Audi can stuff their £74.59. How about £5.98?

[ScottyUK]

Ever since I got my first up close view of an A4, the grooves in the front grill bugged me. It looks like something is missing ... and it is! The chrome strips!

Audi sell them for nearly £75.

They're here if you're interested : http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/owners-area/audi-accessories.html?appLink=%2Faccessories-searcher%2Fdetails.do%3FaccessoryId%3D582

They look like this :

http://www.audi.co.uk/accessories-searcher/displayImage.do?imageId=4675&metaId=4674

So after deciding that I'd do without due them to the crazy price, I've just bought 3.65M of 3.5mm chrome strip 3M adhesive foam on the back from ebay.

30 mins after getting the car out, I'd washed the grooves, dried them with my hot air gun (carefully so as not to melt the grill), warmed the chrome strip just prior to sticking each one on and it was job done.

Here's the before and after.

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7741&stc=1&d=1263738182http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7742&stc=1&d=1263738182

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7743&stc=1&d=1263738182http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7744&stc=1&d=1263738863


It's not easy to capture chrome in a picture (especially when this site only allows a tiny size) but I guess it shows that it's quite subtle.

I know some people won't like the extra chrome and it maybe won't suit certain colours and that's fine with me. I personally think it finishes it off.

For £6 and 30 mins it seemed crazy not to. ;)

p.s. Sorry the car's so dirty :o

[Bratty]

Problem now is that there is no place to mount the chrome horseshoe and the enamel AA badge;)

Dunk

[ScottyUK]

I promise you that this will not be an issue :p ;)

[A1287210]

I would be interested to know how they stand up to washing etc

[macc70]

Problem now is that there is no place to mount the chrome horseshoe and the enamel AA badge;)

Dunk
:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: :biglaugh:

[Hippogriff]

Ah, the project is almost complete now...

http://www.solware.co.uk/customise-car-part-accessories/car-tyre-valve-led-bulb-caps.shtml

:p

[Plife]

Great saving Scotty!! Hard to tell much difference in the pics but it seems to make the front brighter. :beerchug:

[ScottyUK]

Ah, the project is almost complete now...

http://www.solware.co.uk/customise-car-part-accessories/car-tyre-valve-led-bulb-caps.shtml

:p

LEDs and then the banging 2x15" subs and it'll be rockin' :D

(not) :p

[ScottyUK]

Too bling for some and too subtle to be seen in the pics for others.

I make that just about right then ;)

Bigger pics :

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul_scott/grill_before.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul_scott/grill_after.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul_scott/grill_side.jpg


p.s. I found out that this pic is from a TT and they do narrow towards the edges

http://www.audi.co.uk/accessories-searcher/displayImage.do?imageId=4675&metaId=4674

[Bratty]

Thing is Scotty, I would have a wannabe S4 Grill tomorrow!!(BUT NO!!! S4 BADGE!!!) and that is exactly what you have done but verticaly and with a bit more gap!! It looks aggressive but at the same time being sophisticated! you have to wonder why Audi did not offer the chrome "accents" on the grill as an option? Almost the Anti Black Option!

Not taking the pinkle, just was having a joke.;)

Dunk

[ScottyUK]

I know you're playing ;)

Don't understand the option comment as it is a dealer accessory :confused:

I certainly don't think it looks like the S4 one. To be honest I prefer this one.

[73kingstonroad]

Looks nice.... I've seen it done before on another site.

Martin

[Bratty]

Then we have to agree to differ!

I can not remember seeing chrome strips on the front grill as a factory option (Hochglanz packet??!)

