Ok, so I spent the weekend wrapping my front chrome surround with black vinyl. If you are thinking of doing this, IMHO, just buy the black optics / black stuff from Audi or the bay. This is a complete ball ache. Maybe it is my mistakes, but the finish isn't as good as i'd like. I wanted to do this to see if I liked the black on black look, and buy the proper parts if I like it .... I do like it! Just needed to be sure before spending £170 on a gloss black grill.
If you know you like it, save yourself a headache and buy the proper grill.
Here's the result:
Anyway, for those who do decide to do it, a few tips (from going through 3 sheets of vinyl!)
That's about it. And if you're unlucky enough that whichever fool last took off your bumper used a drill on the hex screws for the under tray therefore spinning the metal clasps and shearing the plastic ... have fun!
If you know you like it, save yourself a headache and buy the proper grill.
Here's the result:
Anyway, for those who do decide to do it, a few tips (from going through 3 sheets of vinyl!)
- When parting the grill from the bumper, there are two non obvious clips in the top left and right (at the edge of the flanges for the top hex screws below the bonnet. Unclip these first as this disrupts the structural rigidity of the other clips and allowed me to do most by hand.
- When doing the wrap, put the sheet over the grill without working too much about it "wrapping". Make it tight like a drum over the front of the grill. Then use lots of heat, tightening from the center of the grill towards the edge. Don't follow the grill round otherwise the vinyl will bunch up. Gradually cut out the center, starting small and making it bigger bit by bit. It is too easy to cut too much out then ure screwed. Lots of heat and patience.
- You can remove the bumber without taking off the wheels, but it is annoying. Jack it up.
That's about it. And if you're unlucky enough that whichever fool last took off your bumper used a drill on the hex screws for the under tray therefore spinning the metal clasps and shearing the plastic ... have fun!
