stefcio007's '96 MK3 VR6 [build thread]

[stefcio007]

I've bought the wiring and a fuse (just in case) for it all today.
I was going to go the slim sub route but they were more expensive than normal subs. The whole set was $78, so not bad considering all I want is a little sub.
Will post some pics up soon.

The only problem I think I might run into is the original PSU probably smoothed out the power going into the 12V amp inside. With the setup I'll have it will run straight. Hopefully the 12V board has at least a little power regulating or the ignition power isn't too temperamental.

[stefcio007]

There will be TWO power cables inside this unit. The PSU has two plugs on it. Disconnect both. The cable that goes to mains should come out freely. The other one looks like the one in the photo. This is what you want sticking out.
NOTE: It is very hard to do this and it would be almost impossible to plug the plugs back in if you unplugged the wrong one. Take your time.

Here we go.

Make sure you tape up this exit hole otherwise your sub will become terrible.

Put my audio wiring in and finished off both ends with RCA plugs. Ran the cable from the HU and along the left side under the plastic guards. Unscrew them a bit to get the cables under.
You need a way to control the amp so the "control speaker" must be connected, but we only want the bass to work. Undo the speaker a bit, take the knob off first and unscrew that in addition to the 4 allen key screws. Cut one of the speaker wires. Close up the unit.

I was going to run the sub off the ignition power but didn't have time to run cabling (plus there's very little room to do that without having to take everything apart.

It is powered via the battery, I have a 10A fuse sitting between just in case something screws up.

The sub, battery and control speaker are all velcrowed down. I have taken it for a spin and everything stayed put. Make sure you velcro on the flat bits of the boot for maximum effectiveness.

The battery can be hot swapped if needed, why I used the plugs. I have the other battery being charged constantly via a solar power setup so it's a quick swap when I need to.

If I don't want bass I just leave it off via the "control speaker". It's a bit of a pain having to separately turn it off and on but I'm ok with that. The tape you see is for taping up that power cable hole and also the back plate which was initially glued down onto the sub, this helps with any air leakage that makes the bass sound like it's moving paper.



The car us very well insulated so the bass stays inside the cabin and it's very punchy but not backseat hurt-your-chest-bone-rattling punchy.

(I'd post more photos but I didn't have my phone with my during some stages, I think the other parts are obvious without photos though)

[frankeshh]

Wow thanks for that, so detailed cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stefcio007]

I've started work to repaint the mirrors.
Things I still need to do; seal up the windscreen bottom area and route a power cable from ignition to the sub (batteries be gone!).

[stefcio007]

Sanded down a mirror a little bit and added some test paint.

Ok. now to take it off ad sand it down properly.
(sorry no photo)
Finished product.

A bit dark here.

Outside.

The colours in the photo are a bit off but they do match the car. The actual colour is something in between the two last photos.
One of the covers had all the clips broken off and was held on by glue, gonna need to glue it back on somehow.
The other one has clips, using plastic cards, a screwdriver and moving the mirror around I was able to release all of them and get the cover off without any damage.

[stefcio007]

Do I need to apply a clear coat for protection or is it fine without?

[drucejnr]

No need for clear coat but I don't recommend glueing them back on! Instead use 3m double sided industrial tape from bunnings - it can take like 60kg of force so the mirror caps won't ever fall off, and it's also waterproof! It's what I have holding both of my mirror caps on as neither had clips and I'm also using some to hold my side skirts in place. Works a real charm!

[stefcio007]

thanks for the tip drucejnr! I was going to use glue similar to what was used before, but the double tape method sounds like a better way to go about it.

[stefcio007]

Here's the left one clipped back on and done!
Pretty shiny considering I only used the paint and no clear coat or gloss.
BEFOREAFTER

[Dubba]

If your auto gearbox dies, (and it probably will), hit me up. I've got an automatic gearbox from my vr6. The 1 year warranty on it just expired. Was new from germany if i recall correctly.

[stefcio007]

If your auto gearbox dies, (and it probably will), hit me up. I've got an automatic gearbox from my vr6. The 1 year warranty on it just expired. Was new from germany if i recall correctly.

Thanks I'll keep it in mind. Seems alright for now.

I little update. Managed to get both wipers off and the drip trays for the windscreen and seal it up with black silicone.
While I was at it, resprayed the trays and the screws black, because they were faded, looks nice and new now.
Waiting for a little part that will help me fix my PCV issue, got it cheap. Doing a fix I found on vwvortex.
Not that exciting, so no photos.

[junyip_69]

last friday or so cant remember but had to as soon as i spotted it hope you dont mind~

[stefcio007]

(I don't mind, there's a mysterious Golf Cabriolet out the front too, wonder who owns it.)

[junyip_69]

oh right, havent seen it? ill keep my eyes peeled! btw you work at greensy?

[stefcio007]

Yeah, you might have even seen me without realising.