anth's MKIV Golf 2.0 daily driver

[anth]

Hey fellow vw owners. This will be my build thread on vww for my Golf 2.0 daily driver. All text an images will be copied from my blog Build Threads (http://buildthreads.wordpress.com) as I update it, so if anything sounds out of place or over-explained, just ignore it :)

One question I have first up...is my car a GLE? There is no badges apart from "GOLF" on the hatch.

Looking forward to getting some feedback from you guys :banana:

Let it begin....

-- all text & images copied from http://buildthreads.wordpress.com --

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0023-1.jpg

Did you guess the mystery project car? Most likely!

Well here it is in full view, my MKIV Golf 2.0 (or 2.Slow as they’re affectionately known). This is my daily driver, and has been for a few months ever since my last daily was totalled in spectacular fashion as I sat idle in a freeway traffic jam. It gets me from A to B in quiet comfort while the Datsun awaits patiently in the garage for its next outing.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_00231-1.jpg

So why is it a “project car” all of a sudden considering I’ve owned it for a while? Well, recently the temptation to buy a different car was starting to rear its head. I was browsing the online classifieds daily, looking at Toyota Aristo’s, S14 200sx’s, and even VTiR Civic’s. I was looking purely out of boredom for what I was driving. The Golf is such a great car, but fails to keep my attention, I just don’t like standard cars unless they’re factory built sports models.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0024-1.jpg

So what was the solution? If I was to keep it, I had to modify it! How could I sell a perfectly good Golf without bothering to try to make it even partially resemble the crazy examples I ogle over day after day on vwvortex? It just wouldn’t be fair, all those great ideas would have been a complete waste. Additionally, the car get’s great mileage, is extremely comfortable inside, solidly built, and has 5-door practicality. Ever tried fitting a flat-packed chair and TV cabinet into an S15 Silvia at Ikea? I have! And somehow it all managed to fit, which doesn’t really assist my argument…uhh, anyway…

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0020jpgw242h361-1.jpg http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0025jpgw242h361-1.jpg

The plans for the car aren’t anything nearly as outlandish as the MKIV’s we’re all used to seeing around the internet. I want to keep it factory and clean, with a few small touches. Here’s a run-down of what I have in mind.

- Window tint
- Coilovers
- OEM style 18″ wheels
- All-red tail lights
- Designer fabric gear shift boot
- Partial de-badge
- Cut & polish
- Interior steam clean
- Blackened internal headlight surrounds

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_00261-1.jpg

Those are my main plans. Pretty minor in essence, but they should all come together to make a nice and neat daily with a bit of style. Some of them aren’t really mods, but will improve the overall condition of the car. The tint is essential as our summer is just starting here, and the Australian sun will shine straight through my crystal clear windows.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0019-1.jpg

As you can see, I don’t give it the same amount of attention as the Datsun gets, which is reflected in the cleanliness – or lack thereof – of the car. Once it’s squatting over some nice rims it will be privileged enough to warrant a bath & regular upkeep. Don’t get me wrong, all of my cars get any mechanical issues sorted immediately, regardless of appearance, but only the nice ones get washed!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0017-1.jpg

Keep checking back periodically for updates as the car takes shape. Wheels, coilovers & window tint are first on the list and will be completed before the years end. The rest will trickle slowly to keep me occupied without wasting too much money.

[Jarred]

I like it! looking forward to some more updates


pity its not a gti though... :(

[anth]

thanks mate. I know, I wish it was a GTI, but I think one turbo car at a time is enough to worry about

[GoLfMan]

cool. Top tickets for someone building up a non-GTI :)

dont put OEM wheels on it for the love of god. Get some nice aftermarket wheels that are wide with a low offset. Aint nothing like a mk4 with a PHAT stance.

If your not going to have the go have the show i say!!! Make all your effort worth it and set it apart from the crowd. Dont spend you money to make it look like any other 2 bob mk4 with OEM Reps on there!

Looking forward to updates ;)

[gldgti]

cool. Top tickets for someone building up a non-GTI :)



i agree. its boring as heck when people always mod the same version of a car - i want to read about how soemone brings their pov spec car up to something cool, not just another person putting the same list of mods on a vr6, gti, 4-motion etc. bores the crap outa me.

now for my suggestion - whats to stop you putting a mild cam in it? how about a 2.go? i mean, just because it might not be fast, doesnt mean it cant be fast-ER.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Sounds like fun mate! I'd like to be able to say I've modded my car a bit, but to be honest I've just done heaps of tiny little things that keep me interested - hence my car doesn't deserve a ''build'' thread lol..

