MK5 Golf GTI
General => Product Reviews => Topic started by: VC on July 15, 2009, 12:26:22 pm
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I have factory blue tints on my car and love them, so the very idea of tinting just simply doesn't appeal, and these simply clip in and out in seconds
there's lots of retailers stocking these now, ebay too, all at varying prices. Noting here that this review is for the 3dr and not the 5dr so i wont be covering the function of being able to open the windows with them attached
i bought mine from here: http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/ (http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/) at a cost of £74.95 delivered
so what do you get for your money?
well the blind come in 4 sections, 1 for each side rear window and 2 for the rear hatch window. Also you get a zip up bag for storage, basic instructions and a couple of metal clips for use with the rears
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F001.jpg&hash=fc559f0d611b8bae788eeb3da09e25d35849de6e)
basically the same 'mothercare' baby blind material you see on cars with the suction cups and silly pictures of winnie the poo etc
the quality is very good, and the metal frames have decent 'give' in them whilst staying perfectly in shape. here's a shot to show the thickness of the weave:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F002.jpg&hash=6e70716b4631c604ee87f72073e8ea19bc978ed4)
each blind has a material tab on it for you to grip when removing them
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F003.jpg&hash=3f396eaa03121c8d3696468415707f1f01ad50a1)
now for the fitting.
for the rear passenger glass keep the material tabs on the blind facing inside the car (working out which blind is for which side is pretty apparent)
holding the blind outside the window recess start by gentle bending and sliding it into place against the B pillar:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F004.jpg&hash=ffd1d92e4a158c9eeb295ebdb40f09d7348f8dee)
then gently ease the top corner in
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F005.jpg&hash=e7bb8b7c993a7ca2a1df8dee3704e9db4a20c995)
and now the bottom
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F006.jpg&hash=f504f6dd936de76692d8291109f8226ca282b7b3)
it's a compression fit, not mega tight so give you the ability to get it where you want it....and we're done
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F007.jpg&hash=e9864b247aded2ae43834e34fd76f096d11ff20f)
naturally the same process applies to the other side.
onto the rear
the kit includes 2 metal clips, one for each of the rear hatch window blinds and they just clip on
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F008.jpg&hash=563b79065a9439a5a2e951fee04f94962fe9a84d)
make sure you have the flat side facing the glass with them..like so..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F009.jpg&hash=c5b5093087610d3dd94310270ee3efc31309cb88)
now to fit them, pretty much a similar process to the rear windows. start with either one and work from the upper middle out
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F010.jpg&hash=778a5695f7dff1d610491f53295e4fdf38ec50e1)
then the top corner (watch out for the plastic stump your parcel shelf string loops around, dont want to bend the blinds!)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F011.jpg&hash=3aede0046e264db7fd122c9bccda922fdf4b089c)
and then carefully without scratching your plastics pop the metal clips home
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F012.jpg&hash=180528d269e9291bf2ef3d8a320f5d091e685072)
and we're installed, again as with the rears there's movement to allow you to get them into position but once in they're very happy to stay there and wont come out until removed
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F013.jpg&hash=a35ab218f06a5855c2d931803e413c80f80b752e)
This should take no more than 5 minutes to install or remove when needed and once in the bag they fit perfectly under the boot floor for safe flat storage :happy2:
The questions i know you want to hear
what the difference inside the car?
well its is darker, not massively so but in a gentle way, here's a comparison. pic 1 is without and if you look at the glare on the interior plastics:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F016b4.jpg&hash=34dda02a748128a88952cdad1a8902d421d9b4a8)
installed, no glare:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F017after.jpg&hash=8794fbd81126db86ae6c9959b5db56ff077581c3)
What's the visibility through them like?
