DSV's Mk3 > New Photos on Page 13

[DSV]

My addiction to VWs started several years ago, though I didn't get one of my own until November 2006. The first car I seriously modded was a 96 Z24 Cavalier, but I got rid of it in 2004 due to tranny problems. I had started looking at Volkswagens, but even back then the Mk3s were just too high for my price range. I actually test drove justin (http://forums.projektgerman.com/member.php?u=157)'s Mk2 Jetta, but I didn't end up buying it. Instead I ended up with a Civic and drove it for almost two years.

While owning my Civic, somehow I met 1FastB5 and he invited me to ride with him to the Albert Lea GTG in the fall of 2006. After being around all of the modified VWs, and especially the Mk3s, I couldn't stand to drive my Civic any longer. Immediately following that weekend I started parting out my Civic and putting it back to stock to sell it. It took about a month to find a buyer for the Honda, and in the meantime I found and test drove the 97 Jetta that I own now.

The Jetta was for sale at Iowa Vehicle Management on Fleur Drive in Des Moines. The asking price was $4,700 and the car had 111,311 miles. By the time my Civic sold and I had cash to buy the Mk3, the price had dropped down to $4,000. The car is officially a Jetta Jazz model, which translates into a GL trim level plus additional options. Over the GL trim, my car had a sunroof, power locks, a height-adjustable driver seat and a factory 6 disc changer. The CD changer was missing when I bought the car (along with the CD player), but I didn't mind.

Here are the first photos I took of the car at the used lot.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_01.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_01.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_03.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_03.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_04.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_04.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_05.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_05.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_06.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_06.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_jettajazz_07.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/jettajazz_07.jpg)

The car drove really smoothly and the A/C was ice cold (my Civic didn't have A/C at all.) I was very happy with the car overall. I ended up selling my Civic on October 31st for $3,800 and buying my Jetta the next day for $4,000. I had 1FastB5 drive me down to Des Moines from Ames and I handed over the 4K in cash for the car.

--

For my 21st birthday I ordered myself a Euro VR6 lip from Midwest Dub Parts. It was fairly simple to install (with a Dremel tool handy) and dramatically changed the look of the car. The side view reminds me of much I hated my exhaust from day one. The previous owner installed a craptastic NAPA-special exhaust and the tailpipe hung down super low.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_somerseti_01.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/somerseti_01.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_somerseti_02.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/somerseti_02.jpg) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/th_somerseti_03.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/somerseti_03.jpg)

--

The next big mod for the car was my Techtonics Tuning chip for the ECU. I got it for $75 during a sale TT was holding.The chip itself was a fairly easy install, though I ended up breaking part of my rain guard in the process of removing it. That thing is a PITA. I'd rather just not have it on, but it does protect the wiper motor and other things from rain and the weather.

--

Somewhere along the line I also added my early Vento grill, rear Euro tub, GLX red/black tails and eventually my FK 60/40 Cup Kit. They are all just simple mods, but they changed the look of the car so much in my eyes. In fact, it's the subtile mods that really attracted me to Volkswagens in the first place. Even in stock form, they look pretty sharp. But once you start adding Euro bits and removing/shaving stock pieces, the car just evolves into a work of art.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/lowdsm_02.jpg

This concludes the back history on my car, so now just stay tuned to the latest posts to keep an eye on what I'm doing next. ;)

[Gee Tea Eye V]

awesome :tu: nice build thread

[iowaboostin]

Nice, mike! No pics of the suspension though!? :p

[DSV]

Nice, mike! No pics of the suspension though!? :p

Still working on the more recent updates. ;)

[John2.0T]

Keep it up, Mike! Very tastefully modded.

[SirRangeALot]

Looking good so far! :tu:

[DSV]

I still need to get my first post updated with newer pictures.

Not much has been going on with the car lately, just driving the crap out of it, lol. I'm trying to get ahold of a Mk4 shift knob and boot to replace my worn out stock piece, but nothing has been finalized yet.

I also need to adjust the e-brake cable on my car because it's never worked since I bought it. I can pull the e-brake all the way up while driving and have virtually no effect on the car. Loccusst was telling me it should only go up about 3 clicks...

[DSV]

Picked up CROWN's 15x7 TSW Stealth wheels this afternoon and got them bolted on to the car. I was surprised that all four wheels/tires fit in my trunk. Actually, I wasn't surprised, because the trunk is huge.

Here are some photos with the wheels on.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/tswstealth_01.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/tswstealth_02.jpg

I've decided that the car looks kind of Saab-ish, but that's ok with me. I like the wheels a lot. I swerved into the old Golf Galaxy parking lot on Merle Hay & Douglas so I could drive by all the windows and stare at my reflection....lol :D

[07GTI]

looks awsome :tu:

[turboA4]

nice mike!!! i love them!!!!!!

[SirRangeALot]

looks awsome :tu:

I second that. It looks 10x better! Not that it didn't look good before, I just wasn't a fan of your stock wheels. :p

I see you have your IA plate mounted on the front now. Johnny Law giving you some heat?

[CROWN]

they look way better on ur car then they did on mine, nice

[DSV]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I'm really happy with the wheels. Thanks go out to CROWN especially for selling them to me. ;)

[twooly]

Much better than the stock wheels, looking good.:tu:

[stollen]

The new wheels look good Mike, I gotta admit I was a little skeptical at first, but they fit the car well :tu:

[DubWalkn]

You can really pull um off with how slammed you are!!!

David H. would agree with me on this one...Your car has been :hoff: APROVED

[justin]

Looking good!

[DSV]

Looking good!

Thanks man. Now we need to get the Mk3s together for pictures since I finally ditched the stock wheels. :drive:

[OrangeDUB]

Yeah they look good, Mike. I like 5 spokes and I think that my next set will be some 17 or 18" 5 spokes. Possibly monte's. (like on vdubstyle's car)

[SirRangeALot]

You can really pull um off with how slammed you are!!!

:word:

[MurA1]

Thanks man. Now we need to get the Mk3s together for pictures since I finally ditched the stock wheels. :drive:

Hmm, 3 MKIII's with an afternoon of pics would be TIGHT!! And now that I fixed my suspension problem, Mine will look LOTS better!!:cool:

Rollin' in the MK3's

[cadwiz]

THEY LOOK GOOD MAN!!!!:tu:

[justin]

Is that an early vento grille? Looks good.

Also, here is a place in DSM that sells spacers for $4 a pop, and they are hubcentric.

Midwest Wheels Co.
(515) 265-1491

Photoshoot sounds nice, just dont go getting my hopes up this time:finger:

[DSV]

Is that an early vento grille? Looks good.

