MK5 Golf GTI
General => Product Reviews => Topic started by: RedRobin on April 21, 2009, 10:26:21 pm
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What prompted doing this was buying some Recaro seats which have very high gloss black backs. At first I thought I would use matt black vinyl but then I became aware of vinyl with a carbonfibre finish. Obviously this has to be absolutely spot-on or it will look shockingly naff. Having found a specialist to do the vinyl wrapping, all that remained was to inspect a sample of the carbon vinyl.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FMods%2FRecaroBacks_oem.jpg&hash=be2833822961ab843776b3424b2d7e614ba9dd94)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_wholetrim.jpg&hash=383d29ec750ca604c794da94f538337adb55c332)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_reardoor.jpg&hash=c696d2ba65780c18c9f4378499eea670a4859ef7)
WHY?
- Because the standard Recaro black backs are extremely glossy and mark easily.
- Because, like many, I am addicted to the look of carbonfibre.
COMPARISON WITH REAL CARBON FIBRE:
This particular carbon vinyl which Raccoon use is subtley textured and the weave is slightly wavy, just like real carbonfibre. It's far less glossy as it doesn't have lots of coats of the lacquer usually used for protection in external use. However, the finish is satin and still catches the light in a visually simulating way.
In photographs it can be very difficult to tell the difference and you have to inspect it very closely to see it's subtley different from real carbonfibre.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_Recaro_detail.jpg&hash=1d47e339b262db779ad1f23dde71c3de90c734f8)
SOURCING:
I chose Raccoon - They are very experienced in wrapping whole vehicles in vinyl, whether covered in commercial graphics or plain colours for private cars or even dragster motorbikes. Mine were the first Recaro seats and interior trim they had done and they are "thrilled with the results". They have a network of workshops all over the country - I went to Durley near Southampton.
Linky : - Raccoon Vehicle Wrapping (http://www.raccoon.co.uk/hampshire)
Contact : - Sam Williams 02380 013273
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fimage005.png&hash=6c68f26c29ce7763aa6979f0f953824d55a3d179)
INSTALLATION:
Strictly to be only undertaken by experts. It requires skill and practice and getting it wrong not only renders the material useless but the whole effect would be lost. It doesn't take long when done by an expert but should never be hurried.
The seats and trim should be all removed from the car before wrapping. Two people work together and it's much easier on a bench with plenty of space. Sticky side getting stuck to sticky side would be an absolute disaster!
I've posted a separate thread about how to remove and also replace the aluminium door and dashboard trims here:
Linky : - How To Remove Alu Strip Trim (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3968.0)
On a 5-door car, it's easier to remove the Recaros via the rear doors and replace them via the front doors. Keep the runners in matching positions.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_trim_RHf.jpg&hash=477f4961716be1ceb84b7c64ca7cd1f96b6a5b32)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_trim_detail.jpg&hash=f14833148867e26aa68a890a583761deeb2bba6f)
More recently I have carbon vinyl wrapped the centre surround to the head-unit. This serves to visually link with the dashboard and door trims. There are real CF parts available but they are high gloss finish and show too many reflections for my taste.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2FCarbonVinylCentre2.jpg&hash=7710cf5a8d8fb12292bcbaef2601a351e0656782)
PLUS POINTS:
- The appearance is finer and more material-like than real carbonfibre, hence the vinyl is better suited to interior work.
- It's considerably cheaper than real carbonfibre.
- It doesn't take forever to wait for carbonfibre products to be made and supplied, often from overseas and with added wretched import taxes involving delays, and shipping costs.
- It doesn't take long to apply when done by experts.
- Raccoon have pride in the quality of their work and will take whatever time it takes to get it right.
MINUS POINTS:
- It's not the real thing (but does it really need to be?)
SUMMARY:
I think the photos speak for themselves. Very close inspection will show that it's not real carbonfibre but, depending on the application, it doesn't need to be. For vehicle interior work it looks far more refined and better than real carbonfibre. As an overall look, what I have done has further reduced that silver and chrome trim which the Mk6 GTI designers have sought to increase in their quest for what they perceive as higher quality and in imitation of Audi. Audi offer a carbon pack option on some of their model interiors - It's real carbon and I think it's a bit too glossy.
Personally I would never consider using carbon vinyl to wrap a bonnet or wing mirrors but I would wrap a whole car in it, unless it was a Zonda R Pagani, in which case it would be ALL genuine carbonfibre!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc214%2FDanR32%2FCars%2Fpagani_zonda_r_top_view.jpg&hash=1cd12b6b7e8869f4bf3331d102ee79cec1d0f611)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_Recaro_backs.jpg&hash=d891ea33304586b046ad8988b443f52e4c3cc943)
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OOH i'm excitipated, :jumping: the finish and quality looks excellent on the seat backs. Robin could you PM me how much it would cost to just get the seats wrapped. :happy2:
Edit just seen the prices :ashamed: :laugh:
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Robin thats just .... wow. Words escape me. Is it £400 for both seats? My missus R32 needs doing. :evilgrin:
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Looks
brilliant stunning Robin! Had I known that Raccoon did carbon vinyl, I would have probably had my roof and bonnet done in carbon instead of black!
