Saad's 2007 MKV Golf GTI

[saad]

Hey guys

So the time has come to start my build diary.

I acquired the car off Ciaran, a member at GolfMk5, but I didnt know he was a member at the time. 3 door and manual, high K's, but very very good condition. Got it on the 8th Sep 2009.

I wanted the GTI since Top Gear reviewed it back in 2005. I promised myself I would buy myself a car when I finished uni and got a job, so the GTI is my first car. What sealed the deal as going for a ride in my Uncles' friends GTI in KL, Malaysia, in 2008. I nearly shat myself as to how it was being driven, so fast, and AMAZING cornering speed. The friend, Alan, is married with a baby, and he used to race motorbikes etc. So he's old! Got into a race with a civic and one, and this was him driving after a few drinks. I was very reluctant, but my uncle assured me it would be fine. Anyway after that ride it was sealed

My first mod was the stereo, as I'm a DJ and producer/musician, so good sounds are important to me, but I didnt want to go overboard. I retained the factory speakers, as I found once you amplify them, and get a nice clean signal to them, they sound great. At some stage I might get the Alpine Imprint module, to tune the speakers a bit, but for now Im happy with the stereo.

Some of you may know I'm a detailing nut, and I spent about a week doing a full thorough detail of the car:

Quite scratched

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4968/dsc0336g.jpg

My nephew helping:

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/139/dsc0337ub.jpg

After polishing:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4680/dsc0339w.jpg

Supplies:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9497/dsc0515jx.jpg

Claying:

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3245/dsc0522vn.jpg

After polishing the bonnet:

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5558/dsc0530k.jpg

Nice clean lights:

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2866/dsc0539x.jpg

After A few coats of Zaino:

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7981/dsc0545z.jpg

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/69/dsc0546x.jpg

[Byza]

do you use a machine to polish??

i am looking at doing a full detail before nationals but dont have a machine and not sure if itll come up enough without a machine... hmmmm

[saad]

Now for the stereo. Had fun building, and more importantly it sounds great, and i have more boot space than I would have had if I was just using a box. Everythign is also removable - I just need to rewire a few bits with quick release connectors, for track days etc.

Masking the wheel well, then applying a coat of resin:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9752/dsc0548j.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9117/dsc0550m.jpg

After this applied a few layers of fibreglass, then left to dry overnight. Took it out the next day:

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9896/dsc0552t.jpg

The amps:

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9094/dsc0553u.jpg

Creating the side of the enclosure

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5105/dsc0559u.jpg

We created a suspension bridge (?), a marvelous feat of engineering, using duct tape, to hold up our mounting ring:

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8720/dsc0556r.jpg

Stretched an old t-shirt over, and fibreglassed:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2521/dsc0560v.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7223/dsc0562wm.jpg

Cut the hole out, and the hole for the speaker terminals. The square hole took almost 2 hours! Fibreglass is strong, hard stuff:

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/9698/dsc0568h.jpg

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/3913/dsc0577.jpg

Test fit, perfect:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2967/dsc0571w.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9391/dsc0572q.jpg

[Justin Fox]

Custom DIY FTW!

And that detail. Oh man that's inspiring. I'm going to have to give magic Dave a call soon to detail my car (it really needs it, swirl mark city!).

[saad]

Carpet:

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8189/dsc0579v.jpg

Testing and creating the amp rack:

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8282/dsc0574r.jpg

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/73/dsc0580c.jpg

Onto the wiring:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7883/dsc0584d.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1716/dsc0594t.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4120/dsc0588y.jpg

All done and working:

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6633/dsc0593i.jpg




Creating the false floor:

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2528/dsc0597h.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3756/dsc0599e.jpg

FINISHED!

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8784/dsc0600x.jpg

[Paolo]

impressive saad! keep em coming

[saad]

New wheels, AMG Reps, 19" ET46

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9909/wheelj.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1369/dsc0605z.jpg

And then the Sachs coilovers arrived

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1151/dsc0050j.jpg

[SUGA]

Great work on installing the stereo saad!

