GolfGTIforum.co.uk
General => General discussion => Topic started by: jmsheahan on 31 October 2010, 14:19
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Hi All,
My name is Jon and I'm a regular user of Golfgti.co.uk. I'm a 3rd year graphic design student with a passion for all things Volkswagen, and am currently writing my dissertation.
The topic looks into the personal identity represented through the car and its ownership. I'm hoping this thread will develop into a friendly, informal discussion in which all involved with Golfgti.co.uk can share their experiences and enthusiasm for their cars, thus giving a small insight into where your interests lie in regards to modifying your Volkswagen.
I shall be using the thread as a way of establishing an overview of interest with the possibility of quoting individuals providing you are happy for me to do so. If you feel you would like to offer to this discussion I would appreciate your input by answering a few short questions listed below. I have chosen a question format for the simplicity of organising information, but please feel free to add or discuss anything else related to the topic you may think of interest.
I also attach a poster demonstrating my intentions further and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Hopefully this will make for good thread potential so please chat away folks. Any input is greatly appreciated :smiley:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/jmsheahan_44/Disposter_bug2-1lowres.jpg)
High res available here http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/jmsheahan_44/Disposter_bug2-1.jpg
Questions:
What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Why did you purchase this particular model?
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk4 Golf GTI 1.8 20v
Why did you purchase this particular model?
because it looks good, and better than my old car, an alfa romeo
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
so far, just decat, badgeless grille, debadged tailgate, more to follow in 2011 with more money
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
18" mercedes alloys, r32 kit
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
any car is a canvas in which the owner can express their vision for that car or an insight into their personality
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
i understand all this 'dub', but it isnt me, i hate the modified dub scene (not classic dub scene), but i like my golf, dub is simply an extention of 'euro' imo
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
yes, ive seen a few mk4 golfs this yr at shows were ive thought, that simply looks nice but effective
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
the understanding with other people when your car breaks, or even aspects of loving the car, sharing an interest, knowing that you can ask a question, and people will have the answer straight away
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
to some, it may, but not to me, its the family car, just a car that i like, i used to hate golfs, but now im know i made the right choice in buying a new car
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I'll kick this one off then :smiley:
What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1991 MK2 Golf GTI 8v 5dr
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Always wanted a MK2 big bumper and after having to sell my TVR thought it would be a cool "cheap" fun car to own
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Currently focussing on keeping it OEM externally and simply restoring what needs doing. I have got a new set of springs and shocks to lower the car 60/40mm as i think it suits the car better and my shocks are well past it anyway.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
In time whilst keeping a standard look outside i'd look to change the engine for a G60 or VR6
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Neither really, i see my car as a source of relaxation when not dealing with two under 5 year olds :) Adding a VR6 engine would be just as much for the sound of the engine rather than the overall performance gains. I love cars and enjoy tinkering, the MK2 is a classic Dub and one which i intend to keep and over time do more and more work, including a full nut and bolt rebuild.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
I don't think there's any other manufacturer that has owners like VeeDub cars, everyone is always happy to help or lend an ear or offer advice, there are no pre-judgments on who owns what, it's just like minded people enjoying a hobby and i can't think of another that has the same kind of passion.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
I had an Integrale Evo2 which has the same kind of shape but no not really I just like the image of the Golf GTI and the fact that they are so well built not only have they not rusted into the ground but their still immense fun to drive around in today.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Being able to chat to like minded people and get some appreciation for the work i put into my car (more than the wife)
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I think owning any car is a lifestyle choice, that's why there are different strokes for different folks. My TVR's were great fun, i bought these as i loved the noise and speed, the Integrale was also a lovely car (i've had 12 or so Lancia's since i was fifteen), I partly bought the Golf becasue of the non chav element to the owners scene and the fact that there are people in there teens to their 40's and 50's that enjoy owning and talking about them. in addition to keeping the Golf, my next car will be a 996 Carrera4S which will be in about two years time, why? Well again i love the sound of the Porsche flat six, and it'll be a car that i will have to keep. They offer good performance, good reliability and with two chiildren there are two seats in the back that means i'll use it more than once in a blue moon. Another two seater like a Ferrari 348 or TVR Tuscan would be an option but i wouldn't get to use it that much and that would defeat the object of buying the car in the first place.