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Stunning absolutely Stunning. This is why i joined this forum. I wish I had the cash to start modding my car. You guys making me jealous.
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they did my badge for me when they did my roof just for a bit of fun LOL the seats look stunning
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stunning, simply stunning :drinking:
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Wow! Thanks for all the stunning compliments :drinking:
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stunning!!
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robin, absolutely amazing quality of workmanship there truely stunning for both seats and trim, a few of use will be interested in seeing that on saturday me thinks :wink:
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If anyone is considering doing either just the trim or just the Recaro backs, or both, I decided to have it done 'mirrored' - Side by side the seat back patterns form a "V" or " \ /". And the trim also goes "\\\\\\\" on the lefthand sides and "///////" on the righthand sides. I considered this to look better than just one direction throughout.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2FRecaros_carbonvinyl.jpg&hash=9888aa83f2c0c64b9ec86985d28b26471ca0b3b9)
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robin, absolutely amazing quality of workmanship there truely stunning for both seats and trim, a few of use will be interested in seeing that on saturday me thinks :wink:
.... :drinking:
I think I better vacuum and clean the inside of the car before Saturday's big meet! But when!? I'm off to Haywards Heath.
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Robin did the seats need to come out of the car for fitting. :smiley:
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Robin did the seats need to come out of the car for fitting. :smiley:
....Yes - I forgot to say. I'll edit my first post :happy2:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2Fcarbonvinyl_Recaro_out.jpg&hash=59a1e7ca35fca819254757c7dda9e957aaebef93)
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Robin did the seats need to come out of the car for fitting. :smiley:
....So, are you tempted for your Recaro backs, TC?
There's all sorts of vinyls available :evilgrin:
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Robin, that is just amazing! Truly one off pieces now!! Fantastic.. :happy2:
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they did my badge for me when they did my roof just for a bit of fun LOL the seats look stunning
....A good idea! A lot cheaper and easier than real carbon.
:happy2:
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Robin, that is just amazing! Truly one off pieces now!! Fantastic.. :happy2:
....The whole of your car is a one-off! :drinking:
[I learnt today that the chap's girlfriend still had my Interlagos sample in her car! She was meant to post it, not make a hat out of it! Now posted first class I'm told]
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Robin, that is just amazing! Truly one off pieces now!! Fantastic.. :happy2:
....The whole of your car is a one-off! :drinking:
[I learnt today that the chap's girlfriend still had my Interlagos sample in her car! She was meant to post it, not make a hat out of it! Now posted first class I'm told]
Lol, so you going to get the covers done too? Will look amazing!
Im trying :laugh:
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[I learnt today that the chap's girlfriend still had my Interlagos sample in her car! She was meant to post it, not make a hat out of it! Now posted first class I'm told]
Lol, so you going to get the covers done too? Will look amazing!
....Getting the cushion areas done will depend entirely on being able to get the right Interlagos cloth - Hence my need to see a sample. Looking likely but I shan't be counting them chickens before they're hatched.
They'll still have the .:R on them - I'm totally happy about that, for the same reasons as you. :happy2:
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RR, I've never liked CF but your seats just look amazing! Even I wouldn't mind having them in my car!
Very professional-looking.
Still not so sure about the trims though - I liked the brushed aluminium effect.
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They're brilliant Robin, a really good job - especially with the changes of weave direction, that's some care and thought taken.
I'm very tempted to have my mirror caps and front badge done now.
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Really smart :happy2: I like it and the prices don't seem crazy......
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Just makes your car that bit more special :happy2:
Great writeup as ever too :happy2: :happy2:
OEM+ as you say :wink: :drinking:
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that looks truely stunning robin. i wasnt keen on the idea, but in practise, wow, they look fantastic!!
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They look fantastic Robin! :drool:
Did you talk to them about my idea? :wink:
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Robin, that has certainly transformed those seats, they look great. :happy2:
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Those seats look amazing! Such a superb finish! Quality craftmanship there! :happy2:
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that looks truely stunning robin. i wasnt keen on the idea, but in practise, wow, they look fantastic!!
....Yes, it's one of those ideas that either works extremely well or badly and nothing inbetween!
