How I retrofitted paddle shifters on my Polo GT TSI steering wheel

I wasn't aware before this mod that standard Indian switches also have the pads for the socket on the back side for paddles

BHPian hellraiser_yank recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Here's how I retrofitted paddle shifters on my Polo GT TSI's existing steering wheel.

Though wasn't aware of anyone having done this cut and retrofit method at the time.

Parts needed:

• Steering wheel switches from paddle shifter wheel ($60 from China)
• Steering wheel paddle shifters OEM ($120 from China)

Methodology:

• Remove standard wheel.
• Make cuts on the back of the wheel where screw provision for paddles already exist (happy surprise for me). Cut throught the soft rubber like material and leather where needed to seat the paddles properly.
• Remove standard switches.
• Screw the new paddle shifters into the provisioned hole in the steering wheel.
• Plug the 3 wire socket of both the paddles into the new switch assembly
• Install the switches
• Install the now upgraded wheel and enjoy the DSG shifting as it was intended.

Notes:

• I used the Chinese OEM paddle shifter wheel borrowed from the ever so kind Mr. Barman at eurocar_retrofits to use as a template.
• I wasn't aware before this mod that standard Indian switches also have the pads for the socket on the back side for paddles, just not the socket. You can potentially install sockets or directly solder the paddles saving some $60 for the switches.

Some pictures. Apologies was too excited to finish up so forgot to take detailed step by step installation pictures.

I got the work done at Speedwayz car workshop, a hidden gem in Noida owned by Sumeet Mehdiratta (RD350 king of India).

All parts were supplied by eurocar_retrofits (Instagram handle). I bought the parts well in advance so not sure of the prices now.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.