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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Golf mk5 how to guides + info => Topic started by: goofer101 on 04 October 2007, 12:47

Title: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: goofer101 on 04 October 2007, 12:47
How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta

* Note – Nothing in this guide relates to the Mk4 Golf or older. Mk5 only.

This guide is to show how to convert the Mk5 Golf front end from standard (any version, eg petrol or diesel) to the GTI, current design GT or the Chrome fronted Jetta. This guide will not relate to an R32 front conversion, but Im sure the process is very similar. I will also show how to fit the GTI Twin Exit Exhaust Backbox to NON 4-Wheel drive Golfs (eg, not the R32 or 4 Motion versions since the design of the vehicles underside is different) but the lower spec models or the older version Golf GT’s that do not have the Twin Backbox like the new model.

1. First of all, some facts...

The GTI and new shape GT front bumpers are identical, the only difference are the grilles. Therefore the lower GTI Splitter / Spoiler will fit onto the GT’s. Additionally, that enables you to also vary the grilles you fit, for example I went for the Special Edition ‘Speed’ look for my Mk5 GT with lower honeycombe GTI grilles and upper GT Grille instead of the honeycombe. (VW made a handful of Special Edition Speed Golfs but only released them in Germany I believe, pictures are on the internet) Coincidentaly, the Jetta Upper Grille is identical to the GT but is chrome in colour.

When purchasing the parts for the conversion please note the following parts come unpainted but are undercoated in grey primer...

* The Main Bumper
* The Centre Panel that goes below the Upper Grille. This panel is where the Registration Plate is mounted. (The Jetta version is Chrome which I would believe comes Chromed and does not require painting but Im not sure.)
* Two small corner ‘Mouldings’ that go on the corners of the front bumper. Some Golfs have the Headlight Washers mounted into these so the part numbers are different depending on the model you have.

All other parts come in plain black plastic but can be painted if required. The GTI bumper lower spoiler comes unprimered in black plastic also.

The front Fog Lights on the GTI are different to any other model and are required if you are fitting the Honeycombe mesh grilles. A word of warning, manufacturers constantly alter minor parts on cars and can sometimes prove a problem when changing things. The bulb holder and socket on the GTI fog light is different to the plug on the wireloom from your car, I managed to bend the pins in the socket very carefully with a pair of small pliers for the plug to fit. I do not know if you can get alternative plug / sockets to fit properly. This was on my particular Mk5, this may not be the case on yours.

To save yourself a lot of time and hassle before commencing this front end conversion get yourself a set of ‘Star’ Keys. Very similar to Allen Keys but are in a star shape, I learnt the hard way and did the conversion with allen keys and screwdrivers that just fit the bolt heads. Near the end of the job I acquired a set of Star Keys, everything became alot easier once I had those. I would highly recommend you get a set, this will avoid wearing away bolt heads.

2. Heres some photos of ‘Before and After’

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/neoglow/Golf/DSC01631.jpg)
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/neoglow/Golf/DSC01636.jpg)
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/neoglow/Golf/DSC01638.jpg)
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/neoglow/Golf/DSC01642.jpg)

Just for reference, heres a photo of the Special Edition Golf Speed that was released in Germany, notice the similarities to the Grille combination I used on my GT conversion.

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/neoglow/Golf/volkswagen-golf-speed-4524.jpg)

3. Part Numbers, these part numbers are for the parts that I ordered from VW to do the front conversion, these parts are required regardless the type of conversion you are doing, eg GTI, GT or Jetta (the next chapter shows the parts that can be varied, eg the Grilles) Please note these parts are only required for the standard shape Mk5’s, if you have a new look GT, all you need for the GTI look is the Grilles. And vice-versa.

*Prices are ex-VAT and prices correct as of Sept ’07 from VW Main Dealers

V1K0 807 217D GRU (Main Bumper) £134.81
V1K0 807 889 B (Piece) £2.67
V1K0 807 890 B (Piece) £2.67
V1T0 941 699 D (Fog Lamp) £38.42
V1T0 941 700 D (Fog Lamp) £38.42
V1K5 807 248 A (Foam Insert) £6.87
V1K5 853 600 MQH (Front VW Grille Badge) £13.18
V1K0 807 285 B9B9 (Front Numberplate Holder) £4.54

The Carrier - basically a large plastic shell that ‘carries’ the whole front end of the car, the most important of which is the Radiator. I was very surprised at guides I found on the internet that failed to clarify if you had to remove the Radiator to do this conversion, I can confirm you do not have to remove the Radiator system to do this conversion....However, the Radiator sits in the carrier, so the radiator has to be raised slightly for the old carrier to be removed. I would advise you secure the radiator in place with rope after the Carrier is removed since it is quite heavy and cannot be allowed to fall forward as this will rupture the hoses and cause a coolant leak. Tie rope around the Radiator and secure it to the Engine Block or anything strong enough to take the weight behind the Radiator. Also stand a block underneath the Radiator to take the weight, as you can see from my photo I used a Dulux paint tin as it was just the right size. No other Engine components have to be removed or altered to do this conversion. Imagine the front of your Mk5 with layers, the front most being the outer Bumper and the Carrier as the inner most.

