Sue Caglarcan - San Diego, CA

[suecag]

My 2002 Passat GLS 1.8T Automatic just purchased May 2002. Black exterior/black cloth interior. Options: Monsoon Stereo System, no luxury package.
See more pics on my page http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/passat.html
Of course no mods yet except a steering wheel cover and a seat pad.
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat1.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat2.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat3.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat4.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat5.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat6.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat7.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat8.jpg

[okibono]

Great looking car! Ok,

what mods are you going to do?!

[suecag]

Don't know. I'm such a newbie - but gathering ideas. Suggestions??

[OCTICK]

Rims and tires. Springs and shocks. Clubb5 sticker.
Or if your adventureous a Chip.

[Blue Indigo]

Sweeet!

The car looks great! Welcome.

Mike

[suecag]

Thanks much! I can't wait to get past the break-in period.

[powerslide23]

Nice car and welcome to the club! I'm sure you'll be doing some mods soon. Enjoy the break-in period and have fun after. http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biglaugh.gif

[okibono]

ok, chip 1st... :D

[PanaSSat24]

Congrats and Welcome to the CLUB http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif

My first mods were the little stuff like tinted windows, clear corners, kamei grill. those three alone change how the car looked. http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biggrin.gif

[glxpassat]

Lookin good!! Need to get it lowered and get some rims on it http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif Have fun modding and spending lots of money http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biggrin.gif

[JettaHead]

Start with tinted windows (should be mandatory in SoCal), then pace yourself, so you don't go broke like the rest of us http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biglaugh.gif .

[suecag]

Tinting is first on my list. Do you know if there's any issue tinting after the light factory tinting they put on the car? Is there any one in the San Diego area who can recommend a specific shop?

[suecag]

Specifics? What kind of rims, tires, etc, etc? Got pics?? And somebody has to explain this chip deal to me from a "chips for dummies" perspective.

<![CDATA[Specifics? What kind of rims, tires, etc, etc? Got pics?? And somebody has to explain this chip deal to me from a "chips for dummies" perspective.

[Modified by suecag, 9:16 PM 5/14/2002]

[Blue Indigo]

I went to Diamond Tint on Miramar Rd. They did a great job and were pretty quick. It was $199.00 for seven windows when I went about a month or two ago.

Mike

[suecag]

cool, thanks. Do they have a guarantee there won't be any defects such as bubbling, etc.? Also, what's the max tint allowed in CA?

[Blue Indigo]

Yeah, they have a lifetime guarantee on their products and workmanship. The tint laws as I understand them is any darkness on rear window and rear sides. The front sides are not allowed any tint, although most people do them anyway. The tint shop will make you sign a waiver that you were aware of this before you apply the tint.

Mike

[suecag]

You said 7 windows. You got your front windows done too? Anybody know of actual citations given for front windows tinted?

[NUISANCE]

I got one a couple of weeks ago. I have 5% on the front and rear. Good thing I know a cop that signed it off for me. I had the tint on for 3 months before I got a ticket. When I lowered the car and put on rims I got 3 tickets within 2 weeks. Hmmmmmmm.

<![CDATA[I got one a couple of weeks ago. I have 5% on the front and rear. Good thing I know a cop that signed it off for me. I had the tint on for 3 months before I got a ticket. When I lowered the car and put on rims I got 3 tickets within 2 weeks. Hmmmmmmm.

[Modified by NUISANCE, 11:59 PM 5/14/2002]

[JettaHead]

For driver & passenger windows, it's a fix-it ticket -- take it back to the tint shop, have them remove the tint from those two windows, then have the police sign off showing it's been fixed. Not too expensive but annoying.
I don't believe you can be pulled over just for tinted front windows. I've haven't gotten one since '89, even with being stopped a few times for speeding (always use the 1-touch power window down when stopped).
I was paranoid http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/xyxnervous.gif at first but quickly got over it.

[OCTICK]

Suecag,
Regarding rims. I think it is all up to you and what you want out of your car.
If ride is important to you, you would probably want to go with a less aggressive height and larger tires.
I would recommend nothing more than 1.2" lowering, and 17in tires max.
For sports performance, at least 1.2" lowering and at least 17in tires unless you are going to drag race or autocross. Than keep the stock tires.
As for types of rims, just look around in the member sections. I think ERracing.com has a great variety of options. And if you find a rim, let us know. We can find a pic or create one via Photoshop.
As for the Chip issue, there is many chips and everyone has their favorites. Let the war begin on who's is best. Check out the information section for more detail.

