Mild mods on my W8 in SLC, just getting started [Archive]

kastegir

07-10-2007, 12:55 PM

OK, I just got my W8 2 weeks ago, and already have some mod parts on the way. So far, I've ordered:

Chrome mirror housings
Clear markers (all 4)
K&N air filter
Lower grille chrome strips

And of course, a Bentley Manual so I can figure out what I'm doing. I'll post "after" pics once the parts start arriving...

Here's a couple "before" pics:
http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-2.jpg

SDKmann

07-10-2007, 01:16 PM

Nice! Those rims look pretty good, Id plan on keeping those for a while. My only suggestion is that you drop it asap. It definitly needs help in that area. More pics please!

kastegir

07-10-2007, 01:20 PM

Not really planning to drop it, actually. We get a ton of snow here in Salt Lake City, and I'd never get out of my driveway in the winter if it were lowered.

iowaboostin

07-10-2007, 02:01 PM

kastegir

07-10-2007, 03:18 PM

Very nice, man. Simple enough mods yet I *know* the mod bug will get you right after you see your car w/the mods installed. If you have any Q's on how to put those mods on feel free to ask! Are you still planning on tinting the windows? I'm not sure what kinda laws you have in Utah but I've got 30% all around.. click on the link in my sig to see 'em :)

About the K&N, if it's the drop-in filter make sure that you don't over oil it. K&Ns have been known to kill the MAF sensors from time to time, only because of extra oil on it dripping into the MAF.

I'm still debating the tint thing. I need to look into what's legal here in Utah. I've used K&N in a couple of other cars without incident. I usually find that if I let it sit out for a few hours after oiling it, it's not a problem. Well, that and not drenching it with oil.

I may wait a little while before dropping the filter in tho, as my dealer just put a new one in before I bought the car.

iowaboostin

07-10-2007, 03:46 PM

kastegir

07-10-2007, 04:49 PM

Yeah, why replace a perfectly good filter?

"Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows Must allow more than 43% of light in.
Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window Any darkness can be used."

per www.tintcenter.com/laws/UT/

Awesome, that's good information to have regarding tint. I'd probably go the same level all around. I think it looks best that way. I'm also not a fan of the tint strip across the top of the windshield. Makes me feel claustraphobic.

As far as the filter, yeah, I figured I'd wait until after the fire season this summer. We have so much crap in the air right now because of all the wildfires, I'll want to wait at least until the fall anyway. What's the interval for air filters on the B5.5 Passat, anyway?

lreven

07-10-2007, 06:50 PM

I'll try and get a photo of my W8.

I noticed you too have the "Sport" version which included the Madras.

Has your clear coat cracked/peeled/turned green on the "Bright Silver" edge?

Let me know how easy/hard the clear corners are. I tried to take mine out to replace a bulb and gave up. Since it was in for warranty work, i asked the dealer and they did the work.

I did about 40% Back and sides tint. Legal (sort of since I have a DOT card) in Iowa and looks lux rather than ricey.

iowaboostin

07-10-2007, 06:52 PM

What's the interval for air filters on the B5.5 Passat, anyway?

Prob anywhere from 10-25k, depends how much crap is in the air :p The filters are easy to switch, just give it a visual inspection every other oil change or so.

SirRangeALot

07-10-2007, 07:18 PM

W8's FTMFW!

I wish I had the sport package, I probably wouldn't even mess with wheels or suspension! :tu:

kastegir

07-13-2007, 10:20 AM

OK, clear markers installed. Pics to come. It was an easy, 10 minute job. I just did the front ones for now. I may leave the back ones red. The amber ones just looked out of place...

SirRangeALot

07-13-2007, 10:29 AM

OK, clear markers installed. Pics to come. It was an easy, 10 minute job. I just did the front ones for now. I may leave the back ones red. The amber ones just looked out of place...

You should do a write-up for the DIY thread... http://www.passatworld.com/smilies/angel.gif

turboA4

07-13-2007, 11:48 AM

OK, clear markers installed. Pics to come. It was an easy, 10 minute job. I just did the front ones for now. I may leave the back ones red. The amber ones just looked out of place...
nice work!!! so the modding has started!!!!!

kastegir

07-13-2007, 03:38 PM

Yeah, and the chrome grille strips just got here today, so I'll try to get them on this weekend.

iowaboostin

07-13-2007, 03:45 PM

Pics, dammit!

kastegir

07-13-2007, 04:26 PM

Let me know how easy/hard the clear corners are. I tried to take mine out to replace a bulb and gave up.

