Eric, the biggest problem you will have is with the fuel injection on the
Rabbit.  It is CIS which is a mechanical injection system.  I have found
that it doesn't like to sit for long periods of time.  It has a complex
fuel distributor that has valves, etc inside that get gummed up with age.
Not many people still remember how to work on these systems.  Thankfully
the Vanagons used the Digijet and Digifant systems which are electronic.
These CIS systems were very ingenious in the way they controlled fuel
injection mechanically, but primitive in how they operate.  Unless you have
a local mechanic that is versed in them, I would look for a Rabbit
convertible in the early 90s when they still had the Mark 1 body, but were
Digifant fuel injection (like the late model Vanagon).

Ken

On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 2:21 PM Eric Caron <eric.caron@icloud.com> wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I have a 85 Westfalia.  I am aware of a garaged VW 1980 rabbit gass
> convertible.  Not run in a few years as the man of the house died.
>
>         My question is, If I were to take on this cabriolet as a long term
> project would I find the mechanics similar to my VW vanagon or would it be
> a completely different learning curve?
>
> As I do most of my work hands on with eyes closed I’d be interested in
> knowing if at least some of what I’ve learned about Vanagon care and
> maintenance, and general systems is going to carry over to a 1980 Rabbit
> gas engine convertible.
>
> Eric Caron
> Always ready for a project!

-- 
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com