But I am Mad:o

Dunk

[ScottyUK]

It's a dealer option not a factory fit. The same as the chrome exhausts ;)

[pitch3110]

I am no bling lover, but I do think the B8 does look rather black at the front.
I think it's the xenons and the darkness around them.
My old B7 I think looked brighter.
Parked beside a C-Class Sport the other day and mine certainly looked draber round the grill.
I like this alot Scotty and maybe just what is needed.

ta
Pitch

[Plife]

Those pics show it much better and I like it. Nice work. Nice and subtle mod. :beerchug:

[c parnell]

I have done it as well in the cold not expecting much and they have stuck with no sign of lifting. I think they look classy.

Clive

[spellsinger]

This is a great mod for two reasons - it's cheap and if not liked can be undone, so win win.

Mike

[Kmacker]

I agree. Never noticed the empty grooves, and needs something to finish it off. So much so , just been to Halfords (£10) and 'scotted' my grill as well...
Cheers for the tip... :-)

[ScottyUK]

You've obviously not been giving your car enought attention when cleaning it :p :D

[Tony2]

I want to do this to mine but iv got an Ibis White one with the black optics pack and dont know if chrome will look right, as apart from the four rings it would be the only bit of chrome on the front end...............

But i hate to leave the gaps its looks so unfinished, In a way i wish i could get some polished black strips(to match the black around the grill) to fit in and at least it wouldnt just be empty:(

Having said all of that i think it looks well nice like this on this car with the chrome fogs and grill surround.....



Anthony

[Kmacker]

Fitted mine on Friday afternoon. Really heavy frost last night (typical :-( ), but still attached. Also fitted wind deflectors from Climair. Look a good fit if anyone is interested... Google them :-)

[Aldoaccie]

Cheers for that Scotty, aka Martin Lewis. Good money saving tip! :biglaugh: Have also just done the mod and looks pretty good.

[pitch3110]

Few questions....
1. What size is it from *********
2. Are we cutting it with a stanley knife
3. Any more pic's out there

ta
Pitch

[ScottyUK]

[1] dunno
[2] cable cutters to get a nice neat edge
[3] you tell 'em ;)

[Sportwag]

I "blinged" my grill using the Scotty method but am still undecided - up close and from some angles it looks better, but from a distance it looks like there is too much chrome. Here are the pics: -

[ScottyUK]

Looks quite subtle in the pics but with a dark colour I guess it's more bling in real life.

The good thing is it's only costing £6 to find out if you like it ;)

I do concede the point that it's not for everyone though.

[Bristle Hound]

Fancy doing this too mine!

Which 1 of these did u buy from Scotty

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-STYLING-STRIP-3-5mm-x-3-65m-SELF-ADHESIVE-CAR_W0QQitemZ280456903405QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item414c88baed

Or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-MOULDING-TRIM-STYLING-STRIP-3-5MM-3-65M-CAR_W0QQitemZ120485012550QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item1c0d776446

Thanks in advance! :beerchug:

Anyone else done this to an ibis white A4?

[Tony2]

Fancy doing this too mine!

Which 1 of these did u buy from Scotty

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-STYLING-STRIP-3-5mm-x-3-65m-SELF-ADHESIVE-CAR_W0QQitemZ280456903405QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item414c88baed

Or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-MOULDING-TRIM-STYLING-STRIP-3-5MM-3-65M-CAR_W0QQitemZ120485012550QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item1c0d776446

Thanks in advance! :beerchug:

Anyone else done this to an ibis white A4?

Iv got the black optics pack so i wont be using chrome

Iv found (after alot of work) someone who will custom make primed inserts that i can then have sprayed black chrome so it fits with the rest

Il post pics when its done:Blush:



Anthony

[pitch3110]

Just reserved mine from Halfords over the road from my office.

Nice job for Saturday

ta

[ScottyUK]

Fancy doing this too mine!

Which 1 of these did u buy from Scotty

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-STYLING-STRIP-3-5mm-x-3-65m-SELF-ADHESIVE-CAR_W0QQitemZ280456903405QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item414c88baed

Or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-MOULDING-TRIM-STYLING-STRIP-3-5MM-3-65M-CAR_W0QQitemZ120485012550QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item1c0d776446

Thanks in advance! :beerchug:

Anyone else done this to an ibis white A4?

