A Bit of Bling for the Boot

[pete-p]

Just a thought... would it not be easier/cheaper to use some chrome vinyl wrap on the existing struts?

[steamship]

Originally Posted by moltuae

The greater closing force wouldn't bother me ( ... though I wonder if there's a way you could safely let a little gas out, or have them 're-gassed' at a lower pressure?). My present (SGS) gas struts take a similar amount of force to close the boot but they're a little creaky so I was thinking of going back to OEM.

If the chrome struts were supplied new with some vehicles, you'd think there'd be a separate VAG part number for them. There's no part number on them I assume?

Just checked and no identifying details at all on them. As for the closing force, I did not that one was stronger than the other. That could just be down to use. Maybe my originals were past their best. Hard to say without some sort of meter to test them.

I just mentioned the force part just in case someone decided to replace theirs and then didn't like how they operated.

Originally Posted by pete-p

Just a thought... would it not be easier/cheaper to use some chrome vinyl wrap on the existing struts?

A chrome wrap might be another way to go, but with the rust on the existing ones, I would have thought that this would have to have been rubbed down to get a smoother surface, and also a surface that is unlikely to give way. The pistons also have rounded ends which needs sorting as well. If you've used vinyl wrap before, it might be an option.

[MikkiJayne]

4E0827551A

A8parts have another set listed, and Febi apparently do a replacement in the polished finish, part number 31678.

[steamship]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

4E0827551A

A8parts have another set listed, and Febi apparently do a replacement in the polished finish, part number 31678.

Ha! Good one MJ. I spent ages looking around for a replacement, and with that info, there are tons. Maybe I didn't look hard enough after all.

[moltuae]

Brilliant. Thanks for the part number MJ

[27litres]

Late model Corvette's (2008-2013) used chrome struts.
Should check if they're the same dimensions...

Or, use these and trim if necessary:
2005-2013-Corvette-Chrome-Cylinder-Covers

[Readie]

I was gonna buy these chrome struts so thought I would take off the old ones just to check sizing.
Then had a root around in shed and saw I had some ‘chrome paint’ so started to rub them down for prep.
Then, as the black paint was coming off revealing ‘clean’ metal under I decided just to keep on going with my drill attached sander.
Then with drill attached polish disc got this result.
All in all took about an hour and a half and cost pretty much nothing!!

[RICKY D]

That’s a really good job you’ve done there.

I recently replaced the whole strut like Sean on both sides but i’d Be more than happy with your results. Good effort!

[27litres]

I take it the strut tubes are Aluminium then?

[MikkiJayne]

Excellent result Mike and I have been wondering how this would work with the bonnet struts in mind. Did you lacquer them afterwards?