They were pretty easy. I did it yesterday and will post some pics after I get the car cleaned up. I took a trip out to the desert this week, and it's pretty grimey.

Basically you just press in the front (flat) end of the marker, and slide it forward. It's in there pretty tight, so I used a screwdriver to pry the tapered end out and it just popped right out. When you pull the rubber boot that contains the light off, you have to pull straight out, if you turn it it can break off the little tabs that hold it on.

The clears I got came with yellow LEDs that replace the bulbs and it looks pretty cool. The nice thing is that the LEDs are clear when off and yellow when on, so it makes the overall look really clean.

My iceLink also came today, so I have a few things to work on this weekend, assuming the temperature drops below 100...

kastegir

07-16-2007, 12:00 AM

OK, I just spent the better part of an hour wrestling with the mirror housings trying to get them off so that I could install the shiny new chrome ones. I followed instructions I found on Passatworld that we resupposed to be the easy way to get the thing off without removing the glass. Yeah, that didn't work so well. The temperature outside is still over 90 and was easily 100 in my garage, so I'll have to try again tomorrow night...

The chrome grill strips were a pretty easy install but ine of the pieces they sent me was too short, so I'm waiting for a replacement.

Modding isn't so much fun in the summer in the desert, but I'm sure I'll be much happier when this initial phase is done. That and when it cools off enough to use some touch-up paint and Langka to clean up a few rock chips. That doesn't work so well at 100* either.

Update: Hah, my Bentley manual came today and, using it, I swapped both mirrors in 20 minutes. It was almost 100* at the time, so I didn't stop to take pics. I'll get some up asap.

SirRangeALot

07-17-2007, 12:59 AM

:tu:

kastegir

07-17-2007, 07:09 PM

Here's a quick and dirty pic with the chrome mirrors and clear markers installed. I'll take better pics after I wash it again. It rained this morning...
Yes, I know the wheels are filthy.

http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-3.jpg

07GTI

07-17-2007, 07:25 PM

they look good even dirty :D

kastegir

07-17-2007, 10:53 PM

So, would adding chrome door handles be too much or just right? I'm thinking that'll be next.

My wife asked me if I was "pimping my ride" when she saw the mirrors...

Later she told me she was just giving me ****.

DSV

07-17-2007, 11:43 PM

I like the chrome mirror caps, but the door handles may be overkill. I like the way it looks from the side right now. :tu:

lreven

07-18-2007, 12:01 AM

Mirrors :tu:
Door Handles :td: to chrome....too much

SirRangeALot

07-18-2007, 02:31 AM

Mirrors :tu:
Door Handles :td: to chrome....too much

I'm still debating on the handles...I need new side markers (condensation).

But she looks good! I love that color!

kastegir

08-14-2007, 12:24 AM

Installed my IceLink today, so I've now got 4GB to roll with.

I also added chrome strips to the lower grill, kinda balances out the chrome on the top. I'm still not in love with how it turned out, but I figure I'll wait a week or 2 and see if it grows on me. It seemed like a cool idea at the time...
My shark fin antenna should be here this week, so I'll post another round of pics when I get it installed. :-)

turboA4

08-14-2007, 01:33 AM

I also added chrome strips to the lower grill, kinda balances out the chrome on the top. I

pictures!!!!! ounds like it could be fun!!!!

kastegir

09-10-2007, 12:26 AM

Ok, here's the latest pics with:
Chrome mirror housings
Sharkfin antenna
clear front markers
Lower grille chrome strips

Enjoy, I do!
http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-4.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-5.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~halw/images/W8-6.jpg

SirRangeALot

09-10-2007, 12:35 AM

Wow, it's about time you came around; I was starting to wonder! The dubya8 looks squeaky clean!! :germany:

kastegir

09-11-2007, 12:26 AM

Thanks man. Been crazy busy getting a new job sorted out. Started today. :-) More money to spend on the car.... oh, and gonna get me an iPhone. ;-)

John2.0T

09-11-2007, 08:11 AM

Looks good man!

Now... FREE mod... Take off your plate frames!!! :)

SirRangeALot

09-11-2007, 11:49 AM

Thanks man. Been crazy busy getting a new job sorted out. Started today. :-) More money to spend on the car.... oh, and gonna get me an iPhone. ;-)

Schweet! I actually haven't been over at the W8 forum in awhile...I should make an appearance. :yippee:

Now... FREE mod... Take off your plate frames!!! :)

Nah, those are awesome! The VW is strong with this one!!! :starwars: