When it comes to Autodoc, it really depends on what parts you're buying. For brakes, I'd look at ATE, Brembo or TRW. For filters, MANN-FILTER, Mahle or Bosch are worth considering. For suspension parts, Lemförder and Meyle are generally good options. Bosch, SKF and INA are also worth keeping in mind, depending on the part. I'd say it's better to choose a manufacturer with a good reputation for the specific type of part rather than assume one brand makes everything equally well. And always double-check the part number and compatibility with your car before ordering.
If you mean the rear brake calipers, 38 mm looks to be the correct size for some versions of the 1989 Golf GTI 8V. However, I wouldn’t assume it’s correct without checking which brake calipers you have, as the piston size depends on the brake system fitted. It’s best to measure the old piston or check the caliper manufacturer and part number before ordering. You can check the available pistons on https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/piston-brake-caliper-15094/vw/golf/golf-ii-19e-1g1/1648-1-8-gti-g60-syncro
I’d first try to find the OEM number using the car’s VIN or parts catalogue, as these clips can be quite model-specific. It’s also worth checking Autodoc by the original part number rather than searching by description.
A discount is great, but I'd also check the delivery time. At Autodoc, it depends on the availability of the specific part, so it's best to check the delivery date before placing an order.
Finding body parts for old cars is always a bit of a hunt. You usually end up scouring eBay, scrap yards and forums. I recently had a look at the Autodoc marketplace too; it seems to have options from various manufacturers, but I’m just having a look around for now.
Hey! I’ve experimented with similar specifications before, so I’ll share what I’ve learnt through trial and error. A 15x7 ET35 is usually fine for many setups, but if you go for a 7.5-inch width with the same ET and drop it by 30–40 mm, you're definitely pushing the limits. The extra half inch pushes the outer lip a few millimetres further out, and with ET35 it can sit pretty flush, depending on the car. You might be OK on smooth roads, but rubbing on the fender liner or arch edge is very possible on big compressions, with passengers in the back or on uneven bumps.
A lot also depends on tyre size. A slightly stretched tyre can help. A taller tyre profile will make it worse. If you really don't want to roll or pull the arches, I'd personally play it safe and either stick to 7J ET35 or go for 7.5J with a slightly higher offset (ET38–40). This might not look quite as aggressive, but it will keep your arches intact and prevent that annoying rubbing sound when you hit a dip.
I have a dilemma: I need to decide which tires to use for an upcoming trip. I have two sets of wheels/tires for my Golf — one with General Grabber AT3s and the other with Pirelli Scorpion Verde. The AT3s are currently on the car. They’ve performed really well; most of my driving is on country roads and light trails, and they handle snow and mud surprisingly well. However, I’ve never driven them more than 50 miles on the highway. I’ve read they’re not ideal on ice or for braking on wet roads. How safe would they be for a long winter highway drive? There’s so much mud here right now that it wouldn’t make sense to change them until the trip begins. I usually put the Scorpions on for long highway trips, but only in summer. The AT3s are clearly better for twisting country roads and snowy conditions, but for a 600-mile (≈960 km) high-speed trip, would it be wiser to use the Scorpions?
