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Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 12:16 pm
by the swan fiend
Hello everyone. I’ve owned my van just over 2 years now, and I’ve never really thought about doing a build thread as I only intended to do a few little mods, and didn’t think it worthy of such.
However one job turned into another and every job was ‘my last mod’ (how the missus laughs when I say that)
After reading many build threads and seeing some amazing vans, I started to think a little........then I left the handbrake off one afternoon and the van rolled back and hit 2 bollards exactly on each rear corner.
Time to get the metal repaired and black back bumper sorted or colour coded....I decided on the latter and went for it!

As I never intended to do this, the photos are a bit thin on the ground. It’s not going to be a ground breaking build but I hope it inspires someone out there who’s unsure how far to take it in terms of mods.

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This was the van when I picked it up back in February 2017. I’d just part exed my A8 that had a few issues with the gearbox and suspension, so was a bit gutted to be honest but I needed a van. I was potentially looking at a good few grand to sort the Audi, and at 10 years old with 150k on the clock, I decided to let it go.
More to follow.......


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Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 3:55 pm
by the swan fiend
Ok......now I’ve had a rummage through my photo album, I’ll crack on...first mod was to fit an eBay special arm rest. Not the best quality I have to say. ImageImage
The seats came quite a bit later......


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 4:01 pm
by the swan fiend
After having a little look on eBay (very dangerous) I found these little bits to jazz the naff steering wheel up a bit...Image


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Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 4:10 pm
by the swan fiend
Found those little aluminium vent rings, again on ebay, I thought they made quite a difference, and a nice cheap mod ImageImageImageImage

Soon after came a decent stereo. Kenwood dpx5000DAB, with Clarion 16” speakers in the doors, tweeters in the dash and an Alpine underseat sub that has plenty of punch for an 8” speaker!


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Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 6:33 pm
by the swan fiend
Next mod was some new wheels, found some Audi Q5 winter wheels with new tyres for £400 quid. 17” with 225/50/17 tyres. Totally changed the look of the van. Well happy!! ImageImage
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Also added a bonnet stripe and VW logos on the side to break up the blue a bit.....not everyone’s cup of tea but I like ‘em!!


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 6:40 pm
by the swan fiend
Next, came a new gear gaiter and handbrake cover, both from eBay. Soon after came a silver handbrake button from TPS. The bloke in there knows me now, as I’ve bought a few bits.....new third brake light, barn door hinge. No doubt there’ll be more to buy!! ImageImage


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 7:54 pm
by Blown u
Some nice mods starting already


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:13 pm
by the swan fiend
Thanks mate, there’s more to come when I can find the photos


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:34 pm
by Sean1066
looking good there buddy.
looking forward to seeing more photos of this build

Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:35 pm
by the swan fiend
Cheers Sean seeing your build has helped kick me into action


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:09 pm
by Glen G
Nice work mate!! Liking that 8) what's the gear knob from is that OEM?

Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:44 pm
by the swan fiend
Hi Glen, it’s not OEM but an Audi A3 style one if I remember rightly. eBay special mate.


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Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 11:57 pm
by Glen G
Ah right it goes well with interior mate.. 👍 8)

Re: Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 6:33 am
by the swan fiend
Thanks mate. I like the red accent thing.....little stripes. Stitching etc.


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Swan’s caddy build

Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:36 am
by the swan fiend
Now all that’s been done. I decided to do the w8 light mod. I bought a light from TPS and loom on eBay and set to work. I didn’t enjoy putting the A pillar trim back on and lost a few clips.....another visit to TPS ImageImage one tip I worked out here is if you’re having difficulty, put a bit of kitchen roll in the hole next to the dash, this’ll catch any clips that fall off. Once the trims fitted, remove the kitchen roll.
I caught the roof trim making a hole for the loom and put a little mark on it. I wasn’t happy!

100 points if anyone can guess the song and band I was listening to as I took picture 3 Image
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