looking at the pictures below you can see that you can still see through the car, and importantly preserve my blue outer tint, but everythings just that little bit darker :evilgrin:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F015.jpg&hash=9c1d279298c7fb5bd5f98ac5ff2e1c308c640d74)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F014.jpg&hash=45cb5dee4431c239e3abcce7a2f1d9c043f8fed6)
perfect for the kids :smiley: inside the car there is good visability although very mildly restricted over standard, but less so that with the factory tints, the shoulder of the car is high so my kids cant reach to see out anyway yet. saying this though, if you have tints already then this would be very very restrictive if you combine them with these
What is the view like for the driver?
very good. there's the join line down the middle, but easy seen past
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F018.jpg&hash=24bf4ad16d1399221d00e6a543a6533fa0f2827e)
and what you see in the mirror
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Freviews%2FPrivacy_Shades%2F019.jpg&hash=cf3f5b2d23924729a5c59093e16372df21f3d1a5)
Verdict
- OEM looking
- Easy to remove and store
- Well made, should cope with kids grabing at them (if they can find the edge :wink:), so durable
- Car stays cooler in the sun
- Filters up to 70% of harmful UV Radiation.
- Theft Deterent - Privacy Shades for added security
- Gives 100% coverage of passenger and rear windows
- Easily removable - Better than Tinted Glass
- Stops insects entering when window is down (5dr)
- Anti Dazzle device against High Beam.
Hope this helps :happy2:
Peace.
VC :smiley:
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thanks for that fantastic review. not only are you a fantastically funny guy, you are a great contribution to the forum! ;)
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cheers dude :happy2:
these are the sort of things until you see in the flesh it's hard to tell what they're like from an advert such as this:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.palmautomotive.co.uk%2F4trucks%2Facatalog%2FUV_sunshades_focus_sport.JPG&hash=1e29993a6600c06f748fe9304a74646bdc02ac66)
so you have to buy them blind (scuse the pun....again... :laugh:). with a bit of luck if you've not seen these before, or even if you have and were unsure then hopefully this will allow you to make an informed spend with your money :happy2:
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nice one VC :happy2:
Maybe we should get some 'customised' with the forum address or other designs ? :evilgrin:
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group buy?
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cheers dude :happy2:
these are the sort of things until you see in the flesh it's hard to tell what they're like from an advert such as this:
so you have to buy them blind (scuse the pun....again... :laugh:). with a bit of luck if you've not seen these before, or even if you have and were unsure then hopefully this will allow you to make an informed spend with your money :happy2:
But you had seen them. :P
Nice little how to though. :happy2:
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indeed dude indeed :wink: i wouldn't have known of them or considered them until seeing them on yours at inters :drinking:
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Superb review and timed perfectly!
Some people we know have just had a little one and want some shading for her, to which I told them about this product....... Now I can show them in excellent detail VC! :happy2:
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Great product isnt it Vc. well worth the money , and nice write up :happy2:
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Cant see any pics of this, but i am sure its a great review. The title is making me snigger evrytime i scroll past it, it sounds like a Perfume logo
And now for your delictation the new splitter with added down force for tha special track day by very Cherry hee ho hee ho :laugh:
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Cheers VC spot on. :happy2:
We've ordered some for our touran and young girls and your review has answered all the Mrs questions!
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Excellent review (as is your review on the deflectors).
However, I would need to see some in the flesh. They look fine from outside the car but I live inside the car and don't like that retro rear split-screen (unless I had an American V8 under the hood). They also look a tad baggy a la mosquito netting.
No-one under the age of a teenager rides in my car, so no need for shading.
Anonymity through the rear screen is attractive though.
Deflectors for me but not these methinks.
:happy2: 8) :happy2:
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they've gone up in price quick-£86.95 +VAT :surprised: :surprised:
Thats alot of money for them!!!
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no not cheap at a
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Excellent review (as is your review on the deflectors).
However, I would need to see some in the flesh. They look fine from outside the car but I live inside the car and don't like that retro rear split-screen (unless I had an American V8 under the hood). They also look a tad baggy a la mosquito netting.
No-one under the age of a teenager rides in my car, so no need for shading.
Anonymity through the rear screen is attractive though.
Deflectors for me but not these methinks.
