The Official Cheap Little Mods Thread

[sdavis872]

Quote, originally posted by Run L1ke H3LL »

I used VHT Nightshade on my side markers and repeaters. Same results as ^^^ but took me 10 minutes.

Well my repeaters are still clear (expect for the previous light tint, but if you didn't do that they would be black, but let all the light through), unlike using niteshades which doesn't let a whole lot of the light through. And if you just spent 10min then they probably look bad. Niteshades dries to a matte finish and needs polishing or a clear coat. Not trying to attack you, but if you only spent 10min, they look bad. And I bet I spent less money than you.


Modified by sdavis872 at 8:17 PM 4-5-2010

[Run L1ke H3LL]

Quote, originally posted by sdavis872 »

Well my repeaters are still clear (expect for the previous light tint, but if you didn't do that they would be black, but let all the light through), unlike using niteshades which doesn't let a whole lot of the light through. And if you just spent 10min then they probably look bad. Niteshades dries to a matte finish and needs polishing or a clear coat. Not trying to attack you, but if you only spent 10min, they look bad. And I bet I spent less money than you.

It's cool. I forget how much VHT Nightshade cost but I split it with my brother so maybe like $5 to spray them. Plus some clearcoat laying around the house. Total time not including drying is maybe 10 minutes. Maybe I should have been more clear. Point is any DIY smoke sidemarkers and repeaters aren't gonna look professional or as good as stock. IMHO saving the time and effort and just hitting it with VHT is much easier. Props for going all out though

[sdavis872]

I'll admit the side markers aren't functional at all now, and look retarded at night with little slivers of light trying to break through. But the turn signals are really what all the work was about. I really like them. They are just like the parts4euro lights, but I like them more.

[too.slow]

that's not a chrome dot it's the hole for the bulb

[clean'nblackmk4]

anyone considering doing the fog light diy on page 15, here's pics of it.
i'll consider doing a more detailed diy if anyone really wants.

yes i see that they are a bit crooked right there

great thread

[kilimats]

Quote, originally posted by too.slow »

that's not a chrome dot it's the hole for the bulb

[Jr_Dub]

Quote, originally posted by clean’nblackmk4 »

anyone considering doing the fog light diy on page 15, here's pics of it. i'll consider doing a more detailed diy if anyone really wants. yes i see that they are a bit crooked right there great thread

I want

[sdavis872]

Quote, originally posted by too.slow »

that's not a chrome dot it's the hole for the bulb

There's still a dot, and on the stock light it would be a chrome dot.

[Pyrofyter07]

i was about to hit my bumper markers with that vht today but i had to run a butt load of errands and never got to it... how long on drying and how many coats... for future reference i might do it over night or something

[sdavis872]

Depending on how heavy of coats, anywhere from 3-5. And letting it dry overnight would be best.

[RED-MKFOUR]

someone did my mod how cool haha=]

[Run L1ke H3LL]

Quote, originally posted by Pyrofyter07 »

i was about to hit my bumper markers with that vht today but i had to run a butt load of errands and never got to it... how long on drying and how many coats... for future reference i might do it over night or something

Quote, originally posted by sdavis872 »

Depending on how heavy of coats, anywhere from 3-5. And letting it dry overnight would be best.

Yea I would say that's about right. I took maybe 10 minutes between light coats. You can tell when you're gonna want to stop putting coats on. Then when you're done let it sit over night, and you should be golden.

[clean'nblackmk4]

Quote, originally posted by RED-MKFOUR »

someone did my mod how cool haha=]

hahaa i'm surprised i haven't seen more people with it, its a great cheap mod

[Pyrofyter07]

ha awesome do yall have some pics of it done already... ill do it tonight and try to post in the am see how it turns out...

[VRamateur]

Quote, originally posted by clean’nblackmk4 »

anyone considering doing the fog light diy on page 15, here's pics of it. i'll consider doing a more detailed diy if anyone really wants.

yees. do it.

[Malicious_Whip]

i like this thread...

[:dublife:]

Quote, originally posted by VRamateur »

yees. do it.

x2

[Tofik]

bump we need more small mods..

did the gps mount.. looks clean and oem when mounted

[jassilamba]

=================================================
::::::: Mod Name: Glowing Red Trunk Emblem
::::::: Why Worth It: Looks cool
::::::: Cost: under $20.00 (hoping you have basic tools)
::::::: Where to buy: e-bay or local Radioshack
::::::: Time required: 1 hr for prep, 24 hr silicone drying time
::::::: Difficulty: 2 on a scale of 5. (this was my first time soldering)
::::::: DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4828363
::::::: Picture(s):

=================================================

[jassilamba]

LED Bumper Daytime running lights

::::::: Mod Name: LED Bumper Daytime Running Lights
::::::: Why Worth It: Looks cool
::::::: Cost: under $5.00 (hoping you have basic tools including a Drill)
::::::: Where to buy: e-bay or local Radioshack
::::::: Time required: 1 hr.
::::::: Difficulty: 1 on a scale of 5. (this was my first time soldering)
::::::: DIY:

1. Order 5mm or bigger white LEDs with resistors for 12v applications from e-bay for under $5.00 or get pre-wired ones at-least 25.

2. Using a 22AWG wire connect the LED to the resistors, if you would like to know more how to look at the above DIY for trunk emblem.

3. Take out the lower bumper covers, on MK4s they just pull out. Using a drill bit matching the size of the LEDs, drill 10 holes.
Note: Passenger side bumper insert is open, cut a measured piece of plastic sheet or polycarbonate sheet to use as a plate to drill holes in.