[saad]

Lowered, and with some CF Vinyl wrap on the front mask.

Can prob go lower in the rear, but its good to keep it a bit higher for better turn in. Also had the the front guards rolled

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7297/saadcar21of1.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3354/saadcar11of1.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs453.ash1/24919_518350017295_204400588_827589_7160268_n.jpg

[saad]

do you use a machine to polish??

i am looking at doing a full detail before nationals but dont have a machine and not sure if itll come up enough without a machine... hmmmm

Yep I use a machine. Unles your using a polish with fillers, doing it by hand wont do much, not to mention you will ache a lot

[Frenchie]

Very nice build Saad - great to see at lot of work and love going into your car.

[saad]

Actually, the second mod I did to my car was tinted tails.

I sanded them, sprayed a coat of VHT Night Shades, wet sanded, another coat, wet sanded, then sprayed some clear coat. I then took them to a pro to get a layer of clear coat. Its not too dark, but def a LOT better than stock. Will prob get some R32 tails if I find them cheap somewhere:

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9378/mycar3.jpg

I think it looks great, looks like a deep red instead of a dark pink as they do when stock.

Heres what it looks like stock, a pic from the previous owner

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j103/ciaranvt/IMG_0673.jpg


Also have a VW Racing short shifter.

And the stereo:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/mycar4r.jpg

[derek]

nice build thread mate!

[MasterKevin]

i like it saad i like it :D

[Jig]

You have talent and Patience Saad.

[saad]

Not sure about the talent, its just going at it hard!

I must say, Jig's nod to get the wheels was a major reason to get them, cos if a man with such awesome taste said my wheels were good, then they are good enough for me :)

[∆pex]

very nice build saad, looking forward to seeing what else you've got in store. :cool:

i feel like our cars are related! :p

[iBoost]

The car looks awesome Saad, especially the wheels!

What kind of globes are you running in the head lights and fog lights? Wasn't sure if they were different or if it was just the photography.

[saad]

Standard bulbs, but upgrading to some osram night breakers soon. The parking light are the phillips blue vision ones though

[10d]

Awesome, saad! nice detail job

[iBoost]

Sweet, thanks for the info. I'm trying to find out what the whitest "xenon" looking globes are for my new GTI when it arrives. I was looking at the PIAA Xtreme White Plus globes which seemed to be getting pretty good reviews.

Would be interested to see your car once you change to the night breakers.

[kaoticice]

Awesome pictures saad.. I remember reading ur detailing thread on golfmk5.. ur one hell of a patient man!! :)

PS: what polishing compound and machine are u using at the moment?

[Cam]

Awesome build thread saad!
I don't have nearly as much patience as you, the car looks great.

[saad]

Sweet, thanks for the info. I'm trying to find out what the whitest "xenon" looking globes are for my new GTI when it arrives. I was looking at the PIAA Xtreme White Plus globes which seemed to be getting pretty good reviews.

Would be interested to see your car once you change to the night breakers.

IMO, most of th "xenon look" halogens look very very bad. Also with halogens if you go too white/blue, you lose visibility. Osram night breakers are supposed to give a lot better visbility and range, and also a whiter light

[Cam]

The nightbreakers are on my list of things to buy
:)

If anyone is interested there is a write up here
http://www.my-gti.com/11/upgrade-golf-headlights-to-osram-nightbreaker

[G-rig]

I like what you've done with the car Saad and nice effort on the sound system/sub doing it yourself!

Nice detailing skills too, haven't overlooked much!

[saad]

Pics of twintake:

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8584/twintake3.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4794/twintake2.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9360/twintake1.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3228/twintake4.jpg

It didnt come with Forge stickers, but my friend/old boss, stuck the sticker of his hew business, D2D, on it, as he helped me install it. Actually he pretty much did install it, as I lose a torx bit and couldnt find it!