I think you'll have fun keeping yourself busy with the golf. The results are awesome, especially when you worked for them yourself! :D

[anth]

thanks for the kind words guys :)


If your not going to have the go have the show i say!!! Make all your effort worth it and set it apart from the crowd. Dont spend you money to make it look like any other 2 bob mk4 with OEM Reps on there!

The thing is though, I don't want it to stand out, I just want it to look like a factory special or something.


now for my suggestion - whats to stop you putting a mild cam in it? how about a 2.go? i mean, just because it might not be fast, doesnt mean it cant be fast-ER.

I wont be touching the engine, I want to keep it reliable and just pretty much leave it alone in that regard. I don't have any quest to make it quicker, I have an FJ20 Turbo datto 1600 for when I want to go fast :D


Sounds like fun mate! I'd like to be able to say I've modded my car a bit, but to be honest I've just done heaps of tiny little things that keep me interested - hence my car doesn't deserve a ''build'' thread lol..


Heaps of little tiny mods definitely deserve a build thread! A good build thread is informative, has lots of photos, should be entertaining, and lets the reader enjoy the journey of your cars progress. It doesn't matter if your mods are big or small, its how you present them that counts ;)


updates soon guys! got a few mod's underway already

[anth]

this is my weekender if anyones interested...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0040-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc_0037-1.jpg

1969 Datsun 1600, FJ20 Turbo, 5spd, LSD, jdm grille, coilovers all 'round, 15" Work Ewing III w/ 195/45/15.

[Jarred]

I hate to say it, but your weekender is much cooler than your daily! :P woooot!

must honk with that bit of kit. where'd you manage to get 195-45/15's btw?

[anth]

haha dont worry mate I feel the same way. weekenders are meant to be cooler than dailys!

yeah it goes real good, 155kw at the wheels, still not intercooled yet, all standard except for 3" exhaust and ECU. Should pick up some more kw's when I fit a front-mount and turn the boost up.

I got the tyres from Mag Wheel & Tyre in Preston. I go there for all my tyre needs, Costa & Theo are the best!

[anth]

Finally got some tint installed. I've never actually had any of my cars tinted, as most of them just came with some light tinting already on the windows, or I always thought the money could be better spent on other modifications. But these windows were so clear that I really had no choice, and now that it's been done I'm really happy with the results. Dark windows really set off a dark car. (Modern cars only, I'm not a fan of tint on older cars)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc01708jpgw497h372-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc01706jpgw497h372-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc01707jpgw497h372-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/11/dsc01705jpgw497h372-1.jpg

Don't ask me what percentage it is because I don't know. I had to get a friend to drop the car off as I had double booked appointments so I couldn't do it myself, and the tint installer just applied whatever he felt would work with the car.

Coilovers and wheels will be on very soon (and a wash too!) :banana:

[anth]

teaser :P

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/02122009001-1.jpg

[PASHN8]

That 510 is sensational! Beautiful job mate :banana:

[Jarred]

oooohhh. aristos? they should look horn!

[dubbed]

That Datsun is sweeeeet.

[GoLfMan]

oooohhh. aristos? they should look horn!

x2!!! nice OEM choice, better than RS4 reps...

LOVE the Datto, really nice bit of kit, looks awesome :banana:

[c-issler]

Holy crap! I've read your build thread on Retro Rides from start to finish and really love that car mate. Your styling decisions and no nonsense approach are awesome (the grill, colour choice and stance being my favourites). Although I like the ideas you're putting forward for the 2.slow, I reckon its only going to wake you up while you're driving itif its a bit quicker.
My 2c.

[DubSteve]

Build thread please linky :D

[anth]

cheers for the kind words everyone, appreciate it :)

the datto is on a few forums, here is the Retro Rides link... http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=readersrides&action=display&thread=56138&page=1

but there's also a Project 510 category on my blog, might be a bit harder to follow though as its in reverse chronological order http://buildthreads.wordpress.com/category/project-510/
probably easier to just read it on the forum from start to finish

[c-issler]

Now that I know you're on here Anth, do you know where your mate with the Escort got his car? If its a '74 from Geelong with the number plate starting with LYV I'd love to know what he's done to the car. Any chance you could find out? (previous family car - just general sticky beak interest only).
Cheers.
c-issler.