The Front Member has to be changed since the Towing Eye is located in a different position and matches up to the GTI bumper. If you do not change the Front Member you will not be able to tow the car when the conversion is done.

Lower Front Member – Slightly different shape and designed to fit the GTI Carrier.

V1K0 805 588 S (Carrier) £130.84
V1K5 807 109 B (Front Member) £60.63
V1K0 807 093 D (Lower Front Member) £33.49

4. These parts can be varied in combination to how you want your Mk5 to look, for example, the GTI look with all honeycombe, or GT with all ‘transverse’ grilles or the ‘Speed’ look with half honeycombe – half trans. You could even have the GT look with a GTI honeycombe upper grille only. The choice is yours.

Main Upper Grille...

V1K0 853 651 EV W8 (GTI Honeycombe Front Grille) £65.98
V1K5 585 365 1H GRU (GT Front Grille) £127.05 – More expensive than the GTI !!!
V1K5 853 653 A9 B9 (Jetta Front Grille in Chrome I think) - £25.96

Bumper Lower Spolier / Splitter (Optional)...

V1K0 805 903 H9 B9 (Bumper Lower GTI Spoiler) £30.57
V1K0 807 110 9B 9 (Additional part to the GTI Lower Spoiler) £29.22

Lower Bumper Grilles...

V1K0 853 666 P9 B9 (Lower Left Side Honeycombe Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 665 S9 B9 (Lower Right Side Honeycombe Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 677 B9 B9 (Lower Centre Honeycombe Grille ) £9.02

V1K0 853 665 AD 9B9 (Lower Left Side Trans. (GT) Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 666 R9 B9 (Lower Right Side Trans. (GT) Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 677 C9 B9 (Lower Centre Trans. (GT) Grille) £15.12

Bumper Corner Mouldings...

V1K0 807 717E GRU (Moulding – Left - for Golfs with Headlight Washers) £7.18
V1K0 807 718E GRU (Moulding – Right - for Golfs with Headlight Washers) £7.18

V1K0 807 717 BGRU (Moulding – Left – for Golfs WITHOUT Headlight Washers) £7.18
V1K0 807 718 BGRU (Moulding – Left – for Golfs WITHOUT Headlight Washers) £7.18

5. GTI Twin Tailpipe Exhaust Backbox

The second mod you could do to make your Mk5 Golf look like the new GT or the GTI, you could install a different backbox to give you the Twin Tailpipes out the back of the rear Bumper Valance. On models lower than the GT or GTI, the backbox has two ‘turned down’ tailpipes hidden under the rear bumper. For the sportier look you can change the lower half (Valance) of the Rear bumper with a cut out to allow for the Tailpipes. The GTI Valance has a slight difference in appearance to the GT’s and your be happy to know the GTI Backbox does fit to the GT and vice-versa.

Both silencers are practically identical except for one point – which is important if you buy a GTI system for the GT! The pipe leading up from the Backbox to join the cat and manifold (basically the long straight piece that runs along the centre section of the car) is SHORTER on the GTI version. To remedy this, when the old system is removed, cut the existing pipe on your GT so it reaches the shorter GTI pipe. Merge the two pipes together by welding or with a clamp to seal the system. Experienced advice may be needed for this mod or have a Garage do it for you. Note: My local Kwikfit wouldnt fit the exhaust because I didn’t buy the exhaust from them and Formula 1st only fit like-for-like exhausts so wont do a welding ‘mod’ job. I had to find a smaller independent Garage that were happy to do it.

Part Numbers:

V1K6 807 521 D9B9 (GTI lower Rear Bumper Valance)
GT lower Rear Bumper Valance –UNKNOWN

GTI Rear Exhaust Silencer with Twin Chrome Tailpipes - UNKNOWN

I hope this guide proves helpful to anyone considering this conversion for the Mk5 Golf, and I must admit, from the planning stage, buying the parts and installing (which I did myself), the whole process is easier than you think. All you need is a dab hand and patience. Oh yes, those bolts do rust, seize up and can prove very difficult to undo.

In total, the entire conversion that you see above, including the Front End change, painting and the Exhaust mod amounted to the following...

*I got the GTI Silencer second hand so I do not know the price from VW

Total Parts - £937.99 inc VAT
Bumper Painting - £150 inc VAT

TOTAL - £1087.99
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: RedRobin on 04 October 2007, 17:33
....Extremely well presented and thorough 'How To' but I have to ask simply "Why?" - I can't understand why anyone would want to go to so much trouble but not achieve the performance of the car being imitated. I can (just, and with some difficulty) understand someone trying to disguise their GTI to look like a bog standard Golf but not the other way round. Sorry, but I'm just being honest :smiley:.
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: Phil mcavity on 04 October 2007, 17:49
look of a GT not a GTi!! all you need now is to spend £800 on a set of GT alloys and a further £30 approx boot spoiler and spray job. Half a job done but good disguise so far!. Dont forget to let insurance company know youve altered there standard car also. :smiley:
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: illyun on 05 October 2007, 02:05
I'm well confused... oh well.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: goofer101 on 07 October 2007, 12:51
Thanks for replies guys, Im not trying to imitate a GTI, Im converting the older looking Diesel GT to the newer look GT with the face lift bumper and grille. I did however alter the lower grilles used in the conversion and replaced the GT striped grilles with the GTI honeycombe ones. I prefer the look of the GTI honeycombe and by coincidence my half GT, half GTI look is very similar to the Special Edition Golf Speed that VW released in Germany. (A photo has been added above).
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: mortygt140 on 07 October 2007, 15:25
Goofer im going to pick the gti bits up tomorrow but need to know exactly what items I need for the back of the bumper skin,  the carrier is the main thing but what else?