Also, here is a place in DSM that sells spacers for $4 a pop, and they are hubcentric.

Midwest Wheels Co.
(515) 265-1491

Photoshoot sounds nice, just dont go getting my hopes up this time:finger:

Yep, I'm rocking an early Vento grill.

I may have to look them up on the spacers. I wouldn't mind popping the rears out a bit, plus I need some hubcentric rings anyways. Looks like their website is http://www.midwestwheel.com

Sorry about that last time. I was actually up in Ames for business which took longer than expected. Plus I thought you had family over anyways? Maybe we'll just set up a time and I'll drive up especially for the shoot. ;)

[MurA1]

What about doing it later on Friday afternoon/evening?? I'll be in DM for the Good Guy's show. I'm sure theres a lot of sweet places for shots down there!

[DSV]

What about doing it later on Friday afternoon/evening?? I'll be in DM for the Good Guy's show. I'm sure theres a lot of sweet places for shots down there!

Justin is up in Ames though. Not sure if he'd want to drive down here for photos or not. I have to work til 5pm.

Also, checked out that Midwest Wheel Companies this afternoon and they said no go on hubcentric rings. They could only get me standard-sized spacers in 1/4" thickness. They were about $4.75/each. They recommended Earl's Tire on 2nd street for hubcentric rings.

I have figured out that I'll need my hubcentric rings to go from 73mm (TSW) down to 57mm (VW).

[DSV]

kleinergti1 just hooked me up with a Mk4 shift knob! woohoo!

:drive: <-- me driving with new shift knob

I've been looking for one forever and he was able to get me one out of an 03 TDI. I'm stoked for its arrival! :D

[berserker]

:tu: Sweet!!!!

The :hoff: approves.

[DSV]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/mk4knob.jpg

booyah!

[berserker]

:drive: Lets see it installed!

[DSV]

:drive: Lets see it installed!

It's still sitting at kleiner's in Dubuque. :D I just PayPal'd him minutes ago.

BTW, I did something else to the Mk3 this past weekend. Nothing to extravagant, but it does look different. Treffen goers will probably see it unless I change my mind.

[iadubber]

Can't wait to see it. Nice subtle mod.

[berserker]

What else did you do???? I can't wait till Treffen, must know now!!!!

[DSV]

Can't wait to see it. Nice subtile mod.

That's the name of my game. :tu:


What else did you do???? I can't wait till Treffen, must know now!!!!

I have mentioned it in the shoutbox before. jameson99 saw it the other day and Loccusst has seen it as well. I actually need to finish up the job next week. :D

[berserker]

Temptation to review the past 1000 shoutbox pages.. but i'll pass and wait to see i.. :hide:

[DSV]

Temptation to review the past 1000 shoutbox pages.. but i'll pass and wait to see i.. :hide:

hahaha, I knew you would be tempted. :D

[berserker]

Not that tempted.. :laugh:

But I am excited to see it!!

[Gee Tea Eye V]

its prolly some crazy mk3 thing... like he decided to raise his rear end 2 inches and keep the front and then paint his lip pink and put a tick tack toe board on his hood...

crazy mk3's :rolleyes:

i keeeeeeeed :laugh:

[DSV]

its prolly some crazy mk3 thing... like he decided to raise his rear end 2 inches and keep the front and then paint his lip pink and put a tick tack toe board on his hood...

crazy mk3's :rolleyes:

i keeeeeeeed :laugh:

tick tack toe on the hood....I like it! :D

[Gee Tea Eye V]

figures :D:D flat black with a red gloss tick tack toe board :laugh:

[DSV]

figures :D:D flat black with a red gloss tick tack toe board :laugh:

and colored painter's tape for the X's and O's

[Gee Tea Eye V]

or chalk hence the flat black :laugh: saw one with a chalkboard like flat black paint job at water fest last year

[SirRangeALot]

Sweetness...seems like a lot of people are getting the mod bug bite before the big GTG! :tu:

[DSV]

Sweetness...seems like a lot of people are getting the mod bug bite before the big GTG! :tu:

word.

I keep telling the wife that I need to order the BBM S/C kit soon....lol :D

[DSV]

Just got notified that my new tires shipped out this morning (for the TSWs.) They're Kumho Ecsta AST high performance all seasons in 195/50/15 flavor. I'll be getting em installed sometime next week over at Earl's Tire on NW 2nd. :tu:

Hooray for new tires!

[turboA4]

whooohoooo! new tires rock!!!!

[senseless1707]

looks awesome so far:tu: the saabish look is good to me:tu:

[DSV]

looks awesome so far:tu: the saabish look is good to me:tu:

hehe, thanks man. I can't wait to get the new tires on the TSWs and get the fenders rolled. :yippee:

[senseless1707]

hehe, thanks man. I can't wait to get the new tires on the TSWs and get the fenders rolled. :yippee:

ya it will be awesome! post up pics when you get them rolled up:tu:

[Gee Tea Eye V]

woot woot rolled fenders

[DSV]

ya it will be awesome! post up pics when you get them rolled up:tu:


woot woot rolled fenders

Yes yes ya'll. I MIGHT try rolling them this weekend, or I may wait until I get back to town. Either way they will be rolled with new tires before Treffen. I don't want to be rubbing on our trip up there.

[Gee Tea Eye V]

isnt that what u mk3 guys like? destroying tires? :laugh:

[DSV]

isnt that what u mk3 guys like? destroying tires? :laugh:

eh, usually

[Gee Tea Eye V]

hehe i dont blame u :tu: cant wait to see everything

[DSV]

Picked up the heat gun and baseball bat this weekend while at the parent's house. Should be rolling fenders sometime this week as well as getting the tires mounted.

[DSV]

New tires are on! $58 to have all four mounted and balanced at Earl's Tire :D

www.earlstire.com

They also let me hang one of our Rookies GTG flyers in their shop. Top notch crew over there. :tu:

Pictures will come when I wash my wheels... :censored:

[berserker]

Clean em up and post em! :tu:

[DSV]

Still no photos of my new shift knob, but here are a couple photochops I was messing around with earlier. This car has a Euro front bumper plus the Reiger GTX front spoiler instead of the Euro VR6 spoiler....

