I Gave My T5 a T6.1 Face Swap… Here's What Happened!
DTE TV
69,211 views
In this video, I'm doing a full T5.1 to T6.1 front end conversion on my
cheap project Transporter — new wings, bonnet, bumper, headlights, grille,
and a badgeless gloss black grill to finish it off. I also picked up some
20”black alloys to complete the look. The results? Pretty tasty. 🖤🤍
⚠️ IMPORTANT WIRING TIP: On T5/T5.1 models, the headlight wiring loom
plugs are IDENTICAL at both ends. Plug them in the wrong way and you'll
blow your dash clocks. Mark which end is which BEFORE you unplug it. Ask
me how I know...
📦 PARTS USED IN THIS BUILD:
T6.1 Front Panels (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Headlights (used, eBay) - approx £60/pair
T5.1 to T6.1 Headlight Adapter Looms - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Bumper (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Badgeless Gloss Black Grille - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Wings & Bonnet (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Side Repeater Indicators - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Grill Bracket (genuine, TPS) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
18" Black Alloys (supplied by Wayne @ VW Vans HQ)
🔧 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Project overview
01:33 - Stripping the T5.1 front end
04:30 - ⚠️ Critical wiring loom warning
08:50 - Engine bay clean up
10:37 - Parts rundown for the T6.1 swap
12:27 - Bumper bracket problem (and the fix)
14:48 - Painting the panels
15:37 - Fitting the new front panel & grille
18:18 - Bumper assembly & fitting
20:03 - Wheels on!
22:27 - Full lights check
🛒 FOR SALE: Genuine T5.1 front end — £800 takes it.
🏆 Both this van AND my T5 build will be appearing on
TMG Competitions over the next 6 months — keep an eye on
https://www.tmgcompetitions.co.uk
👕 DTE TV Merch & socials — [ADD LINKS]
If you found this helpful, smash the thumbs up and drop a comment —
let me know if you want to see the full build series on this Transporter
OR the Caddy next! 🚐
20 Comments
I Gave My T5 a T6.1 Face Swap… Here's What Happened!
DTE TV
69,211 views
In this video, I'm doing a full T5.1 to T6.1 front end conversion on my
cheap project Transporter — new wings, bonnet, bumper, headlights, grille,
and a badgeless gloss black grill to finish it off. I also picked up some
20”black alloys to complete the look. The results? Pretty tasty. 🖤🤍
⚠️ IMPORTANT WIRING TIP: On T5/T5.1 models, the headlight wiring loom
plugs are IDENTICAL at both ends. Plug them in the wrong way and you'll
blow your dash clocks. Mark which end is which BEFORE you unplug it. Ask
me how I know...
📦 PARTS USED IN THIS BUILD:
T6.1 Front Panels (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Headlights (used, eBay) - approx £60/pair
T5.1 to T6.1 Headlight Adapter Looms - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Bumper (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Badgeless Gloss Black Grille - [ADD PART NUMBER]
T6.1 Wings & Bonnet (aftermarket) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Side Repeater Indicators - [ADD PART NUMBER]
Grill Bracket (genuine, TPS) - [ADD PART NUMBER]
18" Black Alloys (supplied by Wayne @ VW Vans HQ)
🔧 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Project overview
01:33 - Stripping the T5.1 front end
04:30 - ⚠️ Critical wiring loom warning
08:50 - Engine bay clean up
10:37 - Parts rundown for the T6.1 swap
12:27 - Bumper bracket problem (and the fix)
14:48 - Painting the panels
15:37 - Fitting the new front panel & grille
18:18 - Bumper assembly & fitting
20:03 - Wheels on!
22:27 - Full lights check
🛒 FOR SALE: Genuine T5.1 front end — £800 takes it.
🏆 Both this van AND my T5 build will be appearing on
TMG Competitions over the next 6 months — keep an eye on
https://www.tmgcompetitions.co.uk
👕 DTE TV Merch & socials — [ADD LINKS]
If you found this helpful, smash the thumbs up and drop a comment —
let me know if you want to see the full build series on this Transporter
OR the Caddy next! 🚐