[anth]

he bought it off a little old lady about 8 or so years ago, still got the original plates but they start with LK, so I'd say its a different car :)

[anth]

update time!

Wheel gap is bad…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0025-1.jpg

Time to get the Golf’s suspension sorted! After browsing around VW Watercooled (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/index.php) researching my options, I seemed to keep being pointed into the direction of one person, Robin (mailto:HottuningAus@adam.com.au). Robin (mailto:HottuningAus@adam.com.au) is the Australian distributor of HotTuning Coilovers, and the more I looked into it, the more I thought that these would be perfectly suited to my application. The Golf is soley my daily driver, and will never see a racetrack, so I was after something street-friendly at a reasonable price that would still enable me to enjoy the odd twisty road. My main goal was height adjustability, as I’ve given up on spring/shock combo a long time ago after never being able to get my old cars to sit at the height I wanted.

Once I contacted Robin, he was a huge help and answered all of my annoying questions without hesitation. This was especially appreciated as my knowledge of VW’s is not as advanced as say, Nissans. Here’s a run-down on the coilovers from the manufacturer:


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/000012_large-1.jpg
Coilover Specifications:
HOTTUNING coilovers can be raised or lowered, from 20mm to 120mm. All coilover systems include high grade aluminum pillow mounts further enhancing overall control. CNC Wound SAE 9254 Racing Springs are used which were found to be the longest lasting spring on the market that showed no tendencies to sag. Spring and damper rates that yield exceptional handling characteristics coupled with unsurpassed street drivability are used. Extensive Research And Development Went In To Choosing Precisely Matched Spring & Damper Rates Specific To Each Application. The Result Is Outstanding Ride Quality & Incredible Handling Characteristics

So whether you are looking for a great track set up or you need a suspension that adapts to public roads, you have found the right coilover. HOTTUNING , Designed and manufactured for customers who demand the very best!

Summary:
* Superb Overall Control.
* Height can be adjusted without affecting shock stroke length.
* Both Track Abuse As Well As Road Imperfections.
* CNC Wound SAE 9254 Super High Quality Springs.
* Kit includes: 2 front full coilovers, 2 rear full coilovers.
* Sport setup (F=12K – 672 ft/lbs & R=18K 1008 ft/lbs)

2 Year manufacturers warranty

The best part was when I found out the price was only $800 AUD delivered thanks to our strong dollar at the moment (compared to last year at the time of the economic crash). I also opted to purchase the swaybar drop-links that are also available, as I knew I’d run into clearance problems after lowering the front end. Just as my luck would have it, they’ve now been reduced to $750 INCLUDING drop links until the end of December. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

So a few day’s after making my purchase, I had another nice package turn up at work. I waited until I had a free Saturday to install everything.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0006-1.jpg

Here is all the goodies on show. Front coilovers, drop-links, c-spanner, rear perches, rear springs, and rear shocks.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0030-1.jpg

Before installing everything, I thought it would be a good idea to add some sort of protection to the collars, to try to combat the dirt & general under-car conditions that they’ll be faced with. I went to my local hardware store and picked up a grease-based lubricating spray.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0032-1.jpg

I dismantled everything and sprayed all 4 collars, hopefully this will make it easier to adjust them after they’ve been exposed to the elements.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0034-1.jpg

Time to get this party started I guess. I used this write-up (http://www.nclh.org/car/coilover_howto/) as a guide and found it very helpful. I didn’t take pictures every step of the way for two reasons, firstly that write-up has all the pictures you need, and secondly it was a stinking hot day, I had hay-fever, and the beginning of the job was a pain to do.