4. To make the lights really bright and visible, use Aluminum tape and paste it around the LEDs in the bumper insert. (See pic)

5. Using some glue to glue the LEDs in the holes and use Liquid tape or silicone to weather proof them from the rear.

6. Route wires up to the headlights and tap power from the Parking lights to power the LEDs.

7. Enjoy your work.

Modified by jassilamba at 1:09 PM 4-10-2010

[Gberg888GLI]

Quote, originally posted by jassilamba »

LED Bumper Daytime running lights ::::::: Mod Name: LED Bumper Daytime Running Lights ::::::: Why Worth It: Looks cool ::::::: Cost: under $5.00 (hoping you have basic tools including a Drill) ::::::: Where to buy: e-bay or local Radioshack ::::::: Time required: 1 hr. ::::::: Difficulty: 1 on a scale of 5. (this was my first time soldering) ::::::: DIY: 1. Order 5mm or bigger white LEDs with resistors for 12v applications from e-bay for under $5.00 or get pre-wired ones at-least 25. 2. Using a 22AWG wire connect the LED to the resistors, if you would like to know more how to look at the above DIY for trunk emblem. 3. Take out the lower bumper covers, on MK4s they just pull out. Using a drill bit matching the size of the LEDs, drill 10 holes. Note: Passenger side bumper insert is open, cut a measured piece of plastic sheet or polycarbonate sheet to use as a plate to drill holes in. 4. To make the lights really bright and visible, use Aluminum tape and paste it around the LEDs in the bumper insert. (See pic) 5. Using some glue to glue the LEDs in the holes and use Liquid tape or silicone to weather proof them from the rear. 6. Route wires up to the headlights and tap power from the Parking lights to power the LEDs. 7. Enjoy your work. Modified by jassilamba at 1:09 PM 4-10-2010

Did this like 4 months ago...

[GMonkey]

Quote, originally posted by Tofik »

We have the same sunglasses...

American Optical???

Aviator's are the best...

[jettaaddiction]

Quote, originally posted by Tofik »

bump we need more small mods.. did the gps mount.. looks clean and oem when mounted

diy PLEASE

[lunch.box.]

Quote, originally posted by jettaaddiction »

diy PLEASE

Quote, originally posted by tadr_94jetta »

================================================= ::::::: 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): =================================================

[Tofik]

Quote, originally posted by GMonkey »

We have the same sunglasses... American Optical??? Aviator's are the best...

well i have about 5 sets of sunglasses in my car.. one are some cheapo 5 dollar canal street glasses the ones pictured.. then theres 2 sets of macys glasses at $10 a piece then theres a "stunna shades" pair and another all black pair

[jassilamba]

What are some other great places to mount the GPS, as my car has heated seats and I don't have any blank switches. I just hardwired the charging cable for the GPS for now, tired of forgetting the charger and have a no battery GPS

Got any ideas would like to hear..

Quote, originally posted by Tofik »

bump we need more small mods.. did the gps mount.. looks clean and oem when mounted

Modified by jassilamba at 7:58 AM 4-12-2010

[BDodsonVR6]

someone pst more cheap mods to keep this thread alive

[VRamateur]

Quote, originally posted by jassilamba »

What are some other great places to mount the GPS, as my car has heated seats and I don't have any blank switches. Got any ideas would like to hear..

Best place is suction mount to the top left of the windshield with a wire a tuck down the pillar into the dash. clean install, not in your way. easy to get to.

[squire]

in regards to hardwiring a gps in, my garmin has the traffic enabled which comes through the cord. anyone done it with one of these?

[fancy sauce]

Quote, originally posted by Tofik »

well i have about 5 sets of sunglasses in my car.. one are some cheapo 5 dollar canal street glasses the ones pictured.. then theres 2 sets of macys glasses at $10 a piece then theres a "stunna shades" pair and another all black pair

lol....jersey.....

[jassilamba]

I have my wires tucked under the dash and they come out right in the left corner of the center console with a switch hidden by the seat. My GPS is in the middle of the windshield or can be mounted on the dash in the middle. You can try something like that.

Quote, originally posted by squire »

in regards to hardwiring a gps in, my garmin has the traffic enabled which comes through the cord. anyone done it with one of these?

[snappergolf]

best thread ever

[chris808costa]

Some some pics of smoking and moving my plates and murdering out my reflectors. Thanks for the help. More mods to come.
Remove old plate:

Remove lower right grill:

Spraying brackets and screws:

Pop out reflectors:

Murder them out:

Sprayed and back in:


All done and looking good:

Modified by chris808costa at 3:13 PM 4-13-2010


Modified by chris808costa at 3:22 PM 4-13-2010

[rapyoke]

=================================================
::::::: Mod Name: front plate hole delete/coverup
::::::: Why Worth It: front plate license holes are less visible, less chance of weather getting under the "seal" on the bumper and damaging clear coat, THE COOL KIDS DON'T RUN FRONT PLATES
::::::: Cost: $0.44
::::::: Where to buy: Home depot, Ace hardware, Lowes
::::::: Time required: 10 seconds
::::::: Difficulty: easy
::::::: DIY:
1. buy some plastic hole plugs (buy a couple of sizes, they are less than $0.50 for two)
2. paint with touchup paint
3. Insert into holes
::::::: Picture(s):

The plugs came in cool white. my car is campanella white, but I didn't see enough of a difference to justify spending the $12 or so on touchup paint from the dealer to paint two little eraser head sized pieces of plastic. It still looks 1000x better than two black holes in a white bumper.

Modified by rapyoke at 5:54 PM 4-13-2010

[kilimats]

^ Post an official cheap mod DIY with pictures of how it looks, i'll add it to the page 1 index