Colour coding the grill surround

[mrx]

For the benefit of anyone considering colour coding their chrome grill surround, I found out today that you can buy a new grill surround ex Sydney for $177 from your local VW parts department. Might be cheaper over east due to the lack of freight charges.

The part number is: 1Z0 853 661 739

This is on my list of things to do, but window tinting comes first.

[gregozedobe]

Thanks for that info MrX, that isn't too dear so it can remain on my wish list ( I have to actually take delivery first, until then I can't do too much at all )

[mrx]

Thanks for that info MrX, that isn't too dear so it can remain on my wish list ( I have to actually take delivery first, until then I can't do too much at all )

Start sanding, or vinyl wrapping now, so that it can go straight on when the beast arrives!

[mrx]

If, like me, you think the front of the Octavia vRS needs a bit more of an agressive look then read on...

I finished colour coding the chrome grill surround today, so here's some before and after pics followed by a little DIY. It was pretty simple, anyone with basic DIY / painting skills shouldn't have any dramas. I'm sure a professional spray painter could have achieved a more mirror like finish, but I'm happy with the results - only the trained eye would be able to pick it...

Before:





After:






DIY:

Tools required: a T27 Torx bit, a 6mm socket, and a flat head screwdriver. My local car paint shop puts the paint in spray cans, so there was no need for any spray gear.

Materials required: 1 can of colour coded paint, 1 can primer, 1 can clear laquer, 1 sheet 800grit sand paper.

I purchased a whole new grill from Vagteam on Ebay (Hong Kong) to paint, just in case I wrecked the original. It was approx. $150 delivered, versus buying just the surround for $177 from VW Aus. The one from Hong Kong comes with a gloss black centre with chrome tipped fins - actually looks quite smart (see pic below).

The painting materials came to about $60, be sure to take your car to the paint shop - there were 11 different variations of black magic on file!

Steps:

1. Remove the grill from the car. One torx screw and several plastic lugs hold it on. Use the 6mm socket to push over the lugs for an easy release.

2. Separate the grill and surround. Lever back the tabs with a screwdriver and it pulls straight apart. There's foam tape holding it together at the bottom.

3. Remove the badge (the hardest bit) it has very sticky foam tape holding it on (and the one on the car also had plastic lugs melted at the back to hold it on - thankfully I didn't have to touch that one). I left a couple of minor marks on the badge trying to lever it off. I just used a screwdriver (carefully).





4. Rough up the chrome with some 800grit wet & dry.





5. Spray a couple of coats of primer. (The paint shop guy recommended normal primer, no need for plastic or etching primer).





6. Spray a couple of coats of colour.





7. Spray about 4 - 5 coats of clear coat.

8. Allow it to dry overnight, polish it up a bit in the morning, and reassemble. I used contact adhesive to reattach the badge.





9. Stand back and admire your handy work.

As with any painting the key is not to rush it. Several thin even coats of paint are required. If you get impatient and spray it too thick, it will run and you'll have to sand it off and start from scratch. (Thankfully I was patient this time).

I have some eyebrows on order from Superskoda, in Czech Rep, to finish off the look. I'm undecided whether to actually use them or not - I'll need to see them in the flesh first.

[99gti]

Nice work! Nice to see the Skoda modding has started here in Aus. My hat goes off to you good sir!

There's a nice one on a UK forum that I occasionally have a ponder through. It's a yellow one, I'll see if I have any pics around...

[mrx]

Nice work! Nice to see the Skoda modding has started here in Aus. My hat goes off to you good sir!

Don't worry I have plenty of ideas, just not plenty of spare cash - that's why I'm DIY everything and starting with the cheap mods first.

Looking back at the pics, it desperately needs to be lowered.

[zz2]

what a pro you are! you want to colour-code my bumpers now?

[DaveMack]

Good work, that man. Really gives it a good aggressive front.

Dave

[Jmac]

That Skoda is a good looking thing- me likes!!!
Jmac

[DanSA]

Well done Hayden, very good work.

Impressed by your handywork...