The Official Cheap Little Mods Thread

[leroy92]

Keep them coming! Some of us don't live with our parents

[BeauDennis]

Quote, originally posted by steinert25 »

anyone have a DIY for dogbones?

if you are talking about the VF engineering dogbone mount...
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::::::: Mod Name:VF Dogbone Mount

::::::: Cost: 200$

::::::: Online Store: awe-tuning.com

::::::: Time required: 30 minutes?

::::::: Difficulty: 3/10

::::::: DIY:
1. pull car up onto ramps or jack it up in a secure spot high enough to be able to get underneath the car.
2. first loosen bolts 3 and 4. (when this happens the motor will possibly torque so i would stick some wooden blocks underneath so that it wont move when you take the mount off.)
3. take bolts 3 and 4 off.
4. take bolts 1 and 3 off.
4 1/2. If you are not doing the whole mount like VF and just the inserts, take the dogbone apart and replace bushings. Its pretty simple.
5. Screw dogbone back on by putting bolts 3 and 4 back on first. then you might have to move the engine back to its original position by hand to get 1 and 2 back in.

Also take a look at this DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...emoval-install

::::::: Why worth it: With the stiffer bushings, the engine moves less. When the engine moves, it is wasting horsepower torquing the engine. This keeps the engine still so more power is routed to the ground.
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Modified by tscbmxer92 at 1:35 PM 9-9-2009

[kilimats]

thanks to all the contributors !

FYI, added ::::::: Why Worth It?: section so we know why the mod is valuable

from now on, please use this sample post (also posted on page 1 first post)

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::::::: Mod Name:
::::::: Why Worth It:
::::::: Cost:
::::::: Where to buy:
::::::: Time required:
::::::: Difficulty:
::::::: DIY:
::::::: Picture(s):
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Modified by kilimats at 1:49 PM 9-9-2009

[Run L1ke H3LL]

subscribed!

[joelzy]

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::::::: Mod Name: yellow highbeams

::::::: Why worth it: it looks kewl

::::::: Cost: $30

::::::: Online Store: err dunno

::::::: Time required: 5 minutes

::::::: Difficulty: 1/10

::::::: DIY: swap out OE H7s for yellows

::::::: Mod Name: Checkered rear view mirror

::::::: Why worth it: it looks kewl

::::::: Cost: ~7 bucks

::::::: Online Store: home depot

::::::: Time required: 30 minutes

::::::: Difficulty: 3/10

::::::: DIY:
1. pop mirror off
2. tape off glass
3. create desired checkers by cutting the tape into squares, leaving the part you want colored exposed(obviously)
4. spray just enough to cover
5. let dry
6. remove tape
7. replace in car

::::::: Mod Name: Keg can Intake shield

::::::: Why worth it: only reason i can think is that it has kept my filter cleaner longer... otherwise its ghetto

::::::: Cost: ~40 bucks

::::::: Online Store: auto zone and the beer store

::::::: Time required: 30 minutes to and hour

::::::: Difficulty: 4/10

::::::: DIY:
1. buy mini keg, filter(that will fit inside), piece of 3" pipe of some sort, 3" to 2.5" coupler
2. do not waste the beer
3. cut a 3 inch hole in one end
4. cut the entire other end off
5. attach filter to the piece of 3" with a hose clamp or something
6. put the filter in the open side, 3inch tube first and put that through the 3 inch hole.
7. secure in some way
8. use a coupler to attach the tube to the MAF
9. show off how redneck you can be

thats all i can think of right now but i have a lot of these

Modified by joelzy at 2:13 PM 9-9-2009

[missioncirca]

Nice, I've been looking for a DIY on the checkered mirror. I'm sure I know something, but can't think of anything atm

[PROSTO.]

Great thread..keep them coming.

[kilimats]

::::::: Mod Name: Parking Light LED upgrade
::::::: Why Worth It: Stock yellow bulb looks awful
::::::: Cost: $5 each for the low budget LEDs or $10 each for the high powered version
::::::: Where to buy: Low budget on ebay or super bright on http://www.superbrightleds.com (model i got was WLED-xLX 1Watt LED http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/WLED-xLX.htm) - FYI: 42draftdesigns.com high intensity LED are just as bright as the $5 ebay LEDs...)
::::::: Time required: 15min
::::::: Difficulty: easy
::::::: DIY:
1-remove OLD
2- Put new (lol)
::::::: Picture(s):

here is the low powered version from ebay (I dont have any from the high powered version at the moment but trust me, they look 3x times brighter, crazy stuff ! will add pics later)