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/grey-franco-chop.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/red-franco-chop.jpg

[Aka.Beave]

I want a mkIII BAD! but its gotta be a VR for me! Now the money thing.... DAMN

[CROWN]

hope you like the wheels I think they look really good everytime i see your car i wonder what they'd look like if i had kept em...I need paint..lol

[DSV]

hope you like the wheels I think they look really good everytime i see your car i wonder what they'd look like if i had kept em...I need paint..lol

hehe

I do love em man, especially after the new tires. That really put the final touch on them. The old tires were just a tad too large, and now with the 195/50s on the sidewall got a smidge shorter and the tire has just a minor stretch on the rim. It works out perfectly for how low I am because now the car doesn't rub at all. Which reminds me, I need to go out and take some new pictures. It's been a long time since I've done that.

Perfecto. :tu:

Also, I've got a surprise for the car in the works. I don't want to tell anybody about it yet (Loccusst actually knows already :D) because I don't want to jinx the deal. The only hint I'll give is that the part will be coming from overseas and I'm still working out the details.... :censored:

[CROWN]

bumper

[Newgen]

:tu: saweet.

[DSV]

Today I was reminded why I love my euro lip so much. I was chasing down chuNk on his way home from work and took a side street a little too fast, bottoming out my car upon entry. Once I got to Chris' house I found out that one half of the lip was hanging off the front, but no damage. I just popped the lip back on and was good to go.

:tu: for euro lips.

[chuNknorris]

:laugh:

[CROWN]

I need a skid plate. do u bottom out on much stuff? I have to take things very softly and like sideways. Going to suck even more when i get my lip on

[DSV]

Installed a GLX side skirt on the passenger side of the car tonight. No pictures yet though. I still need to order new front caps for the skirts, but after that they will look ill. I'm hoping to put the other skirt on tomorrow night, or maybe on Saturday.

I really like the way it finishes off the exterior though. It ties in the textured rear section and the textured euro lip perfectly. It just looks complete. :tu:

[OrangeDUB]

I wanna see these ill skirts

[DSV]

I wanna see these ill skirts

I'll snap some foe-toes tomorrow, maybe before I head in to work. :tu:

[berserker]

I alsowant to see these ill skirts

[DSV]

Your wishes are granted:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/glx_skirts_01.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/glx_skirts_02.jpg

Like I said, I still need to get the front caps and install the driver side skirt.

[stollen]

Very nice!

[chuNknorris]

mmmhmmmmmm

[Tony!]

why don't you just remove the Iowa plate from the front? It's just as illegal to have it mounted where you do. Iowa law it has to be in the center of the vehicle and X" from the ground. If they wanted to give you a ticket they still would. Just lose it - it'll look better.

I dig the side skirts.

[twooly]

Nice, I like

[DSV]

why don't you just remove the Iowa plate from the front? It's just as illegal to have it mounted where you do. Iowa law it has to be in the center of the vehicle and X" from the ground. If they wanted to give you a ticket they still would. Just lose it - it'll look better.

I dig the side skirts.

I'd always heard it had to be mounted to the front of the car. The centered part I'm not so sure about because there are lots of Pontiacs with factory side mounted plates.

I usually don't run the Iowa plate when I'm driving around town (I just throw it on for long roadtrips), but I'm also still not at the payscale level where I can afford $63 sexy tax tickets yet.... :laugh:

Thanks for the compliments everyone. I've been wanting these skirts forever and am now finally happy. :drive:

[turboA4]

those skirts really really help out!!!

really looks good!

[Tony!]

found the iowa law official wording - so I was wrong about the center... but right about the distance. And looks like by this, you could get that ticket anyways just by having both - even when the Iowa one is there.

Every registration plate shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging and at a height of not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible. An imitation plate or plates imitating or purporting to imitate the official registration plate of any other state or territory of the United States or of any foreign government shall not be fastened to the vehicle.

[twooly]

Fun haters.....they just need to get rid of the front plate law.

[DSV]

An imitation plate or plates imitating or purporting to imitate the official registration plate of any other state or territory of the United States or of any foreign government shall not be fastened to the vehicle.

haha, yeah, I guess that means my euro plate is illegal. :finger:

Thanks for grabbing that official wording though. That is good info to have. I'm positive the bottom of my plate is not 12 inches off the ground either. :laugh:

If you don't mind me asking, where did you pull that information from?

[turboA4]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you pull that information from?

the internets....its pretty much amazing...

[Tony!]

Not the most user friendly support page, but the Iowa Legislature webpage.

http://nxtsearch.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm

Iowa code, Statuates, Iowa code, Transportation, Vehicles, Motor Vehicles and Laws of the road.

This one in particular is section 321.38

[bwolfgti]

Your wishes are granted:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/glx_skirts_01.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/glx_skirts_02.jpg

Like I said, I still need to get the front caps and install the driver side skirt.

skirts look nice mike. they go on pretty ez for you?

[vrjetta98]

skirts FTMFW they rock make the car look great

[DSV]

skirts look nice mike. they go on pretty ez for you?

Yeah, not too bad, except the first time I stuck the skirt hangers on they were too high and didn't allow my doors to open. lol I just used some 3M adhesive tape to mount the hangers, then the two skirt pieces hang from that and are clipped into the pinch rail. The main face of the skirts snaps on the length of the car and the caps are screwed into the fender wells. I didn't realize how many pieces these things have. :eek:


skirts FTMFW they rock make the car look great

word. I love em on my car. :tu:

[iowaboostin]

The skirts look damn nice, Mike :tu: Your mk3 has gone a long way just in the last year!

[07GTI]

skirts are lookin good :tu:

[CROWN]

flows good!

[justin]

I likey.

[SirRangeALot]

Very nice! :tu:

[bwolfgti]

Yeah, not too bad, except the first time I stuck the skirt hangers on they were too high and didn't allow my doors to open. lol I just used some 3M adhesive tape to mount the hangers, then the two skirt pieces hang from that and are clipped into the pinch rail. The main face of the skirts snaps on the length of the car and the caps are screwed into the fender wells. I didn't realize how many pieces these things have. :eek:



word. I love em on my car. :tu:

Looks like you did a good job. sorry i dindnt get you all the pieces. you wouldn't think there would be so many parts to it, but looks like you did a good job of figuring it out:tu:

[DSV]

Looks like you did a good job. sorry i dindnt get you all the pieces. you wouldn't think there would be so many parts to it, but looks like you did a good job of figuring it out:tu:

I didn't realize there were so many parts until I looked up a parts list on Vortex. I was able to get it figured out though. Once I knew what I was doing it was pretty easy. :D

For any other Mk3s out there looking to add these, here are the part #s for everything:

1 - 1H0853853B41 - Left Front Extension
1 - 1H0853854B41 - Right Front Extension
1 - 1H0853899B41 - Left Rear Extension
1 - 1H0853900B41 - Right Rear Extension
1 - 1H0853985B41 - Left Cover Strip
1 - 1H0853986B41 - Right Cover Strip
1 - 1H0853995B41 - Left Front End Cap
1 - 1H0853996B41 - Right Front End Cap
2 - 1H0853941 - Retaining Strip (to hang skirts)
14 - 1H0853947 - Clips for Screws
14 - N0139681 - Screws
14 - N90205601 - Washers
1 - 1H4853805C6DA - Black Tape Foil
1 - 1H4853806C6DA - Black Tape Foil

I was able to figure out my own hardware and mounting adhesive, but that list shows everything that was used originally.