Just to add to this, i have just spent this evening trick or treating with a chap who lives up my road as we bumped into them trick or treating their house, turns out he has a caddy, just sold a MK1 GTD so spent the whole time chatting about VeeDubs and what we've done to our cars, in addition we also trick or treated another chaps house who bought a bay window camper a week ago and then spent time chatting about his camper. That's VW for you.
HTH
Jeremy.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1986 golf GL 5 door in jade green
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Rare colour, early model with lots of chrome and quarter light windows, it was cheap!
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Full PB conversion with digifant fuel injection, supersport shocks and springs (-60mm), Pirelli P slot wheels, half tint rear lights, smoked front indicators and side reps, early gti arch trims
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
GTI rear axle with discs and ARB to fit, 16v MC to fit, other than that I would love 20vt power
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
both
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
reliability, I've had a LOT of VWs so I know them pretty well
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
loads of previous sh!tboxes that couldn't handle the abuse and mileage I can put upon a golf
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
The ability to help others out, and know theres help out there if I ever have problems
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I think so, theres a big scene out there, bigger than any other "manufacturers" I think. Whenever I own anything other than a golf, even if its more comfortable or faster, I always want to be back in a mk2 golf again. I've sold so many cars just to be back in a mk2 again. In fact even though we have 3 kids I've even struggled with 3 door golfs just to own one!
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk2 golf GTI 8v, also have a 1971 beetle, 1970 bay window camper.
Why did you purchase this particular model?
had a poster of it on my wall as a teenager
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
lowered 60mm all round, kent cam, full s/s exhaust, k&N panel filter, clear headlights, LED indicators, M5 rear lights, wheel spacers.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
none its just the way I want it.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
performance enhancement
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
simple, reliable, cool, fast, iconic.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
just the launch poster of the big bumpered golf gti in helious blue, which is what I've got :wink:
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
advice, banter, like minded individuals.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
having a 20 year old hot hatch that can still hold its own against new cars and chavs is satisfying, and yeah a life style it puts the middle finger up to the Goverment, whats the saying "sell my vw I'd rather shove something somewhere" :grin:
good luck with your studies
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1997 Mk3 Gti 8v
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Because it was cheap and met my needs.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Lowered on coilovers, BBS wheels, smoked fogs/indicators/side repeaters, joey modded headlights, pipercross panel filter, drilled airbox, sub/amp in boot, black badges, black grill, silver dials, pressed metal number plates with surrounds, think thats it!
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
1.8T engine conversion (with upgrades :evil:, decent cat-back system.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
At the moment mainly creative remodeling, eventually it will be performance enhancement.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Reliablilty and the cult following that certain models have.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
Mk1 or Mk2 Gti
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Banter! advice, constructive criticism.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I think that to some it can be, not to me though.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk2 16v Golf GTI turbo
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Cos its quick as fook and I have wanted a MK2 since before I could drive
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Borbet A's, New Spax RSX coilovers all round, Speakers in the doors, Uprated conrods and bearings, Uprated headlight loom, new headunit.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Bigger turbo, MORE POWER! haha
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Mix of the two
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
The community! old dubs waving to old dubs no matter weather your rocking air cooled camper or a slammed ratty mk2 golf.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
Astra van, didnt ever break and didnt have much in the way of power, got bored of this so bought my stupid golf.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Help when the sh!t hits the fan
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Kind of, it definatly affects your lifestyle as you spend most of your time worrying or thinking about whats wrong with it :grin: and weekends sorting parts and fitting them.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk2 8valve GTI
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Borrowed it off a mate after my mini's engine ate the gearbox, got offered it cheap so took it.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Re-spray
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Nothing really apart from more power
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
It's a car
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
I'm not a scene whore, it's just a decent car. The community is pretty good though.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
After owning the golf for a few years I would 100% own another VW, built like tanks and fun to drive.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Meeting new people and sharing advice I guess.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Not really, maybe if you owned a camper and actually used it for camping. Not just making it look like a rusty old shed for scene points.