Modified by kilimats at 10:15 PM 9-9-2009

Modified by kilimats at 10:29 PM 9-9-2009


Modified by kilimats at 9:51 PM 10-2-2009

[tiggo]

can we get this added to the diy section

my mods cost a ton

[Dobro87]

Quote, originally posted by ruetzal »

I will watch..someone should chime in on the inside door bases. You know how you put a sheet of metal on the inside bottom of the door and put a sticker on it

::::::: Mod Name: Custom Door sills
::::::: Why Worth It: it looks cool, i guess
::::::: Cost: any where from free - 50 bucks depending on what you have laying around
::::::: Where to buy: Lowe's
::::::: Time required: ~2 hours
::::::: Difficulty: easy
::::::: DIY: go to lowe's and buy 2 pieces of 1/8" thick x 1.5" wide x 32" long pieces of aluminum. lay a stencil down and paint it or put a sticker on it. or leave it aluminum, its up to you. wait for it to dry (if painted) and then spray adheasive on both the door and the back of the strip of aluminum wait about 15 - 20 seconds and slap it on.
::::::: Pictures cant find any

[kilimats]

^ having a hard time figuring this mod out picture would definitely helps

[joelzy]

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::::::: Mod Name: cheap Ipod interface using CD changer port
::::::: Why Worth It: This is for the VW monsoons, as Killimats pointed out, some aftermarkets have an aux in hole that you could use for the same purpose.
though it doesnt charge iphone/ipod, you CAN listen to pandora or other internet radio via iphone, which is awesome because they are free.
Not sure this works on all mk4s, but should with any that have a CD changer plug in the back.
If you buy one iphone or ipod specific you can charge them and use the stereo or steering wheel controls, but wont be able to access music other than ipod(i.e. panora). being that this interface uses a miniplug the options are greater.
::::::: Cost: ~ 60 bucks
::::::: Where to buy: enfigcarstereo.com (http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/VW_AUX_DMX_V3A.html)
::::::: Time required: couple hours
::::::: Difficulty: 3/10
::::::: DIY:
1. open left rear panel in trunk or hatch and locate the CD changer plug (12 prong iirc)
2. connect your new interface box to that and secure it back there in some way
3. the output is RCA on this box so i found a good length of RCA wire i had laying around and then bought a length RCA-to-miniplug to use for the connection.
4. run the lines from the box in back up to the front wherever you want to have the plug exposed for connection to the ipod/phone.(i ran mine to the dash as you can see in the pic but later dropped it to the ashtray when i upgraded to iphone.)
5. make sure the lines are tight and dont have a lot of play as i found this can cause distortion in the output.
6. plug in the device, hit the CD option to changer and push play on the device!
::::::: Picture(s): all i got, back when i had the shuffle, i imagine it would work with anything that has a miniplug.

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Modified by joelzy at 10:48 AM 9-10-2009


Modified by joelzy at 6:05 AM 3-31-2010

[giles14607]

subscribed

[Dobro87]

Quote, originally posted by kilimats »

^ having a hard time figuring this mod out picture would definitely helps

not mine, but from the DIY

[stv1der]

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::::::: Mod Name: sweet interior
::::::: Why Worth It: personal touch
::::::: Cost: $50-$150
::::::: Where to buy: Johann's fabric
::::::: Time required: HOURS
::::::: Difficulty: 2/10- no homo haha
::::::: DIY: kinda http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4429223
::::::: Picture(s):

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[stv1der]

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::::::: Mod Name: naked black legs
::::::: Why Worth It: original
::::::: Cost: $25
::::::: Where to buy: kragen
::::::: Time required: 30 min to an hour
::::::: Difficulty: 5-10
::::::: DIY: remove stock badge, cut the plastic retainer out, paint emblem black, use all purpose glue and tape to trunk until adhesive dries... enjoy.
::::::: Picture(s):before

after

[stv1der]

::::::: Mod Name: FREE 99 swap
::::::: Why Worth It: it was all free
::::::: Cost: $.00
::::::: Where to buy: vortex
::::::: Time required: hours
::::::: Difficulty:8-10
::::::: DIY: front end is self explanitory hatch http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4452538
::::::: Picture(s):before

after

im done whoring

Modified by stv1der at 1:19 PM 9-11-2009

[joelzy]

two things...

to add to your emblem mod, you can also take the ridiculous amount of time it takes and cut out just the unwanted part,(so the part backed up to the bars is still there and extends to the hatch, keeping it from looking hollow) then mold in the backing to the front making a solid one piece emblem...
was it worth it? not really but it was fun for a bit

and was the hatch swap so you could have the wing?