[berserker]

looks great dude!!

[DSV]

After bolting on my other sideskirt last night I discovered that my front brake pads are about toasted. I've had a set of Mk4 calipers with stainless lines sitting around in my garage waiting for me to do a brake upgrade, so now seems like as good a time as any. I had always said that the next time I redid my front brakes (and had 15" wheels) that I would do the big brake upgrade.

So, last night I ordered new 11" Corrado 4-lug rotors and a set of Mk4 VR6 pads. The rotors should arrive tomorrow and then I'll be swapping everything out tomorrow night. People are welcome to drop by if you want. I'm pretty sure Loccusst is stopping out to help.

[Loccusst]

His front outer pad looked like a black napkin it was sooo thin.

[CROWN]

what time. i'll be there. can u park on the street? or where is people going to park

[07GTI]

I'm bummed, I have class till nine tommorrow but :tu: on the choice can't wait to see them

[DSV]

what time. i'll be there. can u park on the street? or where is people going to park

I'd say 6:30-7pm. People can park in my driveway or on one of the side streets on the other side of Douglas Ave.

BTW, Loccusst, I got the right pads today at Autozone. The correct set ended up being from a Mk4 VR6....

[CROWN]

I won't make it going to the fights 2nite

[Aka.Beave]

and shall be maintained free from foreign materials . .

now that i know that, next time i get pulled over for no front plate, Ill tell the cop it was getting full of bugs so i had to take it away from foreign materials!

[DSV]

State of the Mk3:

The 11" brakes are on and working great.
My NA front bumper has landed in Belgium.
I'm waiting on my Vento front bumper to ship in from Belgium.
I have a Vento rebar on the way from Black Forest Industries.
I need to go faster and corner harder.

Trying to decide what to do next....

[berserker]

:yippee: i can't wait to see the Vento bumper!!!

[stollen]

I need to go faster and corner harder.

Trying to decide what to do next....

Cornering is gonna come from bigger sway bars and better tires given you already have your cup kit (unless you want to upgrade those, which I doubt).

[DSV]

Cornering is gonna come from bigger sway bars and better tires given you already have your cup kit (unless you want to upgrade those, which I doubt).

I'm thinking about a rear sway bar from Autotech. Either 25mm or 28mm. Better tires will probably come with new wheels next summer. I think I'd have to see how those things affect the handling before upgrading from my cup kit to coilovers though. I'm sure I could get stiffer spring rates with coilovers, but we'll see how the other things help first.

I'm also pondering these things:
- front upper tie bar
- front lower tie bar
- upgraded motor/tranny mounts
- smoked bumper lights
- short shifter kit

[Dubjetta///]

:thumpup:

[OrangeDUB]

Mike- My buddy who's a mechanic in the Navy (also from europe) and he and his family have always been into european cars (VW, porsche, etc) and performance stuff.... He told me to NEVER by swaybars that aren't adjustable. And you want identical sway bars, front and rear and set them bothe for the same stiffness setting. Hope that helps you a little bit :tu:

[DSV]

Mike- My buddy who's a mechanic in the Navy (also from europe) and he and his family have always been into european cars (VW, porsche, etc) and performance stuff.... He told me to NEVER by swaybars that aren't adjustable. And you want identical sway bars, front and rear and set them bothe for the same stiffness setting. Hope that helps you a little bit :tu:

Thanks for the heads up, Casey. Appreciate it. :tu:

[stollen]

Mike- My buddy who's a mechanic in the Navy (also from europe) and he and his family have always been into european cars (VW, porsche, etc) and performance stuff.... He told me to NEVER by swaybars that aren't adjustable. And you want identical sway bars, front and rear and set them bothe for the same stiffness setting. Hope that helps you a little bit :tu:

I gotta disagree here, my aftermarket rear sway bar is non-adjustable and bigger than the front and my car handles awesome.

[DSV]

I gotta disagree here, my aftermarket rear sway bar is non-adjustable and bigger than the front and my car handles awesome.

I haven't decided between adjustable or non-adjustable yet, but I don't plan on upgrading the front bar, nor do I plan on sizing them equally.

Usually to help cars with stock understeer you have to add a larger rear sway. That is my plan to help neutralize the steering and make the rear end follow quicker in turns.

[stollen]

Yep, and I don't know if MK3's are the same way, but i have yet to hear anyone with a MK4 that says their rear sway bar is too stiff.

[DSV]

Yep, and I don't know if MK3's are the same way, but i have yet to hear anyone with a MK4 that says their rear sway bar is too stiff.

Pending the price difference, I'll probably be going with the 28mm. Not sure I need adjustability either, so that will factor into which brand to go with.

[OrangeDUB]

Maybe that guy was trying to be too smart or something...

[DSV]

Last Friday I got word from Dimitri (my European contact) that my bumper had finally arrived in Antwerp, Belgium. It ended up taking about 8 business days to get there plus another 5-6 before he could get it released. I ended up having to fax over a letter stating the contents of the box (which cost $6 to send, all for a few bytes of information over the phone line) due to the value of the package. Then Dimitri spent time just waiting for the shipping company to process the package through their system before he was finally able to pick it up.

Here's a shot of Dimitri and all the stuff I sent him.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/PA110445.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/PA110439.jpg

For more details, go here:
http://www.subtilecommunication.com/blog/2007/10/17/international-success-part-1/

:tu:

[07GTI]

woooohoooo sounds like your plans are progressing, any word when your bumper will arive? :dp:

[DSV]

Still waiting to hear back from Dimitri to confirm that it has been shipped out. It took about 8 business days for it to get there, so I assume the same for its return journey.

[07GTI]

thats cool, good luck with your waiting :D

[OrangeDUB]

Haha I think he loves it that the side mirror has english writing on it! That would be cool if it said german stuff on my side mirror :D

[Dubjetta///]

Wow, i didn't know you swapped a guy for parts. That's kool, can't wait to see the euro bumper, i'm really jealous.

[John2.0T]

Nice!

BTW - upgraded rear sway will DEFINITELY help the handling!