[Paolo]

a review of the twintake please =)

i've heard the twintake in person and man that thing is loud! when we heard it coming up to our level in Terrigal, Kevin thought it was a supercharger hahah i think that will attract more attention then my vf intake and mine is pretty noticeable

[saad]

It is loud. If you after something quiet, this is not for you. Its actually louder than I wanted it to be, and had I known it was this loud I wouldnt have bought. It's not just the induction noise, its the noise of the Diverter Valves when you lift off, change gears etc.

However, I will be keeping this simply because I can feel the increase in power, and more notably, the increase in throttle response. And I am growing to like the sound more and more :)

I would loved to have done a before and after dyno, but don't have the resources to do so. I dont doubt Forge's claim of 22WHP though, there is def a difference.

Bear in mind that this is without the heat shield installed, as it wasnt in the box, but I am being sent one next week. This will help even more.

Installation was a bit tricky, but nothing too hard. The reason it was tricky though was my fault, as we could get it to fit properly - the fuse from the amp wire was getting in the way, so the filters wouldn't sit down, moving it fixed this. Tightening the rings was also a bit tricky due to lack of space, but there was nothing particulary difficult. Getting the clips off the original pipe going to the turbo required some effort, as I didnt know how to do it - my mate fixed it in 5 seconds though.

[chewy7]

Great work Saad! Prove those haters wrong dude :)

What buffing machine are you using? Where from/how much? :D :D

[saad]

The Meguiars one.

http://www.zas.com.au/

[chris32]

Looking good saad.

[∆pex]

I would loved to have done a before and after dyno, but don't have the resources to do so. I dont doubt Forge's claim of 22WHP though, there is def a difference.
22whp seems really optimistic!

[stephen8512]

good choice on the twintake!!! i love mine!

[G-rig]

22whp seems really optimistic!

Maybe they mean 22dB.

[MasterKevin]

Maybe they mean 22dB.

haha cool either way :P lol

oe 22 cubic volume of air lol

[Bizi]

Maybe they mean 22dB.

kaching!!! :D

[∆pex]

Maybe they mean 22dB.
that's probably more accurate! lol

[Bizi]

Hey Saad, are you doing Stig impersonations?

I just noticed your avatar. :p

[Tim]

does it go SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOTTOOOOTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O! ?? :D

[saad]

Yep it does lol

Opinion needed guys

Just about to order some team dynamics wheels.

Shall I go for the silver, or anthracite?

http://www.pbase.com/saggiowrx/image/68398764.jpg

http://www.gethome.no/~vidarg/leon/img/parts/b/prorace12_b.jpg

Or maybe even white?

http://www.performanceplustire.com/imagesProducts3/6751.jpg
http://www.outmotoring.com/images/P/TDR_pr12_md-01.jpg

[Justin Fox]

I'm a fan of these wheels ever since seeing them on that crazy race car. I assume they're light too. I'm tempted to get some down the line in a more aggressive offset. Are you getting them direct saad or?

[GBJ-R32]

Black on black is my pic stealth all the way

[saad]

Im getting them from Demon Tweeks in the UK. Veyr very cheap with the pound weak right now.

I was gonna go 18x8 ET45, but you reckon we culd go more aggressive? I too am a fan after seeing them on that crazy race car :)

Im not a fan of black on black, I think it can work really well sometimes, but I want the wheels to stand out a little bit... If i had a white GTI, would go black easy, but having seen a pic of black on black not a fan:

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54818&d=1257913394

[saad]

Justin, according to wheel offset calculator, going ET40 will be the same as my current wheels which are 8.5 ET46. If I just get the fenders flared a bit but they would be perfect, but given they are an 18 as oppossed to a 19, ill have less or no rub! I think Ill go the ET40 :)

[Big Yellow]

Go anthracite!!

And 18x8 et40 will poke

I have 18x8 et42 and the fronts just poke and rears flush. So they could still rub when lowered!

[saad]

oN mk6 looks good though :

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4430711072_56dbcf0410_b.jpg

Anyone have a pic of anthracite - thats what Ive been thinking too

[Justin Fox]

saad - Demon Tweeks doesn't seem to list prices?

