Mk4 Golf GT TDi 130 - A Quick Project
Discussion
A friend of mine asked for some car related advice and for help with finding a nice car for his girlfriend. The budget was £6k. I provided several options including the Golf I'm writing about in this post, which was to be fair the wild card int the bunch being both older and cheaper than the other options. It was a suggestion made to actually save her some money long-term, however she dismissed it as being too old. I did not, and the more I thought about it the more I decided it would be perfect for my girlfriend, so I bought it instead!
It's a 2002 GT TDi 130, 1 previous owner, 38k miles, and FVWSH
For a Mk4 Golf, it was quite well-specced with: 6 CD changer, Auto dim mirror, Auto wipers, Climate Control, Full-height FIS/DIS, Multi function steering wheel, Rear parking sensors in a better looking rear lower valance. The other thing that made it perfect for my girlfriend, aside from being a Mk4 Golf (she loves them), was the paint; "storm grey" is her favourite colour. VW call it Blue Anthracite Peal.
Generic photo:
This is a post about some of the changes I made to the car to make it a bit more special for her. It was a quick project and this was typed in a rush, so please excuse and spelling and grammar mistakes in advance.
I drove the car home from the dealer, changed the 15" 'Avus II' alloys for a set of 'Montreal II', and swapped my girlfriends existing Golf key with the new one. It was a nice surprise when I asked her to look what I'd done to her car!
UK, France, Switzerland
I thought we better put some miles on the car to make sure it was OK. I had managed to get a slot on the Dover to Calais Ferry the next morning, at 5am, so we set off for a bit of a road trip.
The route ended up London > France: Rouen, Évreux, Orleans, Châteauroux, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier, Marseille, Italy: Turin, Switzerland: Genva, Dijon Reims, then home.
It was a bit of a whistle-stop tour but great fun. There is a degree of head-bending required for a few of photos, sorry in advance!
Planned to camp for a few nights, but one night was enough!
Aside from the front wheels being slightly out of balance, the car was absolutely fine.
The beginning
So, on to the reason for this post. I decided to spruce up the Golf a bit and create something a bit nicer for my girlfriend. Nothing with sporting pretensions, just a better specification with features that would make daily driving more enjoyable. Here is what I started with:
Custom Heated Leather Recaro Interior
I wanted to add heated, leather Recaros to the car and I really like contrasting interior colours, however if beige leather ordered then the entire bottom half of the interior is also beige, and for me, that is a bit much.
Generic photo:
I bought a used Recaro interior, which was hard to find in beige for a 3 door, and even harder to find in reasonable condition. I used Autoglym trade cleaner to remove any grime, and some liquid leather on the drivers bolster to make it look new again. First step was the head seat loom, which was actually quite straight-forward to integrate, as the previous owner had done a fine job of removing it carefully. A rare thing!
I laid the loom in OEM locations, the only exception was I added an additional under-seat loom protector rather than trying to pick my original one apart.
I bought a second hand fuse box to remove the necessary terminals from. I don't have access to VW parts systems (ETKA I think? I had it years ago) so quicker.
My plan was to install the cream recaros and rear benc, and cut the beige leather inserts from the Recaro door cards, and bond them in place of the cloth black inserts currently in the car. I used an angle grinder to remove the plastic welding tabs.
I was left with this - incidentally these are vinyl along with the seat backs, and sides.
I bonded the 'leather' inserts to my black door cards.
I also added vibration damping material in preparation for an improved sound system.
Headlining and Pillars Re-trimmed in Nu-Suede
Next up the headlining. I don't like the standard light grey colour so decided to re trim everything in black 'Nu Suede' from Dunelm Mill.
I sprayed all of the grey trim pieces in black vinyl paint.
I managed to get an acceptable -not perfect - result.
25th Anniversary Black Headlining and Pillars
The not-qui-teperfect headlining bugged me, so I tracked down a genuine '25th Anniversary' headlining, roof furniture and black door seals. I ordered a complete set of new trimn fixings from VW to ensure there were no undue noises given the trim had been off once already.
I also added slient coat products where appropriate, which did stop a bit of noise from behind the C pillars.
I also used Anniversary trim this time, so things like the interior lights were black and had white icons - something which was lost when I painted my originals..
Perfect.
