The Official Cheap Little Mods Thread

[JFLORES]

dope! i wanna do that for my ipod!

[Hooded Warrior]

Great thread

[kilimats]

EDIT: i recommend doing this mod instead (it deals at the source directly: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...1#post67622723 )

::::::: Mod Name: AUX In Filter ( aka Ground Loop Signal Isolator )
::::::: Why Worth It:
If you hear a hissing sound (motor revving) through your speakers ONLY in Auxilary IN mode then you need that thing to filter the noises (if radio / CD and aux in have that issue then you need to check your ground connection for the deck).

I had that problem with my Iphone charging dock which lacked ground connection (shown here: http://vimeo.com/2165761) and after installing that filter, the sound was 100% clean even when boosting to max volume.

EDIT: I noticed that BASS volume was dramatically reduced afterward, be aware: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4575560

::::::: Cost: $20 shipped
::::::: Where to buy: Search google/ebay for RCA filter (make sure you get the proper connectors)
::::::: Time required: 20min
::::::: Difficulty: Easy
::::::: DIY: Remove stereo and put it in
::::::: Picture(s):



Modified by kilimats at 10:11 PM 10-19-2009

[ruetzal]

^^this is because there really is no ground for ipod connections or at least a crappy one. These make it much better.

[kilimats]

Quote, originally posted by ruetzal »

^^this is because there really is no ground for ipod connections or at least a crappy one. These make it much better.

make sense, thanks. post updated

EDIT: I noticed that the filter reduced the BASS volume dramatically, be aware: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4575560


Modified by kilimats at 5:05 PM 9-22-2009

[jetta PWR]

i love this thread

[carpathian_basin]

::::::: Mod Name: Interior/license plate LEDs
::::::: Why Worth It: looks cooler, complements your HIDs, don't burn out
::::::: Cost: $25
::::::: Where to buy: eBay works fine, LEDs are pretty basic/inexpensive so don't worry about "going cheap" here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...Video

::::::: Time required: 20-30 minutes tops
::::::: Difficulty: very easy
::::::: DIY:

Front dome/map lights:

Stick a screwdriver (be careful with the headliner) in the lens gap (shown by the red circle) and gently pry. It should pop right off, giving you access to the icky yellow lights in the overhead console.

Rear passenger dome lights:

The most difficult part of the install, took me a good 10 minutes. Pry out the console/casing from the back (if you're sitting in the seat), you might have to force it a little bit. Don't worry, it won't break.

License plate lights:

Probably the easiest, unscrew the screws holding the plastic "shield/cover" over the lights, and gently remove the old LEDs and put the new ones in.

::::::: Picture(s):

mine looks very similar to this when it's dark.

Modified by pdethier at 5:32 PM 1-10-2010

[kilimats]

::::::: Mod Name: Sound activated Neon Light (aka sound sensor) (aka sound activator) (aka Music dancer)
::::::: Why Worth It: Makes listening music a complete different experience
::::::: Cost: $20
::::::: Where to buy: Ebay or electronic store, get flexible neon for perfect fit. here is a random shop found using google http://mobile-emotions.com/neonac.html
::::::: Time required: 1 hour
::::::: Difficulty: moderate
::::::: DIY:
1- Test the Neon with sound sensor on your PC or other 12v source first to be sure its working
2- Connect the power wire to the 75x stud (switched 12v) and the ground wire to the ground stud as pictured below (need to remove plastic panel first of course)

3- Fit the neon and zip tie, here is the passenger side (i'm using the stock zip tie there)

4- Stick the Sound sensor somewhere under the steering wheel so you can access it from the driver seat, here is the best location I found for mine




5- after everything is mounted and zip tied (including wires), turn on the key half way and play some music.
6- Adjust the sound sensor using the knob to have the neon synced with the music
7- Enjoy


Modified by kilimats at 5:42 PM 10-4-2009

[brittanyashford]

wow that is freaking awesome.

[ruetzal]

Quote, originally posted by kilimats »

::::::: Mod Name: Sound activated Neon Light (aka sound sensor)

you should make a video on this, I gotta see this

[kilimats]

Quote, originally posted by ruetzal »

you should make a video on this, I gotta see this

will do, the light is really synced at half volume. At full volume the light is ON most of the time but still flickering (I keep the mic knob at the minimum). And even so I'm using LEDs, the light blinks smoothly

EDIT: Just drove the car a bit, the MIC is too sensitive even at the lowest volume, I ll see if adding some foam in the sensor case helps

EDIT: fix the MIC volume issue by adding electrical tape on top, not it only record LOW frequency, so only the BOOM BOOM BOOM makes the light goes off



Modified by kilimats at 5:44 PM 10-4-2009

[GNAR VR]

::::::: Mod Name:euro image mk4 rear wiper delete
::::::: Why Worth It: plastic plugs and silicone are wack
::::::: Cost: 35 shipped
::::::: Where to buy: http://www.euroimagetuning.com
::::::: Time required: 10 mins
::::::: Difficulty: 6 of 10

