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Okay, technical overload time.Originally Posted by coreying
My bracket is physically the same as that supplied to moonblade87 - see this post. It's designed for a 371x83mm "Premium Slim" plate (NSW quote 372x84mm - it's the same size as SA however). It has the Black Powder Coated Finish (which is recommended for high-visibility applications such as on the front of our Golfs).
However the screws are slightly different to moonblade87's, for technical reasons: his are plastic and fit into 10mm lugs in the bumper; mine are steel (phillips head) with aluminium powder-coated washers to match the bracket, and fit into 8mm lugs - the correct size for the holes left in my GTI bumper by the stock adapter. (Moonblade87 pushed his 10mm lugs into the 8mm holes with a bit of elbow grease I believe, hehe.) There is a chance that the type of lug VW uses for the R varies to that of the GTI, and it's also possible that VW will change the GTI lug over time, so there may be a small amount of trial and error involved. Philip ordered replacement GTI lugs from VW, to measure them up before making our brackets, and was supplied with 10mm non-removable steel lugs, so... hmmm.
You may be able to go with a security screw type for the bracket, but it may need to be custom-made due to the size and finish.
I ordered the clear Kingpin Prestige covers, front and rear. Personally, I think they really compliment the bracket well, and finish off the look just right. It'd look unfinished without them IMO.
No, I didn't need the covers to be formed to a special shape - these are very well made covers, and they will flex to the curvature of the bumper/bracket without splitting, although you do need to be careful. I removed and fitted mine many times on cold winter nights in the garage (worst conditions for it), and my front cover eventually developed a very small hairline crack in the far corner near the screw fitting as a result. Philip kindly offered to replace it free of charge.
The covers themselves are attached by custom-sized security screws, and come with a special little tool to do them up.
I wasn't actually aware of it, and so didn't use it myself. Because I ordered another bracket some months ago (remember this?), my second bracket, covers etc have all been at a discounted rate. Just mention VWWatercooled if/when you order, and if there's still a discount available, I'm sure he'll give it to you straight away.
All my dealings with Philip have been via email or phone, and I never actually ordered anything directly via his site. Because of the complexity of the solution, and the various options available, Philip called me on several occasions to go over the details and discuss my options. I know he likes to speak to his customers directly in these circumstances, to make sure you're getting exactly what you want. Because every bracket is custom-made, you can specify alterations (and it may cost no more). He's a great guy to deal with, and very helpful.
The only other thing I can think of is that, for GTI owners, you could go with the no-visible-screws option I mentioned in my post here - mount the bracket using the lower/inner holes obscured by the plate, and have the outer edges of the plate reinforced by backing material and some double-sided waterproof 3M tape. It'd look completely clean, and will be just as firmly attached. That option won't be available for the R guys (based on the photos I've seen of the adapter, and assuming a Premium Slimline-sized plate), but you could still go with just two screws holding the bracket in place.
If there's anything else I can help with, just ask!
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