:happy2: 8) :happy2:
they do fit pretty snug, they may look baggy but they sit nice and flat :happy2:
but i hear what you're saying, more suited for those with small very cherry minime's kids tbh, although an option for others if they float the boat :smiley:
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they've gone up in price quick-£86.95 +VAT :surprised: :surprised:
Thats alot of money for them!!!
is that for the 3dr?
if so then ouch, but i can say they are excellent quality, and although pricey they will last, so a worthy investment if your looking to shade the rear
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Considering I paid £65 + vat and delivery I think they are cashing in a bit.
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Yes 3 door, but its now the same price as the 4 door.
£109.77 including VAT +postage!
Very nice product, but I think they are going to put alot off people off now with that price! :sad1:
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worth an ebay search, try searching using the companies brand name? "vanstyle"
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Yes 3 door, but its now the same price as the 4 door.
£109.77 including VAT +postage!
Very nice product, but I think they are going to put alot off people off now with that price! :sad1:
....Possibly. But would you be put off if you didn't know that there had been a price increase?
It sounds and looks from VC's review as if they are a quality product if you want or need such a thing.
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Great review VC! :happy2:
I do like the idea of some with the forum logo on. :smiley:
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it is agreat quality product, worth even paying the extra to be honest. Mine looks likes she factory tinted now so kills 2 birds with one stone.
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Well I've sent the seller a question.....re prices... :laugh:
Will post up the reply once received.. :happy2: That's if come back before monday (after that I'm PC less for a week.... :fighting2: :fighting2:
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nice write up.
it's a shame about the price though. at the end of the day it's pre-determined size of wire and same mesh as the ones you get from mothercare for a tenner.
i would be interested, but the prices really put me off and can't justify the cost of them
p.s. think i saw your car on the M5 near Cribbs a few months back
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quite possibly, i seem to spend my life on the A30 and M5 :indifferent:
god bless the south :innocent:
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I'd be interested in these as well if something can be done on the price. I've got the Mothercare ones but they're not very good as they don't cover the whole window. I had a look on the VW accessories site and they charge £75ish for their door window blinds & £55 for the rear window so not much in it price wise.
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Great write up VC :happy2:
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quite possibly, i seem to spend my life on the A30 and M5 :indifferent:
god bless the south :innocent:
i think it was after work time 5-6pm, i was in a bmw silver 318 and i stuck my hand out with thumbs up LOL
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Reply from the seller... :pomppomp: :pomppomp: :pomppomp:
hello sorry but the prices have gone up as does everything but i am trying to see if they can be reduced slightly.
There's putting prices up and putting prices up...I'll wait.... :popcornsoda:
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one thing i will add about these blinds. In mine since i fitted them (5 door), i no get the Helicopter wind noise when you lower the rear windows by themselves.
(5 door owners will know what i mean)
They totally stop this and you can drive on the motorway at 70mph with them open with no noise or abuse on your ears.
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would like these on the 5 dr, but can't justify the cost
i wonder how many they actually sell?
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there's a sale on upto 50% on selected items, but typical not on the mk5 golf ;-(
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Linky to the sale?
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just a banner ad at top of website:
http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/4trucks/acatalog/VW_Accessories.html
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just a banner ad at top of website:
http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/4trucks/acatalog/VW_Accessories.html
Cheers...my my that's a bit cheaper...
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just a banner ad at top of website:
http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/4trucks/acatalog/VW_Accessories.html
So these are the same shades at a greatly reduced price?
I am going for them, as although I have always had factory privacy, I have always had to put a blind on the inside, so pointless really - My two youngest do need shading from the sun, especially as we are off to the south of france next month
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just a banner ad at top of website:
http://www.palmautomotive.co.uk/4trucks/acatalog/VW_Accessories.html
So these are the same shades at a greatly reduced price? No the last time I looked they were still £99!!!!
