[A Story of...] The S8 Project

[1781cc]

Couldn't you almost buy another car with the cost of all that? Your dedication to the cause is superb - I applaud you

[NOR_KNet]

replace all 4 top door chrome trims (found an easy way without removing the window frame) - 1 already replaced

Any more details regarding this? How-to?

Regards
Kenneth

[M-A8]

Originally Posted by NOR_KNet

replace all 4 top door chrome trims (found an easy way without removing the window frame) - 1 already replaced

Any more details regarding this? How-to?

Regards
Kenneth

Well, easier than removing and realigning the window frame.
There are 5 or 6, can't remember now, plastic clips.
Last one, front, is well tucked in inline with the bolt holding the wing mirror more less.
Take a 5mm wide flat head screwdriver, min 25cm long, bend the flat end about 2mm off centre and it will allow you to access the last fixing. Bend end makes it much easier to pull out the middle plastic pin/rivet, whatever is called.
I can get some pics later on if you want.

Obviously you have to remove the door's alu insert panel so you've got just the door shell left. You need it off anyway no matter which method you will use.
When you remove all plastic ''rivets'' (reusable) trim just pops off.
When refitting you dont need to put back the tricky clip/rivet back because wing mirror sits on top of the chrome trim holding it down.
Trim it self is very rigid due to chunky base made from a hard plastic and i checked if it flaps without the wing mirror and it doesn't, you'll fit the mirror anyway.
It's almost impossible to refit the last clip, I say almost because I believe it's possible if you find the fairly easy way to do it.

Similar situation with the rears, but I'll know for sure when I get the back ones swapped. There seems to be a bit more room around the last clip so there is a chance of putting all the clips back on.

[Joe2.0E]

Have you checked the doors are a good paint match before you go to the hassle of fitting them ? Even factory paint can vary in terms of shade depending on when the cars were painted.
Serious dedication though, it'll be a cracking car when you're done.

[mannyo]

Hey Marcin, good to see progress on the S8, even a little setback has not put you off.

[M-A8]

Joe,
Well, i think there is a slight difference between the front door and front wing, I haven't looked at it properly yet so not sure if it's just the light or maybe wing was re-sprayed before It's not in your face at all and I still need to fit the rear door.

Manny,
To be honest they both has put me off a little, S8 and previous A8, but then as always I regrouped, got my act together and started putting some serious hours in order to go thru all the jobs as quickly as possible and as many as possible.

I'm already having little troubles. After removing passenger's front wheel I've noticed grease splattered everywhere. Looks like just before I got her off road for this work to be done, inner CV boot has failed.
So front brakes are completely off same as both drive shafts due to driver side CV boot showing some worrying signs of perishing and being on the edge of failing as well.

So a pair of driveshafts in very good condition, much lower miles and CV boots in good nick as well will be fitted most likely tomorrow, just waiting for 2x new hub bolts and 12x spline driveshaft bolts from Audi.

Will get some pics and more updates by the end of the week hopefully.

[M-A8]

Tintin,
That's perfect, I will get it on USB stick and play it on B&O while swearing and sweating most likely when doing all this work

Matt,
I've got B&O from factory and doors I have were pre-wired for Bose system, it's not a big job at all so no dramas here. One think I've noticed is that newer soft close latches have 3 pin connectors instead of 2 pin. Same wiring, you just leave middle pin empty so it's only a matter of stripping plugs and swapping them over from the Bose version harness.

1781cc (it's been a while since I'be been on the forum and I have bloody forgot your name, sorry buddy ),
Well....yeah, initial cost is about £9k , but I'm getting money back and I get lots of stuff done plus I really get attached to the cars, don't like changing cars at all. I usually stick to the car, spend endless hours around it, I throw money in them like buckets of water and then clean them every other weekend for few hours. I find it very soothing, it gives my missus some ''space'' and I enjoy being on the driveway and around the cars a lot.
Saying that, decision was prompt by me loosing out recently on a lovely Blue well spec'd 09 plate RS6 avant. After that I've decided that's it, I'll get majority of things which annoy me sorted and will stick with her for now due to having at the minute enough expenses with planning a 2nd child, new business, holidays and all that, so buying D4 S8, which isn't V10 is not my priority at the minute - I'm happy with my car ... almost

Picked new bleed valves from Audi today for all 4 calipers today so it looks like I'm doing brakes this weekend and maybe rear door, not sure yet.