My TSi Build thread

[mattyd247]

Been a member on here for a while and thought it would be good to document my build somewhere, so here goes...

After owning this T5 for 12 years, it was time to let it go and move onto something new.










I got a good price for it considering it was on 167k miles with very little official service history. Was sad to see it go really.

Anyways, I popped out to see Steve at Cooler Commercials near here in Exeter and he told me of a TSI that he would be getting soon so I jumped at the chance. I don't do high mileage each year so the MPG of the TSI didn't really bother me.

Here it is the day I picked it up. 26k on the clock and still under VW warrantly for another 6 months. Nice clean canvas to start again...














First thing I did was chance the standard steel wheels over to some banded GP's that I used to have on my T5 plus add some Stance coilovers to lower it a bit.







The GP steels were always just going to be a temporary solution and I already had my eye on a set of Defender Steels



As soon as they arrived, the massive tyres were removed and they were packaged up to be sent off to Duchy



I could now start thinking about the interior....

 

[mattyd247]

Sound deadening and insulation

 

[mattyd247]

Popped some wind deflectors on

 

[mattyd247]

Removing the old floor and having the windows put in.

 

[mattyd247]

Started to run the wiring but didn't get many pictures of this

 

[mattyd247]

I covered the steering wheel and the steels came back from Duchy so I Popped them on.



I also added a subtle front splitter. Will probably go for the Sportline version later down the line.

 

[Sharpe]

I think Exeter has more than it’s fair share of TSi vans. Recognised that fence before I read it was Cooler Comercials

 

[mattyd247]

Time for the most expensive part of the build. The bed on rails.

Main objective for the interior this time around was having as much usable space as possible. I do a lot of Carp fishing and in my old van, I had to cover the interior in plastic sheets each time and load things in the side door due to the L-shaped fixed seat.

Having a bed on rails meant that I could slide it all the way forward most of the time to have a Kombi type setup and then when I get to camp site, slide it all the way to the back to have loads of siutting space. Being able to load loads of stuff in the back was going to be a god-send.

Clearcut conversions in Barnstaple installed the seat plus the flooring and the new side and rear step covers. I opted for non-uphostered to try and save a bit of money.

 

[mattyd247]

Sound deadening the cab area and running the wire for the leisure battery

 

[mattyd247]

Split charger and leisure battery under the drivers seat

 

[mattyd247]

Carpet lining the metalwork and insulting & lining the rear doors

 

[mattyd247]

Temporary upholstery of the bed. I aim to get this done properly next year sometime.

 

[mattyd247]

Recycling the old floor ply to make some inner side panels with back lighting and low profile speakers.

 

[evans1089]

Great progress!

 

[mattyd247]

Making the halo roof

 

[mattyd247]

Kiravans front double swivel.

 

[mattyd247]

Blackout curtains and making a small pod to hold the fridge, control panel and rear stereo head unit.

 

[mattyd247]

Main light switches and making a side bench to match the height of the bed. This gives me enough storage for bedding etc.

 

[z1ts]

I've gone all jealous....

Drool

 

[coullstar]

Looks ace, those wheels work well. Had a set before that I was thinking of banding, wish I had now.