Front standard suspension. This side was a real pain to remove, make sure you have spring compressors and a big hammer, as the strut assembly is too long to remove otherwise. Once I got past this strut, the rest was fairly easy in comparison.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0036-1.jpg

This is what I used as the spreader tool to open up the strut assembly away from where it sits inside the LCA. It’s actually an assembly tool from a trampoline set!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0037-1.jpg

Adjustable drop-links installed
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0059-1.jpg

Now’s probably a good time to work out how the hell you’re going to get to work on Monday, and ask yourself if it’s really a good idea to have two potentially useless cars if things don’t go to plan.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0035-1.jpg

[anth]

Fronts installed
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0050-1.jpg

Time to attack the other end…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0052-1.jpg

All done…(if only it was that easy in real life)
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0053-1.jpg

The finished product…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0054-1.jpg

“It’s not low!” I hear you say. Well, yeah, I have no interest in having a car slammed on stock wheels and hubcaps, it just doesn’t do it for me, so I’ll be waiting until I get the wheels before it gets closer to mother earth.

After driving around for few km’s, I noticed something wasn’t right. I had a loud knocking sound coming from the drivers side suspension, which would get worse as the size of the bumps on the road increased, it was really nasty. I jumped straight back on VW Watercooled (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/index.php) and started asking questions. The resounding answer was that my strut bushes & bearings were probably stuffed, and should have been replaced when I installed the coilovers. “Snowy” was kind enough to spoon-feed me all the information I needed, sending me a link that took me straight to the required products available in a package from ECS Tuning.

A week or so later, and I was ready to go…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0055-1.jpg

The kit comes with a pair of new strut bushes, bearings, and top nuts.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0057-1.jpg

Old vs New, you can see how they deteriorate over time and end up squashed
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0061-1.jpg

Here you can see how the shaft is not centered within the strut mount, and is leaning towards the centre of the car.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0060-1.jpg

Here it is after the new mounts were installed, nice and centered…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0063-1.jpg

Another by-product of the new bushes is that it removed the majority of the gap between the upper strut tops and the strut towers in the engine bay. This is a common side-effect when lowering these cars, and for the most part it is generally accepted as ‘one of those things’.

This is the gap with the old bushing…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0066-1.jpg

And this is how much it’s reduced when the new one is fitted…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0065-1.jpg

So after all that, the car was fixed and riding smooth. I found the HotTuning coilovers to be very comfortable for street driving, if only a tad bouncy, but that is to be expected from any sports suspension set up. Keep in mind though, to get the car to sit at an almost factory ride height, the collars are wound up quite high and subsequently the springs are a bit pre-loaded. They also eliminated a lot of body roll and made the car actually fun to drive, exactly what I wanted.

Once the wheels & tyres roll in, I’ll be attacking the collars with the c-spanner to get this thing looking decent!

Thanks again to Robin (mailto:HottuningAus@adam.com.au) @ HotTuning and the members of VW Watercooled (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/index.php) for all their help.

[GoLfMan]

looking tops mate :) great write up!!!

the rear's are nice and easy on the mk4/Polo 9n. But the fronts sure are a pain in the arse!

[anth]

yeah the rears were a breeze, once you remove the bottom bolt on both shocks, the whole beam just drops down. The fronts were a nightmare, especially the drivers side. But now that the coilovers are in, they're very easy to remove since they're much shorter than the standard shock/spring combo

[WABIT]

looking good mate! the 32 wheels will look the shiate!

dom

[16v_kid]

good stuff man.


love the photos.

[Jarred]

Good stuff Anth. I love your write ups!

[anth]

So now that the coilovers were installed, I was just waiting for my wheels & tyres to arrive. After debating over the usual Audi & VW OEM styled wheels that are available, I eventually settled on some MKIV R32 Aristo replicas in 18×8 +35 with 225/40/18 tyres. Nothing drastic, no poke or noticeable stretch, but good enough to look nice and still be practical.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0011-1.jpg

At the same time as fitting the wheels I adjusted the coilovers downwards. First up was the front end, stock wheels off…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0012-1.jpg

While I was lowering the front, I adjusted the drop links to their highest setting, thinking that is the correct procedure for enhancing swaybar clearance when the car is lowered. NOTE: THIS IS INCORRECT!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0013-1.jpg

I experienced intense rubbing with this setup after going for a test drive and quickly did some online research to try to rectify the issue. I learnt that the drop links are meant to be made as short as possible, not the other way around. It isn’t the top of the swaybar that hits the driveshaft as one would first think, it’s actually the very end of the swaybar (where it bolts to the upper end of the drop link) that rubs on the FRONT of the driveshaft. So making the drop link smaller brings the tip of the swaybar forward, clearing the driveshaft. It pays to research these things first, I guess.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0014-1.jpg

Measuring how low to go so I can make both sides the same, I think I settled on 1.5″ or thereabouts.

