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Hello everyone, my name is Brett and I live near Southend in Essex. I have recently purchased my first Polo, a MK2 Breadvan Formel E. It is the second VW I have owned after having a MK1 golf about 10 years ago. I was looking for something retro that I could use as an almost daily alongside my family car that wasn't as big of a project as my classic mini. Here are some details on the car Model: MK2 breadvan Trim: Polo C Formel E with SSA Colour: silver Year: 1985 Registration: B832MSF Mileage: 93,000 Modifications: Weber carb and some wheel trims... Plans: to keep the car in good running order smarten up the bodywork and go to car shows in it. So far I have only got the car back into storage whilst I wait for the logbook to come through. Unfortunately it was all lost as the original owner passed away which mean there was a distinct lack of history with the car as well. It was already MOT'd when I got and after a look over it the car seemed like the ideal rolling project. After a bit more research it turned out some aspects of the car were quite rare so I decided to keep it fairly standard rather than go mad modifying it. There is one of the trims missing off the drivers door which I know most people remove however I wanted to keep it standard so I have sourced a replacement. It has the SSA system on it which I would like to get working but as it has the Weber carb it will not do it. However I have managed to find a Pierburg carb the original one for it as well from the same person that has the trim. He has been very helpful indeed with educating me on the breadvan by finding information and looking for bits in their large collection spares. The guy's name is Johnny Leach I imagine he will be on here. What a big help he has been already! He also sorted me out another matching wheel trim as I know they are not supposed to have them but I thought I would have a set. I have got my eyes on a set of Wolfsburg BBS alloy wheels for it as well. The next step is to fit the carb and the door trim and as the car has been in a garage for the last 20 odd years service it and do the cambelt, brakes etc. It has a little leak from the radiator which I have ordered and I have also got a whole load of stuff off GSF car parts with a super VIP discount code! I have added some pictures but unfortunately all I have is screenshots of the eBay listing so far! I'm sure I will have more soon! My next afternoon free of dad and husband duties is Sunday so I'm looking to carry on with the car then and will post another update after!

Hi, just wandering if anyone can help me, in my be polo coupe s 1989 1.3 I have a problem with the wipers not working but I can hear the relay clicking and working but no movement to the wipers on the front and the back, could anyone please help? cheers

Bought this as our runaround but also as a bit of a project, or at least it turned into one the more I found wrong with it! Was 143k when I got it, numerous previous owners and full of bodges. My partner (who is a kiwi) called it the 'Breadbin' instead of breadvan and it kind of stuck! Here it was when I picked it up - had no idea what I was getting myself into... The first drive was interesting getting used to such a spartan car (last car was a Volvo 240, although I had a Trabant 601 before that so don't know what I was complaining about!) Huge list of un-photographed fixes including heates rear windscreen, foglights, chair adjuster knobs, re-sealing the door membranes to stop a constant leak. First big change to make was the sunroof - sealed shut by a previous owner. Got the thing out with copious amounts of elbow grease, WD40 and a plastic bicyle tyre lever as a scraper. Sanded and painted, few coats of 2K clearcoat. All rattlecans as I don't have the space (nor the compressor) to do things with a gun. Came out nice though. Next was the boot lid as it was starting to rust through and the inside lip for the window seal was corroding. Luckily a clubmember had a nice spare one to buy Had a few scuffs on the new lid so painted those up. Love this blue! Bit of a hassle getting the old one off - thank god for neighbors. Much cleaner!

Hi, I am buying a be polo mk2 coupe s 86c 1.3 and the speedo doesn’t work and I was wandering where I should start to look, any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

So my car is burning some oil notice it when the car is warmed up get blueish smoke when at a stop idling then pulls away i.e. Traffic lights seems to be ok on the move but then noticeable on the overrun Did a compression test with engine hot Cy1 180psi Cyl 2 180.5 psi Cyl 3 165 psi Cyl 4 180 psi Cyl 3 is a little low but would think is still above spec? Then got a camera down bores to see pistons in order cyl 1 first pic etc Cyl 3 looks the cleanest Also do these look like standard G40 pistons cant really tell?

I'm running stock springs (1 coil cut out all round 15-20m low) and stock shocks at the moment on my 84 bready. I like having the travel on the stock springs because my local routes have shite bumps. I just want better damping performance and more progressive shocks for the roll. Has anyone tried these shocks? I would consider getting sportier springs too but its my daily so not that fussed, its already fun right now while feeling chilled to drive, crashy thumps wise. Also just to mention i have a pair of powerflex ARB polly bushings if anyone wants them off me. Cheers

