[Vwdiesel] Anti-Rattle Brake Clip Question

[Bryan K. Walton]

Yesterday on my way to and from work, I noticed a new ticking sound
in my '84 Rabbit.  Its an intermittent sound that comes and goes.  I
again noticed it this morning once I got up to about 35mph.  It went
away around 50mph.  And then vanished for the next 5 miles or so. 
Then I noticed it again around 45-50 mph for a minute or so, and then
it was gone for the last 5 minutes of my commute.  When sitting behind
the steering wheel, driving down the road, the sounds seems to be
coming from the left side of the car.  It doesn't seem to be in the
same location as the usual engine ticks I hear at times, which usually
sound more toward the center or the right side.

So last night, I jacked the car up and took a look.  All the
suspension bolts are tight.  The wheel and axles nuts are tight.  The
CV joints and tie rods look fine (I replaced them all last year).  The
boots are in great shape on said CV joints and tie rods.  I don't have
this sound during turns either -- only when the car is going straight.

I've noticed that when I hear the rattle, I hear it regardless of
whether the car is running at high rpms, or coasting.  (However, when
I let the car coast, the rattle stops very shortly after -- perhaps
because the car is losing speed, causing the vibration to stop?)
Also, the sound is loud enough to hear, but not louder than any of the
other engine noises.

I know for a fact that I do NOT have anti-rattle clips on my front
brakes.  I'm wondering if this might be possibly what I'm hearing? 
Are anti-rattle clips universal?  In other words, can I go to my local
auto parts store and buy a set knowing they will work on my front
brakes?  Or do I have to purchase a specific kind?  I know my calipers
are not original.  I've had two guys before tell me they look like
calipers off of a GTI.

Thanks,
Bryan