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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 17:57

Title: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 17:57
Hi folks,

When I ordered my new GTI, I added mud guards as a dealer fitted accessory. The reason being is to protect the paintwork against regular gritting that goes on in my area during the winter. Do you think I have done the right thing, or will it spoil the looks of the new car?
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 24 August 2009, 18:58
I'm hesitating, too. The 18x8" Interlagos wheels I had fitted to replace the standard rims sit very slightly proud (about 1/4") of the wheel arches, and I'm wondering what will happen when it rains. I occasionally fit flaps to the front of my cars if they're not too enormous, but I would rather not on my GTI, unless absolutely necessary.

Does anyone have any decent pictures of what they look like?
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: GolfTi on 24 August 2009, 19:19
Had some on my mk4 1.6, helped a little (I think).

But on a GTI ???

Haven't seen any pics, not sure if they exist. (or ever will..)
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Snoopy on 24 August 2009, 19:32
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b361/flogitg/AudioNetPhoto/DSC00230-1.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b361/flogitg/AudioNetPhoto/blue4HCAZFB8CHCAHKG9HJCAPIP8OPCA5GK.jpg)
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 19:37
Saw a Sirocco with mud flaps, they looked very inconspicuous. For me the benefit out ways what may detract from the looks? Has anyone else ordered mud guards for their car?
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 19:47
Snoopy,

Thanks for the pics.... :smiley:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: GolfTi on 24 August 2009, 19:57
They do exist. :shocked:

Not as bad as I thought. Would be OK with black and 17 Monzas.

Cost??
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: R32UK on 24 August 2009, 20:01
Its a no no from me! but they dont look too bad on that silver pic.... would probably have to see them in the flesh to be totally decided. :smiley:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Exonian on 24 August 2009, 20:02
I test drove a silver one with mudflaps, the fronts looked okay and not too in yer face, the rears looked a bit rubbish IMO
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 20:17
They do exist. :shocked:

Not as bad as I thought. Would be OK with black and 17 Monzas.

Cost??

£125

If I see a car in front without mud flaps I am more likley to stay further back than normal! The amount of times I have been hit by flying stones is unreal.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: GolfTi on 24 August 2009, 20:27
Not for me.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: keelaw on 24 August 2009, 20:34

ooh.... big no from me   :sad:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 24 August 2009, 20:37
I had them fitted to my MK5. The front are quite inconspicuous and also work well, but the rears looked so bad they I took them off.

The fronts are a necessity for me, as I live in the sticks!

Looking at the MK6 pics, they look pretty w@nk. Especially the rears.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: DonnieDarko on 24 August 2009, 21:19
i might get some, so go with the headlamp protectors i'm going to get - any comments anyone?  :embarassed:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: GolfTi on 24 August 2009, 21:25
Headlamp protectors for the mk 5 were awful, had silver borders and looked stupid. (with darkened headlamps)

I managed to get some clear ones (mainly for the trips abroad with decals) but VW stopped supplying them for some reason.


Don't know yet about the Mk6. Hope they are clear.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: adw555 on 24 August 2009, 21:33
They actually look fine on a black car...I didn't have them on my mk 5 but suffered as a result. Got them on the mk and they actually suit the car imo

(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab28/adw555/DSCN1371.jpg)

I'll try and get a better picture of them on the car.

Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 24 August 2009, 21:46
They actually look fine on a black car...I didn't have them on my mk 5 but suffered as a result. Got them on the mk and they actually suit the car imo

(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab28/adw555/DSCN1371.jpg)

I'll try and get a better picture of them on the car.



When you say suffered? Was this paint damage?
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: adw555 on 24 August 2009, 21:56
yea..stone chips up the sides of the front wings and doors from the front wheels...
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Rolfe on 25 August 2009, 00:53
Oh!  I asked about mud flaps when I talked to the first dealer, the one I didn't buy from, and he implied they didn't do them any more.

I didn't specify them on my original Fiesta, and had to get them fitted later because the car was getting covered in mud (I know, sticks....)  The retrofitted mud flaps were horrible beyond description.

My Peugeot has them, but I've had it so long I can't remember if I specified them or if it came like that,  They're quite inconspicuous.

Are the Golf ones OK to fit retrospectively if you haven't specified them with the order?  I didn't even know the option exists.

Rolfe.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 25 August 2009, 05:57
Hmm, thanks for the pix. I think I might order a pair for the front. Not too keen on the rear ones, though. Hopefully, as my car is carbon grey, they won't stand out too much.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 25 August 2009, 08:16
Are the Golf ones OK to fit retrospectively if you haven't specified them with the order?  I didn't even know the option exists.