Cheers

Darren
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: 08micsta on 07 October 2007, 15:39
I think it looks great.
Im one for looks. So congrats on the nice how-to
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: goofer101 on 08 October 2007, 12:11
Goofer im going to pick the gti bits up tomorrow but need to know exactly what items I need for the back of the bumper skin,  the carrier is the main thing but what else?

Cheers

Darren

Hi, I tried to split the guide into sections, so it is easier to identify which parts are needed and which can be changed to suit your requirements to how your mk5 will look, eg, the grilles. Read the guide through and I think I have explained everything in there but for reference I think you need the following...

V1K0 807 217D GRU (Main Bumper) £134.81
V1K0 807 889 B (Piece) £2.67
V1K0 807 890 B (Piece) £2.67
V1T0 941 699 D (Fog Lamp) £38.42
V1T0 941 700 D (Fog Lamp) £38.42
V1K5 807 248 A (Foam Insert) £6.87
V1K5 853 600 MQH (Front VW Grille Badge) £13.18 - DOUBLE CHECK THIS ONE, MAY BE A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER FOR THE GTI
V1K0 807 285 B9B9 (Front Numberplate Holder) £4.54
V1K0 805 588 S (Carrier) £130.84
V1K5 807 109 B (Front Member) £60.63
V1K0 807 093 D (Lower Front Member) £33.49
V1K0 853 651 EV W8 (GTI Honeycombe Front Grille) £65.98
V1K0 805 903 H9 B9 (Bumper Lower GTI Spoiler) £30.57
V1K0 807 110 9B 9 (Additional part to the GTI Lower Spoiler) £29.22
V1K0 853 666 P9 B9 (Lower Left Side Honeycombe Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 665 S9 B9 (Lower Right Side Honeycombe Grille) £4.68
V1K0 853 677 B9 B9 (Lower Centre Honeycombe Grille ) £9.02
V1K0 807 717 BGRU (Moulding – Left – for Golfs WITHOUT Headlight Washers) £7.18 - CHECK IF YOU HAVE / HAVE NOT GOT HEADLIGHT WASHERS
V1K0 807 718 BGRU (Moulding – Left – for Golfs WITHOUT Headlight Washers) £7.18 - CHECK IF YOU HAVE / HAVE NOT GOT HEADLIGHT WASHERS

You will also need the GTI grille badge if it dosent come with the grille itself.

Can I just ask which model / year of mk5 you have? If you have a current model GT and want to change to the GTI, you do not need all of the above, only the grilles. If you have a mk5 that looks like mine before the conversion, then the parts above are correct.

Hope that helps. Good luck.
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: mortygt140 on 13 October 2007, 16:47
Cheers Goofer didnt pick it up cos the guy never got back to me think it was abit of a scam on ebay :angry: cos the gti wheels have just sold for £1220 :grin: :undecided: any way yes my Gt is the same has yours was so I think I am just going to go to VW and get the parts needed for the back of the bumper at least I know them parts are brand new. Cheers again

Darren
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: glesgagolf on 23 February 2009, 23:49
think any garages would do this as i couldnt change a tyre ?

and how much they should charge ?

Cheers ! :wink:
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: Chris25989 on 05 November 2011, 00:43
Hi ,

I'm wondering i have just bought a 2006 golf gt tdi and it's got the standard front bumper and grill on , I'm going to facelift the car but in your detailed walk through it doesn't really explain this whole carrier thing properly and i dont understand if i would need to buy this with me already having the GT car and not a standard model golf ?

Would i need to buy the carrier ? Also where does the carrier sit and what does it need to be changed for ?

Your walk through is very good and i'm going to use it as a guide its just what i was looking for lol

Hope you can help , Cheers  :wink:
Title: Re: How To: Convert Mk5 Golf Front End to GTI, GT or Jetta
Post by: mortygt140 on 06 November 2011, 22:33
Chris the carrier is the bit that holds all the lights and bumper and rads on the front of the car, you can see it when you lift the bonnet up some people call it the slam panel but its a massive piece of plastic with metal reinforcement.

You need to change it because the original doesn't accommodate the tow eye when the GTI/GT/R32 bumper is fitted, also the GTI/GT bumper is a different shape around the middle where the bigger top grille is.

If you have the original GT bumper with the small top grille and large round shaped foglights then you need to change the carrier.

Darren