I agree black on black isn't easy to get right. Silver is super safe, gunmetal grey is both aggressive and elegant under different light (a happy medium?!).

Terence - it all depends on your camber settings and how low you go too. If you're running -2 camber up front I think an 18x8 +35 will fit no worries.

[AP]

Wheels are nice design, but would look better if they didn't have the writing around the outside of the wheel!!

[G-rig]

+1, I'd get gun metal, would look rad on black (not a fan of black on black makes the tyres look washed out and cheapens the car).

Also wouldn't go any more than ET45, dont want to be scrubbing on the track.

Shame the VW motorsport wheels are so expensive, don't mind them at all!

[saad]

I love the VW motorsport wheels, really do....just waiting for someone to make some nice copies!

Anthony, they are available without the writing, but in black with a red lip.

Justin, you need to call or email for prices, or you can PM and I can let you know how much its costing me.

Saad

[Paul_OH]

I'm biased but I really like them in silver on a dark colour. GTom will disagree with me though Lol!

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss125/Paul_OH/Golf/IMG_0362-363.jpg

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss125/Paul_OH/Golf/ProRace128.jpg

[saad]

You cant go wrong with silver ever

But im after a racy/aggressive look. I think anthracite it is then

[Lima]

Saad, how much do DT charge for freight on a set of wheels?

[saad]

Only about 70-100 pounds, so MUCH cheaper than tirerack

[Lima]

Thanks for that. There's a group buy for VMR wheels on VWW (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f100/vmr-wheel-group-buy-feeler-42899.html), I assume you have seen that?

[saad]

Nope hadnt see it. Thanks for pointing it out, but Im after something less "show" and more "go" and the VMR wheels are a bit heavier than the team dynamics. Although I do love their wheels!

[saad]

Just replaced my DV, and changed the oil.

The car doesnt make a fluttering sound when lifting off or changing gears, but rather a nice short "shhh" sound, which is far more pleasing

Also deleted the rear wiper

[saad]

Ordered wheels in Anthracite today about 4 -5 weeks till delivery :(

[G-rig]

Nice work Saad, Anthracite will look awesome, and works on any colour car (I loved them on my Type R).

[saad]

I'm redoing the stereo as some of you may know. Building a sidemount sub box, and gonna mount the amps in the spare wheel well. I have a new, single 5 channel amp which is more than powerful enough sitting in the shop waiting for me, but I'm not gonna collect it till these ones are sold. so someone buy them!

Putting some dynamat in the wheel arch:

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3052/dsc0929g.jpg

Masking for fibreglassing

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3015/dsc0930kl.jpg

Making the wooden frame:

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/1384/dsc0931y.jpg

Painting just for looks and neatness:

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/1914/dsc0937y.jpg

Spare tyre amp rack. Note how the cables are neatly fastened down.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/517/dsc1023m.jpg




And my Alcantara wheel!

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9423/dsc1036v.jpg

And clocked this on the way home:

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/9443/img0073sm.jpg

[10d]

Nice boxing glove, saad.

Good to finally meet you.

[chewy7]

wwoooaaah! Nice steering wheel there dude! How much and where from? :D

[burgs]

Good to see your car in the flesh, stereo install is looking nice as well. How easy will it be to remove? the added weight wont do your cars weight loss program much good?

[G-rig]

Nice work with the side box...

The wheel looks like it needs some alcantara on the middle too :P.

[saad]

The amps are very easy to remove.

And the new stereo is a weight loss from the old one - 10" instead of 12", 1 amp instead of 2 (might get rid of the sub woofer amp I'm currently running, as I dont really need it - the 4 channel bridged puts out enough power), the side mount box is smaller than the spare wheel well one, and no false floor anymore either - the new system will be MUCH easier to remove, and I've wired the speaker cables with quick release connectors too. The amps are just a matter of unscrewing the plastic nut thing that holds the spare tyre down, and lifting.

