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  1. #1
    Senior Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    May 05 2011
    AZ Member #
    75043
    Location
    SC

    DIY: How to easily and cheaply fix broken beltline trim tabs

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    I picked up a set of beltline trim from an A4 that had almost all of the tabs broken. My friend removed them from a junk yard in a hurry and basically ripped them off the doors and dash. I've used this method before for 1 or 2 tabs, but this time I had to fix basically all of them. This is a basic and quick write up on how I do it. I know that you can plastic weld them..but if you don't have a plastic welder or the skills this way works well too.

    You will need:
    1.Scissors
    2. Plastic drinkings straws (the skinny cheap ones from the grocery store)
    3. 2 part epoxy (For plastics, the kind that has the injection mix works easiest and best for this. Like in the pic)
    4. Rotary tool for trimming and shaping
    [IMG][/IMG]

    Here is a picture of one of the broken tabs (not sure if the US trim tabs look the same, I assume that they do):
    [IMG][/IMG]

    Next put the straw over what is left of the broken tab like this:
    [IMG][/IMG]

    Next you will have to cut the straw to about the length of what the tab used to be, I just made a close guess.
    [IMG][/IMG]

    Next you see the plastic straw cut and placed over what is left of the broken tab:
    [IMG][/IMG]

    You will then need to fill the straw with the epoxy. This is why the type with the mixer extension works best. It makes it much easier to fill the straw:
    [IMG][/IMG]

    You have to let the epoxy harden. Overnight is best to be safe. After it has hardened you can then use your rotary tool to trim and shape the new tab. When you are done it's as good as new. Note to use the skinny cheap-o straws, I tried some from a fast food restaurant and they were just too big in diameter...they worked, but had to spend a lot of time trimming and sanding them down. Make sure to let the epoxy fully harden before you try to shape them. I have many ideas and tricks, but just never have the time to post a DIY. This is my first one and maybe next time I need to make a repair in a way that is not common knowledge or commonly discussed, I will have the time to post another one . Cheers.
    OOOO 'Cause I like to party. OOOO

  2. #2
    Senior Member Two Rings S4Audi00's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 26 2007
    AZ Member #
    22879
    My Garage
    2004 A4 DD, 2000 S4 Stage-Stupid, 2010 R1 track bike, 73 bobber, 04 tundra (tow pig)
    Location
    Summit Point, WV

    Genius
    My s4 is a lot like a stripper… She only works when I am throwing money at her.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Three Rings BirdTurbo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 19 2009
    AZ Member #
    52309
    My Garage
    b5 a4 qtm
    Location
    Arlington

    This is what I needed. To bad I bent the trip piece too, lol

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