I still have the golf because I like how it looks and drives, does everything I need a car to do :cool:
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1988 golf mk2 syncro GL
Why did you purchase this particular model?
because i like them, they have a lot of hidden tallent in the handeling department compared to a GTi
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
LOTS
ABF 2.0 16v conversion, G60 syncro passat gearbox, 280mm frount brakes, rear disk conversion with 239's from golf rallye. striped out interior, removed much soundproofing and underseal, lowerd and uprated suspention ( bilstine b8's frount, spax coilovers rear ) home made 4-2-1 tubular manifold, ABF rad and fans, sillicone hoses, ms2 and ITB's
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
finish nut and bolt rebuild, paint a really bright gash colour, extend lower ball joints and flip track rods to inprove suspention geometry, adjustable top mounts, bit more power than it had before, LSD in the frount, lighter frount brake calipers, lighten the shell more, GRP or carbon bonnet wings and doors possobly roof skin, better supention on the rear
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
nether, My car is a TOY part of playing with it is uprateing or renginnering parts to increase peformance and handeling
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
good question. origianly it was because i liked the build quality and the engineering
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
mk2 golf
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
erm depends on the owners club, more emotivation to stop slacking about inside and get in workshop and ether finish own car or help someone else get theres done, helping each other on builds vastly speeds things up and muchly helps motivation
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I don't drive my golf daily i dought i chould now as it's not really practical or economical anymore and spends most of it's time in bits of couse it's a lifestyle choice as ther is no essential reason i own it other than to play about with it
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What model is your volkswagen?
its a 3 door 1995 mk3 golf match 1.4 enigne code ABD.
why did you purchase this particular model?
ive always liked german cars, got it from my dad and when he seen the car in local classifieds he bought it for me to fix (head gasket had blown) when i was 15 and it would be my first car now.
what modifications have you carried out on your car?
first changed the wheels to some tsw razors (dont laugh, they were cheap and had good tyres lol) got gti bumpers and smoothed the front one, shaved badge and rear wiper and fitted new head unit and speakers, oh and i retrimmed the boot with a city scene carpet thing ><.
what modifications would you like to carry out on your car?
lower it, sort out a decent sub build in the boot, leather interior with buckets up front, (maybe) vento front end or joey modded gti headlights, engine swap for a 2.0 16v ABF lump, all red rear lights, decent brake set up, sort out the imperfections in the paint and the few bits of rust, new steering wheel, suede and leather wrap some interior plastics and the headlining, maybe a show cage, just get it to show standards oh and my dream wheels, Borbet type A's with a little "twist" ;).
do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
at the moment 100% styling as im 17 and cant really go making it faster until my insurance drops.
what is the underlying ethos of owning a volkswagen to you? why?
well for sure has to be the community, the friendlyness, diversity and friendly/helpfulness, i mean you can get a 18 year old in a mk2 slammed on its nuts over some nice dished wheels, a mk5 driven by a father of 2 on some audi 17's and air ride and a 60 year old guy in a concourse splitscreen all meeting together, helping each other out and getting along all because of 1 brand, but it doesnt stop there, you have the 18 year old going off with his retro water cooled buddies, the father of 2 with his new school crew and the 60 year old going off with the air ride finatics. and ive always been into german cars, btut hey are generally too big and costly except for the little vw's that just go and go and go until they break but then you ahve the fun of fixing and improving the car.
has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of volkswagen?
not really one car, but all the awesome cars you see grace the covers of magazines and the almost celebrity status you can get with a reputation for building decent cars and winning awards, basically we do all want to be famous or make it to the top and have people know your name in some way or another, i cant sing, dance, or act so i choose modifying my car as a way to get me noticed.
what to you is the most important part of being in an owners club?
whether it be a single make, single model or a general car club there is always the sense of being a team and everyone will look after everyone else, like football teams, you dont know the guy next to you but you celebrate goals together, if u trip over he will help u up, all ebcause you support the same team and you share the same pride and dedication to what you believe in.
do you feel owning a volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? if so, please specify in what way
depends who you ask, i mean some people can buy a car to just take them from A to B and they wont bother doing anything to the car or attending meets or anything, but other people like me (im not selling my car until i get atleast 1 magsine feature) and probably most people on the forum are die-hard dubbers and spend most of their spare time with their cars or doing something related to their cars.
hope this helps you dude, good luck with your dissertion
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Thanks guys, appreciate the time you've taken to answer the questions :smiley: Some great input so far!
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk3 GTi 16v (1996)
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Because i am young and it was the quickest (I use that term very loosely) German car i could insure!
