Carbon Wings - Feeler for GB....

[RedRobin]

.
The need to repair rust on my wings (aka fenders) has given me the excuse to spend nearly three times as much on replacing them with carbonfibre ones. Captain Sensible I am not! I'd never make it as an accountant either but I'm determined to enjoy life at 64yo or die trying. The advantages are an extra 10mm per wing tyre clearance, lightweight, and maintenance-free  

I've found a UK source - Much better than all the import hassle: Carnoisseur in Dunstable:     http://www.carnoisseur.com/shops/

Normally they retail at £640 (inc vat) but Carnoisseur are willing to offer these discounts on a group buy:

Hi Robin,

Here is the info for the Golf Mk5 GTi Front Wings group buy...

1... £600
2... £570
3... £558
4... £546
5... £510

Prices include VAT but exclude delivery, UK mainland is likely to be £50 delivery due to the size of the box, double packing to avoid damage and full insurance. Strangely European delivery isn't much more expensive, i.e. Holland £65!

The discount available isn't sensational purely because margins are very tight on carbon products, especially after shipping from USA.

Hope this helps!

Kind Regards,
Malcolm

Here are some pics I have 'borrowed' from Danish Jake's build thread and I'll add more if I find any:







Fitting is tricky and you'd ideally need to modify your OEM wheel arch liners (Jake hasn't bothered to yet).

Jake's review:  http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,14020.0.html

At this early stage I haven't arranged payment details with Carnoisseur yet. I'm looking to wrap this up in second half of June. I would be collecting mine. So far, two of us are seriously interested but please add your name if your interest is serious.

1 - RedRobin
2 - rex
3 - [would make price £558]

Subject to advice from the forum Moderators this thread may be moved to the Group Buy section in due course [Thanks TC].

Please feel free to ask any questions.  

[E30Dom]

Is it worth linking up with R32oc.com on this... reckon there would be a few guys on there wanting this...

[RedRobin]

Is it worth linking up with R32oc.com on this... reckon there would be a few guys on there wanting this...

....Yes, I'm a member there and that was my next move but I don't know what their rules are yet.  Thanks 

[E30Dom]

Speak to Paulie or Wayne first I think... Reckon DazM would be interested... 

[simonp]

I'm curious as to where that extra 10mm comes from when the wings have to line up with the bumper?

[RedRobin]

I'm curious as to where that extra 10mm comes from when the wings have to line up with the bumper?

....It's all done with (tyre)smoke and mirrors  - No, I think it's done by subtley changing the angle of the moulded Seibon shape so that it achieves 10mm at its highest point. It probably has same clearance as OEM at the lowest edge join with the bumper and that's well clear of tyres there anyway - Different axis of movement of front wheel/tyre movement if that makes sense.

[tony_danza]

Deffo a good idea, I nibbled my wings even on the standard wheels/tyres. 

[RedRobin]

Deffo a good idea, I nibbled my wings even on the standard wheels/tyres. 

....I think so too (I can be quite good at convincing myself sometimes) - I only get a 'nibble' (good word that) on more extreme cornering which is tight but I absolutely hate that sound because tyre damage leading to disaster is what flashes through my mind. Cutting into tyres ain't clever. I could raise my suspension but she handles so well as she is and if it ain't broke I don't mend it. It's one of my wings which is broke. 

[rich83]

Looking forward to seeing yours all painted up with the GTI show-thru 

[RedRobin]

Looking forward to seeing yours all painted up with the GTI show-thru  

....Me too!  

To be honest, the fact that I will additionally gain a cosmetic feature spurs me on to spend the dosh. Spending not inconsiderable money, several hundred squid, on just replacing the wings with OEM and painting them professionally but to only have the potential problem again in the future, and with no difference in appearance, simply doesn't appeal - This car is a keeper. The carbon GTI 'show-thru' (great term, Rich) is a real bonus.

[rich83]

The only other option is to get the arches pulled professionally. Shame there isnt a cheaper alternative, almost forcing you to get the CF pr0n!

[RedRobin]

.
- No more tyre 'nibbling' and therefore peace of mind.
- No future maintenance or repair.
- Show-thru carbon eye-candy.
- Lighter weight. (less important to me)

...Are what makes the extra spend worthwhile to me. 

[craig_t]

How do you get around the inner arch problem. If the carbon wings are 10mm wider, the inner lining won't meet the edge of the wing.

[RedRobin]

How do you get around the inner arch problem. If the carbon wings are 10mm wider, the inner lining won't meet the edge of the wing.

....I haven't discussed it in detail with my trusted bodyshop yet but something along the lines of cutting the liner out of sight and bridging the gap with new material. Where there's a will there's a way. I'll post info in a few days when I've spoken to the boss there.

[Poppa Dom]

Hmmm, let me have a think about this