MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Irish_Mk5 on May 22, 2021, 02:57:16 pm

Title: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: Irish_Mk5 on May 22, 2021, 02:57:16 pm: My mk5 grill is slightly damaged which annoys me and is also a faded colour given it’s age.

Whats the best option for replacing?

I’m trying to keep things OEM but they’re hard to come by and any I’ve seen are are very faded!
Do I buy one and spray it?

Or do I buy the non oem type which I’ve heard are of different build quality with a cheap black plastic look?
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: shail on May 22, 2021, 03:13:19 pm: If you do buy one and spray, I can recommend Autotek black bumper and trim paint from Amazon. I used it on mine a few years ago and it looks brilliant, goes on well and hasn't chipped or faded at all.
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: Irish_Mk5 on May 22, 2021, 03:31:59 pm: Have seen that mentioned before! I might try it out on my damaged grille first to see how it turns out
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: Lewo on May 23, 2021, 11:18:17 pm: I'm looking to get a smooth grill too, if you end up buying one and it's ok (seen some saying that some of them are a poor fit) can you put a link up here cheers. :happy2:
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: probedb on May 26, 2021, 09:08:19 am: I went the aftermarket route. Fit was about 99%, not 100% perfect but everything else good. Certainly makes a difference, the rest of the bits, fog light surrounds, lower grill etc I bought OEM. Can also say that a set of Depo lights really really make a big difference if your lights are clouding and won't polish out.
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: DBXdarkangel on May 26, 2021, 02:38:43 pm: I sprayed mine. Way better than ebay aftermarket. Although I'm gonna repaint them again with better paint ha
(https://i.postimg.cc/QCCvPCHY/20201123-153133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctqDts7f)

(https://i.postimg.cc/tJc8Hb6q/20201123-153152.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmQvQxFt/20201123-153251.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/pdkGHxNw/20201123-153242.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: iremk5gti on May 26, 2021, 06:04:57 pm: Quote from: DBXdarkangel on May 26, 2021, 02:38:43 pm
I sprayed mine. Way better than ebay aftermarket. Although I'm gonna repaint them again with better paint ha

These look great, what paint did you use? Haven’t had the courage to do mine yet.

Saw Autoglym do a plastic trim paint now. Proper aerosol spray can opposed to the dressing you wipe on.
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: mjmallia on May 27, 2021, 06:59:42 am: There is the plastic bumper spray you can use also:

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/specialist-and-decorative-paints/halfords-plastic-bumper-paint-black-300ml-325175.html
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: terrier on May 27, 2021, 04:57:50 pm: I cleaned the honeycombe with white spirit then Plastikote primer, Halfords vw black pearl and 2 coats of upol lacquer Better than new :wink:
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: Lewo on May 27, 2021, 08:25:50 pm: I've taken a punt on a grill from underground works. We'll see.....
I might have a go at spraying the other 3 and also the original.
In a 'pimp my wheels, mid-life crisis kind of way' :signLOL: I want to change the VW badge to a black badge on the front and probably the rear, if possible?
Any links or tips on how to do the badges and links to where to get them please?
Cheers
Title: Re: Gti Grille replacement options
Post by: Jb55 on May 27, 2021, 09:07:45 pm: I changed all my grills with eBay/China ones and fitment is decent and makes the front end look so much better, I did look into paining them but was worried about stone chips and it being a nightmare to repaint if ever needed.