpers can be installed on your Cabriolet, but it will take some modifying to make them fit properly.  Additionally, there are two bumper styles used on the Mk2 Golfs: "small" bumpers and "big" bumpers; click here for more details.

Body Kits

Clipper kit

"Clipper kit" is the phrase used to describe the factory body kit installed on 1988-1993 Cabriolets.   Click here for a Clipper anatomy lesson.

Can the Clipper kit be installed on 1979-1987 Cabriolets?  Yes; you will need the following parts to complete the transformation:

• Front and rear bumpers with brackets and light assemblies
• Front and rear bumper covers with in-tact holders
• Front spoiler
• Fender flares/fender arches
• Side skirts
• Hardware for installing all of the above
• optional: Dual-round headlight grille with lights and clips

Can the aluminum/chrome bumpers from the 1980-1987 Cabriolets be installed on the 1988+ Cabriolets?  Yes, it is a direct swap once the Clipper kit is removed.  You will need the bumper brackets from the 1980-1987 cars in addition to the bumpers.  Optional:  1984-1987 fender flares (it is highly recommended that these flares be installed so that the car looks "finished").

Aftermarket body kits

Various aftermarket body kits & accessories were/are available for Cabriolets.

Still available:

• ABD Racingwerks
• Rieger Infitinty Spoiler
• Kerscher
• Dietrich
• Seidl
• Autostyle (South Africa)

Available used, if you can find them:

• BBS
• Erebuni (kit #236)
• GMP
• Kamei (X1 kit)
• Neuspeed
• Rieger
• Zender

Grilles

1979-1987 Cabriolet Grille

The grille on these cars is called a single-round grille.  The single-round grille from '79-'87 Cabriolets can be installed on '88-'93 Cabriolets. Contrary to popular belief, it is simply plug-and-play; however, the wires for the former inner lights may need to be capped or taped off. No additional wiring should be necessary due to the outer dual-round grille lights being pre-wired as both hi- and low-beam (you may need to purchase dual-filament headlights to complete the swap).  Additionally, the inner lights on the dual-round grille, in stock form, are wired into the hi-beam wires and, therefore, only turn on when the hi-beam switch is activated; doing this swap will eliminate a pair of hi-beam lights.  If you are doing this swap and haven't added relays to your headlight wiring, it's highly advised that you do so to gain better lighting out of your single-rounds.

There is also what is known as the Hella grille insert which is the same as a '79-'87 grille except it has lights in the center section.  This grille came stock on some Cabriolets in Europe. If installing this grille on A/C-equipped cars, the A/C condenser will most likely need to be relocated or removed. 

1988-1993 Cabriolet Grille

The grille on these cars is called a dual-round grille.  The dual-round grille from '88-'93 Cabriolets can be installed on '79-'87 Cabriolets.  In most instances, it may be necessary to add wires and/or to add relays to make the inner lights work.

The inner lights, in stock form, are wired into the hi-beam wires and, therefore, only turn on when the hi-beam switch is activated.  The outer lights are both hi- and lo-beam.

NOTE: Grilles for A2 chassis Volkswagens (1985-1992 Golfs/Jettas) will not fit your Cabriolet!

Red Grille Trim

To replace the chrome grille trim on a single-round grille with red like the Euro GTI's have, remove the trim from the grille pieces and paint it (GTI color is Mars Red), apply red 1/4" pin striping to the grille, or source OEM red trim from Europe.

Badgeless Grilles

Aftermarket badgeless grilles (including all-chrome versions) are also available at many of the aftermarket retailers found on the Parts page.  They are available in both single-round and dual-round versions.

Spoilers & Other Accessories

Front Valance Spoilers

Most commonly used is a "duckbill" spoiler and there are 2 types: the smaller, 1-piece spoiler and the bigger, deeper and often 2-piece GTI "duckbill" spoiler can be found at many online aftermarket suppliers found on the Parts page.  Both spoilers snap into the 5 holes at the bottom of the front valance utilizing clips which are usually sold separately from the spoiler (you can also use bolts, washers and nuts in place of the clips); the spoiler clips are the same as the grille clips.

Part Numbers

Small duckbill spoiler: 171 805 903

Mounting clips: 171 853 695 A

Grille/hood Spoilers  

Kamei (#KM44047, single-round version)

Kamei (#KM44048, dual-round version)

Mattig

Heckblende

A heckblende is a filler panel for the trunk lid.  Most, if not all, are made for the hatchbacks, but can be adapted to fit the convertibles.  Some light up, others do not.  Available with various inscriptions (Rabbit, Golf, etc.) and in smoked form.

Light Lenses

Side-marker Lights (North America)

No aftermarket or OEM smoked or clear side-marker lights exist.  You will need to make your own, or adapt others to fit.

Part numbers for the OEM side-marker light mounting hardware:

Plastic nut: N-905-353-01 (2 required per lens)

Screw: N-013-964-4 (2 required per lens)

Aftermarket Tail Lights

Rabbit/GTI Lights

Installing the square Rabbit/GTI headlights on your Cabriolet requires more work than simply swapping the headlights.  You'll need the fenders and bumper from said Rabbit along with the grille components, lamps and the corresponding radiator support.  You can also install the square headlight grille from a '79/'80 Rabbit, but it too is not a straight swap: the radiator support/front valance will have to be altered (the grille is slightly taller), or the matching support will have to be swapped in.

Click here for examples.

Side Trim

OEM side trim is not available new.  You will need to source it used from online sources or your local junkyards.

Removing & Installing Side Trim

1. Beginning at one end, place your forefingers along the bottom edge and your thumbs along the top edge of the trim.
2. Pull the bottom edge of the trim out and up.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 along the trim piece until it is completely removed.

Installation of the trim is reverse of removal, with the larger edge being on the bottom.

Roof Rack

A roof rack, made by Votex, was available for purchase through the dealer; however, it is no longer available new. Click here to see a picture of it.  You can try searching for one of these racks on UK eBay or German eBay (search for Golf cabrio gepäcktrager).  You can also search other online sources in the USA, but the rack is extremely rare States-side.  The OEM part number for this rack is 155071126A.

Thule also made an aftermarket rack that simply clamps to the car, unlike the Votex model that requires drilling into the A- and B-pillars.

Badges & Decals

Where to buy them: Salvage yards, on-line auction houses like eBay, or other suppliers (see Parts page); dealers can still order some of the badges/emblems.  

Collector's Edition badges are no longer available.  Etienne Aigner decals are no longer available in North America; however, the decals (along with Classicline badges and Sportline decals) are now available for purchase from Volkswagen's (German) Classic Parts web site, or you can contact me for a print-ready image to take to your local print shop.

Structural Reinforcement

Karmann Coachworks added structural reinforcements to the Cabriolet, which can be seen in this image (shaded areas).

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