Blackberry Life

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mark1a
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Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Here is my build thread for my Caddy Maxi Life.

Once I had come to the decision that I wanted a day van instead of a car for bike rides, dog transport, etc, the list was fairly short. The Caddy is really one of the best looking vans on the market, has lots of conversion & modding opportunities and still drives much like a car. This is my first VW after 11 BMWs, although at work we have a LWB T5 Highline which has been converted to a camper, and that confirmed the VW decision.

Spent around 6 months looking for the right van, and because this would end up being a daily drive for work, etc. and adding in windows, seats, other creature comforts would cost more than buying one with it already in, came to the conclusion that I would be better off having a Life or Kombi.

Found one back in the summer, a UK stock unregistered Caddy Maxi Life. It was missing a few things that I would have liked, such as Climatronic AC and 17" wheels, but it had one of my shortlisted range of colours (Pearl Black, Blackberry, Indium Grey), was a 150TDI, manual, with Xenons, parking sensors, reverse camera. Plus being a Life, had much of the car comforts I wanted such as heated windscreen, leather steering wheel, centre console, etc.

Plans include
3rd row seat removal
Wifi
Bike racks
Debadging
Replacement wheels
Replacement head unit
AV system & roof screen
MFSW
Split charge DC-DC leisure battery
Lowering
Front/rear splitter & side bars
Sofa bed
Camping pod
Curtains


Here it is the day after getting it home:

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Looking rather standard, so 2 days later it was in at the local tints shop to get the rear windows limo tinted, 90% on side, 80% on back.

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2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Next thing was to get the rear parcel shelf & 3rd row seats out, easy job, needed all the trim removed to get the seatbelts out, and some blanking bolts (M10) to replace the mushroom bolts in the floor.

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Last edited by mark1a on Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Debadging another easy one, to remove the CADDY LIFE and TDI letters.

About 10 minutes with a hairdryer and trim tools, then 20 minutes with isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the adhesive.

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2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Engine cover was another easy job, found the right one on eBay from a 2016 car £35 delivered, and ordered the oil filler ring and ball joints from TPS, job done.

Part numbers for mk4 150TDI (note, my engine code is DFSB):
1x 04L 103 925 Q (engine cover)
2x 04L 103 164 (ball joints)
1x 04L 133 287 (oil filler O ring)

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Last edited by mark1a on Sun Feb 03, 2019 7:19 pm, edited 3 times in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

While I was under the bonnet I noticed the gaping holes near the wipers. Thanks to a link on here I found some right sized plugs for about a quid.

The original eBay seller appears to no longer have them, just look for 30mm rubber or plastic bungs / pipe ends.

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Last edited by mark1a on Sat Mar 10, 2018 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Some Climair wind deflectors, easy to fit.

Image
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Head unit next to change, van came with basic Composition Colour, and after much research was arriving at the conclusion that this was very difficult to upgrade officially to something OEM like Discover Media due to Component Protection. Looked at various offerings from Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine before looking at one of the many Android ones from China. Thought I'd take a punt on this as I figured that if it was no good, I would be able to get most of my money back on resale, and bought from Amazon to get the 30 day guarantee. If it worked out it would be a third of the cost of anything else and would be able to do so much more. I'm looking at putting in a rear screen mounted to the roof, and am building a media server based on a Raspberry Pi. The Android units have enough AV inputs & outputs to drive external monitors.

I've written up the experience on another thread in the Electrical / ICE section, but basically these units are great once you've binned the standard apps and replaced them with Spotify & Google Maps via the Play Store.

On this thread there's links to a few other thread where I've posted about it.
http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... 8&p=284172

The unit comes with a can bus box and will pick up stuff like door open warnings, parking sensor visualisation etc.

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Also works with the factory reverse camera via an adapter:

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Last edited by mark1a on Tue Sep 18, 2018 1:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

One of things that has really been bothering me is the sheer awfulness of the standard 16" Forteleza wheels. Got a cracking deal on eBay for a set of replica VW Brescia (Clubsport) wheels.

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Tyres are Toyo Proxes T1-R 225/40ZR18 92Y

The lowering job has now moved much closer to the front of the queue!!
Last edited by mark1a on Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Been looking for either a replacement steering wheel, or upgrading existing one with MFSW buttons.

In the meantime, I picked up this badge from a popular internet auction site, fits nicely in the bottom.

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Last edited by mark1a on Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
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Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Wanted to change the rear VW roundel but wanted something other than the usual black. I investigated removal & spraying my existing one and then I found this CF one:

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Badge removal again easy job with hairdryer and isopropyl alcohol.
Last edited by mark1a on Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

The Android head units work better with internet access, originally I was tethering from my phone, but then thought a dedicated solution would be better and not drain the phone battery if I forget to plug it in.

This is a wireless access point powered from a 12v -> USB adapter, tucked into the cubby panel in the back left side, with a cheap unlocked 4G dongle, and a cheap data only SIM.

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Last edited by mark1a on Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Standard DAB antenna is not very good, and also needed a better GPS antenna than the one supplied with the head unit due to heated windscreen - got this on the roof, which is AM/FM/DAB/GPS, works so much better.

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Also thinking those roof rails are coming off so ordered the replacement bolts from TPS at £1.11 each. They’re right thread and have a rubber seal so will change when it stops raining. Need 8x WHT-004-908 for a Caddy 4 Maxi Life.
Last edited by mark1a on Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Preparing for the split charge system, I needed to install some additional 12v 20A sockets in the back, and even though I'm not ready to put the battery & DC-DC box in, I've run a live cable direct from the battery to the back left side, and have 3 additional 20A sockets switched left & right side. At the moment, they are connected straight to the van battery, but once the leisure battery goes in, the live cable will go to the DC-DC charger, then and that will charge the new battery. The sockets will then be reconnected to the leisure battery, which will also power the head unit and AV system.

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2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Quite like the look of pressed plates, and ordered a pair with some euroclip style surrounds, look good I think.

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2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
User avatar
mark1a
Hyper Poster
Posts: 731
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Life

Post by mark1a »

Saw a YouTube video showing somebody running Apple CarPlay on an Android head unit - thought it was too good to be true, but sure enough, found them on AliExpress and ordered one. Worth a punt for $60. Works great!

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2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
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