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Slammed it to the floor on coilovers and Wide Porsche rims. (8J all round)
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
An Engine conversion, bigger brakes, and a smoothed boot lid (deleted wiper, badge and handle.)
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Creative modelling, I go nowhere fast now :D
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
VRT's! A smooth VR6 is a beautiful machine that sounds godlike.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
the friendships gained and the people met!
But more importantly the help received and the feeling of helping others with problems they come across!
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Dubbing is a lifestyle! Or low and slow! Being low is definitly a lifestyle since it changes the whole driving experience! I have to go slower everywhere! But it doesnt matter it all pays off on fresh tarmac or round a corner!
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Questions:
What is the model of your Volkswagen?
2005 Bora TDi 130 Highline
Why did you purchase this particular model?
I didn't want a Mk4 Golf as I feel they're too pricey for what they offer. Wanted diesel because of the cheap running costs and also liked both the styling and the extra equipment of the Bora. Did a lot of research before committing to it.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Absolutely none.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Possible remap; maybe rear spoiler, maybe different wheels.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Neither. It's transport. I don't do shows in it as from previous experience of GTi International I found it very "cliquey" which put me off.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Bought a Mk3 Golf GTi simply because it was available via a mate from work. Was thinking about getting a Polo and found I could afford to insure the Golf. Bought VW simply because of the reliability and resale in comparison to other makes.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
My old GTi. That and my driving instructor had a Mk2 which I passed my test in. It never went wrong. It was crashed a few times (not by me) but NEVER had a mechanical failure.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Having fun above everything else.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
No. It's a good reliable car. That's why I bought it. The forum is a welcome distraction and good fun too. :smiley:
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Thanks guys, appreciate the time you've taken to answer the questions :smiley: Some great input so far!
No worries mate, I will be in this position in a couple of years, having to write 40k words of utter bolocks!
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Thanks guys, appreciate the time you've taken to answer the questions :smiley: Some great input so far!
No worries mate, I will be in this position in a couple of years, having to write 40k words of utter bolocks!
Christ, I thought my 8k was bad enough :grin:
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
F reg Mk2 8v GTi
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Had one previously that was pretty reliable and solid whilst being a bit of fun to drive. Main reason for this one was to cut the cost of having fun in a car over my last car and knowing a lot of dub owners. Reason for the previous one was to get something that was relatively fast, reliable and fun.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Replaced the chav spec supension that was previously fitted with Koni dampers and eibach springs and replaced the previously standard exhaust system with the chav spec stainless steel DTM exhaust that was on my previous Gti. Also replaced the lighting loom as my eyesight is terrible in the dark.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Endless but thats not because of the scene, I just like playing with cars. Money no object I would spaceframe it and stick a ridiculous engine in the back if the shell was worth it but it isnt and money IS a problem lol.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
I modify it to improve performance only if thats what you mean. Never been into altering the looks of my cars as its far more fun to surprise people with a boring looking car.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
To me there isnt one but I can appreciate why people get into the ethos. I suppose if it had to be anything its the old style hippy vibe that still lingers on.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
My previous Gti and the older versions reputation for being solid little buggers.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Im not into the whole car club/meets thing but when I get dragged out to meets by friends, the atmosphere around dubs is very friendly. Ive met a lot of good people at meets.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
To me its not but I understand why people think of it that way. In reality its no different to the rice, ford, vauxhall scenes except that dub people tend to have a bit more taste. Its all variable though.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign
Why did you purchase this particular model?
I have loved MK1s since I was kid (my auntie had one when they were new and knew right then I wanted one)
IMO this is the last and finest version of the MK1
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Apart from what it already had the following mods I have personally added are:
Replaced 3 spoke wheels with BBS RA Sportlines
Fitted coilovers and polybushed
Removed rear shelf, trim and seating
Removed rear wiper, bottle etc
Fitted aftermarket front seats
Upgraded headlight wiring loom
Undersealded everything
Upgraded front wipers
Fitted Plasma Rev counter
Currently Spraying Satin Black
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Full respray in original gloss
Full engine rebuild to original Richard Lloyd Racing Spec
Very expensive coilovers
Roll Cage
Carbon Roof
Some Audio
Strut Braces front and rear
and probably loads more
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
A little bit of both.. I love the retro 80's style on MK1s and making it a little personal but I also love a good looker that can move.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Early (air cooled) VW era seems to be where something kicked off... I like to think back in the day it started as "yeah, so what if it's german... it's quality"... Oh and we stick together because we know that similar aged UK made cars for the masses are ****!