[peplsuk]

that last one looks great
this is what I did!
::::::: Mod Name: mk4 rear wiper delete
::::::: Why Worth It: plastic plugs and silicone are wack
::::::: Cost: $10 and some black paint
::::::: Where to buy: electrical store
::::::: Time required: 10 mins
::::::: Difficulty: 2 of 10

there is a foam backing on the plug side so it is water proof
HOLE SEAL, FOR CONDUIT, FOUND AT ANY ELECTRICAL STORE

[joshsjetta]

Name: Paint Your Calipers
Why worth it: Adds class when running anything but steelies(if done tastefully)
Cost: 15-20$ for paint and supplies
Where to buy: Auto part stores, Walmart, etc.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
DIY: Jack up car, remove wheel, clean caliper, and get out that brush and start painting. I recommend using the Duplicolor ceramic caliper painting kit.
Picture:

[Hooded Warrior]

[kilimats]

Sweet shiny wiper delete GNAR VR, didn't know they made that

[eleclipper]

I love this thread, already did the thing where u shine the trunk and hood holder uppers, the extended range keyfob, the beer keg intake lol, anf the rearview mirror mod, anyone got anything else to contribute

[kilimats]

Quote, originally posted by eleclipper »

I love this thread, already did the thing where u shine the trunk and hood holder uppers, the extended range keyfob, the beer keg intake lol, anf the rearview mirror mod, anyone got anything else to contribute

I dont recall reading some of those mods, wanna post them ?

[eleclipper]

::::::: Mod Name: Extend Keyfob Range
::::::: Why Worth It:Extends keyfob Range
::::::: Cost:1 Bucks
::::::: Where to buy: Home Depot
::::::: Time required: 30 mins
::::::: Difficulty: 2/10
::::::: DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2233573
::::::: Picture(s) http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2233573

The other ones are in this thread


Modified by eleclipper at 9:37 PM 9-28-2009

[kilimats]

^

Lets keep the default post structure, otherwise we might get locked for being a copy of the official DIY

can you edit like so?

::::::: Mod Name:
::::::: Why Worth It:
::::::: Cost:
::::::: Where to buy:
::::::: Time required:
::::::: Difficulty:
::::::: DIY:
::::::: Picture(s):

[duffmanh06]

lets keep em coming everyone!

[703whiplashVR]

anyone have one for a P.A. system in your car? reallly interested in this after h20 and being one of the lonely ones without one and lacking the ability to "holla at a dime piece"

[kilimats]

^ P.A ?

[duffmanh06]

Quote, originally posted by kilimats »

^ P.A ?

public address... (when the cops yell at you from inside their cars)

[missioncirca]

This thread should be stickied, IMO

[flippyflop]

good thread keep them coming

[missioncirca]

::::::: Mod Name: Front Upper Stress Bar (Strut Bar)
::::::: Why Worth It: Fun, cheap, spices up the engine bay a tad, VERY small feel in handling at most
::::::: Cost: $20-40
::::::: Where to buy: Ebay/Other VW vendors (prices will vary)
::::::: Time required: 1-2hrs max
::::::: Difficulty: 3/10
::::::: DIY:

Tools needed: 3/8in metal drill bit w/ drill. 3/8in screws,nuts and locking washers, socket wrench, allen keys, flathead screwdriver

Adjust so brackets fit in properly

Mark where to drill, or just start drilling through the bracket
Then drill away!

The drilling can take quite a long time, pending your drill/bit. I recommend keeping an extra charged battery around.

Feed the screws from up underneath when all the holes are drilled. Don't worry, the screws don't interfere with the struts or anything (This worried me when I first began it)

Use the socket, to tighten up the nuts and washers.

And you're done!

Finished product

[missioncirca]

Ouch, sorry about the huge pictures

[Gberg888GLI]

Deff doing some of these!!!

Subscribed!

[Matty Much]

Someone should do mono wiper cowl

[dubbass33]

Quote, originally posted by mmm222 »

Someone should do mono wiper cowl

make one and let us know

[AJEngen]

great idea for a thread. the following is definitely a cheap mod

I cut up a black plastic folder and set it into my headlights about 4 years ago, and it still looks good today. I used hot glue to keep it in place, and its about as easy as taking your headlights out and apart and replacing everything. maybe the cheapest mod, enjoy

=================================================
::::::: Mod Name: Black folder headlight insert (?)
::::::: Why Worth It: easier than paint, reversible
::::::: Cost: 10c
::::::: Where to buy: folder store
::::::: Time required: 1-2 hrs
::::::: Difficulty: So easy
::::::: DIY: see pic
::::::: Picture(s):

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

[stv1der]

^^^ thats different. its new to me. - i always paint

[Gberg888GLI]

Not my mod but a good fix atleast which is cheap and easy...

::::::: Mod Name: Stiffen Exhaust Hanger
::::::: Why Worth It: No more clunk from ur exhaust on ur torsion beam...
::::::: Cost: $15-$25
::::::: Where to buy: eBay works fine, there is a site for rally STI hangers which i think are exactly the same
::::::: Time required: 45 minutes tops
::::::: Difficulty: Easy
::::::: DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4572881 with pictures

[dirtydoctor402]

great diy! you might want to think about coating the holes you drilled with clear finger nail polish, i didn't and the NY winters rusted them a bit