Micro Mods

A quick post to show that it's not all big-money modifications and that there is always scope for improving small elements of your van/camper without breaking the bank. These smaller 'micro-mods' are some of the best, often using items from the parts bin elsewhere in the Volkswagen range.

Take the interior light in the cab for example:

It's boring. One switch, one bulb. Yeah, you could stick an LED bulb in there, maybe a blue bulb if that's your thing.

Or you could search through the entire VW range looking for the same light unit shape in a different vehicle! (Yes I know, I should get out more!)

Hey presto! The Mk4 Golf has the same unit but with extra reading lights. Plugs in using exactly the same plug. No wiring mods, no soldering, no hacking away at plastic to make it fit.

Simple pop the light lens off, remove two screws, unplug, plug new unit in, screw in place, replace lens, sit back and admire your new and slightly less boring light unit:

I added a couple of wedge-base ultra-white LEDs into the reading lights. I might change the centre festoon bulb to LED too. Everything works as it should, the lights dim when the van locks etc.

One word of caution on the newer CANBUS T5's - many LED bulbs will throw up a bulb-failure warning light on the dash - make sure you fit fault-cancelling LED's to a newer van.

As a rough guide this micro-mod can be done for around £20 via eBay, cheaper if you're prepared to search the breaker's yards. Happy micro-modding!

Happy New Wheels!

And a Happy New Year to Stone174 readers! The Sportline wheels are on.

Initial reports are great; they are soooo much easier to clean than the BBS (great at this time of year), the Nexen tyres are good and quieter too. All-in-all a much more sensible wheel than previous.