I went from a 16mm to 21mm on my A4 and it helped tremendously. A lot better turn in and it just felt a lot better. I can't imagine how great it would feel on your Jetta.

Also, poly motor mounts would be a must. I'm surprised you haven't done it yet. The shifts feel very positive and you really feel more connected to the car. Kinda hard to explain buts well worth it.

[DSV]

Wow, i didn't know you swapped a guy for parts. That's kool, can't wait to see the euro bumper, i'm really jealous.

Yeah, I was able to hook up with him through another forum and when I heard his wife was getting a Mk3 I immediately started talking to him about swapping parts. :D


Nice!

BTW - upgraded rear sway will DEFINITELY help the handling!

I went from a 16mm to 21mm on my A4 and it helped tremendously. A lot better turn in and it just felt a lot better. I can't imagine how great it would feel on your Jetta.

Also, poly motor mounts would be a must. I'm surprised you haven't done it yet. The shifts feel very positive and you really feel more connected to the car. Kinda hard to explain buts well worth it.

The rear sway and poly motor mounts are both on my list, they've just taken a back seat thus far. Right now I'm in the middle of fixing my shifter though, so other plans are put on hold for a bit. Tonight I added a poly shifter relay bushing to my linkage because the original bushing was completely missing. It has already tightened up a lot of the slop in my shifter. Now I want to get the other bushings and parts to go along with it. :drive:

It's definitely fun to own this car. Things are really picking up right now with it and I'm having a good time.

[Dubjetta///]

Yeah, I was able to hook up with him through another forum and when I heard his wife was getting a Mk3 I immediately started talking to him about swapping parts. :D


Lucky duck. Get pics ASAP of it on the car. Will it be color matched when you get it or will you have to paint it?

[DSV]

Lucky duck. Get pics ASAP of it on the car. Will it be color matched when you get it or will you have to paint it?

It's already painted black. That's why I was so excited about this. Plus the fact that real Vento bumpers go for upwards of $350....

I will need to sand down the textured top and paint it black eventually though. This is the actual bumper I'll be getting:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/PA120451.jpg

[07GTI]

Looks good Mike, any word from Dimitri yet, if it has been shipped?
Just trying to help you wait :D :coffee:

[DSV]

Looks good Mike, any word from Dimitri yet, if it has been shipped?
Just trying to help you wait :D :coffee:

Not yet. Still waiting to hear back from him. I'll probably send him another email tomorrow if I don't hear anything today.

[DSV]

Vento bumper will be shipping out on Monday for sure, Dimitri said. :tu:

He sent me some new pictures with everything installed and his wife's car looks good. I'll post em up later.

[DSV]

So the Vento bumper didn't ship out yet. Dimitri is having problems finding a reasonably priced shipping method. It might be coming over via ship now....
http://www.subtilecommunication.com/blog/2007/10/23/starting-to-worry/

Also, I ordered some new parts out of angst for how the bumper situation is going.
http://www.subtilecommunication.com/blog/2007/10/25/eurosport-bars-and-ngp/

[Tony!]

Good call on the Eurosport. Good customer service can not be beat.

You don't think Dimitri is just giving excuses when he hasn't really gone to the post office is he? It seems like someone always gets jacked around when they do the "send me-i'll swap-send back" sort of deals. There's tons of bad experiences with that on Vortex. Good luck.

[berserker]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I hope it makes it over here :(

[stollen]

So who delivered your bumper to him? Why couldn't he use that company, and why would it be more to ship a bumper from there to here as opposed to going from here to there?

[Tony!]

well for out of the country shippments - i don't doubt it's different. there's different taxes and fees for coming in than going out - but the size shouldn't be a problem.

[berserker]

Good call on the Eurosport. Good customer service can not be beat.

You don't think Dimitri is just giving excuses when he hasn't really gone to the post office is he? It seems like someone always gets jacked around when they do the "send me-i'll swap-send back" sort of deals. There's tons of bad experiences with that on Vortex. Good luck.

Swapping scares me.

I had thought of this but he sounds genuine in his emails.. of course, its just text..

[DSV]

Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I believe he is being genuine. I've been communicating with him for at least 6 months and I just can't see him being a scammer. I know it's hard to explain, but I don't think that's the situation here. In fact, he had problems just getting the shipping company to release the bumper to him when it arrived. I had to fax over a letter stating the contents of the package and that it was intended for him to receive it and he still had to pay something like 20euros to even take the package home.

Like Tony said, I don't doubt that shipping costs are different overseas. Each country has probably got their own regulations and guidelines for what they can and cannot ship. Some countries even have to pay taxes on stuff being shipped in unless you word the paperwork just right.

I'm still feeling positive about the situation though. If it turns out that there is no way to get the bumper over here economically, Dimitri is just going to send me money to buy a new bumper. I really don't want it to come down to that though. Like I said, even if I have to wait for the damn thing to arrive by boat, I'll do it if it means the bumper will show up at my door.

Ordering the Eurosport bars was a breeze in comparison. lol :laugh: Nate did a great job talking with me about the differences between what was out there and I think I made the right choice. I just wish they would have been here by this weekend for the install day. Oh well.

I'll keep everybody up to date.

[stollen]

well for out of the country shippments - i don't doubt it's different. there's different taxes and fees for coming in than going out - but the size shouldn't be a problem.

Sounds like he should have been getting shipping quotes before agreeing to swap bumpers. I would think he should stick to the original deal and ship his bumper, its not Mike's fault he didn't do the research before hand.

[DSV]

Sounds like he should have been getting shipping quotes before agreeing to swap bumpers. I would think he should stick to the original deal and ship his bumper, its not Mike's fault he didn't do the research before hand.

word.

We both looked into shipping costs before agreeing to the deal. I estimated $80 (it ended up being $115) and his was a similar price. I don't know what went wrong between then and now. I just want the damn bumper. It's most frustrating because there's not really anything I can do now but wait.

[Tony!]

Tough luck. I'd say if the only way it can come is by him paying 500 euro, then he needs to pay that to get you your bumper.

[DSV]

I have lots of bargaining chips in the matter:
- I sent my bumper first (I've been driving around for a month without one)
- I also sent several other parts with the bumper (sidemarkers, license plate holder, mirror), he is only sending me the bumper

I'm really hoping he pulls through. I don't think I can accept another US bumper though. Either I get this bumper or we figure out another way for me to get one.

[OrangeDUB]

Is he poor or something? :sly:

[SirRangeALot]

I'm crossing my fingers for you Mike! :tu:

[Loccusst]

This sucks...but as Mike said he has been comunicating with this guy for some time now so I do not think it is going to be a scam. I have had some dealings with shipping over seas and it is a pain....never gonna do it again.