Custom Instrument Cluster
The Mk4 Golf cluster (right) looks a little 'clunky'. The Passat (left) version of the same era is much nicer, and more precise looking
The cluster architecture is fundamentally the same for each although there are electronic differences which make fitting the Passat cluster less than straight forward. My appraoch was to modify my existing cluster rather than swap anything.
I stripped down each cluster, then chopped up the Passat Foils and glued on the speedo and rev counter part to my Golf temp and fuel sensor foils. I did this because the sweep on the passat fuel & temp gauges is different and would require an EEPROM update to fix - not worth it for me. I also bored out the Golf dial bezel to accept the Passat cluster rings.
Completed Golf cluster with Passat needles etc. Setting the needle start point proved to be a little tedious!
Aero Wipers
Aero Wipers were fitted from MY2004, and are a direct fit.
DSP Sound System
I chose to retrofit the factory uprated sound system, and I'm, really glad I did! Teh speakers are uprated and it is all driven froma seperate amp in the boot.
The speakers. Standard paper cones, left, and DSP, right.
I used a retrofit loom from Kufatec, which was beautifully made and labeled. Doing it this way keeps everything as OEM as possible, which helps with any future diagnosis when required.
Standard speaker in rear quarter area.
DSP speakers fitted, and any apertures blocked up with Silent Coat. I did this to improve bass response.
I combined another couple of infotainment retrofit looms with the DSP loom, which I'll detail later in this post.
Kufatec loom run in factory location.
Front speakers installed and more silent coat added.
In the boot area I install two additional rivnuts in factory locations, to allow the DSP amp bracket to bolt up.
The boot carpet trim is also different for DSP equipped cars, but I found it was simple enough to modify mine.
Here's the amp fitted. I coded it using VAG-COM, which adjuts some of the EQ to suit the Golf interior (also the leather seats).
MFD1 Sat Nav Revision 'G', TMC Module, Media Module, Reversing Camera
I chose to fit revision 'G' of the MFD Sat Nav as it was the latest released and has predictive input. The unit was fitted to Passat's only after a date which followed the Mk4 Golf production ending, hence there are some electrical differences.
Because my car is fitted with a full height driver information system, which is supplied by CAN, I must also fit a specific version of the - optional when new - TMC tuner box which in addition to TMC routing, functions as a CAN gateway between the proprietary Blaupunkpt media CAN bus and the CAN-LO 'standard' CAN that my instrument cluster uses for its display. I forget the exact TMC version number now, it's either 3B0919894 or 3B0919894 A. Some other enthusiasts figured this out a long time before I started this project, so I am using the benefit of their experience.
Here's the nav and retrofit parts. The TMC unit is the silver box.
The dash came apart to route cables neatly, but also because I was working on a lot of other things at the same time.
I mounted the TMC unit above the convenience module, under the n/s of the dashboard.
I also installed a media inteface, so an iPod and reverse camera could be used with the MFD.
Media interface wiring and behind the glove box, ready for connection inside the glove box itself. I have wired the unit to show the reverse camera automatically when in reverse.
Night vision reverse camera installed.
I also bought some new VW knobs for the MFD, to freshen it up.
Bora Illuminated Vents
Bora vents are of a more modern design, and the icons are illuminated. I fitted a set of these using a retrofit loom from eBay. Very much over-priced but it saved me a bit of time.
Glove Box CD Changer
The 6 CD changer was mounted in the dashboard double DIN slot, along with the original single DIN CD. Golf CD changers are usually the magazine type mounted in the boot, but I find they are a pain to use. I chose to cut/modify the glove box to mount the dash-based version in there.
Mounted and much more useful within reach of the driving seat. The module mounted underneath is the media interface for the MFD.
Sealed up
I found condensation in the tyre well and upon investigation found that the rear cabin air vent seals had dropped, and were letting in water.
Rear bumper off, vents removed and refitted using RTV instead of the VW foam seals.
Completed
I added a walnut wood trim kit, and matching walnut gearknob. The gear gaitor is also from a Bora with its chrome ring. The gaiter was from eBay.
The finished article. My girlfriend is really happy with it.
