Bum lift for my TDI and new steering wheel.

[TDIESEL]

Hi all, I'm going to give my TDI a bum lift by fitting a GTI rear valance. What I would like to know from anyone who has already fitted a GTI rear valance to their humble TDI tractor is do I need to get new rear inner guard liners or will the original ones be fine. I recall reading somewhere that there may be a bit of a gap if original TDI liners are left in place but it's not noticeable and everything else is bolt straight in. Can anyone confirm this?

I haven't bought the rear valance yet but looks like I'll just get a new one from VW as I have given up on trying to source a good one from wreckers and no-one has responded to my wanted to buy ad on here.

Am also looking to fit GTI/R32 steering wheel and wondering if any help helpful forum members in western sydney area may be able to assist as I'm not confident enough to be playing around with airbags and the like.

P.S. I'll have my existing GT rear valance up for sale soon

[mk5_tdi]

You get a tiny space right at the bottom, where the gti valance is wider and the tdi one normal curves in. I've just left it though, its hardly noticeable when the wheel is off let alone on. If your fussy then spend the extra $$ for the splash trims, however you can always just cover it with some rubber or similar if your pedantic about it
New from VW isn't that expensive anyway, iirc I payed $210 for valance and $15 for tow hook cover (they come separate, and make sure that VW order the right tow hook cover. Myself and a few others have received the standard circle one again)

[TDIESEL]

Thx mk5_tdi for confirming that!

I'll be making a trip to the dealer in the very near future now. They quoted me $240 for valance and $15 for tow hook cover.

Just checked out your build thread as well and love your car. Good to see another great looking TDI.

[lhennessy]

isnt the GT and GTI valance practicly identical? it has the cutout for exhaust dosnt it?

[jazd]

isnt the GT and GTI valance practicly identical? it has the cutout for exhaust dosnt it?

Yeah very similar and yes it has an exhaust cut out. I don't think you will get the gap when fitting GTI valance onto a GT, probably only when putting one on a 103kW TDI.

[mk5_tdi]

I think you might though because the gap is right at the bottom, if you look at GT the valance still curves inward at the bottom and the gti sticks out. Not that its a big issue, few ways to fix it or just leave it anyway

[Fatherless One]

When I fitted the GTI valance to my Golf I noticed the slight gap too, it's really so small it won't matter.

A GTI steering wheel is on my shopping list too, I only need a non paddle version as my Golf isn't a DSG, I've been told the paddles will only work on DSG transmissions and not the Tiptronic auto that I have.

[TDIESEL]

Update:

Picked up my new rear GTI valence panel today and have fitted it. As mentioned by others there is a small gap at the bottom of the inner guard liners which doesn't allow the bottom fixing screw on each side to be fitted, but nothing to worry about. Overall, I'm very happy with the end result.

I also picked up a GTI steering wheel today and now researching how to install it myself. From what I have read so far the process is..

1. Turn ignition to on position, then disconnect negative battery terminal and leave for at least 10 mins. I have also read that there is a negative lead in the boot that needs to be disconnected too?
2. After 10 mins, pump brake pedal a few times to ensure any remaining power in the system is discharged
3. Turn steering wheel 90 degrees and use screwdriver to unclip airbag clip, then turn 180 degrees to do there side
4. Carefully remove airbag and disconnect wiring harness
5. Place airbag somewhere safe and in facing upwards position
6. Use a 12 point tool to undo and remove nut holding wheel on
7. Remove wheel
8. Install new wheel using reverse procedure

Is this right or have I missed anything?

As I don't actually own the tool required, is there anyone in sydney who has done this to their car before and would be willing to help me out?

[jazd]

6. Use a 12 point tool to undo and remove nut holding wheel on

If you are going to buy one ask for a spline drive, I asked for triple square at about 8 different tool places before someone finally said "oh you mean spline drive?". Not sure that they are completely identical but the spline drive fitted snugly on my intake manifold bolts which are supposedly triple square.

[mk5_tdi]

Update:

Picked up my new rear GTI valence panel today and have fitted it. As mentioned by others there is a small gap at the bottom of the inner guard liners which doesn't allow the bottom fixing screw on each side to be fitted, but nothing to worry about. Overall, I'm very happy with the end result.

I also picked up a GTI steering wheel today and now researching how to install it myself. From what I have read so far the process is..

1. Turn ignition to on position, then disconnect negative battery terminal and leave for at least 10 mins. I have also read that there is a negative lead in the boot that needs to be disconnected too?
2. After 10 mins, pump brake pedal a few times to ensure any remaining power in the system is discharged
3. Turn steering wheel 90 degrees and use screwdriver to unclip airbag clip, then turn 180 degrees to do there side
4. Carefully remove airbag and disconnect wiring harness
5. Place airbag somewhere safe and in facing upwards position
6. Use a 12 point tool to undo and remove nut holding wheel on
7. Remove wheel
8. Install new wheel using reverse procedure

Is this right or have I missed anything?

As I don't actually own the tool required, is there anyone in sydney who has done this to their car before and would be willing to help me out?

If you haven't you can cable tie the last mounting point on so its really firm where the gap is

If you are going to buy one ask for a spline drive, I asked for triple square at about 8 different tool places before someone finally said "oh you mean spline drive?". Not sure that they are completely identical but the spline drive fitted snugly on my intake manifold bolts which are supposedly triple square.

Haha you would be surprised, no one I asked knew what a spline drive was as well :p