Trying the wheel on for the first time. The width+offset of the wheel made the inside of the rim sit very close to the spring perches on the coilovers, only a few mm clearance. 5mm spacers would probably be a good idea but I haven’t had any rubbing issues to date so I’ve left it as-is.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0016-1.jpg

Now onto the back. Those tiny hubcaps and balloon tyres look so awful after seeing the 18s on the front.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0017-1.jpg

I unbolted the lower shock mount on both sides to drop the whole beam down. Then it was simply a case of grabbing the springs with my hands and physically spinning them downwards with the collars as one unit.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0018-1.jpg

All done!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0019-1.jpg

This is when I took the car for its first drive and heard/felt the driveshaft rubbing on the swaybar. This image shows what I mean…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0021-1.jpg

So as previously mentioned, I did some research and then re-adjusted them to be as short as possible, which fixed everything.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_0024-1.jpg

A final shot in better light, the car is still filthy…
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_00251-1.jpg

And a shot of the depth of the spokes, this is why I like Aristo’s compared to the usual aftermarket ‘fin’ wheels on the market.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/12/dsc_00521-1.jpg

I have to say, the car actually rides BETTER now that it’s been lowered. When it was at the almost factory height, I was still experiencing a few knocks and bumps even after I installed the new bushes & bearings on the front struts. I think the coilovers were wound up so high that they were just too preloaded and it was putting everything under added stress. It’s all good now though, and the best part is there is no rubbing and no speedbump dramas, its the perfect compromise of practicality and looks.

Next stop, car wash!

[WABIT]

thats cool az dude, if ya wanna go car wash, ill meet up with ya coz i gotta wash my POS too, car looks awesome mate

dom

[anth]

cheers dom :)

its been washed since then, just a bit behind on updates. But it's actually filthy again anyway lol. I would have met up tonight fo sho but I'm doing a spontaneous Sorrento mission with two mates, last minute decision, staying until thursday then coming home in time for NYE

should suss out a meet up this weekend before work starts again, i'll bring the datto out

[WABIT]

cheers dom :)

its been washed since then, just a bit behind on updates. But it's actually filthy again anyway lol. I would have met up tonight fo sho but I'm doing a spontaneous Sorrento mission with two mates, last minute decision, staying until thursday then coming home in time for NYE

should suss out a meet up this weekend before work starts again, i'll bring the datto out

hahahah im going dromana for NYE hahahaha looks like ill be going up when your coming back hahahaha but im sure itll work itself out....

laters
dom

[Jarred]

looks great Anth. very nice for a daily driver!

maybe needs some spacers on the back a lil though :D :cool:

[Silver dub]

So you boys are the touro's who come down to invade our quiet little peninsula over summer time, god damm you. Car is looking great mate, i'd love to see it and get some feedback on the suspension after you have had them in for a while.

[anth]

So you boys are the touro's who come down to invade our quiet little peninsula over summer time, god damm you.
That's how we roll man! haha

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for the level of boredom you reach while reading this update. Not much really happens, you have been warned!

This update is well overdue, and so was a bath for the Golf! Now that the wheels were on and the suspension lowered down, it was time to clean up all the odds and ends that were bugging me since I bought it.

First on the list was the random goodies on the windscreen, which was my registration sticker, a few roadside-assist stickers, and two (not one, but two!) tollway beeper holders.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0027-1.jpg

My weapon of choice, a brand new razor blade. I have a box of new blades in the garage so I always grab a fresh one when I need to scrape anything off a car. The newer, the better.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0028-1.jpg

To take the tollway beeper holders off, I soften up the glue with a heat-gun and then they just come right off. Would you believe me if I told you that a few years ago when I first bought my S15, someone I knew wanted to use a chisel and a hammer to remove one of these from the windscreen? Crazy, huh! I gave him the same friendly answer that you probably would have.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0029-1.jpg

Goo!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0032-1.jpg

All clean
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0041-1.jpg

The pile of undesirables. I timed this cleanup well, as my registration was due and I had a new sticker to attach to the car in a much better position. I'm pretty OCD with my registration stickers, they have to be in the right spot or I start to breathe heavily.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0039-1.jpg

