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I nondestructively removed the hinge assemblies from the original grab handle. The Volvo setup utilizes a removable steel rod that the hinges pivot on, the Audi setup is more advanced and uses plastic bushings. I had to drill out the plastic bushings with an 9/64 bit if I recall and file down the length of the bushings. Then I reused the steel rod inside the Audi bushings. I used the Audi soft close tensioner on one hinge and used the Volvo spring on the other (I gave up trying to use the Audi spring it was a pain to line up in the slots)
I used no glue or srcrews or anything nasty. It still looks OE. Once I got the hinges on the case, I clipped it back into the roof and popped in the retainers.
Once the bushings are modified, I don’t think you could reinsert them into the grab handle, unless you created some short steel pins to replace what was filed down off of the bushings.
Since the grab handle is recessed into the roof, don’t expect to fit any giant glasses in there, it’ll only handle lower profile glasses. I have a few pictures I can post but they aren’t instructional, I’ll have to prepare another one for that.
Thanks, looking forward to pics (worth 1000 words).
I have one of these in my S3, and they're pretty good. Plastic is a little bit too shiny, but nothing you can't fix with some 1000 grit sand paper or matte black plastic dip.
I have one of these in my S3, and they're pretty good. Plastic is a little bit too shiny, but nothing you can't fix with some 1000 grit sand paper or matte black plastic dip.
With this one, you just unscrew the handle and screw this one in? No mods required?
That would be an easier swap! Just make sure that they fasten to the roof with clips and not screws (unless you want to run self tapping screws into the roof) Audi has eliminated the possibly of stripped threads by cutting slots in the roof to receive clips. Must be a European thing I noticed BMW does it as well.
I have one of these in my S3, and they're pretty good. Plastic is a little bit too shiny, but nothing you can't fix with some 1000 grit sand paper or matte black plastic dip.
That looks good, nice and clean. I'm sure there is a felt lining, but do you hear the sunglasses "rattling" around when they're in there? Being so close to my ear, glasses rattling around in that would drive me crazy.
With this one, you just unscrew the handle and screw this one in? No mods required?
Originally Posted by BryanL
That would be an easier swap! Just make sure that they fasten to the roof with clips and not screws (unless you want to run self tapping screws into the roof) Audi has eliminated the possibly of stripped threads by cutting slots in the roof to receive clips. Must be a European thing I noticed BMW does it as well.
Yes, these clip in. The one I bought even came with a nifty little tool to help you pry out the clips. Very easy install.
Originally Posted by JT4
That looks good, nice and clean. I'm sure there is a felt lining, but do you hear the sunglasses "rattling" around when they're in there? Being so close to my ear, glasses rattling around in that would drive me crazy.
Yes, they do have a piece of foam at the bottom. I’ve only heard rattling once, but moving the sunglasses around slightly fixed it, and I’ve never heard rattling again.
Yes, they do have a piece of foam at the bottom. I’ve only heard rattling once, but moving the sunglasses around slightly fixed it, and I’ve never heard rattling again.
12-11-2017, 06:28 AM