:happy2:
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for sure wise one! they look great! :drinking:
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they look stunning robin!! :drool: :drool:
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stunning :drool:
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:jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
I wantt
:jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
Looks awesome! :happy2:
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I asked for you, Manu, but as expected they said they would need the seats here in the UK.
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Ooooooh, RR they look lovely :drool:
next up techno carbon effect leather eh? :happy2:
http://www.carbonleather.co.uk/
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wasn't sure about it when i read the title but wow absolutely love it,amazing job
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Guess who lives right next door to this lot :happy2:, and you answered my respray querry Robin. Bonnet wrap in CF is the answer i think. Red Ed30 with CF Wrap... Should look fab judging by those photos Robin.
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Guess who lives right next door to this lot :happy2:, and you answered my respray querry Robin. Bonnet wrap in CF is the answer i think. Red Ed30 with CF Wrap... Should look fab judging by those photos Robin.
bonnet wrap for yourself? :confused:
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Guess who lives right next door to this lot :happy2:, and you answered my respray querry Robin. Bonnet wrap in CF is the answer i think. Red Ed30 with CF Wrap... Should look fab judging by those photos Robin.
....Phone and drop by and see Sam and he'll gladly show you the vinyl material so you can get a good idea of what it will look like.
Btw, go to Durley via B3354 and not the lanes which are miles of barely one car width with no passing spots!
[I think you might owe me a bhp :wink:]
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This pic shows how they look in a different light - A bit more of a sheen : -
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2FRecaro_vinyl_sheen1.jpg&hash=3cd0d8b54f6da34325759fdeff400aa9f84e5704)
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WOW!! :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
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Does anyone have any photo's of a Red GTi with a carbon Fibre/effect Bonnet as the wife isnt convinced it will suit a Red car.
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WOW they look really nice, and a reasonable price too
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Does anyone have any photo's of a Red GTi with a carbon Fibre/effect Bonnet as the wife isnt convinced it will suit a Red car.
....Are you thinking of covering the whole bonnet or leaving the 'sides' as paint from the crease. If you want full protection, do the whole bonnet.
Why not take the missus out for a nice country drive, it's beautiful countryside around Durley, and drop in to Raccoon with her and then Sam can lay a big enough piece across your bonnet for your her approval. The carbon vinyl is a bit less ultra shiny and a slightly smaller scale weave than real carbonfibre when its lacquered.
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Does anyone have any photo's of a Red GTi with a carbon Fibre/effect Bonnet as the wife isnt convinced it will suit a Red car.
....Are you thinking of covering the whole bonnet or leaving the 'sides' as paint from the crease. If you want full protection, do the whole bonnet.
Why not take the missus out for a nice country drive, it's beautiful countryside around Durley, and drop in to Raccoon with her and then Sam can lay a big enough piece across your bonnet for your her approval.
Great idea. :happy2: still gonna hunt for some pics as she's addiment it wont suit. :sad:
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Guess who lives right next door to this lot :happy2:, and you answered my respray querry Robin. Bonnet wrap in CF is the answer i think. Red Ed30 with CF Wrap... Should look fab judging by those photos Robin.
bonnet wrap for yourself? :confused:
sort out an annoying stone chip issue i have mate :wink:
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Is there such thing as a Red Carbon fibre??
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^^^^
Found something for you but the wheels and front are different. The point is that the VWR carbonfibre is less glossy and much closer to the vinyl's appearance.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fa65%2Fgjroe78%2FRacinglineGolf-02.jpg&hash=5a34957bb1d52097102a52c8bb32173ca219cf56)
If she's adamant, that's frankly somewhat unfair - She's made up her mind before seeing it! Durley is local to you so what's the problem? Pics aren't really going to show you what it's like unless they are of a red Ed30 with a Raccoon carbon vinyl bonnet!
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Is there such thing as a Red Carbon fibre??
....Yes, OSIR offer one - Check their website. It looks a bit 'brown' though. An expensive option! Especially currently.
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How about my GTi wrapped in this stuff!!!!
http://www.raccoon.co.uk/hampshire/fenlarge.html?SPTPage=40&area=hampshire/fenlarge.html
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^^^^
Found something for you but the wheels and front are different. The point is that the VWR carbonfibre is less glossy and much closer to the vinyl's appearance.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fa65%2Fgjroe78%2FRacinglineGolf-02.jpg&hash=5a34957bb1d52097102a52c8bb32173ca219cf56)
If she's adamant, that's frankly somewhat unfair - She's made up her mind before seeing it! Durley is local to you so what's the problem? Pics aren't really going to show you what it's like unless they are of a red Ed30 with a Raccoon carbon vinyl bonnet!