Now in many cases its just respect.
Has there been a specific car that has nfluenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
Yes......... MK1
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Keeping old dubs on the roads! :cool:
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I think it was.... a bit of class amongst the middle class masses... now we just cling on to that in a new way.. it's class but can cover so many levels with age.
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Questions:
What is the model of your Volkswagen?
8 valve 5 door mk2 gti
Why did you purchase this particular model?
i had very little money and needed a cheap car to do up with parts i already had.the only stipulation i had when searching is that it had to be a mk2 gti. The reason for mk2 is that all my donor parts were mk2. the reason for GTI? those 3 letters mean so much to me. i think it was part of being in my teens in the 90's.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
so far... 60mm eibach springs/koni adjustable dampers, eibach lower strut brace and anit roll bar. various wheels but the car was built around 17" porsche "twists". 16v rear lights. body is mostly stock bar the black trim has been removed (including the vynl stick on stuff)
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
engine is to replaced shortly for a modified digifant unit from my trackday car. long term i would like a more powerful engine. would like a leather interior too. coil over suspension. better brakes
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
not really sure how to answer. i like to modify my cars to make them drive better but in doing so i also like to think i have created something that looks good. a bit of both i guess (if i have understood the question correctly)
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
used to really love air cooled cars (owned and worked on my first beetle, age 14) from an early age i learned that owning a vw could be more than just owning a car. obviously there are millions of people that just happen to drive a vw, but of the remainder who are passionate, they tend to be decent people. nowardays if you see a mk 1,2 and to a lessder extent, 3 golf on the road the chances are the owner loves their car and they are decent people to chat to! this used to be the case for air cooled but over the past 5 years they have got very very trendy ( in particular spolit screen campers). if someone has a beautifully restored split thewy could easily be rich trend followers rather than hardcore vw enthusiasts.
i went off air cooled when it all got a little too trendy. show and shines ram jam with 54 oval rag tops. gets a little boring. plus to make them move and handle you need to spend huge huge money. you've got em started now...!
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
definately. early influences were my dad's mate's gold 1303s although i was far too young to know it was different from an ordinary bug.
what got me into golfs? bugjam around 2000. my beetle cabrio had been destroyed in a fire. went to bugjam with money to burn looking for ideas of what to buy next. camped up next to a group of golf owners. got chatting to them about cars and decided my next car would be a golf gti. hadnt realised then that £1000 would get a really good example.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
without a doubt the people. making friends.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
i think it can be a lifestyle choice and i think people decide that it is a lifestyle choice but really i dont see it any different to owning any other car that you are passionate about. we have plenty of shows but equally the vauxhall and bmw enthusiasts for example are well catered for. there are magazines and internet forums for most makes of car.
owning a vw is possibly a lifestlye statement but not a choice. i would say the majority of folks on the forum have a 9-5, rent or mortgage on a property, have a partner, pets and kids. that's not a lifestlye choice created by the car they drive.
its only the fact on the whole we are happy to drive old cars that may leave us stranded every now and again. but that isnt something unique to vw ownership.
note. i answered your questions without reading other's responses as i didnt want to be influenced! going to have a nosey now. if i have missed the point of any questions, feel free to ask me again in simple terms! yours, not good with words, Lincolnshire
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Just to add to this, i have just spent this evening trick or treating with a chap who lives up my road as we bumped into them trick or treating their house, turns out he has a caddy, just sold a MK1 GTD so spent the whole time chatting about VeeDubs and what we've done to our cars, in addition we also trick or treated another chaps house who bought a bay window camper a week ago and then spent time chatting about his camper. That's VW for you.
HTH
Jeremy.
i went to a house warming party on saturday night, drove my golf there. my mate had invited his neighbours, as you do. turns out he has a mk1 caddy, vr6 corrado and a 66 beetle. by the end of the night he had donated a 1600 beetle engine to my long term project and invited me to the local vw club.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1997 Mk3 Golf GTi 16v 5-door in Dragon Green. A 1973 1600TL Fastback in Yellow
Why did you purchase this particular model?