I am going for them, as although I have always had factory privacy, I have always had to put a blind on the inside, so pointless really - My two youngest do need shading from the sun, especially as we are off to the south of france next month
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They are £83 now
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i asked if the sale may continue along to the mk5, but the email reply was something like "you pay what you see on the internet"
decided with that sort of customer email response, i shall give it a miss
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i asked if the sale may continue along to the mk5, but the email reply was something like "you pay what you see on the internet"
decided with that sort of customer email response, i shall give it a miss
He sounds a right grumpy sod... :congrats:
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NOT TO ALL WHO HAVE THESE BLINDS FITTED
Do you know who actually makes the blinds - is it written on the blinds, running a garage I could go straight to the suppliers and organise a group buy??
Many thanks
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That would be great - I'm definitely on the look out for a set when I get my car next week.
Be great if something could be set up :happy2:
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Decided just to go ahead and order a set - hopefully will have them shortly after I collect my car on Thursday.
That means thanks to this place I've already spent about £900 on a car I don't yet own!! :laugh:
Getting worried where the funds for the real mods will come from now :wink:
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^^^ :grin: I did the same
don't fear it embrace it :pomppomp:
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don't fear it embrace it :pomppomp:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FDaft_stuff%2Fth25083p6nlm4xo0l1.gif&hash=f25862b1aa9a2cc305c65ca8656100aea67afff8)
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Mine have arrived and been fitted - really pleased, they fit really well, and look good, so much better than tinting the rear windows.
And in the first 10 days of ownership of mine I did the following;
Suspension,
Badges,
TBE Milltek,
Carbonspeed intake and filter,
Re-map - DSG and Engine,
Parrot,
And Nightbreaker bulbs
And I am so pleased with how it goes now
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NOT TO ALL WHO HAVE THESE BLINDS FITTED
Do you know who actually makes the blinds - is it written on the blinds, running a garage I could go straight to the suppliers and organise a group buy??
Many thanks
yes please
if not PM any details ;-)
rgds
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I am VERY VERY keen to get a discount for these, would love some for my MK5, so any discount would be appreciated, and not too keen on the random pricing from the website others have brought form.
Keep us updated please. :happy2:
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Spoke to them the other day, and they are not really intersted in a deal!
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Spoke to them the other day, and they are not really intersted in a deal!
Oh well, no chance at all of a group buy on these then?
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can't believe they're not interested
word of mouth advertising not just for Golf to boost sales from a simple group buy and not interested. obviously they are doing well in the credit crunch times
the profit margins on these must be huge as i looked at the black mesh, black fabric around a flexible wire on my free one i got from kiddicare.com LOL
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i've found another stockist:
http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Privacy_Shades_Volkswagen.html (http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Privacy_Shades_Volkswagen.html)
expensive, but maybe if there was a group buy? :smiley:
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i've found another stockist:
http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Privacy_Shades_Volkswagen.html (http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Privacy_Shades_Volkswagen.html)
expensive, but maybe if there was a group buy? :smiley:
Free delivery on those ones...good find... :happy2: wonder if they are the same make....hmmm scratches chin... :wink:
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My dealer has a Mk6 in the showroom with blinds installed. They look very similar to the Vanstyle ones but are a VW part.
Not sure if they will fit the Mk5 though, might be worth an ask.
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Has anyone fitted these to a 5dr? I was wondering if the side shades are one piece?
Will probably order some as I don't like the white border u get with aftermarket tints. I noticed the price is down to £73+VAT
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Annoying that you add VAT to the listed price, and then another £8 postage, Even at a £72 listing,
It ends up costing you £92 for a set. Think I will leave it for now.
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Or £16 postage to NI :mad: Works out cheaper to buy them from ebay for me @ £83 + £6.50 p&p
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Has anyone fitted these to a 5dr? I was wondering if the side shades are one piece?
Will probably order some as I don't like the white border u get with aftermarket tints. I noticed the price is down to £73+VAT
I have them on a 5 door, and yes they are one piece, and fit very well. They are far more effective than any factory privacy tint, and i've had a few.
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Ta Oli, will order a set tomorrow i think.
