StuF presents Candy White 3 Door GTI

[lukemk5gti]

Not sure how durable it will be to be honest but wouldn't be a massive chore if it lasts a couple of months and then reapply.
I just used a clear lacquer - like this sort of stuff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Clear-Lacquer-Spray-500ml-Quality-Clear-Coat-Gloss-PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY-/251651860862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a979ea97e

I applied it over the whole light once I had removed the masking tape, let me have a uniform finish across the lens.
For the cost of doing it I don't mind if it gets a bit worn - even the plasticoated wheels are doing fine with not a single issue so far, in particular I have had a tyre removed and refitted without damaging the finish!

So to sum up the whole process was -
Clean lenses with soapy water and dry
Mask of centre areas with tape
Spray light coats of tint to achieve desired colour +2hrs between coats (probably less in summer)
Remove masking tape
Two light coats of clear lacquer across whole lens surface +2hrs between each
Check finish and install

I'm off next week so I think I'll give it a go. How many bottles of smoke spray did you need? I assume the one can is more than enough?

[StuF]

Yep one can will manage several coats - I have tons left 

[marticroft]

Hi Stuf,
          Yeah love the eibach drop, which springs did you go for in the end was it the 25mm front and 20mm back sportline sure I have seen somewhere 40mm front and 35mm back. Did you fit the springs to the original shocks? I'm not sure to get the shocks as well while I'm on as have heard the original shocks dont last that long once lowered!!
Marticroft

[StuF]

Hi Stuf,
          Yeah love the eibach drop, which springs did you go for in the end was it the 25mm front and 20mm back sportline sure I have seen somewhere 40mm front and 35mm back. Did you fit the springs to the original shocks? I'm not sure to get the shocks as well while I'm on as have heard the original shocks dont last that long once lowered!!
Marticroft

My shocks are the original ones and have nearly covered 170k - all without any issues so far, no leaks or problems.
I suppose it depends on how hard a life they have had.
As for which springs I went for they were these



If the shocks start to fail or the ride gets a bit ragged over the next few 1000 miles I will probably replace them with another set of standard items

[marticroft]

Cheers Stuf,
                  Where did you get them from buddy 

[StuF]

Got them from LVS
http://www.lincoln-vw.co.uk/

A local specialist that have a fantastic team - they do everything from an oil change to ko4 installs!
Brilliant guys with loads of knowledge

 

[GrayMK5GTI]

@StuF I have a complete set of ED30 shocks (and springs) inc bump stops which have only done 22k miles. Let me know if you are interested. I bought them for when my OEM dampers gave up on life with lowering springs 

[marticroft]

Thanks Stuf looks the biz of a garage wish we had one nearby

[marticroft]

Cheers Gray had my heart set on eibach springs.

[StuF]

@StuF I have a complete set of ED30 shocks (and springs) inc bump stops which have only done 22k miles. Let me know if you are interested. I bought them for when my OEM dampers gave up on life with lowering springs 

Cheers for the offer @GrayMK5GTI  - will let you know if anything is mentioned in the MOT ref the state of my shocks!

I have had an interesting week - the wife had enough of me mooning at RNS510 headunits on eBay and she ordered me one as a surprise!
Apologies to the guys that offered me options on theirs - it was a total shock when the parcel arrived from Eastern Europe.
I am now the proud owner of a RNS510 Version R LED SSD headunit with 2015 Maps and the most recent firmware!





Whilst removing the RCD500 unit I decided to have a go at wrapping the dash components in Carbon Fibre vinyl - its not a flawless result but I am happy with how it turned out considering my art and craft skills are poor!!



After installing the headunit a mate of mine had to work some magic with VCDS to get it to display the NAV correctly on the MFD however it still needs a bit of fettling to work correctly with my Dension Pro BT unit which is currently unplugged - it kept making the highline display flicker and wasnt showing NAV directions with it plugged in. Should be sorted tomorrow though as I think it is a canbus coding issue.

After treating the car to a shiny new headunit it decided to let me down on the way to work yesterday quite spectacularly - ended up with a seized caliper on the front passenger side wheel! Car was dragging and seemed low on power so I tried to drive faster, only realised it was the brake when I stopped at traffic lights and smoke started billowing from the wheel arch! I pulled over and let it cool down! The wheel was very very hot and the brakes wernt far off melting.

After half an hour cool down I decided to limp slowly in rush hour traffic to the nearest garage - I didnt have any tools onboard!
Kwik Fit it was!!!! And fair play to them, they showed me the seized caliper, the pad and disk were ok and £140 later I was rolling!!

I now have 3xRed calipers and 1xsilver!! Have some high temp red paint on order to rectify the issue!!

Overall an eventful week!
 

[paulw123]

Best some protection on that new screen
http://www.amazon.co.uk/atFoliX-RNS-510-Screen-Protector-1-FX-Clear-crystal-clear-3-pack/dp/B002Y307R2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425651791&sr=8-1&keywords=rns510+screen+protector

[StuF]

Just to keep the thread updated - after the replacement caliper was fitted I decided today to give it some red paint!





Couple of coats later and all was matching again!

[GrayMK5GTI]

Could have been a great excuse to stick some S3 /R32 brakes on there Stu 

[StuF]

Could have been a great excuse to stick some S3 /R32 brakes on there Stu 

Yep - I know 

I will get there in the end! That's what I am saving up for next!

[GrayMK5GTI]

Could have been a great excuse to stick some S3 /R32 brakes on there Stu 

Yep - I know 

I will get there in the end! That's what I am saving up for next!

May be selling my S3 brakes shortly if car doesn't sell as is