[berserker]

Any word yet Mike? :dunno:

[DSV]

Any word yet Mike? :dunno:

Yeah, still communicating back and forth. He found another place that quoted only 350 euros, but that's still $500. (better than the last quote of 500 euros/$700).

He's still got a couple other avenues/options to look into though. I'm hoping one of these places will come through.

I do have a new mod for my car, but its still taking effect. I'll try to get pictures up as soon as I can. Internet access is limited while we're moving to our new house.

[DSV]

Also, here are a few shots at the new house:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/house02.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/pkghousebanner.jpg

And the parts that just arrived today courtesy of NGP and the UPS men:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/eurosport_bars_01.jpg

[berserker]

House looks great Mike! I see the skeleton is out instead of in a truck or on a tool bench :laugh:

Hopefully he finds a decent way to ship your bumper.

[07GTI]

HMMMMMMM I posted once but it seems to have dissappeared, anyway congrats on the house and the new parts hope you get your bumper soon

You should keep the banner up all the time :D

[berserker]

HMMMMMMM I posted once but it seems to have dissappeared, anyway congrats on the house and the new parts hope you get your bumper soon

You should keep the banner up all the time :D

The banner is perfect fall colors, hmm?

[07GTI]

The banner is perfect fall colors, hmm?

Indeed

[berserker]

Indeed

Quite

[07GTI]

Quite

indubidably so :D

[berserker]

indubidably so :D

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: /end thread jack, I'm sorry Mike!!

[07GTI]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: /end thread jack, I'm sorry Mike!!

ditto :laugh: Sorry Mike

[DSV]

I want to install some parts! :D

[Tony!]

then do it!

[DSV]

then do it!

maybe tonight if I get a break from painting and unpacking boxes...

[Tony!]

sounds good d00d! i know nothing mechanical really so I can't help. My help would be standing around drinking :dp:

[DSV]

sounds good d00d! i know nothing mechanical really so I can't help. My help would be standing around drinking :dp:

The lower front tie bar is basically just three bolts. The upper front strut bar requires drilling four holes and installing nuts/bolts. Easy smeasy. :tu:

[OrangeDUB]

The $500 for shipping is crazy, but I believe it! I was looking into getting a oem stubby mirror from germany and it was about €55 to ship here (1 Euro = 1.4406 U.S. dollars, so about $100 USD to ship). I bet something big like a bumper would cost quite a bit to ship over here. I hope you get it soon! At least you have some great parts to install in the meantime- when you GET time ;)

[DSV]

THE BUMPER IS COMING!

http://www.subtilecommunication.com/blog/2007/11/09/the-bumper-is-coming/

I just got the email about 10 minutes ago. :D

[07GTI]

congrats mike, can't wait to see it on the car :tu:

[DSV]

congrats mike, can't wait to see it on the car :tu:

Me too! I can't explain how happy I am about this all working out.

It ended up costing him about $420 to ship the bumper. Ouch.

[SirRangeALot]

:yippee:

[Dubjetta///]

what does your car have on it now? nothing for a front bumper?

[DSV]

what does your car have on it now? nothing for a front bumper?

Right now my car is driving around without a front bumper....

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/emo_vento_nobump.jpg

[twooly]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/emo_vento_nobump.jpg

Rust the hood and you'll be set, who needs a front bumper :sly:

[DSV]

Rust the hood and you'll be set, who needs a front bumper :sly:

That's what a pal from the UK said. He mentioned I could start the "street fighter" trend for Mk3s....lol

[MurA1]

Mike you do need to post some pics of the car with the bare hood!!

[chuNknorris]

infact just take all the fenders off, roll on the chassis... thats hawt

[DSV]

Mike you do need to post some pics of the car with the bare hood!!

haha....I had an accomplice....

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/rustyhood_01.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/rustyhood_02.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/rustyhood_03.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/rustyhood_04.jpg

[OrangeDUB]

THE BUMPER IS COMING!

:partay:

[Loccusst]

There is a pretty sexy car in the background of the pic of you watering your car. "grow little MKIII...grow"
Man we were rather beat after sanding the hood down...nothing a movie and popcorn couldn't fix.

[Dubjetta///]

:partay:

:party:

[DSV]

Here are the pictures from tonight. My Vento bumper was on the porch waiting for me. It feels so good to have a bumper on my car again....

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_bumper_DSCF0004.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_bumper_DSCF0015.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_bumper_DSCF0033.jpg

[CadburyRabbit]

so Im lazy and dont feel like sorting through the old threads.....Why did you sand your hood bare?!?!?!?

[DSV]

so Im lazy and dont feel like sorting through the old threads.....Why did you sand your hood bare?!?!?!?

My grandma's car was spewing coolant. Coolant + paint = icky. My hood had rock chips in it. Now the washer nozzles are shaved and it'll be getting repainted sometime.

[fahrenheit201]

Yay bumper! It took me a while to like the rusted hood look on your car but I do. I think it needs to be a dark dark orangish brown color in my opinion. Obviously rust is rust though...

[CadburyRabbit]

so what color you doing? hot neon pink? oooo jake and I saw this sweet lime green brake callipers on an eclipse today, well it was more like an attempted time green faded to lime yellow mixed with paint chippage. Maybe go with a Fig Newtons sticker on your windshield too.

[DSV]

lol

I am just going to have the hood repainted in black. It will look nice being all smooth with a fresh coat of paint. Picking up a spare black hood this weekend to roll around with in the meantime.

[07GTI]

BUMPERS FTW :D glad to see you got it mike looks awsome

[DSV]

BUMPERS FTW :D glad to see you got it mike looks awsome

Thanks man. I'm really stoked to finally have a complete car again, let alone the euro bumper, lol. Now I need to get my smoothed hood painted and get the textured bumper top sprayed....

It's a never ending process. lol

[Loccusst]

glad to see it showed up. Did you get the turn signals and such working properly in the front?

[DSV]

glad to see it showed up. Did you get the turn signals and such working properly in the front?

Yeah, believe it or not I actually wired them up myself. I did some research online and then resorted to some wiring diagrams to confirm my plan. I bought myself a real wire stripper/crimper and several butt connectors. The turn signal lights now function as they do in Europe with only two wires:

- In the US, there are three wires for the turn signals, on, ground and blinker.
- In Europe, there are only two wires, blinker and ground.

Now the turn signals only light up when they are activated, whereas before they were always lit up when the headlights were turned on.

