As many will know, the black vinyl trim strip around the back window on Mk2 Gti's is impossible to find anymore. If you are restoring the car or even repairing the tailgate and need it painted it is kind of annoying to not be able to replace this.
I'm sure opinions will be divided on whether the thing actually looks good on the car or if there's any need to have it. Personally I like it because it is another of the little unique Gti features...although on dark paintwork like mine it hardly shows up!
Anyway, the whole time the car was off the road I tried a few options for replacing this trim. I bought a set from an eBay seller which was in 3 pieces but to be honest I wasn't happy with the fit or finish and discarded it.
Next up I spoke to Ian at WagenWheels (
www.wagenwheels.co.uk) who is an expert in restoring Golfs. He shared my problem but said he might be able to supply a replacement. After weeks of trying however we drew a blank and I kind of abandoned the idea.
Being a keen VW enthusiast I am always on the lookout for interesting things and while on holiday in the US stopped in at a local dealership who had the new Jetta on display. As it wasn't launched here yet I called in for a browse.
While there I got talking to the parts fella and told him about my Mk2 project. He was really interested and when I mentioned my problem about the rear trim for the tailgate I was amazed when he said he had one in stock somewhere!!! Arrangement was made to get it and I was chuffed to bits!
In my excitement however I didnt even check and when I finally got it all unwrapped I was a little disappointed to find that it was supplied in 3 pieces rather than 1 big piece:
It was all stamped up with the correct VW part numbers so I knew it was genuine.
A call to VW revealed that the last supply of these items was manufactured in 3 pieces to aid fitment as so many bodyshops were messing them up trying to fit them.
Again, applying it in 3 pieces seemed easier but I was concerned how it would look and that the joins/overlap at the corners would eventually lift and peel.
Not to be defeated I fitted the trim up and marked where the overlap and joins were. I then marked this out and went to a graphics specialist. They were able to scan the pattern and even supply the exact same 3M black vinyl (3M ScotchCal) to laser cut a 1-piece item from! Delighted!
I have yet to apply this to the car as the rear window will need to come out again. As soon as it's done I will get some pics up for you all. There have already been a lot of people asking me if I can get more made; I'm looking into this and maybe get some kind of bulk order price for the mutual benefit of everyone. If you'd be interested drop me a PM and I'll collate some numbers