2013 S4 black optics build up, with a couple minor touches! (x-post from qw)

[Ben@University]

I've always loved the titanium package/black optics look, especially on a white car. When I picked up a 2013 S4 DSG in Ibis white, I already had ideas with the resources available.

First off: Not into the polished mirrors, I know I'm in the minority here. Inspired by the B7 RS4 titanium package I traded one of my A4 clients mirror housings. We looked up the paint code and my bodyshop was able to reproduce it, great!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo1.jpg

Next up, the rear valence/silver strip. No offense, but black optic cars in 2014 look unfinished. That includes the S4/S5/S6/S7. The rear valence stays matte gray and they simply make the center spoiler/strip match. I wanted mine matte black with the center strip glossy black to match the black optics grille. Home run again by our bodyshop!


https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo2.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo6.jpg


Next up: Chrome window trim delete. Many people like the gloss black on the new cars, I prefer matte. Northwest Auto Salon to the rescue! Really impressive work by Blake and the crew there. Intricate and no noticable overlaps. Enjoy the final pics, it turned out great! And yes, I'm aware it needs lowering :) When I do, I'll get some pics that aren't from a cell phone.

Finally, shout out to Achtuning/Hartmann for the wheels, thanks Bill and crew. For those that don't know I co-founded Achtuning with JoshD long ago, talk about full circle! Only makes sense to get hooked up with some wheels. The ET38 (as opposed to factory ET43) offset works perfect and I prefer their darker finish. Cheers!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo3.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo4.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/bo5.jpg

[Mops@Nemesis]

Nice job!

[SwankPeRFection]

Side moldings need to match your mirrors. If you're going to go unique, finish it off. I think it would help balance it out a bit. Not sure I personally like the flat black on the rear... cheapens it out a bit I think.

[wwhan]

Looks very nice.

Also similar to my 2011, except I painted the mirror covers Ibis white & I have the 18" titanium replica wheels.

[QuattroRocket]

Nice work Ben !

I remember coming down from Vancouver to spend time with you guys a few times back in the old days at Bison Creek Pizza ! Glad to know a few OG are still around.

[VeeDubbinJetta]

That looks really good [up] I just picked up a '14 A4 from you guys Todd and Tyler (3rd car from University), I would have traded you mirror housings in an instant, I love the look of the brushed aluminum. Car looks really good

[xuandatou]

Nice !@@@@!

[audinepa]

Looks good nice work.

[Ben@University]

That looks really good [up] I just picked up a '14 A4 from you guys Todd and Tyler (3rd car from University), I would have traded you mirror housings in an instant, I love the look of the brushed aluminum. Car looks really good

Thanks! Tyler has a 13 S4, he might trade you mirrors, what color is your car? ;)

[Ben@University]

Side moldings need to match your mirrors. If you're going to go unique, finish it off. I think it would help balance it out a bit. Not sure I personally like the flat black on the rear... cheapens it out a bit I think.

You gotta see the rear valence in person, cell phone pics miss the detail. R8 has a similar satin/matte black color rear valence w/ black optic package. I considered doing the lower moldings similar gray actually, but held off. Got a decent pic in b&w near a bridge in seattle today.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4399796/s4_bridge.jpg

[VeeDubbinJetta]

Thanks! Tyler has a 13 S4, he might trade you mirrors, what color is your car? ;)

I know Todd has an S4 as well. Mine is black although I have the paint protection film on the mirror so that would probably cause extra work. Although I do really lke what you did with your mirror caps as well [up]