For the steering wheel, call 0411 410 698 and ask for Louie. He's a mate of Justins, and is based in Beverly Hills. Tell him I sent you! I;m getting the shift boot done too, but ran out of time this weekend.

If I could afford it right now, I would sooooo jump on these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130393609116&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Lets see how much they go for....

I wanna get the dash retrimmed in alcantara too, like this:

http://www.cartype.com/pics/7272/small/lamborghini_gallardo_superleggera_in2_08.jpg

The eventual plan now is to turn it into a VW GTI "GT3 RS"/"Superleggera", perhaps with a half cage in the rear once this is no longer my DD or if I lose all my friends, or when they all get cars! I would love a 6 point cage (half cage with beam that goes down the sides too) but dont think it is street legal

Greg, I wanted to Alcantara the middle, but the airbag was in the way! It looks a lot greyer than it is due to the flash. In real life it looks awesome, and I chose grey rather than black as I wanted it to stand out a bit, and if I chose black, it wouln't have matched anyway and would like I had tried to match it but very poorly!

[saad]

This is what interior I want! Alcantara roof mmmm

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/frankfurt/2009/112_0909_2010_porsche_911_gt3_rs_frankfurt/25673908+w750+st0/2010-porsche-911-gt3-rs-interior.jpg
Might try and source some Alcantara cheaply from the UK

[G-rig]

I think you're right Saad, the flast mucks up the colours just like my sub box carpet. It was fairly close but the flash makes it look completely different, however recarpeting it anyway in a better batch of stuff.

Alcantara looks hot, wasn't really feeling it in the Volvo but that pic above is tops.

Good to keep the audio setup simple too..

[saad]

I found a source for genuine 911 gt3 seats, but it seems cant get mounts to fit a golf :( Tough choice between them and the recaro - the GT3 seat also comes in a reclining version which is very similar to the fixed back so would be perfect for passenger side

[G-rig]

just saw a better pic on watercooled, looks awesome saad.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4634890231_0c7c67ac3a_b.jpg

[saad]

Oh wow who took that? link?

Also I got it trimmed on top of the old leather so when it wears out i can rip it off and stillhave the OEM wheel. Also, putting it on top makes it a bit thicker, and now its just PERFECT in the hands.

Only problem is I am scared of ruining it so i have to wash my hands before I drive, or I wear my alpine stars gloves - with the gloves on, the wheel is just DIVINE, leather is too slippery for gloves. Receive funnt looks though, wearing a suit and wearing white gloves!

[G-rig]

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f21/vw-nationals-wrapup-photos-44996-10.html

It's a wicked photo, I need a decent camera one day.

[saad]

Mine is bad cos it was taken just then, at night with a flash - flash has the effect of increasing contrast if its the only source of light. The picture of my wheel from watercooled isn't using flash, so any camera, including most compacts could take it. The light was just perfect at the time, and its very natural as a result. But the focus too goes off very gradually and lightly, and this is how you can tell a DSLR was used - a compact wll have a much greater depth of field. A medium or large format camera has an even more pleasing focus fall off.

[G-rig]

I could tell it was a DSLR from the depth of field and crisp focus and low noise.

[saad]

Hahaa yep - although some of the compacts are great too - the lumix LX3 for instance is an awesome little compact and a lot more practical than an SLR too. The micro 4/3rds ones are nice too but expensive and not compact enough to be taken everywhere

[G-rig]

This is what interior I want! Alcantara roof mmmm

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/frankfurt/2009/112_0909_2010_porsche_911_gt3_rs_frankfurt/25673908+w750+st0/2010-porsche-911-gt3-rs-interior.jpg
Might try and source some Alcantara cheaply from the UK

Looks awesome, wouldn't it weight more than the material that's on there? Is it more lightweight than leather?

[Justin Fox]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4634890231_0c7c67ac3a_b.jpg
So so so hot dude I'm going to hit Louie up to do mine too. And yes! Do the dash! I've always wanted to flock my GT-R dash (so it doesn't give off a reflection when on the track).

