So I did a search looking for information on pulling out the wood grain trim to polish it. I have a 98.5 2.8 and it has a lighter, unpolished wood trim, which I think has been aptly described as the "matte finish". I am looking to get rid of this one way or another. Is it possible to simply polish the existing trims I have? Has anybody done this? I know someone has removed and painted them (silver) so I would imagine this could be done, but I am hoping that the trim will appear a bit darker and as glossy as the later b5s. Any suggestions on a coating to use, or on what kind of paint. Also, there was mention of a tech article for removing the trims, but I never came across one. Does anyone know where I can find one? Any help much appreciated...I had the glossy trim on my older 98 audi (-although i'm hearing that this only existed after 99.5-) and can't stand this matte look.

Alternatively, although it is highly unlikely... is anyone with the polished wood grain trims and centre panel willing to give them up?? I am willing to pay about $150 USD for them and will trade in my matte fininsh ones at no extra cost. Just thought I'd try...someone a may want to paint a different look and can get a little extra money for a set they could use to pain over.

 

Are they actual wood? If so, you could stain and seal them. I've got a 1.8t, so I don't have any clue what your guys' trim is like.

 

You should PM UpstateNYA4...actually, I'm pretty sure he made a thread about the very same thing...look for that first.

 

personally i think the matte wood finish looks nice. but to be honest im pretty sure its fake wood, im not sure if you can stain it but in all seriousness get the wood grain vinyl or sticker , and just throw a few coats of clear on it, i think that would be the easiest way to get the look. i could be completely wrong though, i have the aluminum trim so im not sure what the wood is made from.

 

I'm quite sure it is still real wood. I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and try to buy the glossy trim from a scrap yard or something. I really want the look and shade of the factory polished finish. Hopefully I can get a for relatively low price. Don't want to pay more than about $120. The worst part is that when I totalled my old A4, I was so mad that I just sold it to a scrap yard for $100....I have could have saved myslef and others so much money and time...now I might have to go to the same scrap yard and pay $100 for just the trims off of my old car.....that 20/20 hindsight sux.

I checked out UpstateNYA4's article and found what I was looking for. Thanks a million.