Edit Again - Job Done: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn

[Stitch]

GTi was in for it's service today. Along with quotes for pads my rear brake light is also out. VW guy said its not an MOT fail but quoted me £300 to repair. So costs so far this month:

-2 new conti SP3s £244
-12 months tax is due this month £235
-service £349

and they also "recommend"
-new discs and pads F&R £458
-fix rear brake light £298 + vat

So that's approx £1600 just to keep the car on the road FFS!!!!

Look like I need to attempt this fix myself. Fingers crossed.

[Stitch]

Update.

Before I attempt the fix myself, I've approached VW for a goodwill gesture for the fix. I'm holding out little hope but seeing as this is a common problem it's worth a shot and a moan. Hopefully hear back tomorrow.

Interestly, the VW guy said the stop suporting the cars for goodwill in general after 5 years.

[MaXXeH]

It is really easy to do   just get ur hammer and punch out  took me 10 min

[Stitch]

I want to wait and hear from VW but just say     you couldn't wait to see how easy the light is to pop and it popped out with almost no effort fully intact but the clips are broken, how would the new part clip in as I am sure you would see that the plastic clips are very fragile and I wonder how you would re-attach?

Would it be worthwhile using some sort of adhesive?

It is really easy to do   just get ur hammer and punch out  took me 10 min

[Stitch]

Me again sorry.

Would a few spots of silicone adhesive be a good idea?

[crimsonfin]

Yes, having just done mine I would recommend this to be sure it holds and is water tight.

Also posted some supplimentary photos to the original guide ...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20

[Stitch]

Thanks. Perfect timing!

How did you get the srtip back onto the two steel mounts without breaking the black pastic back of the strip?

Yes, having just done mine I would recommend this to be sure it holds and is water tight.

Also posted some supplimentary photos to the original guide ...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20

[crimsonfin]

the new light doesnt go back onto the old plastic screws - you pull these out and bin them.  the new light just clips back into the hole.  Its been in since sat and feels decently solid.  this is the other reason that I want to use some silicone just to ensure its held in place.

it really is a doddle .... once of course you get over the fact you are jamming a power drill into your pride and joy 

[Stitch]

Ah i see. So the two  short "steel" looking bars at each edge aren't actually steel and need to come out too?
I need to take more care I think!

That "thing" in the top left hand corner has to come out?

the new light doesnt go back onto the old plastic screws - you pull these out and bin them.  the new light just clips back into the hole.  Its been in since sat and feels decently solid.  this is the other reason that I want to use some silicone just to ensure its held in place.

it really is a doddle .... once of course you get over the fact you are jamming a power drill into your pride and joy 

[crimsonfin]

yes, look at the 2nd last photo i uploaded.  the 2 screws which are removed are laying amongst all the broken plastic