Should be OK. If your specify them, they are generally a dealer-fit option anyway. They come in 2 sets, front or rear and are supplied with fitting instructions. They are very easy to fit but will require you taking the wheels off so if you are going to get them then have the dealer fit them prior to collection, it will save you about an hour or so of work. NB - you should be looking to get them for free! :wink:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Wayne on 25 August 2009, 08:45
No, don't like and have never liked mudflaps.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: matchboy on 25 August 2009, 09:34
yes, i had them on my mk5 and i have ordered them on my mk 6.  personally, i think they make the car look fatter at the back and more stand out-ish.  just my opinion!
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 25 August 2009, 09:57
Don't forget that the aerodynamic profile of the Golf means that the rear end, and the rear screen will get covered in road crap.  And the GTI will be even worse due to the roofline rear spoiler.  Mudflaps, especially rears will help reduce this (though it won't completely stop it).
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: matchboy on 25 August 2009, 10:00
Don't forget that the aerodynamic profile of the Golf means that the rear end, and the rear screen will get covered in road crap.  And the GTI will be even worse due to the roofline rear spoiler.  Mudflaps, especially rears will help reduce this (though it won't completely stop it).

for once i totally agree with TT.  they are defo worth it for various reasons.  plus, as someone has also put, you should be getting these fitted for free by your dealer.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: p3asa on 25 August 2009, 10:04
I've never understood how folk manage to negotiate deals once they have signed for and agreed a price on the car.
What incentive does the dealer have in offering free accessories etc?
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: R32UK on 25 August 2009, 10:08
I cant understand why people are fitting mud flaps for functionality. If you think they look better then by all means do so... but do you really think that mud flaps have any place on a gti??

 whats next wrapping the car in clingfilm to stop it getting dirty?? :undecided:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: matchboy on 25 August 2009, 10:13
I've never understood how folk manage to negotiate deals once they have signed for and agreed a price on the car.
What incentive does the dealer have in offering free accessories etc?

i got them as part of my deal when ordering the car, the only thing i have yet to negotiate is the upgrade on my 510 - we shall see if i'm succesful or not next week lol!
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 25 August 2009, 10:16
I cant understand why people are fitting mud flaps for functionality. If you think they look better then by all means do so... but do you really think that mud flaps have any place on a gti??

Huh, 'looks' is a very personal preference, but the mudflaps do help.  And they are fairly subtle - not like those bright red chav-tastic tasteless pieces of shyte which some of the Evo and Scoob boys seem to like.


whats next wrapping the car in clingfilm to stop it getting dirty?? :undecided:

Yup, it's called rear bumper protection film - an official VW accessory.  Or for aftermarket, 3M do specific car kits to protect the front bumper, bonnet and wings leading edges, and door mirrors.  Very popular across the pond.  :smug: :smug:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: R32UK on 25 August 2009, 10:51
whats next wrapping the car in clingfilm to stop it getting dirty?? :undecided:

Yup, it's called rear bumper protection film - an official VW accessory.  Or for aftermarket, 3M do specific car kits to protect the front bumper, bonnet and wings leading edges, and door mirrors.  Very popular across the pond.  :smug: :smug:

THink that little quote there says it all :grin:

Granted that the flaps are a personal preference.. but
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 25 August 2009, 10:52
Don't forget that the aerodynamic profile of the Golf means that the rear end, and the rear screen will get covered in road crap.  And the GTI will be even worse due to the roofline rear spoiler.  Mudflaps, especially rears will help reduce this (though it won't completely stop it).

Totally agree. Since I took my rear mudflaps off the back of the car gets covered in cr@p much quicker (including tar spots). However, the appearence of them really did bother me so i'm leaving them off for now (may put them back on for winter).

Also, an 'advantage' on the MK5 (in std trim at least) is that the lower rear bumper is black plastic so not so much of an issue with stone chips etc whereas the MK6 is painted.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: andykram on 25 August 2009, 15:37
I had flaps put on mine last week, having had the car for three weeks. I think they're very subtle to be honest and you can barely tell they're there on my carbon grey car. So the issue of taste is an irrelevance.
I do accept, however, that they stand out more on the lighter coloured cars.
As to functionality, I suppose I'll notice that when the weather gets proper bad.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: dan_apps on 25 August 2009, 21:43
not a fan myself, took them off my mkv as i felt it spoilt the 'look', each to their own but if you have plans to put coilies on the car there aint much point anywayz!
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: rjwojcik on 26 August 2009, 20:10
Would anyone know exactly how they are afixed?  It's not self tapers into any of the metal bodywork, is it?  Ta
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 26 August 2009, 20:19
If they are anything like the ones on the MK5 you definately DON'T do anything with the bodywork i.e. they can be removed later should you wish.

