Couple of Bumper Related questions.

[RaKeR]

Hi guys,

I'm hopefully looking to acquire my bro-in-law's 8V Gti - lovely example, full history with a VAG specialist, 78,000 miles 5 door.

Very tired body work - lots of chips and dings etc.

Will probably get it resprayed as first port of call, but want to lose the big bumpers and buy new small.  Questions are . . . . .

What holes will be left visible in front and rear as a result?
What would it look like with the arches in place - should they go to long with the sills?  If they all go - what holes are left then?
87 model [G plate] - would the side trims be taped on or riveted?  I want to lose these too . . . . .

If I need to get recesses welded and filled now is the time really before painting.

Thanks guys!

Si.

[RaKeR]

Any takers?!

Cheers!

[takethefifth]

Not sure myself i am afraid, sorry.  My opinion if its a real solid example is keep it original and just make subtle mods, but hey thats just me!

[Mart8V]

Are you sure about the Year?  87 was D plate, mostly.  If it is a genuine G plater, then it may have big bumpers as standard.  If not, then you could have two holes to fill if the new fronts have been anchored properly.

[Ozz]

On a G plate the side trim is most likely clipped in place, I believe it is only pre F reg that the side trim was stuck on, so those holes would need welding over.

[rubjonny]

If the side trim looks like the ones in mk2_ozz's sig then its just glued on, if its chunkier or has a 'GTI' badge on it then it'll be clipped into place.

If it has had big bumpers fitted properly then it should have had the bigger side brackets fitted, these need an extra hole drilled into the wing to fit properly. I think it should still be covered by the small bumpers though, but not 100% on that.

The bigger problem is the metal valance under the front bumper, if this was removed when the big bumper was fitted you'll have a great big air scoop
But not many people bother removing it

[RaKeR]

Cheers for the info guys - yeah - it's definitely a g plate.  and i agree - i want to keep it as original as possible, just fancied the look of the small bumpers for a change - my last 8v had big bumpers!
Looks like for the hassle, i'll probably keep the bigs and just get the paintwork sweetened up!
Loverley example though - it's almost a different drive to my last one . . . . .

[jase555]

Small bumpers rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Less weight = more speed.