Joe's Gti Progress Thread- Leaky

[nigelelliott394]

Is the DIS module also known as the coil pack?

If so, I tried removing mine a week or two ago but just couldn't get the connection to pop off. I'll maybe try again soon and see what it's like but I have noticed in this warmer weather it's been a bit smoother.

[joe2612]

Is the DIS module also known as the coil pack?

If so, I tried removing mine a week or two ago but just couldn't get the connection to pop off. I'll maybe try again soon and see what it's like but I have noticed in this warmer weather it's been a bit smoother.

Yep it is Nigel, like you said haven't had any issues with the warmer weather at all so will leave it for now.

[joe2612]

SO update time, the grab handles are finished to a standard in 95% happy with.... I'll let the pictures do the talking. If anyone wants to know my method then let me know. This was all done using halfords rattle cans.

Primer stages :





Completed handle left hand side and painted but not flattened and polished right hand side.



Few reflection shots:





And in the car:







Comments welcome!

Still awaiting wheels, Aerocoat have a lot to make up for let's say.

[6N2 GTI 00]

They look class Joe so much better than wrapped handles, the finish of the gloss black looks brilliant

Are you doing the centre console too?

[joe2612]

I think the centre console will be a bit overkill for my liking Ben, as i already have a gloss black HU in there already.. but thanks for the comments

[Lloydiexx]

Handles look fab Joe, came out really well

[joe2612]

Thanks I've decided to write up my method for the benefit of another member. Here goes:

Remove handles

Sand right back with 120 grit on a DA sander. ( you need to get all the old plastic bits off so you have a smooth finish)

Rub down with 400 grit sandpaper.

Filler primed it, sanded it with 400, filler primed it again

Wet sanded it with 800 grit wet. ( want to try and get a really smooth finish here)

2 thin coats of plastic primer. Let it harden overnight.

Sand with 1200 grit wet and then two thin coats of colour. sand back with 1200 and another coat of colour ( make sure you cover all the edges!)

Now for the lacquer, apply directly on top without sanding in between i did two coats. ( if your're doing a metallic colour that is).

Let the lacquer harden fully. You should end up with it looking like my orange peely handle in my picture.

Sand back with 2000grit wet, you should end up with a dull, greyish surface which is completely smooth and has no dark patches where the raised paint was. Now wet sand with 4000 grit to get some of the 2000 scratches out, you should see a shine start to appear.

Now for the fun bit, I used a Mezerna polishing pad and Mezerna cutting compound on my DA. Polsih it lightly till the shine starts to appear and the polish is worked through.

I then used a Mezerna final finish compound on a 'waffle pad' Light pressure and high rpm is what you need . This gets all the swirl marks out from the previous stage and gives it a deep shine.

Almost done, using the same waffle pad i applied poorboys black hole glaze to enhance the finish further.

Finally two coats of Collinite wax!

Few tips:

Take care with the edges in terms of sanding and polishing, its very easy to remove the paint if you're not careful.

Take your time, i know its a lot of steps and i spread this out over a week but patience is key when it comes to painting.

[Ashcroft]

Handles lookin smart as mate I'm starting to think my crinkle black looks poor compared to your shiny gloss lol

[Godderz23]

Handles look perfect joe, really nice job, paint depth looks unreal.

[joe2612]

Cheers mateys, have a little surprise coming tomorrow hopefully....

[joe2612]

So, wheels are back and on. and in typical me style i'm not 100% sure on them at the moment....

[Godderz23]

What colour are the centres Joe? They look really good.

[rover220]

they look brilliant.

[6N2 GTI 00]

Yeah agree with the lads above they look really smart Joe

Great colour choice for the centre's too

[joe2612]

It's grown on me guys, i'm fickle with these things especially at first. The finish is Aeromax/ Chromax done by Aerocoat. Unfortunately the centre was too thick to mate back with the outer wheel SO i made the gti into a lathe by bolting the centre to the hub and using the engine to spin the wheel while i machined a fer .mms of the inner lip so it fits nicely

The GTI is now fully on the road after two weeks. I removed the front 10mm spacers which has cured the steering wheel wobble