Basically they are held in by some of the screws that secure the wheel arch liner to the car and also a couple of extra self tappers though the plastic wheel arch liner, plus some metal clamps that grip the mudflap and hold it on the car.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: rjwojcik on 26 August 2009, 20:41
Thanks, do you think something someone capable of wiring a 13amp socket would be capable of or is it something best left to an "expert"?  Were the intructions pretty comprehensive?  Thanks
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: jaydubveedub on 27 August 2009, 08:23
Yes they are pretty straight forward. The instructions tell you everything in picture form.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: dubcruiser on 27 August 2009, 14:24
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b361/flogitg/AudioNetPhoto/DSC00230-1.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b361/flogitg/AudioNetPhoto/blue4HCAZFB8CHCAHKG9HJCAPIP8OPCA5GK.jpg)


I think the mudflaps suit the Mk6 to be honest.

That Silver pic is the Bath VW demonstrator isn't it??!!  :wink:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 27 August 2009, 18:23
With it's 'little' 17" wheels, rear mudflaps and non-GTI colour, that shadow blue one almost looks like a TDI with a fake GTI badge stuck on the back :(
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: gossa on 27 August 2009, 18:34
Mudflaps?

Yes or no?

No.]

Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Snoopy on 27 August 2009, 18:36
This is what i find funny about new GTI owners thinking the GTI is all about big wheels looks and colour. It never was. The mk1 GTI had small wheels unlike its rivals, It too for a short time was available in blue and today thats one of the two most collectable / wanted colour , the green been the other :wink:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: keelaw on 27 August 2009, 19:13
Like it or not, guys have gotten more obsessed with looks over the years

Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Rolfe on 27 August 2009, 19:46
With it's 'little' 17" wheels, rear mudflaps and non-GTI colour, that shadow blue one almost looks like a TDI with a fake GTI badge stuck on the back :(

And we'll see how often it gets targeted by the cops....  :cool:

Rolfe.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: matchboy on 27 August 2009, 21:54
This is what i find funny about new GTI owners thinking the GTI is all about big wheels looks and colour.

gti in black with big wheels.  mmmmmm

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 01 September 2009, 22:17

Saw this GTD the other day, still not sure?

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3877846606_6c5be2e58f.jpg)
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 02 September 2009, 08:08
The rear ones should definitely be banished IMHO.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: keelaw on 02 September 2009, 08:48

Impromptu survey on the way into work this morning (london).  Circa 90-95% of cars don't have mud flaps here.


Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 02 September 2009, 09:31

Impromptu survey on the way into work this morning (london).  Circa 90-95% of cars don't have mud flaps here.

Can we take it from you post above that the first thing you do upon arriving at work is log on to this forum?  :grin:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: matchboy on 02 September 2009, 09:47

Impromptu survey on the way into work this morning (london).  Circa 90-95% of cars don't have mud flaps here.

Can we take it from you post above that the first thing you do upon arriving at work is log on to this forum?  :grin:

i do too  :cool:
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: gizzywizzy on 02 September 2009, 13:05
Definitely no mud flaps for me, imho think they totally spoil the look of the car.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Rolfe on 02 September 2009, 19:42
Mt Peugeot has mud-flaps, but I've had it so long I no longer remember if I specced them or if it came like that.  I suspect the former, because I had a bad experience with a previous car I got without them,

I hardly notice they're there.  So much so that I haven't really registered that one of the front ones has been missing for a while.  That side of the car isn't hugely dirtier than the other, but it does have a little bit of mud spatter.

Rolfe.
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: keelaw on 02 September 2009, 22:39

Impromptu survey on the way into work this morning (london).  Circa 90-95% of cars don't have mud flaps here.

Can we take it from you post above that the first thing you do upon arriving at work is log on to this forum?  :grin:



lol - its worse than that.  i log on via my blackberry and read whilst on the train in to work and sometimes whilst walking to the office (had a few near misses with lamp posts!)




Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: FroGTI on 03 September 2009, 12:39
lol - its worse than that.  i log on via my blackberry and read whilst on the train in to work and sometimes whilst walking to the office (had a few near misses with lamp posts!)

A sign of the times? I can remember when I were a nipper all we had to go on was the weekly news in Autocar or Motor (two separate magazines back in them days). Mind you, this was when people actually thought Benny Hill was funny. Yes, back when the MkI GTI was launched, we were THAT unsophisticated ;)
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 04 November 2009, 22:05
Bump
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: Gazdebaz on 04 November 2009, 22:09
I know a few folks have talked about fitting mud guards recently. So have a look at the pictures I posted in this thread.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=134165.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=134165.0)
Title: Re: Mud Flaps, Yes or No?
Post by: JellyCat on 04 November 2009, 22:47
I agree with R32UK, looked good in the pic of the silver car, maybe ok on a black car also, needs must etc I guess regarding to buy or not to buy mud flaps.
I can't recall seeing amy Mk5 or MK6 GTI's with mud flaps fitted about or at dealers awaiting delivery