re. 4kq exterior window trim

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

[Quick question about my new (ok, new to me) 86 4kcsq:

On the outside of the car around the windows, there are some trim peices
that appear to have been black from the factory.

In some spots just below the rear door windows the black is coming off or
flaking.  Next, there appears to be a corner trim piece in the lower
rear-most corner of the back door window that is completely shiny now.  I
believe that all of these trim peices are aluminum, but I'm not sure.

Can anyone tell me if these corner pieces are supposed to be all black and
what the best solution (what kind of paint or preparation) is necessary to
get them looking like the "engineers" intended them to look like?

I'd imagine that this is a common problem...it kind of bugs me and makes the
car look a little ratty.
:
Elliott

86 4000CS Quattro]

This phenomenon seems to happen to both the mid-80's 4000s and 5000's.  Two
approaches to fix, depending upon the look you like.

1) remove the remainder of flaking paint with steel wool + acetone and leave
as bright shiny metal.

2) clean the trim with alcohol and paint with flat black - I use Rustoleum,
Krylon.

I prefer the quiker fix #2.  Just be patient and careful not to run the
paint.

I'm sure there are more "professional" approaches, but this has worked for
me quite well.  Spray Paint can make some ratty trim and rocker panels look
good again.  Just take the time to clean/prep.

Ben

p.s. I'm glad this is the more technical problem you are having with your
AUDI ;-}