The mk3 has always been my favourite of what I class as the modern shapes. I wanted a GTi for the performance and the stigma that comes with the badge, and frankly wanted 150bhp more than I wanted 115bhp. The 5-door is purely for practicality reasons as I don't like having to get out of the car whenever a rear passenger wants to get in or out.
I bought the Fastie as they're a damn gorgeous car and are rarely seen. I've always just loved them.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
I've only just bought the Golf, so haven't carried out too much. Just the basics of getting to car to a decent standard by cleaning and servicing.
The Fastie is going through some heavy work. It is currently having a lot of welding done underneath the bodywork. I've got a couple of new panels to fit when it comes back, then it's a spray and new interior. It has also been slammed.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
I'm going to deck the Golf on banded steels, but other than that keep it looking fairly OEM. I love how they look.
The fastie will have early shape bumpers fitted and a retrim on the interior. I'll also strip and clean the engine.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
I think it's a little of both. I want to make my car look nice, but drive well too. I don't personally feel I modify cars to stick out from the crowd, and am certainly not a fan of bodykits and mad paint jobs. I do it for myself, I make cars look how I like them and it's just a bonus if other people like it on the journey. I like looking at what other people do and taking inspiration from them. I would like a 9 second car, but on the other hand I don't like everything that comes with it and the absolute loss of practicality. At the other end of the scale I don't like 'show' cars that are never driven. I think a car is wasted if it's not driven so I like to reach a happy medium. I certainly don't think I'm expressing myself through cars, although I do think cars in themselves are art.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
I like that VW cars have such a big following and the community that comes with ownership. I had an American truck before I got into VW's and although there is a scene with them, it is nothing like the VW scene. My other half recently commented that she had never really noticed many VW's before we started hanging out, now she realises just how varied the scene is. It crosses boundaries in the way that I am into Punk music and covered in tattoo's, as are my closest friends (all of which are into VW's) but at the other end of the scale you go to car shows and you speak to people you wouldn't normally have anything in common with. This is reflected in the styles of cars too. To me VW's are all about people being into the cars and cars alone.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
VW have made so many cars that I wanted and that just blew me away. I remember as a kid I never really liked the Beetle but was aware what it was to the car world. I remember seeing a number of mk1 Golf's driving around and instantly falling in love with them. I remember the first time I saw a Type 3 Fastback. I convinced myself that I medically needed one. Before that I had owned VW but not really big into the scene before that. I eventually bought one and started going to VW and German specific meets. I was driving an Audi A3 at that time, but sold that and went to the proper VW badge with a Passat Estate. VW have a history of building damn good looking cars that are well built and affordable. Growing up I actually used to get really quite excited about seeing a Golf driving round.
On top of that bullet proof build engines, good running costs and amazing build quality. We use Ford Focus' for work cars, none of which are older than a couple of years. All of which have more squeaks and rattles than my Golf. Actually, all have more than my Fastie. They just feel like better cars.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
The advice and help I get. Plus it's great for getting inspiration and idea's for my own car. And the banter...
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
I don't think it affects any other aspect of my life massively, I mean if I get speaking to someone and it turns out they're into VW's then I have something in common with them and gives us something to talk about. Saying that a large portion of my social life is taken up by going to shows and meets. Also, as previously mentioned, nearly all of my close friends are into the VW scene, so we spend a lot of time talking about it and working on each others cars. I do have one friend who is into Ford. We don't talk about him much... haha.
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Just to add to this, i have just spent this evening trick or treating with a chap who lives up my road as we bumped into them trick or treating their house, turns out he has a caddy, just sold a MK1 GTD so spent the whole time chatting about VeeDubs and what we've done to our cars, in addition we also trick or treated another chaps house who bought a bay window camper a week ago and then spent time chatting about his camper. That's VW for you.
HTH
Jeremy.
i went to a house warming party on saturday night, drove my golf there. my mate had invited his neighbours, as you do. turns out he has a mk1 caddy, vr6 corrado and a 66 beetle. by the end of the night he had donated a 1600 beetle engine to my long term project and invited me to the local vw club.
Similar stories, This week I have had a car scrapped. The guy that came to collect it got talking to me and it turns out he has a 412bhp Corrado and loves his VW's. The number of times I have been to someones house at work and seen that have VW parts. Got speaking to the guy and turns out he has some half built project in his garage.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1989 Golf2 Syncro
Why did you purchase this particular model?