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noticed they have a shop on e bay, means you get a feedback, and if you have signed up for the plus points, you get double all this week, so about 180 points, Think I may get some.
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http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7631.0
:happy2: :wink: :happy2:
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got mine today and fitted them in a few mins and they look great :jumpmove: they just look like normal tints when stood about 15 feet back, im well pleased with them :smiley:
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Sorry to drag a bit of an old thread up, I`m just wondering how people have got on with these blinds after they`ve had them in use for a while. Still worth the money, are you happy with the quality? I`d considered tinting the rear half of the car but these blind may be just what I need.
Ta :smiley:
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^^^^
I know that Saint Steve has them and is very pleased with them. Doubtless he'll be along soon to tell you himself.
Btw, no need to apologise for resurrecting an old thread - The info contained is just as relevant and helpful to people now as it was originally. Also, new people are continually joining the forum. :drinking:
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Yes they are still good more than 12 months on. I have them in and and all the time and they still fit perfectly. :happy2:
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Yes they are still good more than 12 months on. I have them in and and all the time and they still fit perfectly. :happy2:
X2
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Have just ordered a set of these for my car and set for the wifes C-Max too. It works out £200 cheaper than tinting the windows on both cars! :happy2:
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They look like tinted windows from the outside but I wonder what they're like to see out of while driving at night (rear window particularly).
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They look like tinted windows from the outside but I wonder what they're like to see out of while driving at night (rear window particularly).
As dark as it is without robin :chicken:
No issues with mine at all. Prefer them to screen/window tints.Same as anything new, in the mind at first but after a few weeks you forget they are there.
Also if you ever sell up, you can re-coup the cost by selling on :wink:
Also helps vastly reduce wind noise in the back with the rear door windows wound down.
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Also helps vastly reduce wind noise in the back with the rear door windows wound down.
....That aspect of them sounds more attractive to me. I wouldn't want a rear window tint/shade.
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Thanks for the helpful replies, that`s made my mind up then, I`ll be ordering some :happy2:
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Thanks for the helpful replies, that`s made my mind up then, I`ll be ordering some :happy2:
I tried numerous times to get through to Palmautomotive/Vanstyle on the phone, when I did they dont have any instock although their website says they do. It could be a few weeks before they have them so I`ve put something up in the wanted section just incase anyone has a set for a 5 door that they no longer need.
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I got my 5 door shades from the wanted section Neil. They do come up somtimes. Still look as good as when I bought them. Well worth the money! :happy2:
Going to come in really handy now too with a nipper on the way. :jumpmove:
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I talked them into a group buy last year, but nobody else wanted them, said they would do them for about 15% off retail if 5 people were interested.
May be worth getting in touch with them if you wanted to sort one out again.
I have a set in my 5 door, but I don't use the rear one, think it makes the rear view too dark at night.
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I have a set in my 5 door, but I don't use the rear one, think it makes the rear view too dark at night.
Al, you could sell me your rear one then if you don`t use it?
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^^^^
Do you have to buy a complete set? I definitely won't want one in my rear window!
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Just incase you don't want the rear sides, VW supply a geniune 'roller blind' type rear screen shade - some of you may have seen mine.
Oh, and for 5door -ers, it is a doddle to fit genuine black tints in the rear doors too. :wink:
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Have any of you guys used this shades to protect your babies from sun, when baby is facing rear window. I have 4 month old baby and I'm thinking to buy this product which appears to be neat. Please kindly let me know if any of you have used for rear facing babies protecting from the sun and, how effective this product for this purpose.
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I had them in mine, I didn't have a baby in the back, but they do a great job of blocking out the sun. Much better than the crappy hello kitty ones thatyou see stuck on the windows and the like. and look like tints from a distance due to the fitted shape and style of them.
Try them, as you can always send them back or sell on at little loss if they don't meet your expectations. :happy2:
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they'll be just fine, they are sun shades after all :wink:
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Now with 20% discount until 31st january 2012