More random stickers and residue around the car.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0034-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0033-1.jpg

Be gone!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0040-1.jpg

I even found an old parking ticket that had partly fallen down behind the dashboard. Can you see it?
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0045-1.jpg

There it is. March 2009, sheesh!
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0046-1.jpg

I also swapped my front & rear plates around, as the front one was all battered, and the rear one was in better condition but hidden in a covered frame. So by swapping them around, the dodgy one is hidden behind plastic while the straight one is bolted to the front where it can shine like a broadway star.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0049-1.jpg

[anth]

And finally, after all that exciting activity, it got a bath. It was that dirty I felt like I had to wash it twice. Now all it needs is some nice photos which I hope to get onto one day soon.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC_0067-1.jpg

That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you fluff up an uneventful day into a 13 picture update.

[Silver dub]

Your not the only person that's OCD about The placement of the rego sticker.
I hate when people just slap them on wonky and to far out from the corner.

[Water Boy]

Love your work mate!

[GoLfMan]

tops!!!

best looking OEM + mk4 in VIC!!!

[anth]

best looking? haha that's a bit extreme! I'm kicking myself for not buying those Rola roof racks that were for sale for $50 on this very forum a while ago, would have looked great + I could have put my bmx up there :P

Things I'd like to do:
- I really want to go lower, but the swaybar is stopping me.
- I'd also like to get some spacers in the future, get the wheels out to the guards.
- De-badge the "Golf" badge
- Maybe get black VW badges?
- Red-tint the tail lights
- Stubby antenna

But since it's my daily and I have another car to waste money on, plus I'm meant to be saving for a house/unit, it's a struggle between giving in to temptation VS being sensible lol

[GoLfMan]

best looking? haha that's a bit extreme! I'm kicking myself for not buying those Rola roof racks that were for sale for $50 on this very forum a while ago, would have looked great + I could have put my bmx up there :P

Things I'd like to do:
- I really want to go lower, but the swaybar is stopping me.
- I'd also like to get some spacers in the future, get the wheels out to the guards.
- De-badge the "Golf" badge
- Maybe get black VW badges?
- Red-tint the tail lights
- Stubby antenna

But since it's my daily and I have another car to waste money on, plus I'm meant to be saving for a house/unit, it's a struggle between giving in to temptation VS being sensible lol

that list of mods would be exactly what I'd do to it :) (not that that makes a difference for you!)

I'd add taking off the rear wiper too ;)

it'd look seriously awesome with all that done to it! A nice OEM+ daily. It'll turn heads!

[Jarred]

It really does look sweet Anth. I reckon it's a pretty cool daily


...
Things I'd like to do:
- I really want to go lower, but the swaybar is stopping me.
- I'd also like to get some spacers in the future, get the wheels out to the guards.
- De-badge the "Golf" badge
- Maybe get black VW badges?
- Red-tint the tail lights
- Stubby antenna

...

lower = win
spacers = win
debadge = win
black badges not so much, but that's personal preference
red tint = win
stubby antenna = win - i can't believe you dont already have one! :O

seriously. keep it up it's all gooood.

[dylan8]

It's a struggle between giving in to temptation VS being sensible lol

dont worry about the later.

List is looking good, car already looks so nice.

[anth]

thanks for the compliments guys :) ordering a swaybar today, so I should be able to wind the coils down a bit. I'll have to take the perches out of the rear since they're already all the way down. I really want to get onto some spacers but I'm a bit hesitant to spend the cash at the moment, got a few things coming up so I might wait a bit

[anth]

just thought I'd throw these pics that other people took at SEDF in here so they're all in the same thread
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/IMG_8846-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/IMG_8845-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/DSC01783-1.jpg

Should have my new swaybar soon. Thinking about making a bonnet-bra too

[McDub]

car looks great!
i don't think it needs spacers... those wheels are half inch wider than genuine aristos which helps!
but if you did go spacers, what do you reckon, just 10 on the back, nothing on the front?

[Silver dub]

Anth, your car is looking awesome mate, big thumbs up.

I think to finish of the rear, add some gti taillights IMO.

[anth]

cheers guys.

for spacers I was thinking 8-10mm on the front and about 15mm or so on the rear, not quite sure. I'd like it to be nice and flush, but since I'm running 225's there's no real stretch on the tyres so it might rub. The rear guards appear to be rolled from factory, so I might have to roll the fronts.