Hi Everyone I've had my fair share of Polo's over the years, starting with a MK2 breadvan when I passed my test back in 2002. After scrapping my 6n2 in 2016, I had been itching to get another classic. Whilst visiting the Isle of Skye for a week back in July 2016, I spotted this late model MK2 Polo Country lying at the end of someones driveway. I had a snoop around, and despite looking a tad unloved, it was clean and only had 39k miles showing. I put a note through the door asking if it was for sale, and heard nothing for the remainder of my time there. I went home, slightly deflated and expecting never to see it again. In November 2016, I received a call from the owner asking if I was still interested. The owner told me it had been her mothers car, which she had bought brand new in 1990. When her mother gave up driving, it passed to her in 2006. It has a fully stamped service book, original keys, dealer plates, tax disc holder etc. Unfortunately I had just spent all my spare funds buying a MK1 Golf Cabriolet, so I very reluctantly had to pass up on it. In 2017 I found myself with some spare money, but I had lost the owners number. I made some attempts at reaching out to them via local Facebook groups, but this was unsuccessful. I even had a friend who was passing the area attempt to make contact, but the Polo was nowhere to be seen. Fast forward two years to November 2018, by which point the dream had long been buried. The owner contacted me again out the blue, asking if I would still be interested. Of course I jumped at the chance, and after several phone calls arranging the logistics, I collected it on the 8th of December 2018 on the back of my brother-in-law's pick up. After a 5 hour - 160 mile drive over some of Scotlands nicest roads, we arrived back in Ayrshire where the Polo was put into the garage for some light restoration work. Over December and January we got the car running. It didn't need much, a new battery, a light service (filters, plugs, belts etc), some fresh fuel and away it went. The exhaust was beyond repair though so a replacement was sourced and fitted. In early February we took it a drive around some farm roads to get it up to temperature. This gave us a chance to iron out a few idling issues caused by the automatic choke. With that sorted and it now running perfectly, we presented it for MOT on 16th February. It passed! In celebration, I obtained a replacement Country/Parade interior from a guy around 70 miles away. I had been on the lookout for one ever since I knew I was buying the car, so I think finding a decent original interior in less than 4 months is an achievement, considering there are less than 100 left of this model on the road (www.howmanyleft.co.uk). I gave the car a good wash, which I think was the first time it has seen a sponge in at least 5 years. The photos make it look a lot better than it actually is if I am honest. I plan on getting it resprayed soon, so I've put some MK2F trims on it just to tidy it up a little for now. I do have the original ones which I will fit later. In a few months time I am having it fully resprayed. This will give me some time to source some replacement trim parts that are a bit tired, as well as new "Country" decals. In the meantime, I plan on installing some new speakers (it still has the original Panasonic cassette deck) and really just enjoy it along with my MK1 Golf Cabby. I'll update this thread with any progress as I go. If anyone has instagram, I post on there regularly (@stevenvw.co.uk) or on my website at www.stevenvw.co.uk. Happy to hear any comments or suggestions 🙂 Steven

This is my first car, a 1988 Polo breadvan. Currently completely stock and my first priority is to sort out the paintwork which has a lot of rusted stonechips and a large patch of rust wjere a previous fuel tank leaked. Bodywork is all solid however in person the laint lacks shine. Eventually i plan to lower the car on different wheels before chasing power however being 17 and having had my licence for less than a month the insurance is already ridiculous without any modifications.

I have a 1977 Derby 1.3 that drives just fine but needs some rust and technical repair. Body parts seem to be very rare if not impossible to find. Have most of it sorted out, but more parts and more power would be nice. Having owned a G40 before, I miss that engine... Now... I have been offered a cirka 1993 Polo G40 with a turbo, aftermarket subframe, coilovers +++ for a sensible amount of money. How much of the 86c parts will fit my MK1 Derby? Will the subframe + motor, suspension and brakes be bolt on? How about the doors..? Is there a cross reference list available somewhere? I have tried searching - a lot.... Excited that I found this forum. Thanks in advance!

Any ideas of the strongest box for an 86c 1.3. Or where I can get uprated gear set.

I've been given a MK3 golf with a 1.4 abd that I plan on putting into my mk2f that's currently got a 4 speed box so will need a 5 speed. Whats the best box too run?

Hi Guys, Just signed up to club polo, about to pick up a legit 86c panel van this weekend!! so thought I’d better join!

hello, I need to change all rubber fuel hoses by removing the badly rusted compression fitting that connects the plastic (nylon) lines to the rubber hoses and using an oetiker-type clamp to connect the fuel line to the rubber hose (see red circle in photo as example of compression fitting used to connect plastic line to fuel hose), however i wonder how to avoid kinking or crushing the plastic line when fitting the clamp: does someone know if there is a brass insert INSIDE the plastic line like the one in the second photo that I can reuse? does anyone have suggestions for the job? did not find anything using the search. The reason I cannot check is that cannot do the job at home and I plan to do this job at a friend's place on a weekend and i would like not to leave the car at my friend's place for a week... he probably wouldn't like it too, i imagine 🙂 the car is a 1993 mk2f 1.0L breadvan thanks in advance!