It was just the shell I wanted.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
ABFed, different (stronger) gearbox, 280mm front brakes, 239 Rallye rear discs (replaced drums), hoembrew 4-2-1 tubular manifold, relocated battery to rear seat area, Scirocco seats, stripped anything superfluous, Stitch-welded front control arms, replacement dampers and lowering springs, Team Dynamics alloys & Toyo R888 tyres, headlight relay kit, Foamalux interior door covers, probably more
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Cage, harnesses and buckets, seam-weld the shell, ITBs to engine along with super-fandango management. It will probably need painting after seam-welding, but that's to stop it from rotting.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
I don't like the wording of your question. It's a toy for driving, so it's all about making it go better, but not necessarily faster.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
It's a high-quality, well-supported consumer durable that I can afford (ish). What's not to like?
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
The viscous-coupling 4WD system in the T25 Transporter was a 'well hello!' moment for me. It demonstrated 4WD didn't need three gearsticks to work well and that you could surprise a lot of people with a plain-Jane vehicle. That's sort of set the tone for more than the last decade of my motoring.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
If they do something you have an empathy for. I don't go to many shows, but I go to more track days where I get my bell rung.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Not for me, but there are a lot of c*nts out there for whom it's important to 'belong' I understand that and they have my sympathies.
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I'll say right at the start that as a mk6 owner I don't really consider my self 'scene'. There's guys on here who are far more dedicated to their car than myself and including myself as one of them would I think be a bit disrespectful to the 'scene'.
What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk6 2010 GTI DSG 3 door
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Looking for a new car. Love the VW image and the GTI icon. Also loved the DSG gearbox.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Stage 1 remap, painted the wheels. painted the front splitter. GTI seat inserts. (perhaps not all serious mods but they are technically deviations from original spec)
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Nothing more really
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Little bit of both. The mapping is obviously performance orientated but the wheels and splitter colouring were part of continuing the black/ red colour scheme on my car.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Just like the car
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
GTI
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Enthusiasm for the car
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Not really. At the end of the day a car is a car. I have enthusiasm for my car in enjoying it's abilities and taking care of it but my lifestyle isn't improved or limited by the make and model of car I have.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
1992 Mk2 16v GTi
Why did you purchase this particular model?
I have always had uninspiring yet expensive diesel company cars. I needed something to quicken my heart rate at the weekends to address my anger/boredom issues, that would othewise manifest themselves in the office on Monday. Plus, always wanted a MK2 GTi as despite being old it manages to still be both credible and worthy of respect.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Uprated suspension. That is all.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Complete strip and rebuilt with an ABF.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
No, I see it as: I like fun and I like driving. Nothing manages to combine the two more than a MK2 GTi.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
MK2's may not have knickers in the footwell, but you'll get much kudos and respect from your fellow man, which lasts a lot longer.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
The MK2. Always admired the shape. The porportions are spot on.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Life is full of idiots. An owners club is full of idiots with the same car as you, so they get a little of my respect, but not much.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
No.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk3 Golf Driver
Why did you purchase this particular model?
I bought it for my missus as her 1st car,as i had lost my license for a couple of years due to speeding(get back in January thank god)plus id always liked the shape.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
new bonnet
new front splitter
new rims
new FK led back lights
new mk4 headlights
strutbrace front and rear
Coilovers
new indicators and fogs
new siderepeaters
new brakes all round
full engine degrease and polish
new cam
new lambda probe
new leather gearshift gator
handbrake gator the same
new wolfsburd gearknob
wolfsburg door handles
walfsburg heater knobs
wolfsburg door pins
vw shoulder pads
smooth wipers
m3 mirrors painted
2 slat bonrath grille painted
neon interior cold cathodes under footwells to come on when you open door.
new plates with potter on for the bird.r
full gearshift linkage renewal
redline mtd gearbox oil
white dials
heater control knobs
Track rod ends
Inner track rod arms
billet window winder handles
Front turret tops and bearings
2 Wishbones
front tie bars
full rear suspension rubber kit
2 new drums
Front engine mount
cold cathode tubes in front footwells
Richbrook tax disc holder
7" Motorised indash headunit/dvd player
Pioneer 300w amp
Infinity Reference 6x9s
Infinity Reference 6"components
Sony 6x9s
Full phoenix gold wiring kit
2 Rear slave cylinders
2 rear wheel bearings
Bosch super 4 spark plugs.