[G-rig]

How much did the wheel cost to do?

[ar44]

Ohh might have to make a phone call too. Price? If you don't mind..

[Justin Fox]

Don't quote me on this, but I think it cost around $350 to do.

[elisiX]

Holy crap those wheels!..

I'd never even considered them - but I think they'd suit the MK6 GTI just as well as they do you MKV!

Where might I find them mate?

[M4RK0]

Saad you car it's so hot,

I love the steering wheel!!

[Bizi]

Saad, I knew you'd eventually pioneer a popular mod. :D

Please come back with updates if you're getting your trimmer to do some other work, as you mentioned on Sunday.

Have you considered trimming the headrests similarly, with the red stitching? It would be a nice (and visible) mod, though we all know you're replacing the seats eventually.

I wonder if the Passat R36 wheel is actually smaller than the MkV wheel. It just looks smaller inside R207's car. I likey!

[Bizi]

I found a source for genuine 911 gt3 seats, but it seems cant get mounts to fit a golf :( Tough choice between them and the recaro - the GT3 seat also comes in a reclining version which is very similar to the fixed back so would be perfect for passenger side

Saad, try to put a hold on the seats, if possible with the owner, while you check what's involved to get the seats to mount.

I'd imagine it's relatively straightforward.

As you know from this forum, everything's possible.

[Pharkus]

Saad, awesome work on the wheel and great to see, pic looks awesome. I've been thinking of doing the same as my steering wheel has copped some scratches from my rings. Any issues with going over the top of the old leather other than thickness? Also how long did it take?

Theres Gary Blackman? (in Richmond) down in Victoria that is known for upholstery, not sure if he can do steering wheel and dash. I love alcantara. The aim would be roofliner, steering wheel, shift boot and dash.

[M4RK0]

Saad, did you got the stereo interface for the controls on the wheel?

Di they came with the Alpine unit?

It's awesome! dude! all that efford and money are paying off

[saad]

Wow a lot of responses!

Here goes:

Justin: I think I'm gonna do the dash, just gotta work out which bits to do, and if it will effect the airbag at all. Would I do just the top bit of the dash, or the whole thing? And then work out how much material I need, and order some then get Louie to do it. UK ebay is much cheaper for alcantara than here! I suppose if its just the dash though, could probably do it myself, as it would just involve sticking down some material. Roof liner would be hot too.

Do you reckon I should do the dash in the same colour as the wheel or a bit darker or lighter?

elisiX: My wheels are just AMG reps - couldn't afford and didn't want genuine ones as they are liek 6-$8000. I got them from www.mswt.com.au

Bizi: I am getting the shift boot done next time I'm in sydney which might be next monday as I may be going to Ikea with the GF and sister. Also, I dont need to put a hold on the seats, as its a shop. I'm thinking If I got some recaro brackets, the porsche seats could be made to fit by drilling some holes. Seats are pretty cheap, but shipping is almost as much as the seats, which is why I'm considering the Recaro pole positions.

Pharkus: No problems with going over the old leather. Took 4-5 hours. Louie was a champ, I dropped my car off, he lives 4 min walk from a train station, caught the train into the city, met up with 2 friends once they finished work, we chilled out for a few hours, caught the train back, and picked up the car.

M4RK: Didnt get the controls on the wheel, as I never used the buttons on the wheel when I had the factory stereo for a short time - the stereo was the first mod I did. I'm gonna be upgrading to the Alpine w502 or maybe the RNS510, but the lack of divX has put me off. I might get steering wheel controls then as the adapter is only around $70. And in regard to money, its not all that much! I'm not (yet) as financially free as some people here (but i will be some day!), so the key is to do things one by one, and appreciate each thing, and take care of the car. Next mod will prob be sway bars, but Im tempted by a bucket seat first! I'd love a CF bonnet, but the legality is an issue for me.

[AusScare]

Oh wow who took that? link?

I did! Loved the steering wheel, I want to get it done to my car, my hands sweat hardcore.

