Sideblade removal

[Edoel]

I am hoping that someone has the factory instruction manual on how to remove and replace sideblades. Are there written instructions w/photos available?

My R8 will be delivered next week with carbon but I have an artful set prepared with custom paint that I would like to switch once in a while.

I have also read different accounts of the time involved. So lets say with a learning curve experience of a couple exchanges, how long would it take per side and is there risk of any damage. Any watch outs from those of you with experience?

I think there were previous posts but the links are no longer active. I'd be happy to pay for the copies. Can also reach me at edoel1@gmail.com

Thanks

[mad-dot]

Actually changing the sideblades !!!

[EdoctaT]

Can you post a picture of your custom blades?
That would be awesome!

[Edoel]

mad-dot, thanks for supplying the post link. still would love to get the instructions from the manual.

EdoctaT, once the swap is done i will be happy to post both views, carbon and art blades. The painted blades and the r8 are both only days from arrival. John at landshark bicycles gave me a call as he was spraying the final coat on the blades. He seemed pleased with the outcome and I am as anxious to see the blades as the R8 itself.

[R8 England]

Edoel,

There is no "manual" and Audi will not give you detailed instructions on how to do it yourself. The removal process is part of the training process that the specialist R8 technicians get.

As per the link, my sideblades were changed at Audi (UK) head office by their specialists.

There is a lot that can go wrong. The black plastic cover plates can split when you lever them out and they made need replacing. The sideblade needs to be adjusted carefully to ensure it sits straight and clears the door.

The bottom edge (nearest the door) of the sideblade if often held flush to the support with a big double sided self-dhesive pad. This prevents the wind lifting the edge causing it too "flap". This needs to be very carefully levered off without damaging the underside of sideblade or the plastic mesh grill.

As noted, it took two Audi staff around 1 hour.

I watched throughout and in short, unless you know exactly what you are doing, it could be more expensive than you intended................

Better to get your garage to do it. If they damage anything in the process, its down to them!

By the way, this was the second attempt. Upon inspection, the sideblades on the first "donor" car were found to be damaged (split at the bottom where the adhesive pad is) and the mesh cracked. Someone else had previously taken them off/tried to take them off and damaged one of them in the process. The transplant was postponed and a second donor car located.

[wolfie]

Sounds like we need to prepare a global donor list as is done for organs. Of course the "harvesting" methodology would have to be carefully detailed to avoid damage to blades and we would have to determine how to allocate blades to needy receipients. I suggest we put the "poor" R8 owners on the top of the list!