2017 S3 Black Optic center caps

[Brad_B]

So I am going full flat black on my S3 and have had the OEM Black Optic rims powder coated black as well as all exterior badging replaced with flat black badging and darker window tint (pics coming soon).

The shop kind of screwed in that they did not put black lugs on like I requested and I had also asked them to spray/vinyl/something the center caps. I am going to get around the lugs by installing black lug covers which will be simple, but the center caps are a little tougher.

What I would prefer to do is remove the OEM caps, spray them myself, and then reinstall. I know there are center caps out there that can be bought but there are tons of horror stories with fitment etc.. So a couple of questions:

- Anyone know how easy/hard the center caps are to remove with the wheels on? Ideally the shop would have removed them with the wheels off from the back, but oh well. I have read stories about people even using strong suction cups to remove them without prying (like using a gopro suction cup or any windshield mount device).
- If they turn out to hard to remove without damaging, I might try to buy new center caps. Any ideas on which ones would be best?

Thanks in advance.

 

[S3Fan]

They are super easy to pop out. Just remove the ring, gently pull on those tabs and pop them out.

 

[Brad_B]

Thanks S3Fan. The image is helpful and that matches what I thought they looked like.

However, I am trying to do this without removing the rims so I am not sure how I can access to the ring and the tabs like you mention. Am I missing something here? or is it going to be just too difficult with the rims on?

Thanks again.

 

[S3Fan]

You might end up breaking those tabs if you leave the wheels on.

Thanks S3Fan. The image is helpful and that matches what I thought they looked like.

However, I am trying to do this without removing the rims so I am not sure how I can access to the ring and the tabs like you mention. Am I missing something here? or is it going to be just too difficult with the rims on?

Thanks again.

 

[Muad'dib]

Plastic dip is the easiest and most inexpensive fix. Happens to look great too. Do not compare to old examples. It is fantastic now