Camera was a Nikon D40, with Nikon 35mm f1.8, gives it the awesome blur out affect. Lens was cheap, $280, highly recommended, more pics in the appearance thread.

[G-rig]

I wonder if the Passat R36 wheel is actually smaller than the MkV wheel. It just looks smaller inside R207's car. I likey!

I think it would look better on a smaller wheel, but then there's the no-airbag issue and having something illegal for street use.

[schoona]

Hey saad, can you link me to these "NRG" Carbon backed seats. I'm tempted for my VR. :D

[saad]

Hahahahah your taking the piss yeah! After seeking Justin's advice i thought against it!

[schoona]

Nevaaaaaar :P

Hot ride mate, love the AMG reps :)

[saad]

FYI ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/NRG-Seat-REAL-Carbon-Fiber-Bucket-Large-Pair-/370374905689?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item563c108f59

[M4RK0]

Hey Saad,

Another wonder, are you going to change the battery?, or are you going to use one of those capacitors?

http://www.carstereomall.com/tn.php?quality=90&width_size=300&name=2007/10/cap160dbl.jpg

Cheers Bro!

[saad]

Why would i need to change the battery? Or need a capacitor?

[M4RK0]

Why would i need to change the battery? Or need a capacitor?

For your new sound system? is not the new gear going to use more juice fromt the battery?

[G-rig]

I don't why you need a capacitor it's one of those things that the JB hifi guys probably try to sell you.

[saad]

LOL G-RIG! My friend works at JB so I just get what i want through him, so no dodgy salesman here!

M4RK, I have been running 2 small amps, and have been for quite some time, so the stereo isn't new at all. I dont need a power capacitor or a new battery at all. The new one, when it gets done, will only run one small amp.

[G-rig]

LOL G-RIG! My friend works at JB so I just get what i want through him, so no dodgy salesman here!

Yeah i know LOL!

ps. I'd hang off getting the W502 HU and Nav for the time being - appaently there's a new Alpine HU coming out in Sept that uses Nav'n'Go and there was talk about them teaming up with Nokia.. sounds like a much better setup than the current POS sensis Alpine unit.

[saad]

Excellent, thanks for that mate, will hang off it.

Saw the RNS510 working in theR36, and had DivX etc, but it involved buying extra hardware, which was a further expense, so I think that route is a no go. Needed a remote to control it too, and I want it as simple as possible. DivX files on hardrive, navigate on head unit, sorted.

Do you know if the new Nav would work with the 502, or is it an all in one unit?

[G-rig]

Maybe give Northfield Moorooka a call for that question - I think it's a different setup but would be surprised if they made it so u can't use the 502. Sounds like its not build in though.

I can also get an adapter to control the oem badge camera, and considering the mdi is a bit crap these days I may too consiserbafyer market HU later.

[M4RK0]

I don't why you need a capacitor it's one of those things that the JB hifi guys probably try to sell you.

No man!, this is not dodgy stuff, as far as I know you need the cap to manage the juice flow from the battery to the sound gear and avoid the surprise that the next day your car it's dead, plus power surge protection and CANBUS system errors,

This is not a rule i don't know much about soudn systems and the MKV,

But if Saad it's been running his car for a while without issues, so, no probs! :)

Cheers!

[G-rig]

So why do you need one? I had three amp and didnt need one? It's probably just for people with two fully sick 15" subs for those notes that hit hard?

[saad]

Yep when you see ppl with stupid loud systems and their headlights dimming when the bass hits, thats when you need a capacitor. Normal ppl dont need one

[G-rig]

Yep when you see ppl with stupid loud systems and their headlights dimming when the bass hits, thats when you need a capacitor. Normal ppl dont need one

They'll need new ears too.

Becomes noise not music with SPL, doesn't take much skill.

[scotty1991]

I read a 10 page thread on some car audio site which basically explained capacitors are pointless? :S

[elisiX]

Holy crap those wheels!..

