A3_Adam's Build thread

[A3_Adam]

Hey guys,

After a few new modifications I thought it was time for a build thread.

Here's the car as it was when I first bought it, completely standard and in need of a bit of TLC.

First thing I added was Ipod connectivity to the original concert stereo.

There were a few major scrapes and scuffs on the front bumper and chips and small dents in the bonnet, so instead of just repairing and respraying it I decided it was time for a facelift.

How it looked after the facelift and black optics grille:

Next it was time to update the rear, so I started by debadging and also purchased myself a set of MY09's.

While I was at uni I was looking for a few cheap things to do to the interior, so added an S3 light switch and thought I'd give plastidipping my door inlays ago.

A closeup

Much better then the old wooden SE trim.

Next on the list to sort out was the skyhigh ride height . so I set about searching and came across a bargain set of HnR Springs and Bilstein B4 dampers. Got these installed yesterday all ready for AITP.

After a good clean using stuff I'd ordered from Juicy Detailing (Thanks Jen), this is how it stands, ready for AITP.

Thanks for looking , any feedback appreciated :thumbsup:

 

[nil538]

Very nice work mate

 

[Rum Lad]

that grill makes all the difference imo, looks great

 

[wez3570]

Looking good, ride height makes all the difference.

 

[A3_Adam]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Hoping I'll be able to make up my mind alloys wise after finding some inspiration at AITP .

 

[A3_Adam]

After a brilliant day at AITP I figured I couldn't leave empty handed, so after seeing them in a mates 8L S3 I went and bought a full interior LED set from Trups.

Here's a few pics:

Amazing what a difference they make to the interior, really bring it up to date .

Before then I had a go at retrofitting the OEM LED numberplate lights but after Trups and I both couldn't get them to work at AITP I had to find another solution in the form of his LED Bulbs.

Here are the results

Definitely an improvement over the old yellow ones.

 

[jsosic]

After a brilliant day at AITP I figured I couldn't leave empty handed, so after seeing them in a mates 8L S3 I went and bought a full interior LED set from Trups.

Definitely an improvement over the old yellow ones.

Great job mate! How much is a set from Trups?

 

[A3_Adam]

Great job mate! How much is a set from Trups?

Thanks, depends whether you have the Light Pack or Not, best to drop him a PM his username is T8ups.

 

[A3_Adam]

Just a quick pic of what's next, can't wait to get them on

 

[BenKT]

Lovin all the mods you've been doing mate.

I really really need to start modding mine..

 

[A3_Adam]

Lovin all the mods you've been doing mate.

I really really need to start modding mine..

Thanks mate, don't worry I'm sure this forum will help give you plenty of new ways of emptying your wallet, the modding never ends

 

[daver555]

Great wheel choice

 

[Dsport]

Nice work I like to see a blank canvas come together, The door covers look alot better than wood keep up the good work

 

[A3_Adam]

Thanks guys, just dropped it off to get them fitted and a full alignment done. Will put up some more pics as soon as its collected.

 

[A3_Adam]

Just got it back from JTT Autotech, all aligned and new wheels fitted. Brilliant service from them, even delivered it back and gave it a much needed wash.

Anyway here's a print out of the alignment:

And a few new pics of the new additions:

Lets us know what you think

 

[Turbo jay]

Looking good mate, reminds me of my last a3, what's next?

 

[Dsport]

Big Transformation wheels make a car Only thing what offset are the wheels look like they could do with 10mm spacers to bring them out a bit more but do like it have you anymore plans

 

[A3_Adam]

Looking good mate, reminds me of my last a3, what's next?

Erm not sure at the minute, maybe an Sline spoiler and exhaust tips but then I'll see about replacing the standard interior.

Big Transformation wheels make a car Only thing what offset are the wheels look like they could do with 10mm spacers to bring them out a bit more but do like it have you anymore plans

I thought exactly the same thing when I saw that pic. Offsets 43 I think and yeah a few more plans as I said above.

 

[Dsport]

Just another Q did you fit the front and was wondering if it's just a bumper and bonnet swop or did you need a slam panel

 

[A3_Adam]

Just another Q did you fit the front and was wondering if it's just a bumper and bonnet swop or did you need a slam panel

Yeah was a bumper, bonnet and front grille swap. I did need to trim a bit off the crash bar so that it would line up.

 

[A3_Adam]

Haven't updated this for a while as been busy with exams and moving up to Newcastle for a placement. Sadly over the winter the mods had to be put on hold as the ECU managed to get water into it, have no idea how but it caused the car to only start periodically until it just stopped altogether.

Anyway managed to get a recon unit for a good price and after my first pay day contacted Andrew at DTUK to enquire about a tuning box. Placed the order and can't wait for it to arrive

Here's a more recent pic after a good wash:

 

[theo289]

good thread so far - i have an akoya silver sportback and find it quite difficult to find the right item for the car due to the colour however im loving that grill. Was it simple to fit and where did you get it from?

Tom

 

[A3_Adam]

good thread so far - i have an akoya silver sportback and find it quite difficult to find the right item for the car due to the colour however im loving that grill. Was it simple to fit and where did you get it from?

Tom

Relatively simple job to fit it, purchased it straight from the dealer as was fed up of waiting for one to come up on ebay. You can get one much cheaper from FK automotive but that one is matt black as compared to this one.

 

[Beagles]

You wouldn't even believe how similar our cars are!

 

[Beagles]

 

[A3_Adam]

View attachment 18422

Nice one mate, looks good. Just got back in from installing the tuning box and my god what a difference it makes. Its only on the default setting but the car feels more urgent. Will have a proper play around with the settings tomorrow after work .