[schmove]

wow you guys sure do post more on women b5er's threads http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif 20 replies already!! http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/crazy.gif

[mnelson]

lol I was thinking the same thing http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biggrin.gif

[suecag]

Can we please do without the bullshit?! To all the cool people who've offered suggestions about my car, thanks and keep it going. I'm definintely going to get my windows tinted although I haven't decided whether or not to chance it with the front windows. Is this just a CA law? Next I'll get rims but I have yet to see ones I really like. Anyone have a good place to see pics of 'em or recommend specifics? After that, well, we'll see.

[Jeff-PassatDriver]

Nice, Car. Wish I had a black one hehe

[suecag]

Yeah but so incredibly hard to keep clean!!

[schmove]

whoa nelly...EXCUSE me. didn't you notice the " http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif " it's just a little gentle ribbing/jokin around...sheesh. http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emthdown.gif

<![CDATA[whoa nelly...EXCUSE me. didn't you notice the " http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif " it's just a little gentle ribbing/jokin around...sheesh. http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emthdown.gif

[Modified by schmove, 4:40 PM 5/15/2002]

[suecag]

http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/cry.gif ok, well let's hear some comments on my car and mods then. http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/embeer.gif

[schmove]

all is well http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emlove.gif http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emthup.gif http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emsmile.gif

you can also post your questions in the general forum. it'll most definitely get more responses than would here.

[suecag]

http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/embeer.gif cool, thanks. http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/embeer.gif

[vwracer69]

Sue, you look a lot like my girlfriend! Except that she's 5'0" tall. But similar face, hair, and body.
Ohhhhh, I guess I was writing to say that you're cute. Nice car by the way!
http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emsmilep.gif

[NUISANCE]

Two things- it isn't always a fix it ticket, they can get you for obstruction of view. Also 5O can pull you over just for tint, that's how they popped me. I can't talk though, I knew it was illegal when I had it done.

<![CDATA[Two things- it isn't always a fix it ticket, they can get you for obstruction of view. Also 5O can pull you over just for tint, that's how they popped me. I can't talk though, I knew it was illegal when I had it done.

[Modified by NUISANCE, 5:53 AM 5/16/2002]

[Edster]

Sue - You should check out the Events and Gatherings thread as there will be a GTG in San Diego starting at the visitors center in Mission Bay (right off the 5). You can then meet all your local (or loco http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif ) B5er's and check out some of the modifications.

[suecag]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Suecag,
Regarding rims. I think it is all up to you and what you want out of your car.
If ride is important to you, you would probably want to go with a less aggressive height and larger tires.
I would recommend nothing more than 1.2" lowering, and 17in tires max.
For sports performance, at least 1.2" lowering and at least 17in tires unless you are going to drag race or autocross. Than keep the stock tires.
As for types of rims, just look around in the member sections. I think ERracing.com has a great variety of options. And if you find a rim, let us know. We can find a pic or create one via Photoshop.
As for the Chip issue, there is many chips and everyone has their favorites. Let the war begin on who's is best. Check out the information section for more detail.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[suecag]

Cool. Mission Bay is a great place to show off cars too. I'll be there. http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/embeer.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Sue - You should check out the Events and Gatherings thread as there will be a GTG in San Diego starting at the visitors center in Mission Bay (right off the 5). You can then meet all your local (or loco http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/wink.gif ) B5er's and check out some of the modifications.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[suecag]

Yeah, hmmmm...those bastards.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I got one a couple of weeks ago. I have 5% on the front and rear. Good thing I know a cop that signed it off for me. I had the tint on for 3 months before I got a ticket. When I lowered the car and put on rims I got 3 tickets within 2 weeks. Hmmmmmmm.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<![CDATA[Yeah, hmmmm...those bastards.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I got one a couple of weeks ago. I have 5% on the front and rear. Good thing I know a cop that signed it off for me. I had the tint on for 3 months before I got a ticket. When I lowered the car and put on rims I got 3 tickets within 2 weeks. Hmmmmmmm.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Modified by suecag, 3:57 PM 5/17/2002]

