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Rust Protection for 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

Why Rust Protection is Essential for Your Mk1 Golf GTI

The 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 is an iconic hot hatch, but like many classics, it’s prone to rust. If left untreated, corrosion can seriously impact the structure, value, and longevity of the vehicle. Proper rust protection helps maintain its originality, ensuring you can enjoy the Mk1 for years to come.

Common Rust Areas on the Mk1 Golf GTI

The Mk1 Golf GTI is particularly vulnerable to rust in several key areas:
Wheel arches – Road debris and moisture cause corrosion over time.
Sills and floor pans – A prime area for rust, especially if drainage holes become blocked.
Battery tray – Acid leaks and moisture can lead to corrosion.
Front and rear valances – These panels collect dirt and moisture, leading to rust spots.
Fuel filler neck – A notorious weak point on the Mk1, often rusting due to trapped moisture.
Boot floor and spare wheel well – Water ingress can cause corrosion here.

Lanoguard: The Ultimate Rust Protection for Your Classic Golf GTI

Lanoguard is a high-performance UK made rust protection solution that offers:
Water-repellent protection – Prevents moisture from reaching metal surfaces.
Long-lasting durability – Won’t wash off in rain, mud, or road spray.
Sustainable – Lanolin base and no need to mask up.
Self-healing properties – If scratched, it re-bonds to keep protection intact.

How to Apply Lanoguard to Your Mk1 Golf GTI

Applying Lanoguard is simple and effective:

1️⃣ Prepare the surface – Clean and dry any rust-prone areas. Use a degreaser if needed.
2️⃣ Apply Lanoguard spray – Evenly coat wheel arches, sills, underbody, and other key areas.
3️⃣ Brush or wipe where necessary – For tight spots, use a brush or cloth.
4️⃣ Let it cure – Lanoguard bonds quickly, creating a long-lasting protective barrier.

It’s quick, easy, and mess-free, perfect for DIY application.

FAQs

Will Lanoguard stop existing rust from getting worse?
Yes! It forms a protective barrier that stops oxygen and moisture from accelerating rust.

How often should I apply Lanoguard?
For classic cars like the Mk1 Golf GTI, an annual application is recommended to maintain optimal protection.

Does it wash off in rain or when cleaning the car?
No! Lanoguard is water-repellent and won’t wash away, even in extreme weather.

Is Lanoguard safe on rubber and plastics?
Yes! Unlike some treatments, Lanoguard won’t degrade rubber, plastic, or electrical components.


Keep Your Mk1 Golf GTI Rust-Free for Years to Come

Preserve the legendary 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 with Lanoguard’s advanced rust protection. Easy to apply, long-lasting, and trusted by classic car enthusiasts.

Order Your Lanoguard Kit Today and protect your Mk1 for the future.

 

🎞️ Watch Driveway Icons - Golf GTI Episode

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane with Dan Sheppard and his stunning 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI. If you love classic hot hatches, 80s nostalgia, and practical ways to keep your pride and joy rust-free, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

🎥 Watch the full episode of Driveway Icons here

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions and learn more about Lanoguard's products, applications, and benefits.

Moto Range is designed for all vehicles, bikes, trailers and machinery to name a few. It protects the whole vehicle underbody and chassis from rust, corrosion and electrolysis with a strong barrier coat. Find out more and see our Moto Range.

Marine Range is designed for boats and any machinery submerged in sea water. It protects from rust, corrosion and electrolysis the same as our Moto Range, but also contains marine growth inhibitors to stop barnacle build up on any equipment submerged in seawater. It is safe, non-toxic and marine ecology friendly. Some of its uses include on outboard and inboard motors including electrics, propellers and prop shafts and boat trailers. Find out more.

Outdoor Range is a thinner formula, designed for metal, rubber, vinyl, wood, and almost all materials. It can be used on BBQs, sheds, fences and decking to name a few. It provides protection from corrosion, rust and waterproofs as wells preventing mould build-up in woods and vinyls due to it containing anti-fungal. Find out more.

Lanoguard has been designed for yearly/seasonal applications. It should be topped up at least once a year to ensure continuous protection. Although due to the simple application process there’s no harm in doing an Autumn & Spring application! The product is broken down by UV, so the more it is exposed to sunlight the shorter its life span. Inside box sections or inner chassis for example, it will last longer.

The general rule of thumb is that a little Lanoguard goes a long way, 1.8L of moto spray per application. – is ample coverage for vehicles such as Land Rovers and Pick Up trucks any vehicles over this size we would recommend more than 2L. Click here to look at our range.

Preparation is very minimal - all you need to do is jet wash your vehicle removing any dirt and grime. Make sure you remove any flaking or loose bits of rust, paint or underseal. Sometimes a wire brush can be used if needed to remove flaking bits. Ensure the vehicle is dry before you apply Lanoguard – it doesn’t have to be bone dry, as Lanoguard will displace moisture to an extent, but ensure you do not apply to a dripping wet surface. See our how to apply page here.

Lanoguard is great for chassis with surface rust. It has a natural affinity to ferrous metals and will bond to the metal underneath any surface rust, it acts as a barrier by hermetically sealing to the surface keeping oxygen and water out - stopping any rust from developing further.

Yes, you most certainly can. Lanoguard works fine with almost all sprayers, compressors, and applicators. You may find that it uses slightly more product than our trigger sprayer applicators will, but you’ll still get a nice even coverage of Lanoguard which will protect well. We do have a range of sprayers and applicators available on our accessories page.

Lanoguard reaches its final state around 7 to 10 days after application. Day 0 it is “oily” day 3 “soft” and final state is dry to the touch, but you know something is there. Like a candle to feel. Maybe a little softer. It dries to a clear / transparent semi satin wet look and stays that way for some months eventually dulling a little. But always stays clear; and of course, you can jet wash it to clean it back to how it was when you put it on. It is best to not drive the vehicle for 24hours to let it get through the first part of the curing process.

Lanoguard is eco-friendly and has green non-hazardous certifications. It does not require special handling, protective clothing or disposable gloves, which all add to the carbon footprint of utilising a product that is hazardous. The primary ingredient of Lanoguard is Lanolin which is a very ecologically safe and sound base. In fact, an entire dam in New Zealand was moved down river on a base of Lanoguard marine grease which shows you how the river authority was not concerned about any toxins that would be left as a result.