Background There are subtle differences between New Beetle models over the 1998-2010 production span. In terms of the Ute conversion, the major impact is on the re-use of backup and side marker lights. For 1998-2005 models there is the option to use the original circular backup lights as well as the...
Continue reading...Kriss Motors
Hatch lid and headliner
Removal procedure With the rear interior trim out of the car, continue to remove the headliner and prepare the rear hatch lid for removal. 1. Headliner Remove the plastic caps on the interior side grab handles to reveal two screws; remove them. If your model has a front roof storage bin...
Continue reading...Rear interior trim
Removal procedure Disconnect the battery. After the rear seats are removed, detach the rear interior trim pieces starting with the side hold straps (if installed).
Continue reading...Rear seats
Background The front half of the Beetle remains essentially intact when undergoing the ute transformation. Care should be taken to protect the front seats, dash, center console, door panels, and other interior components from disassembly damage. The “cut” line is right behind the front seats — the transition plane intersects the...
Continue reading...Front license cosmetics
Background The front of the New Beetle looks much better without an ugly plastic license mount. Unfortunately, 31 states mandate a front plate and there is just no good place for it on the curvy bumper. Most dealers affix a rectangular block to hold the plate by drilling into the plastic...
Continue reading...Bed cargo illumination
Background As pickup truck use expanded beyond agriculture, the desire to protect cargo led to the adaptation of tonneau covers, originally a simple canvas top used in classic sports cars. Of course, if you cover the truck bed with a top, it’s too dark to see the cargo clearly which led...
Continue reading...Soft-touch surfaces
Background Volkswagen coated nearly all the plastic trim in the New Beetle with a soft-touch rubberized coating that may have appeared acceptable in the showroom, but hasn’t aged well. These surfaces scratch easily (just run a fingernail along it for example), feel tacky like someone spilled Coca Cola all over, and...
Continue reading...Turbo S modifications
Modified specifications for the 2004 New Beetle Turbo S Ute.
Continue reading...Truck wall finish
Background The aluminum sheet bed walls — including the tailgate inner wall — can be finished a number of ways. First, the walls can be left “natural”. The disadvantage is that aluminum will oxidize over time, especially when exposed to the elements, leaving a blemished appearance. Even polishing aluminum is only...
Continue reading...Entertainment unit
Background The New Beetle radio came in several different flavors just as the media electronics revolution gathered steam — today cassettes and CDs are relics while satellite radio and/or GPS OnStar communication have faded into well-deserved obscurity. Most Beetles shipped with a standard radio package — marketed as “Premium V” up...
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