Changing the Front Grille

[rajkis]

I have a 2003 A2 with the original smooth style front grille. I am considering changing it to the more aggressive looking slatted grille. Is it straight forward to do?

[Skipton01]

I have a 2003 A2 with the original smooth style front grille. I am considering changing it to the more aggressive looking slatted grille. Is it straight forward to do?
You'll need to remove the bonnet and undo the bolt at either end, then unclip the plastic from the metal framework and then install the new one.

I seem to remember that bolts of a different size were needed for a swap too, but they're not hugely different.

Cheers,

Mike

[spike]

Hi rajkis
We have a fitting guide on the forum - see link
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3421
The guide indicates the new mounting bolts are M8 but on my car they were M5. I also found that trimming the black plastic blocks to blank off the square section tube support was not necessary

Cheers Spike

[chucknaldo]

Bolts need to be put back in differently, originally they pointed towards the car but in replacing the new style grille they need to be screwed in the opposite direction (pointing away from the car).

[PANZERMCGRORY]

I done the same and i was lucky and got it from ebay for £40 all in, think audi are about £75 and vagparts a little bit cheaper.
its easy to do but you will need to make sure you get the different bolts and i had to trim the plastic retainer with a stanley knife as it would not open otherwise but that was easy to do aswell.
Don.

[rajkis]

Thanks very much for all the replies Chaps. I just need to find a grill now!
Rajkis

[richard-]

vagparts.com got the grille for £50 plus discount if you're a discount member here

[Alan_uk]

I have a 2003 A2 with the original smooth style front grille. I am considering changing it to the more aggressive looking slatted grille. Is it straight forward to do?

As other's have said, it's an easy job, just the bolts go differently. Just take care not to damage the paintwork on the bonnet. I did the job myself and recall the bonnet lies upside down on the ground, so you need a clean blanket or similar with no grit!

BTW, I changed the aggressive looking slatted grille for the older smooth one. I think the black mirror finish looks much nicer!

[Skipton01]

BTW, I changed the aggressive looking slatted grille for the older smooth one. I think the black mirror finish looks much nicer!
I've done the same - especially on a black car, it blends in better and it's a lot easier to get bugs off in the summer!

Cheers,

Mike

[bretti_kivi]

i have three and prefer the original color.storm smooth matt black one.