[suecag]

I don't think I'm going chance it. I'd rather have as little contact with cops as humanly possibly.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>For driver & passenger windows, it's a fix-it ticket -- take it back to the tint shop, have them remove the tint from those two windows, then have the police sign off showing it's been fixed. Not too expensive but annoying.
I don't believe you can be pulled over just for tinted front windows. I've haven't gotten one since '89, even with being stopped a few times for speeding (always use the 1-touch power window down when stopped).
I was paranoid http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/xyxnervous.gif at first but quickly got over it. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[suecag]

Lovely. Yeah, I'll just leave the fronts alone http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/cry.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Two things- it isn't always a fix it ticket, they can get you for obstruction of view. Also 5O can pull you over just for tint, that's how they popped me. I can't talk though, I knew it was illegal when I had it done.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[AnthroSSAT]

The way I did my tint was go fairly dark in the rear windows, but not too dark for backing out of driveways in parking structures, then the same for the rear sides(this is 1 or 2 above the darkest I believe). for the front sides I did a light tint. this way it kinda blends with the rear windows yet is not blacked out from the outside, making it less likely to be pulled over...knock on wood for 2 years not yet been pulled over for them. I did it at a place in the SFValley in LA called Blackout ...they do a super clean job if you were ever up this way for any reason.

[Ernie1.8T]

OHH BLACK! http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/embeer.gif http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/biggrin.gif

[coastalB5.5]

Sue, great site! Touching tribute to your brother - my condolences.

[JETninja]

Great choice in Color and Car!

Touching Site also......

Cheers!

[JROO-VW]

chip... the 1.8T ECU (main brain) comes fairly mild from the factory... but they have tuner shops that change the programming of the chip (usually have to replace it with a new one) and it gives a more aggressive feel... (more power and torque)

springs/shocks(dampners)... after you've been driving around for a bit you'll start to notice that your passat won't feel as tight in turning and highway... so there are a few options.. to get springs to lower your car a bit (stock height is too high for most of us!) and then shocks(dampners) to tune how your Passat will rebound when going over bumps, turns, or highway speeds...
alot more agressive is to go with coilovers (basicly a shock/spring that has been mated together and can be adjusted)... but thats only for the people who either want very accurate tuning of how their cars handle and respond.

wheels... 15" have too much sidewall tire on them... too bouncy! for normal everyday riding you can go with the 16 - 17"... or for more extreme do the 18 - 19" plunge which you would feel more of the road since the tires get smaller and smaller the bigger the rim(wheel).

If you poke around a few of the profiles throughout clubb5 you will find all sorts of setups...

[suecag]

Thanks! http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emsmile.gif

[suecag]

I got it tinted of course. I've been meaning to post these pics for a while now. I did all the windows pretty dark. http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/angel.gif Here's a pic of the first scratches too. Must have been a couple people leaning/fighting against the car. I haven't tried to get rid of them yet. Parts of it may need touch up paint. My drivers side mirror was also smashed one night. Luckily they only broke the mirror part, not the casing. $38 for a new mirror at the dealer and I replaced it myself. Must have been some kids - it was not hit by another car or there would have been other damage.

http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/tint1.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/tint2.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/tint3.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/tint4.jpg
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/tint5.jpg

SCRATCHES:
http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/scratch1.jpg

[vw18t]

Sweet tint pics. Hopefully you got those scratches fixed up.

[nickstewart]

Hey Sue, when you get a new headunit, want to sell me your stock one?

[suecag]

You mean my stereo? I want to keep it because of how the blue and reds match the dash lights. I'm going to get an MP3 changer that works through the FM. http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/crazy.gif

[AJChenMPH]

For a temporary fix to the scratches, try Color Cure from Turtle Wax. It runs about $10 -- they give you a stick of wax in addition to the liquid stuff. It did a pretty good job on the key mark someone left me... http://www.clubb5.com/images_forum/rolleyes.gif

Nice tint job! http://images.zeroforum.com/smile/emthup.gif

[suecag]

Thanks. I need to set some time aside to work on it. Right now I'm just trying to pretend they're not there!