It's a 2002 GT TDi 130, 1 previous owner, 38k miles, and FVWSH
For a Mk4 Golf, it was quite well-specced with: 6 CD changer, Auto dim mirror, Auto wipers, Climate Control, Full-height FIS/DIS, Multi function steering wheel, Rear parking sensors in a better looking rear lower valance. The other thing that made it perfect for my girlfriend, aside from being a Mk4 Golf (she loves them), was the paint; "storm grey" is her favourite colour. VW call it Blue Anthracite Peal.
Generic photo:
This is a post about some of the changes I made to the car to make it a bit more special for her. It was a quick project and this was typed in a rush, so please excuse and spelling and grammar mistakes in advance.
I drove the car home from the dealer, changed the 15" 'Avus II' alloys for a set of 'Montreal II', and swapped my girlfriends existing Golf key with the new one. It was a nice surprise when I asked her to look what I'd done to her car!
UK, France, Switzerland
I thought we better put some miles on the car to make sure it was OK. I had managed to get a slot on the Dover to Calais Ferry the next morning, at 5am, so we set off for a bit of a road trip.
The route ended up London > France: Rouen, Évreux, Orleans, Châteauroux, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier, Marseille, Italy: Turin, Switzerland: Genva, Dijon Reims, then home.
It was a bit of a whistle-stop tour but great fun. There is a degree of head-bending required for a few of photos, sorry in advance!
Planned to camp for a few nights, but one night was enough!
Aside from the front wheels being slightly out of balance, the car was absolutely fine.
The beginning
So, on to the reason for this post. I decided to spruce up the Golf a bit and create something a bit nicer for my girlfriend. Nothing with sporting pretensions, just a better specification with features that would make daily driving more enjoyable. Here is what I started with:
Custom Heated Leather Recaro Interior
I wanted to add heated, leather Recaros to the car and I really like contrasting interior colours, however if beige leather ordered then the entire bottom half of the interior is also beige, and for me, that is a bit much.
Generic photo:
I bought a used Recaro interior, which was hard to find in beige for a 3 door, and even harder to find in reasonable condition. I used Autoglym trade cleaner to remove any grime, and some liquid leather on the drivers bolster to make it look new again. First step was the head seat loom, which was actually quite straight-forward to integrate, as the previous owner had done a fine job of removing it carefully. A rare thing!
I laid the loom in OEM locations, the only exception was I added an additional under-seat loom protector rather than trying to pick my original one apart.
I bought a second hand fuse box to remove the necessary terminals from. I don't have access to VW parts systems (ETKA I think? I had it years ago) so quicker.
My plan was to install the cream recaros and rear benc, and cut the beige leather inserts from the Recaro door cards, and bond them in place of the cloth black inserts currently in the car. I used an angle grinder to remove the plastic welding tabs.
I was left with this - incidentally these are vinyl along with the seat backs, and sides.
I bonded the 'leather' inserts to my black door cards.
I also added vibration damping material in preparation for an improved sound system.
Headlining and Pillars Re-trimmed in Nu-Suede
Next up the headlining. I don't like the standard light grey colour so decided to re trim everything in black 'Nu Suede' from Dunelm Mill.
I sprayed all of the grey trim pieces in black vinyl paint.
I managed to get an acceptable -not perfect - result.
25th Anniversary Black Headlining and Pillars
The not-qui-teperfect headlining bugged me, so I tracked down a genuine '25th Anniversary' headlining, roof furniture and black door seals. I ordered a complete set of new trimn fixings from VW to ensure there were no undue noises given the trim had been off once already.
I also added slient coat products where appropriate, which did stop a bit of noise from behind the C pillars.
I also used Anniversary trim this time, so things like the interior lights were black and had white icons - something which was lost when I painted my originals..
Perfect.
Custom Instrument Cluster
The Mk4 Golf cluster (right) looks a little 'clunky'. The Passat (left) version of the same era is much nicer, and more precise looking
The cluster architecture is fundamentally the same for each although there are electronic differences which make fitting the Passat cluster less than straight forward. My appraoch was to modify my existing cluster rather than swap anything.
I stripped down each cluster, then chopped up the Passat Foils and glued on the speedo and rev counter part to my Golf temp and fuel sensor foils. I did this because the sweep on the passat fuel & temp gauges is different and would require an EEPROM update to fix - not worth it for me. I also bored out the Golf dial bezel to accept the Passat cluster rings.