2 new rear drums
camber alignment
15"JBL Sub
JBL GTO4000 amp
Stealth Shelf +Infinity 6x9
Infinity Reference components.
Foglight wiring kit.
Relay 36 for light buzzer
s2 new front turret tops
Front engine mount
Sunroof Motor
Distributor cap
Rotor arm
Slick 50 power steering fluid.
New ENGINE!!! 86,000miles old
Clutch
Bosch super 4 plugs
Mobil 1 semi synthetic oil
2 New front ball joints
Both Track rods
Hella quad headlights
VR6 Top suspension mounts
Momo steering wheel
Momo Steering wheel boss
VW Horn push
vr6 rear axle
vr6 rear disc brake conversion
vr6 front hubs
vr6 front calipers/disc brake conversion.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Im concentrating on the body atm including smoothing the tailgate,putting numberplate recess in the bumper,full respray in LA9V and while im on with the body i will be building a vr6 turbo lump over winter.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Both really,having built a lot of cars to take down the strip i wanted this one to look nice for her yet be cheap on insurance.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
Well ive been involved in other "scenes" but unlike the jap scene Dub owners are generally much friendlier,happier to help each other out and i think this shows when you look at cars in magazines how many have been helped by mates/club members etc.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
VR6 end of.
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
The general help and support of other owners of the same cars,with the same problem,and a feeling of comaradery mixed in with a bit of banter is always healthy.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Not really,im not into the whole "started on a bmx,got a skateboard bought a beater mk2 golf"scene i just like to be individual and build my cars how i like them.Although in my mind i don't have a stereotypical "Dub owner" ethos,i definatley enjoy the scene more than any other car brand.
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Mk5 2008 GTI DSG 5 door
Why did you purchase this particular model?
Looking to replace my Saxo Diesel and wanted something that was an all rounder. Good balance between performance and comfort.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Only decorative stuff like metal seat inserts and foot rest (bought from here)
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Nothing, it does it's job really well as it is
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
Neither, I treat my car as functional tool to get me from A to B. Albeit with a smile on my face
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
All rounder that can be used as a load lugger as well as a grand tourer on long journeys
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
Not a car but the DSG gear box was the real clincher for me. Cutting edge technology that wasn't available on any other production car at the time. I did look at the Megane R26 and also the Volvo C30 as possible alternatives but chose the GTI because of the DSG gearbox
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
Helpful and like minded people. Great advice and mainly the hilarious Off Topic section
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
Not with such a modern car. As I said before it's a functional tool for me
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What is the model of your Volkswagen?
Golf GTi 8v (mk2 1990)
Why did you purchase this particular model?
To satisfy my want for an inexpensive car that would provide a fun driving experience.
What modifications have you carried out to your car?
Fitted a kent cam, replaced suspension bushes with polyurethane substitutes, fitted 16v model brakes, replaced lowering springs for Eibach items. Various other reconditioning carried out.
What modifications would you like to carry out to your car?
Rebuild the gearbox with a Quaife LSD, fit tubular exhaust manifold, have ECU 'chipped' on rolling road, take it from there. Continue reconditioning.
Do you see your car as mainly a form of creative remodeling or performance enhancement?
The work done is geared towards performance enhancement, there is no creatinve remodeling, as a staandard appearance is maintained. The car is a form of entertainment.
What is the underlying ethos of Volkswagen ownership to you? Why?
It is a well respected brand, crafted by the master race.
Has there been a specific car that has influenced you with the choice of Volkswagen?
No
What to you, is the most important aspect of being involved with an owners club?
The easy access to relevant mechanical information and advice.
Do you feel owning a Volkswagen is a lifestyle choice? If so, please specify in what way.
It can be a passion, and a passion can affect your life style.
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Thanks for all the replies guys, I really appreciate the time taken to fill in the questionnaire. :smiley:
Discussion now closed in terms of research collection but feel free to carry on chatting :smiley:
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Hi Jim,
On a separate thread-jack, have you got any more pics of your car with the sebrings on, i was thinking of getting another set of wheels for mine as i fancy painting a set in white to go on my white MK2.
Cheers,