I'd like to go back in and solder the connections, but I can always do that later. I made sure my connectors were nice and tight. I'm pretty proud of my first real wiring attempt. :D :tu:

[justin]

looks great mike.

We need to do a black dub photoshoot.

[DSV]

looks great mike.

We need to do a black dub photoshoot.

thanks. word on the photoshoot. I should be picking up a spare black hood in MN this weekend...

[SirRangeALot]

It looks great!!! :tu: :tu:

[DSV]

Pictures over lunch...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_day_0003.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_day_0004.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_day_0005.jpg

[SDKmann]

Please paint that hood black, that just doesnt look right and neither will rust.

Edit: Ooops, nevermind, I guess it helps to read sometimes. Glad you chose to repaint it.

[MrFlippant]

Looks good, Mike! :tu:

[DSV]

Please paint that hood black, that just doesnt look right and neither will rust.

Edit: Ooops, nevermind, I guess it helps to read sometimes. Glad you chose to repaint it.

hehe. :laugh:

I'm picking up a spare black hood this weekend and using that on my car while I save up to have my "nozzle-less" hood resprayed. :tu:

[OrangeDUB]

Looks great Mike. I haven't been on yet today really so it was nice to see a big box addressed to you as a first updated pic :)

Hey you better primer where the nozzles are! Looks like the rust effect is starting. Are you leaving teh upper part of the bumper textured or painting it like most everyone said to do?

[DSV]

Looks great Mike. I haven't been on yet today really so it was nice to see a big box addressed to you as a first updated pic :)

Hey you better primer where the nozzles are! Looks like the rust effect is starting. Are you leaving teh upper part of the bumper textured or painting it like most everyone said to do?

The stuff around the nozzles is a small bit of spot putty. ;)

I plan on sanding and painting the textured part of the bumper. I like the smooth look. :D

[OrangeDUB]

The stuff around the nozzles is a small bit of spot putty. ;)

I plan on sanding and painting the textured part of the bumper. I like the smooth look. :D

I see. Putty, eh? I gotta say that I'm a fan of the sanded smooth and paint-matched bumper. :tu:

Boser, anyone? That would be :mow:

[SirRangeALot]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Vento_day_0005.jpg

Yummy! :drool:

You need to throw some tint on that ish! :tu:

[DSV]

What it could look like with painted hood, tint, smoked lighting, Vento VR6 lip and Ronal LS wheels...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/DSV_Vento_chop01.jpg

[stollen]

What it could look like with painted hood, tint, smoked lighting, Vento VR6 lip and Ronal LS wheels...



I like :tu:

[chuNknorris]

Wow, I missed the fact that your bumper is on in these pictures. That is just too sweet! Euro bumper FTW!

[SirRangeALot]

What it could look like with painted hood, tint, smoked lighting, Vento VR6 lip and Ronal LS wheels...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/DSV_Vento_chop01.jpg

Oh hells yeah! DO IT!!! :drool:

[OrangeDUB]

Yeah Mike with those wheels, and smoked lights, looks great! I say do it :D

[Jettameister]

Like it a lot too !
But hounestly I wouldn't take the BBS... :eek: :eek:
Why??? Everybody has got them :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I would search for some more rare wheels :twisted:
But that's what I think :D

[07GTI]

I am a fan of everything but the wheels for some reason I like five spokes on your car better but then again I have a preferance for five spokes :D

[DSV]

Like it a lot too !
But hounestly I wouldn't take the BBS... :eek: :eek:
Why??? Everybody has got them :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I would search for some more rare wheels :twisted:
But that's what I think :D

Yeah, the wheels are the part that I can't quite decide on yet. There are so many options out there and I want to make sure I pick the right ones...or just buy several different sets and change them whenever I feel like it. :laugh:


I am a fan of everything but the wheels for some reason I like five spokes on your car better but then again I have a preferance for five spokes :D

I like the five spokes that are on my car now from a distance, but up close I'm not a fan. I don't like their shape/curvature when up close. Plus none of the center caps stay on very well and are liable to fly off one of these days...

[07GTI]

I like these :D

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z71/vdubjettaiii/MK3Vento2.jpg

[DSV]

The problem is that the best wheels cost the most money, lol.

I'd love a set of Schmidt TH-Lines or Schmidt Modern-Lines, but at $350+/each its a little hard to fathom...

Here are all sorts of wheels I love:

http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/rev_thl2_16.jpg http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/rev_ml3.jpg http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/bor_a.jpg http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/ats_cup_swp.jpg http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/ronal_turbo.jpg

[07GTI]

The problem is that the best wheels cost the most money, lol.

I'd love a set of Schmidt TH-Lines or Schmidt Modern-Lines, but at $350+/each its a little hard to fathom...

http://www.german-wheels.com/images/felgen/klein-104x100/TH-Line-2-tlg-16.gif http://www.german-wheels.com/images/felgen/klein-104x100/Modern-Line-3-tlg-16.gif

yeah I know what ya mean but I still say your car looks best on five spokes I will keep a look out for some cool affordable ones and post up a storm of them as I find them. :D

[07GTI]

how about these, found them on tirerack

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa288/07GTI/Picture1-4.png

[DSV]

18s are too big for Mk3s, plus I would prefer sticking with a somewhat Euro or well-reputed brand. Thanks for searching though.

Maybe we should turn this into a "Find wheels for DSV" thread, lol. :laugh:

[07GTI]

yeah I thought they looked to big, ohh and I will find Wheels for DSV lol

[07GTI]

I don't want to clutter up your build thread so I won't post all my wheel finds :D plus you probably have seen this thread already but, I spent a while looking through all the awsome mkIII pics so I thought I would share.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2604093

[OrangeDUB]

I'll do it if you'll do it!

http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/rev_thl2_16.jpg

[SirRangeALot]

I still say your car looks best on five spokes

Agreed! :word:

[DSV]

So, here are a couple photos from Tony and I's road trip to St. Peter, MN last weekend. We picked up a black Mk3 hood, a black rear bumper and a black fuel door, all for free. Each part was a little roughed up, but who could pass them up for that price?

BTW, Mk3s are 1337!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0008.jpg

I installed my new euro passenger side mirror (from Dimitri) so I could see people on the road.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0011.jpg

We picked up the hood and had lunch at Ruttles, right across from the sheriff's station.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0009.jpg

Then we peeped at the über cool dent in my new hood.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0010.jpg

And this is a shot for anyone who hasn't seen what kind of brake clearance I have now that I upgraded to 11" Corrado discs and Mk4 VR6 calipers.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0012.jpg

All in all it was a great trip. We did about 430 miles roundtrip, leaving Ankeny at 9:30 and getting back into town at 5:30. :tu:

[John2.0T]

Schmidt's are my favorite old school wheels... hands down...