Completed Golf cluster with Passat needles etc. Setting the needle start point proved to be a little tedious!
Aero Wipers
Aero Wipers were fitted from MY2004, and are a direct fit.
DSP Sound System
I chose to retrofit the factory uprated sound system, and I'm, really glad I did! Teh speakers are uprated and it is all driven froma seperate amp in the boot.
The speakers. Standard paper cones, left, and DSP, right.
I used a retrofit loom from Kufatec, which was beautifully made and labeled. Doing it this way keeps everything as OEM as possible, which helps with any future diagnosis when required.
Standard speaker in rear quarter area.
DSP speakers fitted, and any apertures blocked up with Silent Coat. I did this to improve bass response.
I combined another couple of infotainment retrofit looms with the DSP loom, which I'll detail later in this post.
Kufatec loom run in factory location.
Front speakers installed and more silent coat added.
In the boot area I install two additional rivnuts in factory locations, to allow the DSP amp bracket to bolt up.
The boot carpet trim is also different for DSP equipped cars, but I found it was simple enough to modify mine.
Here's the amp fitted. I coded it using VAG-COM, which adjuts some of the EQ to suit the Golf interior (also the leather seats).
MFD1 Sat Nav Revision 'G', TMC Module, Media Module, Reversing Camera
I chose to fit revision 'G' of the MFD Sat Nav as it was the latest released and has predictive input. The unit was fitted to Passat's only after a date which followed the Mk4 Golf production ending, hence there are some electrical differences.
Because my car is fitted with a full height driver information system, which is supplied by CAN, I must also fit a specific version of the - optional when new - TMC tuner box which in addition to TMC routing, functions as a CAN gateway between the proprietary Blaupunkpt media CAN bus and the CAN-LO 'standard' CAN that my instrument cluster uses for its display. I forget the exact TMC version number now, it's either 3B0919894 or 3B0919894 A. Some other enthusiasts figured this out a long time before I started this project, so I am using the benefit of their experience.
Here's the nav and retrofit parts. The TMC unit is the silver box.
The dash came apart to route cables neatly, but also because I was working on a lot of other things at the same time.
I mounted the TMC unit above the convenience module, under the n/s of the dashboard.
I also installed a media inteface, so an iPod and reverse camera could be used with the MFD.
Media interface wiring and behind the glove box, ready for connection inside the glove box itself. I have wired the unit to show the reverse camera automatically when in reverse.
Night vision reverse camera installed.
I also bought some new VW knobs for the MFD, to freshen it up.
Bora Illuminated Vents
Bora vents are of a more modern design, and the icons are illuminated. I fitted a set of these using a retrofit loom from eBay. Very much over-priced but it saved me a bit of time.
Glove Box CD Changer
The 6 CD changer was mounted in the dashboard double DIN slot, along with the original single DIN CD. Golf CD changers are usually the magazine type mounted in the boot, but I find they are a pain to use. I chose to cut/modify the glove box to mount the dash-based version in there.
Mounted and much more useful within reach of the driving seat. The module mounted underneath is the media interface for the MFD.
Sealed up
I found condensation in the tyre well and upon investigation found that the rear cabin air vent seals had dropped, and were letting in water.
Rear bumper off, vents removed and refitted using RTV instead of the VW foam seals.
Completed
I added a walnut wood trim kit, and matching walnut gearknob. The gear gaitor is also from a Bora with its chrome ring. The gaiter was from eBay.
The finished article. My girlfriend is really happy with it.
mwstewart said:
aspirated said:
I'm surprised you haven't fitted a set of OEM projector headlights with HID xenons 
Ha, I have those, the 5.5L washer bottle, jets, piping, and wiring adapters. I just need the Kufatec self levelling loom now and some time to fit everything.
Makes me miss mine.
I love this being a quick project! Fantastic work as usual, I follow all of your threads and am in awe of your ability - well done.
I've always had a soft spot for the mk 4 golf. My mother had a highly spec'd one and it really was a wonderful car for its time. Not great to drive but that misses the point really with these.
I've always had a soft spot for the mk 4 golf. My mother had a highly spec'd one and it really was a wonderful car for its time. Not great to drive but that misses the point really with these.
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