Pre FL Dash Upgrades

[joestella28]

Hi all,

Following on from my other thread (Fr or ST), the one thing that lets the Leon down for me is the dash (well more specifically the air con/audio system and surround). I've seen on here that it is possible to retro fit other VW audio units (I'd shoot for an RCD310 as I don't need the navigation). Is it also possible to change the air con/climate controls?

I'm sure most of you know what I mean but just incase you don't, I want to got from this

to

(minus the RHD to LHD conversion obviously!)

If I could upgrade the air con/audio system and surround then the Leon would be perfect for my situation I think.

I know many are going to pop up with the simple answer of "just buy a FL Fr" but the difference in price is quite significant to be honest.

If anyone has done this I'd be interested to see any pictures that they may have.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[J400uk]

I'm in the same boat with my pre-facelift

so far to improve the interior I've fitted the RNS 310 media system as in your second picture, new gearstick also from picture and got a highline cluster (speedometer) ready to fit along with cruise control

don't think the climate control unit can easily be changed unfortunately but the other stuff certainly makes a difference

 

[J400uk]

This is the media system and fascia (got a new screen since taking that picture):

These are the other bits:

Planning on getting some proper pics at the weekend once its all in place
Next job will be the armrest after this lot

 

[MrFwibble]

How easy was the RNS310 to retrofit? Any issues to watch out for. I have a 56 plate Sport with the basic stereo at the mo.

 

[J400uk]

How easy was the RNS310 to retrofit? Any issues to watch out for. I have a 56 plate Sport with the basic stereo at the mo.

I wouldn't say its easy but its certainly achievable as a DIY job. The complexity depends on what the car currently has fitted to it. On a 56 plate the worry is it would have the old can gateway which has the potential to cause battery drain, so you'd need to budget about £100 to have that upgraded.

Its a really nice upgrade though and definitely makes the interior of the car feel a lot more modern

This guide is worth a read - http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=139255

 

[markmeus]

don't think the climate control unit can easily be changed unfortunately but the other stuff certainly makes a difference

It can be done, Im near sure I saw a leon on here with it done, and I've certainly seen the mk5 Golf guys do it.

As to how hard it is, that I don't know, but it's certainly possible.

 

[Dan_FR_21]

Some members have retro fitted the facelift climate control unit. But I believe there is some issues with trim colour.

Here's the link - http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=377629

 

[joestella28]

Excellent news! Makes such a huge difference IMO!

Now I just need to find an early TFSI Fr....

 

[robthebubble]

This is the media system and fascia (got a new screen since taking that picture):

These are the other bits:

Planning on getting some proper pics at the weekend once its all in place
Next job will be the armrest after this lot

Just to clarify, you can't upgrade the speedo/clocks from a FL to fit in a Pre FL. The connectors on the back are completely different and wont fit as they are built into the housing unit. If you were good at electronics and wanted to hack two up then you might be able to get them to work but otherwise no chance.

Some members have retro fitted the facelift climate control unit. But I believe there is some issues with trim colour.

Here's the link - http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=377629

That's the one, easy mod to do if you can get the bits. I'm sure I've seen someone put in a golf climate control unit and modify a fascia to get it to fit?!??!

 

[porksword28]

Yeah think it was cila

 

[J400uk]

Just to clarify, you can't upgrade the speedo/clocks from a FL to fit in a Pre FL. The connectors on the back are completely different and wont fit as they are built into the housing unit. If you were good at electronics and wanted to hack two up then you might be able to get them to work but otherwise no chance.

Yeah you are right, but I'm not fitting facelift clocks I'm fitting pre-facelift Highline clocks. They aesthetically look significantly nicer than the 1980s style half height display most pre-facelift cars have!

I'm sure I've seen someone put in a golf climate control unit and modify a fascia to get it to fit?!??!

Yep was here - http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showpost.php?p=4205993&postcount=7248

Matches exceptionally well with the VW style head units, but not easy as the fascia was a custom job for him!