Hello everyone. After 10 years of owning aircooled VWs I decided to try the water pumpers and bought a Polo. I've always like Polos so it was an easy decision. I have had this Polo for 2 and a half years and it's the best car I've owned! My money stays in the bank unlike with my Beetles and T3! It was registered in the Netherlands in 1991, but built 1990. It's a 1.3i. This is how it looked when I bought it. DSC_0667 by Andy, on Flickr DSC_0666 by Andy, on Flickr DSC_0668 by Andy, on Flickr Since then I have fitted a tow hook and passenger side mirror. Mother nature decided it needed some body work modifications and threw hail stones the size of fists at it! I manage to pull the big dents out, but it now has lots of tiny dents all over it.

A few months ago my MK2 Polo, 1.3i, came to a stuttering halt. I was on the motorway and started to lose power, when I pulled off the motorway it gave up and stopped. My first thoughts were fuel problems, I had a quarter of a tank, so running out of fuel wasn't the problem. Maybe dirt in the tank or blocked fuel lines. Anyway, I called the breakdown service and the guy had a look around the engine and pushed a part back into place, something to do with a vacuum. Am shit with engines! The engine started first time after he did that. Last weekend I did a hours drive into Belgium and then back home again later, the car didn't feel right, a slight bit of stuttering again, but I got home without breaking down. The next day I have a look and go straight to the part that was the problem before. The hose it is connected to had fallen apart. I went to the garage today and he fitted a new hose, but said the engine shouldn't stop working if that part was not connected. Here is the part am talking about. What is it and who is right? The garage or break down service (ANWB, Dutch AA). If that isn't what's causing the stuttering, then what is? Thanks, Andy

Name: Andy Age: 38 Location: Netherlands. Polo owner, if so which? MK2, 1.3i, registered 1991. Previous car history: '96 Citroen AX, '74 1303 Beetle, '70 1300 Beetle, '73 1300a Beetle, '82 T3 camper, '74 1303S Beetle. Hobbies/interests: VWs, art, heavy metal. Occupation: House husband. How did you hear about us?: Google. Hello everyone. Am a Brit living in the Netherlands. I've mostly been an aircooled VWer, but the Polo is awesome, am enjoying it a lot. A lot less problems than my aircooled dubs!

Where to source a roof rack for my polo 86c mk2?? New to this looking for a roof rack for the hatchback/not coupe slanted back polo. Thanks guys something like this photo

Hi there, New to this forum, looking for a little help. I just got a 91' Polo GT and the seats are worse for wear, wanted to change them out maybe put some leathers. Ive read on loads of forums that corrado seats will fit in the front, easy swap. Ive also read that mk4 golf seats can swap into a corrado, easy swap. Does that mean I can slap mk4 golf leather seats in my 86 polo? (I understand that it will sit higher than normal) Please advise

Hey guys so the engine swap to the 1.6 AEE engine has gone on hold as my girlfriend can't afford the insurance price with that engine swap done so we are looking to get a little more power out of the little 1.0 AAU now i have some parts kicking about from my old MK2F which was a 1.3 AAV but i changed engine for 3F. Parts i have laying arround are: 1.3 AAV ECU 1.3 AAV Wiring loom 1.3 AAV Air Doughnut 1.3 AAV 5spd Gearbox 1.4 ABD SPI Throttle body 1.4 ABD Induction elbow (maybe a little overkill) 1.8 ADZ SPI Throttle Body 1.8 ADZ Induction Elbow 1.8 ADZ Airbox & Filter (whole ADZ engine & wiring loom) Im thinking maybe: 1.3 AAV ECU 1.4 ABD / 1.8 ADZ SPI throttle body 1.8 ADZ Induction Elbow 1.8 ADZ Airbox & Filter Think that should give it a little more power under the pedal? got quite a bit like i said so if anyone else knows of a way to get a little more power out of the AAU with the parts i have listed above please let me know

Hi people, I’m sure this question has been asked many times but I’m looking for the general idea. What is the best gearbox to fit to an afh in a 1990 mk2? Any help is appreciated

hello, the mk2f polo is getting old and I am wondering what are the most common mechanical / electrical issues in your experience. for example if lots of alternators windings fail at the 100k miles mark, I would consider servicing or buying a replacement before getting stranded due to a common fault (also considering most spare parts are only available as aftermarket and they are not so common anymore at scrapyards, at least in Italy) In particular I am interested in mileage or age-when-failed of components not normally considered wear items but replaced on a as-needed basis such as: fuel pumps (lift and inline) throttle body assy (injector, potentiometer, step motor...) ECU spark plug HT cables wheel bearings gearbox bearings etc at what mileage are those usually replaced? do they give any sign before giving up? here is what I found in my experience: - alternator and starter motor brushes needed to be replaced at 60k miles - lambda probe gave up at 100k miles, catalyzer went before that - had to tighten all sump bolts at 100k miles because started leaking oil, the most inaccessible ones (need to remove exhaust) were just hand tight - plastic 'ball' under gearlever mechanism crushed (hard to shift gears) at 90k miles - gearbox shaft oil seal started leaking at 100k miles