newbie introduction and pictures

[Jeff Cooper]

apologies in advance I joined here a month ago to ask a question and got a more than helpful answer straight away but didnt introduce myself and post any pics of my car so here we go.

I work from home in the north east selling used Audis as my main job ( motor trade for 24 years now) in particular I specialise in modern Audi S line diesel models,Im just a one man operation small time and just do enough to pay the bills, Im a petrol head (even though Im 42) and am passionate about my cars and over the years raced most things with wheels!

Ive owned some weird cars over the years but my current daily drive is a B8 avant 3.0 tdi 6 speed manual , which at the mo is ticking all the right boxes, does the school run for the missus and is a towcar for my race car. Ive changed the wheels to 19" black edition, rear window tints , changed the grill to honeycomb and had the full car dechromed car has full black leather , I like everything about the car except the colour Im not a fan of red (like marmite you either like it or you dont) so the car is a stop gap until I can find a speccy black 3.0tdi Avant.

couple of pics.

and couple of my other hobby!

 

[riggssuzuki]

Very nice motor and welcome to ASN.... WHat do you mean (even though Im 42) lol...

 

[johnnythepie]

Hi Jeff and :sign_welcome:
I know what you mean about red, but each to thier own.Its still a nice bit of kit.Just one question, how much and how big a pain was it replacing the window chrome? I hate mine with a passion!!

 

[longp2]

Welcome, nice looking car and I have to disagree with you as I really like the red.

 

[Jeff Cooper]

Hi Jeff and :sign_welcome:
I know what you mean about red, but each to thier own.Its still a nice bit of kit.Just one question, how much and how big a pain was it replacing the window chrome? I hate mine with a passion!!

yep me too , I despise Chrome especially on a red car. I attempted to remove all the chrome to etch and paint but wasnt as easy as it appeared so I bought a large sheet of matt black wrap and wrapped it on the car, local place to me has done it to loads of 3 series bmws and they said its permanent, they were busy so I thought i would have a bash at it myself, I didnt attempt to wrap the rails although I think they would be do able with practice! I painted them (paint sprayer by trade) rather than remove them which looks a bit of a job! I got a polly mask bag and wrapped the car, there is a gap underneath the rails so I carefully masked up the car so no overspray , prepped the rails to key , etched with good etch primer and painted with 2 pack brilliant black with 50% matting agent. I dont think you would know looking at the car it wasnt factory. cost me £36 and around 3 hours to do it.

 

[johnnythepie]

Ah.I was hoping for a tip or two on actual replacement.I ordered my avant a month before audi announced the black optics pack, and managed to change my order to include the black roof rails, but was too late for the rest.The grille I made out of two , so its glossy black trim and glossy black inner.Was a right mare splitting the two.

 

[Jeff Cooper]

Ah.I was hoping for a tip or two on actual replacement.I ordered my avant a month before audi announced the black optics pack, and managed to change my order to include the black roof rails, but was too late for the rest.The grille I made out of two , so its glossy black trim and glossy black inner.Was a right mare splitting the two.

I looked at replacement myself , the chrome trim round the roof just unclips but to remove completely it needs the rear quarter windows removing which are not that straight forward and roof rails looks like headlining removal so I went for plan b and wrapped them! as said I dont think you could tell, I lipped the wrap underneath and under the rubber so its a proper job and I used the 3m wrap which I have been told wont shrink so should be a permanent job .

 

[toastyhamster]

Want those wheels. It inspired me to look on ebay for replacements for my 20 spokes, then saw some in black with the polished rims. That'll do me in Spring
I do like the red, the tint plus the black extras set it off nicely.

 

[ScottishA4B9]

Lovely Car mate. Where did you get your grill from and how much did you pay? I'm after one for myself.

 

[Jeff Cooper]

Lovely Car mate. Where did you get your grill from and how much did you pay? I'm after one for myself.

good old ebay, £114. quality is very good lines up and fits perfect.

 

[ScottishA4B9]

good old ebay, £114. quality is very good lines up and fits perfect.

Do you have a link for the seller?
Is the surround Gloss or Matt Black?
How hard was it to fit?
Also do you have any other pics of the grill on your car?
Sorry for all the questions.
My B8 is also red so it is good to see how it looks like on yours.

 

[Jeff Cooper]

seller was from washington tyne and wear, had them in stock next day delivery, comes with optional parking assist, took around 20 minutes to fit for two of us on a ramp , front bumper off a few screws to remove old one and reassemble job done. its matt.

 

[ScottishA4B9]

seller was from washington tyne and wear, had them in stock next day delivery, comes with optional parking assist, took around 20 minutes to fit for two of us on a ramp , front bumper off a few screws to remove old one and reassemble job done. its matt.

Thanks Jeff! I will have a look.
I have noticed that some of them have the plastic running the length of the grille (behind the grill and in-line with the number plate holder), but I couldn't tell from your pic if your one had it. Basically it covers where the crash beam would be and the ones without do look better, however you need to paint the crash beam black to hide it. Also is your number plate holder fixed in or do you have to clip it in like some? If you have anymore pics I would really appreciate looking at them.
Basically I'm looking for the easiest option.