[stv1der]

yes- it was already painted and skoolboi drove to my house for the swap

[joelzy]

right on, cant say no to that, i was just wondering as i didnt think there were any other differences in the hatches

[Kavanagh]

any mo'?

[automan89]

::::::: Mod Name: under dash neons
::::::: Why Worth It: looks cool
::::::: Cost: around $50
::::::: Where to buy: autozone or anyplace that carry's neons and electrical parts
::::::: Time required: about an hour
::::::: Difficulty: 2
::::::: DIY: place neons under dash in desired postion, wire up to switch, and there you go
::::::: Picture(s):

[pinup_grl]

kinda like painting the mirror but a lil different:
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::::::: Mod Name: Pinstripped Plaid Mirror
::::::: Why Worth It: Make Your Car Stand Out
::::::: Cost: $5-$15
::::::: Where to buy: autozone
::::::: Time required: 30 min
::::::: Difficulty: 2/10
::::::: DIY: Decide pattern and colors you want to use, pick up pinstripping tape from autozone or other auto parts store i used wide white and thing sliver. measure out where you want the the strips, cut the strips of pinstripping and apply, after trim ends with an exacto,i used the crack in the plastic to tuck the ends into and trim.
::::::: Picture(s):

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[codyw912]

Quote, originally posted by kilimats »

::::::: Mod Name: Neons Trunk Lighting ::::::: Cost: Geek neon set @ 20 + electrical wire/tool in the garage @ $0 ::::::: Online Store: Geek store carry the neon in different colors ::::::: Time required: 45min ::::::: Difficulty: average (basic electrical skills required) ::::::: DIY: more pics here: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3603934 1- get some neons 2- the neon power brick will have a red and black cable, connect those to the existing trunk light wires 3- The driver side neon gets his power from the same place so you will have to run a cable to reach the passenger side 4- trim the plastic to fit the neon + power brick nicely and use velcro to hold them

When i first saw the beginning of your DIY, i thought i was about to see some pictures of a VW with bright red or green neons in the back haha. but i see yours if very well done and looks awesome

[Hooded Warrior]

Quote, originally posted by joelzy »

sickness!

My kind of thread...

[Ld7w_VR]

[kilimats]

=================================================
::::::: Mod Name: Brake Light Flasher Module
::::::: Why Worth It: Avoid rear end collision, saves life, and looks good
::::::: Cost: $20 shipped
::::::: Where to buy: I recommend this model, fully adjustable: http://www.3rdbrakeflasher.com...d=181
::::::: Time required: 40ish
::::::: Difficulty: easy
::::::: DIY: all here http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ighlight=Brake

[duffmanh06]

hum... i wonder how legal that is. ...but i do like it!

[snowmanzz13]

i know they sell kits for motorcycles to have that, rear brakelights all flash, i think even some of the local cops here have that so i would assume legal

[Alexhoch]

Mercedes S Class cars have the flashing brakes under hard braking..

[EuroTrashin]

Been wanting to do this mod for a while.

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::::::: Mod Name: Fire Safety Mod
::::::: Why Worth It: To Save your/friends car in case of fire.
::::::: Cost: ~$19.00
::::::: Where to buy: Lowe's
::::::: Time required: 5-30min
::::::: Difficulty: 2
::::::: DIY:
1. Drive to Lowe's or equivalent store, find a representative, ask for a fire extinguisher.
2. Make sure to pick up the Marine/Auto one for flammable liquids and electrical fires (unless you got wood).
3. Drive home.
4. Figure out where it's easiest to reach in case of emergency. If not emergency, install it in the trunk for show reason.
::::::: Picture(s):

or

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[tadr_94jetta]

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::::::: Mod Name: GPS Mounting in empty button blanks
::::::: Why Worth It: Looks better; easier to reach; no suction cup to fail
::::::: Cost: $10
::::::: Where to buy: GPScity.com, radioshack, hardware store
::::::: Time required: 2-3 hours
::::::: Difficulty: Medium
::::::: DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4567544
::::::: Picture(s):


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[Colb.45]

damnn man i was always contimplating getting one after seeing that mkIV in a charged wreckage im going to be picking up a fire extinguisher now

[VWFast96]

=================================================
::::::: Mod Name: OEM Shift Knob on B&M Shifter
::::::: Why Worth It: retains stock knob instead of aluminum B&M knob
::::::: Cost: Free (requires that you have already installed B&M Short Shifter, which costs about $165ish
::::::: Where to buy: search for B&M shifter, OEM knob you should already have!
::::::: Time required: 30-45 minutes
::::::: Difficulty: moderate
::::::: DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4563650
::::::: Picture(s): http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4563650
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[AZN dubs]

in for the win