I'd never even considered them - but I think they'd suit the MK6 GTI just as well as they do you MKV!

Where might I find them mate?

I stand corrected. Those AMG rep wheels look awesome on the MKV... NOT the MKVI!

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6468

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2345&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1275301010

[saad]

Once you lower it will looka lot better!

The mkVI doesnt have as much flat bodywork as the MKV prhaps thats why

[MasterKevin]

I stand corrected. Those AMG rep wheels look awesome on the MKV... NOT the MKVI!

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6468

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2345&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1275301010

wow that is bad :S ....

[chris32]

I stand corrected. Those AMG rep wheels look awesome on the MKV... NOT the MKVI!

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6468

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2345&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1275301010

I think it will look alot better lower.

[saad]

Finally finished the sub box. The finishing is a bit dodgy, but it wil do for now - I think the carpet i'm using, although matching perfectly, has no stretch in it, so its hard to get it to work with curved surfaces. I may try and source some other carpet - FHRX say that the one at supercheap auto matches perfectly, or just get an audio shop to finish it off nicely for me.

I was able to use my 12" sub from before, which is good as it saves from buying a new one. Initially I thought it was too deep, but after buildign it, it was perfect.

Forgot to take pics during the build process, but essentially put a a piece of MDF on top, cut a hole, then used filler in the gaps, and sanded back. Painted to coats of resin on top to make sure it was airtight and waterproof, then applied the carpet.

It sounds good, although tomorrow I will take the sub out and put some dynamat inside the box, as there is some excess vibration being transferred to the car. I also want to get some of the audio foam stuff to stuff the box with, to make it seem bigger, and smooth out the response.

Eventually I will get the whole system tunes with an Audison BitOne, but for now I'm happy.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4993/subwoofer1.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8652/subwoofer2.jpg

Yes the sub has a crack in it, covered with gaffers tape, and there is some dust. I'll try fixing it with some rubber cement and see how i go

[chris32]

Looks good Saad, i've always wanted to do something similar in my car.

[saad]

Hmm I think Ill get a speaker grill - will hide the unsightly woofer!

[saad]

Oh f***ing hell, I just realised I cant put the parcel shelf back in. I'm fedup of these stupid mistakes

[chris32]

Oh f***ing hell, I just realised I cant put the parcel shelf back in. I'm fedup of these stupid mistakes

I was looking at your picture wondering if it would fit.

[saad]

Great, another day, and another fgod knows how many hours of effort ruined and wasted.

I seriosuly hate this and myself right now. I want to go destroy it

[Jeffie]

Ghetto mod the parcel shelf, youve already ghetto fixed the sub :P

[Tinto]

Just saw your steering wheel... that looks amazing!
More than makes up for a wonky parcel shelf ;)

[Bizi]

Saad, how's the steering wheel covering holding up, considering your use of the car this month and the track use?

Will you be getting some more work done by your trimmer tomorrow, on the way to the VW Driver Training afternoon?

Surely you can just trim the bottom and sides of the sub box, to give the required parcel shelf clearance. One thing I;d try would be to compare the system with the shelf on & off, just i case you prefer the sound with it off. Then trim the box, anyway.

[G-rig]

Can you cut a bit of the height from the box?

Marty recommended the Aerpro charcoal carpet, got it from Autobarn and it's an exact match. Just see if you can take it outside to compare to the car in case the batch's vary.

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6176/resizeofpicture002.jpg

[saad]

Ok i ripped off the carpet, sanded down some more, then hacked it up with a circular saw. Im out of sanding pads now, but will go get one and hoepfully should all be good!

[saad]

Though I'd post some updates. Fixed the sub box issue:

After sanding, and painting a layer of resin over the whole box, for 100% airtight and to make sure the wood isn't affected by moisture

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/9672/interior1v.jpg

Painting black (looks nicer!)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5559/interior2f.jpg

And installed!

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/580/interior5.jpg

And the alcantara shift boot

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/853/interior7.jpg

[G-rig]

That boot looks good.. (both boots lol).