I cant show her that picture Robin as that red looks 3 different colours!!. Either bad exposure or dirty :sad:
Ill convince her to come along, but at the moment, all im getting out of her is "Oh do what you want...." in the doghouse look. :sad:
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^^^^
That link doesn't load.
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I cant show her that picture Robin as that red looks 3 different colours!!. Either bad exposure or dirty :sad:
Ill convince her to come along, but at the moment, all im getting out of her is "Oh do what you want...." in the doghouse look. :sad:
....Kin Ell !! - Me and your wife would NOT get on!! That attitude would make me very angry, very angry indeed. But you know her differently.
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doesnt it??? ive just tried it and it works on mine :ashamed:
Its a glass/mirror Lambo! in there selection of gallery photo's.
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Lol Robin. Would be interesting!!. She just thinks its a Red car and putting a grey/black bonnet would look odd.
She'd rather me spend £500 on a respray then under half that on a great idea for a carbon fibre Wrap!! FFS! :mad:
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Steve that link came up with 7 warnings on my Norton antivirus!!!!!!!
I reckon that if you do the bonnet you need to do the roof too Steve :happy2:
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Steve that link came up with 7 warnings on my Norton antivirus!!!!!!!
....That's because Steve's missus is called Norton :evilgrin:
I reckon that if you do the bonnet you need to do the roof too Steve :happy2:
....Methinks that Steve is going to be extremely happy if he manages to do just the bonnet.
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phil, your car will look like it has an aftermarket bonnet on a std car, may look a little strange. :smiley:
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phil, your car will look like it has an aftermarket bonnet on a std car, may look a little strange. :smiley:
so getting modding and tell the wife to :angry015:
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^^^ love the comments guys, going to see someone i know about doing the respray to the car, and take a drive out to Durley to see what all the fooosss is about :wink:....... and dump the wifeee somewhere aswell. :laugh:
cheers All :drinking:
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^^^ love the comments guys, going to see someone i know about doing the respray to the car, and take a drive out to Durley to see what all the fooosss is about :wink:....... and dump the wifeee somewhere aswell. :laugh:
cheers All :drinking:
Good for you :chicken: let her sulk :P u only live once so y not enjoy it while you are alive :happy2:
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Robin - fantastic work! Seats and trim look amazing, the trim at least is going on my mod list, very near the top too. And if you're doing it for looks, this vinyl now kind of negates the need for carbon exterior bits. It must be cheaper to wrap wing mirrors, front grill surrounds, splitters, etc in this stuff than buy what are often only carbon skinned GRP bits anyway? I really love the seats though, they look excellent. Hope to one day see it all in the flesh.
Also good to know Raccoon are pretty local - I delivered prestiege cars for a while and worked out of a base in Botley so know the area well. Some awesome roads around that neck-of-the-woods - I was taught to drive around there which helped. Was on and around the A32 just the other day in an R8 V10 :happy2:
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^^^ i used to work in botley square as well animal :happy2:
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Robin - fantastic work! Seats and trim look amazing, the trim at least is going on my mod list, very near the top too. And if you're doing it for looks, this vinyl now kind of negates the need for carbon exterior bits. It must be cheaper to wrap wing mirrors, front grill surrounds, splitters, etc in this stuff than buy what are often only carbon skinned GRP bits anyway? I really love the seats though, they look excellent. Hope to one day see it all in the flesh.
....I'm particularly pleased with the trim because it works so well with the other plastics etc that it looks totally OEM and it's subtley decorative. The seats are extremely comfy and supportive.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FCarbonfibre%2FRecarodoortrim.jpg&hash=756de8a9aa2d700321f19f3b97f99fb310189928)
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^^^ i used to work in botley square as well animal :happy2:
I worked out of the industrial estate next to the station... Robin's suggested route to Raccoon (B3354 - Winchester Rd) was my rat-run up to the M3. Some great driving roads around there when it's quiet and with the right car - I did smash up a Touareg in Curdridge though (wasn't my fault I hasten to add...)
Looking quite RS4 (less gloss though) now RR, I like it a lot. :happy2:
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having met up with Robin today i can say the quality of the workmanship is stunning and it looks superb :happy2:
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Is there such thing as a Red Carbon fibre??
Here is an example I spotted today of Red CF on a red car: -
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FStevep_010%2FPlayers%2FIMG_1633.jpg&hash=66c3393111fa638f633ee45910fa7513531e2e6e)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FStevep_010%2FPlayers%2FIMG_1634.jpg&hash=08e7b56ba1d2095b227e94b56e7563a55c692804)
Not for me :sick: :sick:
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no not for me either, cheers for putting to bed that idea Mr PG. :smiley:
Mines off to the bodyshop for a few days for a beauty treatment sometime nxt week .Decided to respray.
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That weave looks really poor quality.....
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£400 for 2 seat backs?