Mark VI GTI appearance

[congti]

I'm going to order a GTI soon but there's two things I'd like to modify immediately:-

(a) What is that big black plastic number plate holder doing on the front bumper bar? It spoils the look of the front bumper IMHO. I want to buy a white car and put 6-digit black/white number plates on it, but I'd rather not have it surrounded by the big black plastic thing. Has anyone found a better way to mount 6-digit number plates?

(b) Has anyone removed the GTI badges? I'm guessing the front grille badge is pretty easy to remove, but what about the rear one. Is it a DIY job or do I need an expert to do it?

[team_v]

Rear badge just needs some fishing line behind it and runnig the line left to right, also apparently helps to have a hairdryer or similar blowing warm air at it.

You could maybe remove the plastic plate holder however i think it would be bolted into the front bumper.

[Dave8878]

If ordering the car from the factory you could request to have it debadged and not have the front number plate surround put on.

This would only be possible on a pre ordered car though.

[mfl]

If ordering the car from the factory you could request to have it debadged and not have the front number plate surround put on.

This would only be possible on a pre ordered car though.

That would be a worthwhile option. I have slimline plates on a GTI (reflex silver) and while its doesn't look that bad, it certainly would look better at the front, if the line of the bumper wasn't ruined by the black number plate surround.

The small plate at the back looks good, though as its unobtrusive. .


cheers

[elisiX]

When placing the order for my MKVI GTI, we discussed the whole plates issue.

The guys told me I really should stick with Euro plates as the typical white slimline will look silly.

[Lima]

When placing the order for my MKVI GTI, we discussed the whole plates issue.

The guys told me I really should stick with Euro plates as the typical white slimline will look silly.

Translation, they CBF to deal with the plate mount delete for you.

[elisiX]

lol. I didn't bring it up - they did.

Doesn't concern me as I am going with Euro white.

[Corey_R]

Yeah - I personally hate that plate holder too! Thanks Dave8878 for letting us know that we can have it deleted on pre-ordered cars, because I'll be definitely doing that when I order my Golf R

I don't know why VW put it on there as standard for Australian delivered cars, since only a single plate actually fits it, and the other 30+ (for NSW) don't fit it properly. I'm sure it's the same case in other states too.

[Axis]

Rear badge just needs some fishing line behind it and runnig the line left to right, also apparently helps to have a hairdryer or similar blowing warm air at it.

Easiest thing to do is boil a jug of water and pour this on the badge. Give it a minute then use fishing wire behind the badge to work through the glue (which melts in the heat). 99% of the glue will then be easy to pick off with your fingers... anything left you can polish off.

Boiling water sounds risky but it works a treat. I de-badged my S15 Silvia in this fashion a couple of years ago no worries.

[team_v]

Easiest thing to do is boil a jug of water and pour this on the badge. Give it a minute then use fishing wire behind the badge to work through the glue (which melts in the heat). 99% of the glue will then be easy to pick off with your fingers... anything left you can polish off.

Boiling water sounds risky but it works a treat. I de-badged my S15 Silvia in this fashion a couple of years ago no worries.

I thought boiling water might hurt the car as well however it works a treat for getting gum tree sap off your car.

Might try this with the Tig when i pick her up

[elisiX]

Was planning to speak with my dealer tomorrow about my order and see if they can ensure this plastic surround is not fitted.

I've factored $400 into the deal for Euro plates (a one off fee if not custom).

However the white euro plates are large front and rear (fill the plastic), but the black euro are small at the front (which I prefer).

So by having the dealer delete the plastic frame, am I able to fit the new smaller plate to the bumper itself? Is this not recommended?

Just dont think a massive white Euro plate is going to look all that nice on my CS GTI which I plan on modding. The black (with gold) will be less ugly.

[Corey_R]

So by having the dealer delete the plastic frame, am I able to fit the new smaller plate to the bumper itself? Is this not recommended?

The way that the number plates were fitted on the MKV Golf's which didn't have that plastic frame, were they drilled a hole directly into the bumper and fitted the plates using tapping screws. The black Euro plates don't have any holes either, so the dealer can basically position the plate and drill both holes at once. A rubber washer behind the plate keeps it off the paint and allows enough room for the plate cover etc.

[elisiX]

Perfect - will be calling them soon.

[Gee-Eye-Drew]

I too am getting black Euro plates for my Carbon Steel 3dr (delivery confirmed for Apr ...but at least will be 2010 build), and had the same issue regarding the front plate mount.

Dealer told me it was not possible to get it deleted at build...perhaps he was giving me the easy answer rather than the correct answer...?

Anyway, I've resigned myself to the prospect that it will have the front plate mount...the positive here is that at least it provides some protection at the front (ie. It will take parking dings rather than the bumper!).

As to fitting the plates, there is a better alternative to screws, especially if the plates themselves have no holes: use outdoor-strength double-sided foam tape! Before I could suggest it to him, my dealer already mentioned that that is how he attaches Euro/personalized plates, so as not to damage plate or car. I can certainly vouch for the stuff, having successfully reattached a loose metal strip on my Volvo's sunroof, which was rattling due to adhesive having failed.

[elisiX]

Thanks for the info Drew.

Ill update once i've spoken with my dealer.