VW owners...OE grill block for Mk4 Golf/Jetta
Hi fellow VW drivers...:)
If you didn't already know, I've been a 'parts consultant' for VW/Audi for the past 17yrs. This new product is something that I just came across while browsing through the most recent parts circulars on VW's employee-only website. To the best of my knowledge, it has yet to be advertised in any VWoA consumer accessory literature....so consider it a GasSavers.org exclusive.:p They're marketed as "Cold Weather Masks" and designed for Winter use on Mk4(1999.5>2005) Golf/Jetta TDi models in the interest of quickly achieving/maintaining warm cabin temps. I don't have any postable pics of these masks yet, but basically they cover about 80% of the upper center portion of the main grill(above the front bumper). They're custom-fit and the material is similar to the OE front end covers(aka:bra). According to the circular, they attach via Velcro-like fasteners. Installation/removal is supposed to be quick & simple. Now, I'd like to stress that use of this particular product would be considered 'experimental' if used on non-TDi vehicles and/or if they're used during the non-Winter months or in areas that lack frigid Winter temps. And even though this is an OE accessory, there are potential warranty voiding implications if used outside of the parameters in which they were designed for. The common sense rules of grill block use & installations would apply here(ie: one eye on the temp gauge...one eye on the road). VW part#s are as follows: ZVW193899 - 1999-2006 Mk4 Golf(will fit GTI as well) ZVW193898 - 1999.5-2005 Mk4 Jetta Sedan & Wagon MSRP at time of posting is ~$30 per kit. If your interested, feel free to contact your local VW parts dept. to order them. VW warehouses currently show ample stock of both kits. Enjoy!! |
Very cool! Sock it to that guy whining about grill blocks...
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Hate to be a bother, but is there any chance of you tracking down an Mk3 for me? I missed the cutoff by a year, as my TDi is a 98.
Otherwise I will have to shrinkwrap the frontend of my car with the stuff they use on boats. I figure that I won't have to do it often, what with the 10,000 mile oci that I am going to be using. |
I'd totally appreciate a picture if it's not too much trouble :)
I just so happen to have a MkIV Jetta :) Does it cover the logo and conform to the hood notch too (something tells me no, but I'm curious :p). |
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No, the mask does not cover the center emblem on the grill...but it does cover all of the grill slats to either side of it. The only open gaps are above & below the center slats. IMO, the mask for the Jetta looks much more appealing the the Golf mask. |
Well that lets me out, given the Cabrio's based on the Mk3. :(
I'd previously thought about buying a "bra" and lining the back of the screening to make a clean-looking and easily-removable grill block though, so it's nice to see the idea validated by none other than VW themselves. :thumbup::D For a temporary test, I'm currently using clear packing tape on the outside of the above-bumper grill vents. Only the slot that is part of the hood opening remains uncovered. Once it gets a little colder I plan to take some coroplast to the lower openings. SL8Brick, maybe you can answer a question for me. Below the bumper there's a wide center grill with a smaller one to each side. The center one clearly feeds the radiator. The one on the driver's side is a fake -- it's blocked from the factory. Do you know what specific purpose the passenger-side grill serves? I can't tell if it's to cool something specific (e.g. alternator, power steering pump, whatever) or if it's supposed to be part of the air intake (doesn't seem likely based on placement) or what. I'd rather know exactly why it's there before I start mucking about with it. Thanks for sharing the very cool information on the grill block. Even if it doesn't apply to me, it's greatly appreciated, and I'm sure the other VW owners here feel the same way. Cheers, Rick |
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Another sidenote worth mentioning: The center lower grill in your bumper is identical to the Mk4 Golf/GTI. The 2002-03 337/20th Ann. edition GTIs came with a modified lower center grill with thinner slats to allow a cleaner flow of air to the radiator(VW part#1J0853677E B41). Something to keep in mind if you're planning on experimenting with an upper grill block. |
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Thanks for looking into that passenger-side grill for me. Sounds like I won't be messing with it, just to stay on the safe side. Quote:
Rick |
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Hellow there rick. I am also a VW parts guy, and can answer that one for you. On the 2.0L cars that grill was a dummy grill. All blocked off. On the 1.8T, and the 1.9TDI that grill is open becouse thats where the intercooler is. On the VR6 powerd cars, there is a aux radiator located there, so they also get a open grill. If you see one on a normal 2.0L powerd car, its just amatter of the orangle one having been replaced with the open one. They do fall out farly often. |
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