[suecag]

http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/carcrash.jpg

Unfortunately my Passat was in a minor accident (see pic). The other driver ran a red light and I didn't see her. I have to say though that the Passat held up really well. There was more damage to the other car (a Volvo) :-P . Her insurance paid for the repairs of $1300 - new bumper, new grill, shock absorbers, etc. It was fixed quickly at Amatos Auto Body.

Right now I need to find a place in San Diego that does good detailing. I need a good clay scrub, polish, and a fresh wax. I was going to do it myself but I don't have the time or will at the moment. Anybody got some recommendations?

-suecag

[desertjd]

That bites, :mad: hate to see a new car get banged up. You didn't mention any injuries, but I hope everything is OK.

did you say the repairs were done? Let's see the "after" pics so we know order has been restored.

Jim

[suecag]

Yeah, it was fixed back to new very well and surprisingly quick. Of course, I didn't take any after pics but you really can't tell anything happened. No injuries either except a little whiplash. :weirdo:

[glxpassat]

Hey there, glad to see that you are ok and things got worked out. Take care and happy modding.

[ruacop2]

Welcome!!

I know what you mean about black being hard to keep clean. I will never do that again, but they look awesome when they are, good luck with that.

If you want the front end looking nice for a longtime then I suggest you get a clear bra to prevent rock chips and other hazards from damaging the front end. You can get one for a good price here www.rockblocker.com.

Long Live the VW Craze. Had four and need more!!!!!!!!!!!

[suecag]

I posted this issue in the General Discussion area, wanted to duplicate it here::

Has anyone else noticed defective paint on their cars especially those with black/dark paint? I have 2 issues. First I noticed light specs all over the car embedded in the paint (not removable with a clay bar). Now I see that there are small odd shaped outline spots that appear as though they go through to the metal. They are also all over the car but mostly on the hood, top, trunk. My Passat is one year old this month. What is happening to my paint?? I wax it every 3-4 months. I have read a couple of similar complaints on the internet. Is this a known issue? I took it to the dealer and a DuPont representative came out to look at my car. She thinks it's some kind of industrial fallout and water spots that can be color sanded. It didn't work.

I contacted VWA and they will not do anything about it. They say it's not covered by warranty since the DuPont rep says it's caused by "fallout" and "water spots." Anyone with half a brain can easily see that it's defective paint. Clearly they just don't want to pay to fix it. I am really unhappy about this to put it mildly. My next step is to write to VWA, DuPont, BBB, and any other consumer agency I can think of. Pehaps I can get a group of people together that have similar problems. I've seen a few complaints on the internet.

:mad: :cry: :mad: :cry: :mad: :cry:

[suecag]

Follow-up on the paint problems:

I went through an arbitration process with the BBB Auto Line. They set up and arbitration meeting attended by me, a VW representative, and an arbitrator from the BBB. I also brought my lawyer just in case although I didn't really need her. The meeting was about 2 hours long and included an inspection of the car by the arbitrator. I had brought in proof that I take very good care of the car and testified to the details. Then the arbitrator ordered that an independent technical expert take a look at the car. They found a paint expert and BBB set everything up and paid for it. The paint expert concluded that the "pin holes" in the paint were due to "improper surface preparation during painting" that caused the paint not to "adhere" to the surface. Thus, the arbitrator made the decision that this was indeed a MANUFACTURER DEFECT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND THAT VW MUST REPAINT MY CAR. I was hoping that the arbitrator would just decide that under the CA lemon law they need to replace my car since it's impossible to get a factory quality repaint but they decided that VW should have this oppurtunity first. So, a bit of weight off my troubles. I am still worried I'll have future problems with the repaint but for now I'm glad something will be done!

:sad: :mad: :evil: :oops: :roll: :-P

[Thumber]

Welcome to the Club, black magic baby!!!!

http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat3.jpg

Looks pretty clean to me.:D

http://www.caglarcan.net/passat/B5passat8.jpg

So who's your friend..:poke:http://deephousepage.com/smilies/slap.gif Sorry, just palyin'.


My baby, RIP: http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41072

[eberleb]

Are you planning on attending the SoCal GTG up at Capistrano VW on the 17th?

Also how's that wheel hunt going? To view pics of wheels, go to either tirerack.com or wheelmax.com. No matter what anybody at any of these places tells you, the bolt pattern is 5x112 (i learned that the hard way)

Here's a couple pics of the car (I love my black beauty!)
http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=49864