The second one. The first wasn't around when I was looking. Maybe you can save another quid! ;)

[Bristle Hound]

The second one. The first wasn't around when I was looking. Maybe you can save another quid! ;)

Thanks! :beerchug:

[Bristle Hound]

It came yesterday - £4.99 delivered! Gonna put it on later on in the week when I have time & post some piccies! :D

[pitch3110]

well thats mine done.

not sure about it though and if it really notices.

will wait and see if anyone comments

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt288/pitch3110/IMG_1720pb.jpg

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt288/pitch3110/IMG_1721pb.jpg

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt288/pitch3110/IMG_1719pb.jpg

[Bristle Hound]

well thats mine done.

not sure about it though and if it really notices.

will wait and see if anyone comments



I like! :D

Nice and subtle without screaming at yeh! :D

[Petemate]

That is really nicely done - I just love saving money, someone after my own heart.

[pitch3110]

Take back my reservations....

Popped the garage door up this morning and it does lift the front of the car nicely.....the chrome not the garage door.

ta
Pitch

[Tony2]

Yeah its nice and very sublte it does beg the question why its not standard



Anthony

[Aldoaccie]

...probably because there will be muppets out there who aren't aware of this site nor Scotty's money saving tips and thus will pay 75 quid to Audi for the privilege....

[Bristle Hound]

Just done mine

I'm quite pleased with the result

No chrome
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/BristleHound/grillenochrome.jpg

Chrome
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/BristleHound/grillechrome1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/BristleHound/grillechrome2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/BristleHound/grillechrome3.jpg

[pitch3110]

Lovely..................

[2.7 S-line]

looks a very neat job

still not sure if i like or not - think you probably have to see it in the flesh to be 100%

so i guess i'm going to have to splash out a fiver or so to see :D

[ScottyUK]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/BristleHound/grillechrome1.jpg


I'd like it a lot more without the advertising :(

[didkobandita]

Thanks Skotty :beerchug: I did my one and it makes a difference 100%
Looks great now
There is an option to fit a wider strip 4mm because the channels are bit wider but this one does the job :p
Great looking :beerchug:

[Bristle Hound]

I'd like it a lot more without the advertising :(

I don't work for them! It came like that! :1zhelp:

I must admit when it comes to putting my personalized plate on it they're coming off! :aargh4:

Free advertising, huh! I ALWAYS take the dealer sticker outta the back window on all my cars too! :D

[Tony2]

Looks Nice bris but lose the advert and the quattro badge........Nice though looks like your a bit of a dab hand at that


Anthony

[ScottyUK]

I don't work for them! It came like that! :1zhelp:

So did mine. It lasted all of 10 miles before they were removed. ;)

[ScottyUK]

Thanks Skotty :beerchug: I did my one and it makes a difference 100%
Looks great now
There is an option to fit a wider strip 4mm because the channels are bit wider but this one does the job :p
Great looking :beerchug:

I knew 1/8" fitted which is 3.125mm and I was told that there was just a little space left. I therefore went for 3.5mm. I did ponder going bigger as when I measured it there was clearly room for bigger but I couldn't find anything. Therefore 3.5mm is what it was ;)

[Plife]

Looks Nice bris but lose the advert and the quattro badge........Nice though looks like your a bit of a dab hand at that


Anthony

What's wrong with the quattro badge?

[Bristle Hound]

What's wrong with the quattro badge?

+1 :confused:

[Tony2]

+1 :confused:


''OCD ALERT''

For me i just dont like things in the grille like that, Its not centred and on my car it was the only piece of chrome (or silver) apart from the rings on the whole car, Thats just me i cant deal with things being uneven or lopsided

Same with the RS Badges and the Golf GTI Badge in the grille, just dont like it so when i had the car debadged i got them to remove that as well

Just me though...