ATS Cups and Keskin KT1's are also extremely sexy!

[Jettameister]

Cool speedometer :cool:
ow yeah and Mike take a picture from the other side of the mirror :tu: :D

[SirRangeALot]

I love how the Jetta is turning out Mike, it looks SO good! :tu:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/stpeter_DSCF0009.jpg

I spy a County Mounty in the background! :D

[DSV]

Tonight I won a set Mk3 Votex load bars! woot woot. :rockon:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/votex_load_bars_01.jpg

Now I've got to start shopping for a basket. :D

[07GTI]

WOOOOT, sweet, good luck with the basket search :tu:

[SDKmann]

Wow, nice clearance.

[DSV]

Wow, nice clearance.

In terms of how high the bars sit above the roof? Does it look higher than other racks you've seen?

Here's a pic of Dubjetta's Votex rack setup:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Votex-greenDubjetta01.jpg

[John2.0T]

Those will look awesome!

[SDKmann]

No I mean between your wheel and caliper, its quite close. That rack is just as high as the factory one on my dads Volvo although double the height as the Yak on my Moms Denali. Should be good. :tu:

[SirRangeALot]

Can't wait to see it on the car! :tu:

[OrangeDUB]

Mike you should powdercoat those calipers!!!

Nice parts so far I can't wait to see the rack with the basket on !

[Loccusst]

Congrats on the rack!

[DSV]

Mike you should powdercoat those calipers!!!

Nice parts so far I can't wait to see the rack with the basket on !

I've been wanting to do the calipers for a while now, but not sure exactly what color. Bright red like the GTIs? Black and subtile? Charcoal grey?

The Votex rack shipped out today so I'm super stoked. And tonight I went over to Gary's to install lots of parts. I bolted on my TT high flow cat, INXX hood lifts and a Eurosport short shifter. It was a very productive night and it only took about 2 hours for everything. :tu:

Thanks for letting me borrow the garage, Gary!

[SirRangeALot]

Black and subtile?

:tu:

[Dubjetta///]

:tu:

x2 like i've said before you arn't named DerSubtileVento for nothing. I love how your car has some great mods to it none of which can be seen at first glance.

[OrangeDUB]

Sweet! I have been itching to bolt on some of my parts but I don't want to get them nasty in the salt and sand of the Iowa roads.

I say charcoal Mike. You could just paint them instead of powdercoat. I've been looking at big brake kits and retrofitting porsche 4 piston calipers :hungry:

[DSV]

Sweet! I have been itching to bolt on some of my parts but I don't want to get them nasty in the salt and sand of the Iowa roads.

I say charcoal Mike. You could just paint them instead of powdercoat. I've been looking at big brake kits and retrofitting porsche 4 piston calipers :hungry:

Yeah, I'm thinking they will end up getting painted. I'll probably do it in somebody's garage. I like the red, but I think it would stand out too much. Charcoal could be a neat alternative to black.

[Loccusst]

You can always paint in my garage Mike. Wouldn't be the first time it was painted in and I finaly got around to cleaning up the garage. It's amazing how much room I actually have in there when everything is where it is supposed to be. Besides.....Gary's garage is too new to paint in. I say go with charcoal.

[Dubjetta///]

I say go with charcoal.


:tu: :germany:

[justin]

i say red. it would accent the tails. get the right shade, and it wont be rice-y.

[DSV]

So I have a few more parts coming my way.....can you guess what?

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/DSV_Vento_chop_Sportmax.jpg

I've already got a black hood and smoked turns/dummies....

[justin]

sportmax?

[07GTI]

Rimzzzzzzz!!!??????

[MrFlippant]

So I have a few more parts coming my way.....can you guess what?

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/DSV_Vento_chop_Sportmax.jpg

I've already got a black hood and smoked turns/dummies....

Did you seriously order those wheels pshopped into this picture??? Those look sweet!!:tu: :tu:

[DSV]

sportmax?

yes.


Rimzzzzzzz!!!??????

yes.


Did you seriously order those wheels pshopped into this picture??? Those look sweet!!:tu: :tu:

yes.

:D

[2 8]

those will look nice. What size?

I'm glad you didn't get these http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/bor_a.jpg

because I hope to

[SirRangeALot]

That is going to be one effen sweet Mk3, Mike! :tu: (It already is, but you get my point...) :D

[DSV]

those will look nice. What size?

I'm glad you didn't get these http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/felgen/bor_a.jpg

because I hope to

Thanks. 15x7 et38

I'd love to have those Borbet Type As, but they're a bit out of my price range right now. Maybe down the road. :D

[turboA4]

those are gunna look sooooo amazing mike!!!

nice choice!!!

[Dubjetta///]

Mike just thought you'd find this interesting thought i'd leave it in your thread.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3581225

basket is ~$100 and its votex made :D

[DSV]

Mike just thought you'd find this interesting thought i'd leave it in your thread.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3581225

basket is ~$100 and its votex made :D

sweet! Thanks man! :tu:

[OrangeDUB]

Nice wheels Mike! I can't wiat!

[DSV]

Nice wheels Mike! I can't wiat!

me either!

BTW, here's a shot of the rack in Loccusst's garage. I'll get some better shots when it stops snowing out.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g211/red4mike/Votex_load_bars.jpg

Now I need to find an old style Thule 555 fairing...

[SirRangeALot]

:tu: :tu: :)

[07GTI]

ROOOFFF RACKSSS!!!! :D looks sweet mike :tu:

[Dubjetta///]

HOLY ROAD SALT BATMAN!!!!

:laugh:

[DSV]

HOLY ROAD SALT BATMAN!!!!

:laugh:

It's actually not as bad as it looks. It appears so white because of the camera flash. ;)

[Dubjetta///]

>>>RIGHT>>> :laugh: they look good though mike. i was going to say paint them, but with the new wheels you are getting, they will briing some silver up top too. ;)

[DSV]

>>>RIGHT>>> :laugh: they look good though mike. i was going to say paint them, but with the new wheels you are getting, they will briing some silver up top too. ;)

Yeah, I had thought about getting em powdercoated, but like you said, I think the silver will tie in well with the new wheels.... :tu:

[Dubjetta///]

Mike, i just ordered a 871 fairing from www.rackwarehouse.com for $54.00. Free ground shipping. I'll let you know when i get it and if it needs some modification. ;)

[Jettameister]

Very nice my friend (I'll send the package this week and then I want some more pics !!! :tu: :twisted: )