VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 018

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     official r32 entry, vw golf r32

Saturday morning 6:30am, beep beep, beep beep. The now familiar sound of a weekend, it’s time for another modification! I crawl out of bed, print the Google map, collect the sat-nav, pack some food and set off with my bro on another mini adventure. This time it’s a trip to TTS Roadsport (the tuning side of ‘The TT Shop’) to have a couple of carbon fibre goodies fitted. We arrive two hours later at 9:25am. In the car park is a very mean looking, orange and black Audi TT which I recognise from a couple of magazine features. We head off to reception, walking past the very large and very clean workshop. Twenty minutes later I’ve had a chat with Dave, the technician assigned to my job and work begins.

Stu and I eagerly watch through the Perspex viewing area, sipping cups of tea while Dave removes the rear bumper and replaces it with my new ‘DTM R32’ rear valance made by OSIR. It takes around twenty minutes to fit, basically a snap off, snap on job. I’m then called out to have a chat about the next item, the ‘FCS R32’ front lip (also by OSIR). There’s a little room for manoeuvre with regards to the pronouncement of the lip and I wanted to keep it subtle but not invisible. Position discussed, Dave sets about fixing it to the bumper which requires a few screws (no bonding needed). A little later I’m called again to view the result, perfect!

Last but not least, Dave fits my new private plates. They’re pressed aluminium, made by Craigs Plates who I must say were fantastic! He manages to source a couple of white screw heads for the front to keep things smart and the rear only needs adhering. I absolutely love them! A bit superficial maybe but for £400 I think ‘V6 FFS’ was a good price and I may well make a bit if/when I come to sell it. The DVLA Registrations site has hundreds of V6 XXX plates all for the same price so if you’re prepared to spend a couple of hours trawling, there are a few nice ones to be had.

All work complete, I’m thanking Dave for a great job when another Dave, company owner and driver of the orange and black TT comes over (three Dave’s don’t make a right?). We start talking about my future plans for the car and it soon becomes obvious he’s a car nut with a passion for modifying. A really friendly guy with a wealth of knowledge. The whole experience was excellent. They’re possibly my favourite tuning company so far but it’s close as the others have also been fantastic. I think maybe their size and the level of professionalism is the key. Hugely impressed!

With both OSIR products, I opted for the matte finish. The weave isn’t quite as defined as the gloss which may not appeal to some but it offers a good contrast against the reflection/shine of the body paint. Visually, it also helps keep the rear looking squat rather than tall. I absolutely love both these parts. I think my car now has a slightly sportier and higher quality look to the exterior. Modding an R32 is expensive and I suppose I’m really ‘wasting’ my money but I’m just getting so much enjoyment out of it at the moment. It’s also highlighting how many compromises the original manufacturer makes to sell at a particular price and how much room for improvement there is, even if the stock model is already fantastic. Maybe I need to join Modoholics Anonymous…

Stay tuned!

Get/stay in touch with me on personal or professional matters: