Tutorial: How-To Fit Helix Soundbox + Spare in GTI

[Algerman]

Thanks for everyone sharing their tips and experiences in this thread. I just ordered the Helix system for my new 2020 GTI SE and am looking to install it while retaining the spare as shown is possible in this thread.

I am inclined to having the spare tire seated over the sub (w/ feet removed) and was wondering if any of you who went with this set up have any long term feedback on this config? Any regrets, or is all still well after keeping this set up for a while. Comments on sound quality for those who tried both configs?

As for some people having success with the floor sitting flush after install and others not so much, that is truly puzzling. Hope I am one of the lucky ones.

 

[snobrdrdan]

^^^As mentioned in the thread earlier....it's "better" to have the (heavier) spare on the bottom, keeping the weight lower in the car.

If you ever need to get to the spare, it's not that hard to remove the Helix to access it. You're still keeping the spare (better than no spare tire at all), but you'll hardly (if ever?) use it.
The box is pretty solid, but I wouldn't want to put the (heavier) spare on top if you don't have to.

Also, if you're driving aggressive, you're asking a lot of that plastic bolt to hold the spare tire in place with it sitting on top of the Helix. (because top heavy)

That's my 2 cents.

 

[Huddo]

Just ordered a helix kit for 20 plate TCR

 

[southpawboston]

^^^As mentioned in the thread earlier....it's "better" to have the (heavier) spare on the bottom, keeping the weight lower in the car.

If you ever need to get to the spare, it's not that hard to remove the Helix to access it. You're still keeping the spare (better than no spare tire at all), but you'll hardly (if ever?) use it.
The box is pretty solid, but I wouldn't want to put the (heavier) spare on top if you don't have to.

Also, if you're driving aggressive, you're asking a lot of that plastic bolt to hold the spare tire in place with it sitting on top of the Helix. (because top heavy)

That's my 2 cents.

Eh, I don't think aggressive driving put any lateral strain on that top bolt. The rubber sidewall is what's resting on top of the helix, and the bolt just keeps that interaction under mild additional compression. That compression is enough to prevent any lateral movement.

 

[snobrdrdan]

Eh, I don't think aggressive driving put any lateral strain on that top bolt. The rubber sidewall is what's resting on top of the helix, and the bolt just keeps that interaction under mild additional compression. That compression is enough to prevent any lateral movement.

 

[ybot]

These tips all seem helpful. I'm a brand-new GTI owner. Does anyone know if it's possible to fit a Helix + Tire in the 2021? The VW parts site says the Helix itself is incompatible, but I found a reddit user whose dealership installed it (in the normal replace the tire fashion).

 

[Strange Mud]

I would bet dinner it will fit

 

[Dog Dad Wagon]

These tips all seem helpful. I'm a brand-new GTI owner. Does anyone know if it's possible to fit a Helix + Tire in the 2021? The VW parts site says the Helix itself is incompatible, but I found a reddit user whose dealership installed it (in the normal replace the tire fashion).

no difference between a 21 and any other MK7/7.5 GTI w/ respect to the rear tire well. You can run both the Helix and the spare.

 

[Truax]

This may be the definitive install guide for stacking tire and sub. Not because I figured it all out, but because I read thought all of the proceeding posts and tried many of the different approaches suggested. After much trial an error I think this is the approach that works best. I tried to synthesize what I learned from these many post into one clear guide. I hope this helps. AGAIN ALL of these ideas are stolen from others, but I thought I would put it into one clear guide.

This approach puts the tire on the bottom and sub on the top and then moves and reuses the sub woofer feet. My lid rest perfectly level on top. You will need to order a longer plastic screw, if you want the second nut (optional) you will need to order the short screw (so you can get a second nut.) You will be repurposing the feet on your sub.

I think my sub sounds better on top than on the bottom - your mileage may vary.

Step 1. Replace short tire bolt with long one you ordered (don't forget to move the foam washer on the short bolt to your new long bolt).

Step 2 (photo) Pull back the black padding in the wheel. Find the valley so you can run your harness in the valley and under the wheel.

Step 3-4 (photo) The rim is going to go back in your car inverted, that is with the label side down - the rim should form a bowl. Pull harness through hole in rim. Use your nut (if you bought second nut). If you only have one save it for the end.

Step 5. (photo) Remove feet from bottom of sub. Replace existing holes with screws. I used some silver ones laying around in my garage. (If your OCD leaving the original holes unblocked and the subwoofer box sill be less efficient). Measure 3 inches from the edge and reinstall the feet with original screws. Install the sub on top of your rem, notice how the moved feet now sit just inside the rim and stop it from sliding around all without raising the sub height.

NOTE: Prior to putting the connector back into the sub I coated the outside of the inner connector with a LIGHT AMOUT of Vaseline jelly it does not actually touch connectors). Dielectric grease would be an even better choice, I was out). The harness is now much easier to pull out in the event of a flat.

Step 6 (photo) use second screw to secure the sub.

If you're OCD you will place the label toward the rear of the car. I'm not THAT OCD.

My top closed perfectly, the sub sounds great. I hope this helps.

 

[murph3699]

This may be the definitive install guide for stacking tire and sub. Not because I figured it all out, but because I read thought all of the proceeding posts and tried many of the different approaches suggested. After much trial an error I think this is the approach that works best. I tried to synthesize what I learned from these many post into one clear guide. I hope this helps. AGAIN ALL of these ideas are stolen from others, but I thought I would put it into one clear guide.

This approach puts the tire on the bottom and sub on the top and then moves and reuses the sub woofer feet. My lid rest perfectly level on top. You will need to order a longer plastic screw, if you want the second nut (optional) you will need to order the short screw (so you can get a second nut.) You will be repurposing the feet on your sub.

I think my sub sounds better on top than on the bottom - your mileage may vary.

Step 1. Replace short tire bold with long one you ordered (don't forget to move foam washer on short bolt to your new long bolt).

Step 2 (photo) Pull back the black padding in the wheel wheel. Find the valley so you can run you harness in the valley and under the wheel.

Step 3-4 (photo) The rim is going to go back in your car inverted, that is with the label side down - the rim should form a bowl. Pull harness through hole in rim. Use your nut (if you bought second nut). If you only have one save it for the end.

Step 5. (photo) Remove feet from bottom of sub. Replace existing holes with screws. I used some silver ones laying around in my garage. (If your OCD leaving the original holes unblocked and the subwoofer box sill be less efficient). Measure 3 inches from the edge and reinstall the feet with original screws. Install the sub on top of your rem, notice how the moved feet now sit just inside the rim and stop it from sliding around all without raising the sub height.

NOTE: Prior to putting the connector back into the sub I coated the outside of the inner connector with a LIGHT AMOUT of Vaseline jelly it does not actually touch connectors). Dielectric grease would be an even better choice, I was out). The harness is now much easier to pull out in the event of a flat.

Step 6 (photo) use second screw to secure the sub.

If you're OCD you will place the label toward the rear of the car. I'm not THAT OCD.

My top closed perfectly, the sub sounds great. I hope this helps.






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Thanks! Now I have a cheap and easy "mod" to do this weekend!

 

[2020gtiguy]

Does anyone know if 1T0-803-899-B fits in the 2020 GTI? When I look up the part it says it doesn’t fit. Just wanting to confirm before purchasing. Recently installed the helix, wanting to mount it with the spare. Thanks!

 

[StealthGTI]

Yes!

Does anyone know if 1T0-803-899-B fits in the 2020 GTI? When I look up the part it says it doesn’t fit. Just wanting to confirm before purchasing. Recently installed the helix, wanting to mount it with the spare. Thanks!

In that case, it just means it's not intended for your car. But it'll work.

 

[2020gtiguy]

T

Yes!


In that case, it just means it's not intended for your car. But it'll work.

Thanks! I know it was brought up previously in the thread, but does putting the screws back in after taking the legs off matter?

 

[StealthGTI]

I'm not 100% about the fit with or without the screws. I didn't leave the Helix sub in the car long enough to experiment.

 

[dmcgrath009]

Received my Helix Sub today and on test fitting it looks like I will need to cut and shape some of my rear plastic trim piece to get it centered over the spare tie. Has anyone else encountered this? Also mine appears to sit just a bit high not allowing the rear floor to sit perfectly flat. not a big deal but slightly noticeable. Feet are removed and the appropriate hold down parts have been ordered. this is a 2016 GTI