I'd love a set of GTI tail lights but then again I don't want it to look like a mockup GTI, so I was thinking of getting some red transparent film and doing all-red tails, using this stuff, http://www.lamin-x.com/
http://autocityimports.com/images/Lamin-X/Red-Lamin-X.jpg

[tomtom_r32]

Your mk4 looks awesome mate.

Good work.

[83_SUS]

i have a 2.0 generation and mine has the gti taillights as standard
cheers guys.

for spacers I was thinking 8-10mm on the front and about 15mm or so on the rear, not quite sure. I'd like it to be nice and flush, but since I'm running 225's there's no real stretch on the tyres so it might rub. The rear guards appear to be rolled from factory, so I might have to roll the fronts.

I'd love a set of GTI tail lights but then again I don't want it to look like a mockup GTI, so I was thinking of getting some red transparent film and doing all-red tails, using this stuff, http://www.lamin-x.com/
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/

[anth]

i have a 2.0 generation and mine has the gti taillights as standard

oh nice, I got stiffed with the stocky lights :(

[83_SUS]

yeh they dont look that good do they. im upgrading to hella cellis headlights though

[funkymonkey]

Just found this thread! I've just retired my old Nissan Cefiro and picked up a 2.0L MKIV Golf too for a daily (I've got a skyline that leeches my money and weekends). I'm in Melbourne too. Will be reading up on your antics for some ideas.

[anth]

Well, after nearly 4 years, I'm back again! I still own this car, but the Aristo reps + coilovers + swaybar were all sold off a couple of years ago. I've been riding stock since then in all it's boaty hubcapped glory, and pretty much hated this car because of that haha. Just recently I needed new tyres, so I started looking around for a set of wheels, and ended up getting a great deal off a member here for some OEM 17s with tyres. So here is how the car looks as of yesterday...

http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/d66058a2a82711e38373122f039eb54c_8.jpg

A slight drop would be nice but honestly I think you can get away with stock height and 17s, it doesn't really bother me that much and just looks like it came this way from the factory. Since I am now married and living in my own home, my priorities have changed and I am in full old-man mode *yells at kids from porch*. I'm looking to restore/replace some worn parts and fit a nice head unit that connects to my phone, just boring stuff! I still love the MKIV shape, the car gets great mileage and you can pack a buttload of crap into them, so I might as well make some slight improvements to make it a better every day car.

Things I would like to replace, please yell out if you know the best place to source:
- New set of tan/beige floor mats
- New in-dash cup holders (one side doesn't fold down once it pops out, the other folds down too quickly)
- New center arm rest latch (mine fell apart in hot weather)
- I would like to wire in a head unit without chopping wiring, I have heard of a type of connector harness you can buy to plug-n-play
- Possibly roof-racks for Bunnings runs
- One of my parcel shelf hooks has broken apart, I've McGiver'd it up with a paperclip for now, not sure if they're replaceable?

Apart from that I have a new gearknob and gearboot that I bought years ago, along with a new chrome handbrake button (mine has flaked off), just need to find the time to fit them (I'm guessing the handbrake button won't be a fun excersize).

All in all, I'm just happy that it looks half decent again and that I've got the spark back to actually care about it!

[waddz]

should be great once all the parts are on. amazing what some new wheels can do

[Lito]

Nice golf you got there, good to see you showing some love again! In regards to the parcel shelf, is it the hook on the string that's broken or the tab on the inside of the hatch? If it's the bit connected to the parcel shelf you can buy the whole mechanism for like $20 and it's pretty simple to replace

[anth]

Yeah it's the hook on the string, it's partially snapped off. Do you know where I can buy the mechanism?

[Lito]

Yeah it's the hook on the string, it's partially snapped off. Do you know where I can buy the mechanism?

You can get them from ECS but postage would be a killer if that's all you order. See if you can get a part number and search eBay. Knowing vw this part is probably shared across a few different cars so shouldn't be too hard to track one down

[Water Boy]

Do a skid in ya datto!

[anth]

my datto skids are no match for the ones in your jocks

[madglf3]

I'm excited to see that you're back Anth! Good luck with the projects you've mentioned, have you considered doing a wreckers run to find a few of the odd bits and pieces you're after?