Anthony:approve:

[ScottyUK]

Have you done the exhaust conversion to make that balanced ? ;)

[Tony2]

Have you done the exhaust conversion to make that balanced ? ;)


Its on the list ;)

But its alot of money:mad: and im not going for a quad tip (no rs4 fake here) and from what iv heeard about the dual tip ones knocking about they drone badly so untill the right exaust for the right money is about i just wont look at the back lol......

It does drive me mad......


Anthony

[ScottyUK]

I have to admit that I was pretty happy when I saw the 2.0T Avant had one each side.

My TT did and then my S4 did. I've got used to balanced zorts :D

[Hippogriff]

For me i just dont like things in the grille like that, Its not centred and on my car it was the only piece of chrome (or silver) apart from the rings on the whole car, Thats just me i cant deal with things being uneven or lopsided

Maybe two, one mirrored? (could be easily read in rearview mirrors then), quattro badges on the front is the solution to make you happy? Or, if you have two on the front, would you need a further two on the back as well?

Could get expensive, and heavy.

This is not OCD, though, things should definitely be symmetrical. Steering wheels shouldn't really be at one side or the other, either - and don't get me started on gearsticks. Centre things or provide two of everything I say.

[Tony2]

Maybe two, one mirrored? (could be easily read in rearview mirrors then), quattro badges on the front is the solution to make you happy? Or, if you have two on the front, would you need a further two on the back as well?

Could get expensive, and heavy.

This is not OCD, though, things should definitely be symmetrical. Steering wheels shouldn't really be at one side or the other, either - and don't get me started on gearsticks. Centre things or provide two of everything I say.

I dont know if this is taking the **** or not???

I know this sounds like swearing to you Quattro heads but its only a badge.

Either way i just took it off... Im not bothered it doesnt say Quattro on the car...Its says goodbye when i leave the lights with perfect traction and poyse :approve:

By Haters .........Lol



Anthony

[Tony2]

Back to topic though.......

Scotty? You know i want to do this but i want Black chrome not Chrome chrome :0

Do you think i could buy this strip and just Spray it black gloss?? Its got to be worth a fiver to see eh??

Cheers....

[ScottyUK]

I haven't got a scoobie to be honest.

I know in the US many guys have dechromed their cars by simply covering with black detailing tape and they reckon it lasts. Maybe a search for that sort of thing may help. :confused:

[Tony2]

I will give it a go this weekend and report back............Cant hurt..

Anthony

[73kingstonroad]

I've done my a5 today, very pleased with it...

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthread.php/chrome-trim-fitted-10300/index.html

Martin

[pitch3110]

Nice Job.......

The bods who make this stuff should be handing Scotty a bung.

Ta Pitch

[Bristle Hound]

I've done my a5 today, very pleased with it...

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthread.php/chrome-trim-fitted-10300/index.html

Martin

Looks a lot like mine ... :D

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=476971&postcount=40

[dwl99]

I did this mod & it looks excellent - thanks for posting!

[thescouselander]

Yeah, nice mod, I'll be doing this myself today.



.....And Here is the result

Before:


http://www.thescouselander.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Before.jpg

After:

http://www.thescouselander.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/After.jpg



I think it turned out pretty well - looks even better when you see it first hand.

[preedy62]

Fitted these, looks the dogs bolls, brightens the front a treat. Excellent mod. Thanks!

[ScottyUK]

Not sure if this is staying yet or not. This would only work on MY2010 mirrors of course.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul_scott/Mirror1.JPG
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul_scott/Mirror2.JPG

I asked the Mrs before I stuck it down and she gave it the thumbs up so we can blame her if it's not liked :biglaugh:

p.s. This was just an off-cut from before so no increase in price ;)

[Sportwag]

I like the chrome strips on my grill - was a bit unsure at first but definately suits the S-line esp in a dark colour ;-)

The mirrors are a step to far for me!