What handbrake handle grip colours are available?
 

Having been "playing" with my handbrake and looking at the trim critically it occurred to me that the leather grip was coloured to match the grotty mid-beige standard plastic nearby.

But I thought it would look better if it matched the main carpet and leather trim which is twist beige (cream).

Rummaging online I saw they are available in a number of colours - including the Final Edition Red! :tuttut:

The alternatives on sale seem to be called black, grey, brown or cream. Difficult to tell from an online photo but I think the "cream" is what I already have and there isn't a lighter option; anyone know for sure?

Here's the various options Etka still shows as available - the 2 letter colour codes will indicate what's correct for your car based on the build sticker, so it's a case of identifying if one of the various colours listed matches other bits of your trim that aren't the actual colour listed (as per the different greys which all carry the same trim code but are actually different colours!)

I'm tempted to replace item 3 with one in black just because it won't show the marks from the lever going up and down!

Should also add that the vast majority were dropped in 1/2/2013 so best bet to check stock is the Audi Tradition site. Best order a few things as the postage charge is criminal! I bought my driver's door trim from them and the service was smooth.

Yes, mine is a bit of a mess too.
I tried painting over the wear marks, with limited success. :o

As a first step I'm going to try my Woolies leather renovator on it, to see if I can change the colour to match the seats.
If that doesn't work I might change the whole thing (grip and plastic shield/cover) to black.

You know, when I went to my very first A8 Meet, with my 2.8 QS, and watched the detailing demo and listened to all the chat about custom exhausts and how to treat the leather interiors, I thought - I'm never going to get this an@l about a car!

But it's threads like this that have got me into detailing, fitting extras I'd have otherwise never heard about, changing the mirror caps because one was scratched, getting the paint sorted becuase of a few chips on the bonnet....

So I had to check the handbrake. Doesn't the handbrake grip match the gear stick? So will you change that too?

Maybe, but it's not adjacent to any other leather.
Pretty pleased with the result, though it is a bit "creamier" than the original leather on the seats and armrests. Not that much of a contrast to the eye as the camera and I guess it might tone down as it dries out properly?

Nice. +++

Now you've got me thinking. I have thought about getting an RS6 (?) gear shift (like Sergey), but they're black. However, Sergey rightly points out that the gearshift is close to the central aircon panel, which is also black. And if I could match the handbrake to the seats.....

What colour was your handbrake grip to start with? Did you take a photo before the Woolies treatment?

Handbrake was the same as the plastic around it, a sort of muddy beige, so somewhat darker than the seats. No photo.
It did take several coats, and the Woolies instruction do warn about the risks of using it to change colours, especially going lighter as I did!

I did one coat (after cleaning) with a cloth as they advise, to work into any cracks/flaws, though there were almost none. After that I painted very thin layers on with an artists brush; squirrel hair for watercolour work IIRC. About 3 thin coats after the cloth work and leaving an hour between each to dry in a warm place (on top of the boiler). Finished off with the Woolies waxy sealer.

But you have got me thinking about the gear knob. How easily does it come off? My "chrome" button is in a pretty bad way so I want to refurbish or replace it anyway.

uummm ditto. In fact I am guilty as charged for taking the p*ss out of The Laird for this sort of stuff and now I'M thinking about changing the colour of me handbrake handle...... aaaarrrghh I have become an A8 owner... :o