Side Skirt Rocker Strip in Carbon Fiber?

[Leo Gets]

I have been looking for the rocker strips in carbon fiber. I have seen them for the S4 but not for the S5s.
I have seen a lot of bolt on side skirts, but not a direct replacement for the OEM rocker strip.

Searches are leaving me a bit frustrated, wondering if anyone knows of a company that makes them.

OEM part numbers are 8W6-854-868 / 8W6-854-867

[Dave10]

That will be a hard part to find in CF from anyone other than the dealerships if the even make a CF one. This is because it has tabs and hooks molded into it that need to be flexible to attach it to the rocker. CF does not flex. Your best bet if you have to have it CF is to have it wrapped in high quality CF.

In my personal opinion I think CF on a non track race car looks silly and useless. Kind of like the JDM Honda guys running around with racing tow hooks on each bumper be have never been on a track.

[Leo Gets]

That will be a hard part to find in CF from anyone other than the dealerships if the even make a CF one. This is because it has tabs and hooks molded into it that need to be flexible to attach it to the rocker. CF does not flex. Your best bet if you have to have it CF is to have it wrapped in high quality CF.

ECS makes this part for the B9 S4, so I feel confident that it can be made. Also my CF rear diffuser has tabs and hooks, (as do the CF seat back panels) and it snapped into place with no issues.

This is the part from ECS for the B9 S4:

In my personal opinion I think CF on a non track race car looks silly and useless. Kind of like the JDM Honda guys running around with racing tow hooks on each bumper be have never been on a track.

I like the way the RS5s have the carbon fiber lip, rocker panels, and rear diffuser. I wanted to replicate that RS5 OEM+ look by adding a front lip, rear diffuser, and side rockers in carbon fiber...

Wondering if the reason I can't find it is because there isn't enough demand within the S5 community as there is in the S4 community...

[Liquid Smoke]

Wondering if the reason I can't find it is because there isn't enough demand within the S5 community as there is in the S4 community...

it's not about the demand but it's because that sideskirt/side blade, has been around since the B8 A4/S4. Same with the S4 body being roughly the same since then, so these are a common part already being produced over a decade.

you would have found these to fit the B8/B8.5 S5. but the B9 S5 is just too new a platform i guess, and just hasnt been enough demand since, most i see just go with the bottom skirts like the maxton one. i would just get the piece wrapped in some high quality high gloss CF wrap and call it a day lol.

[Dave10]

The coupe does not have the rocker you pictured on the red car above on the 18 B9.

[Leo Gets]

The coupe does not have the rocker you pictured on the red car above on the 18 B9.

I own a coupe and yes my B9 has that rocker.
Which is also pictured in the OP with the parts diagram and the OEM part number.

[Dave10]

Ok ? I have a coupe also and the trim is not stick on. I just got the two parts above from my local dealership.

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/VW-8W6854867

[Leo Gets]

Ok ? I have a coupe also and the trim is not stick on. I just got the two parts above from my local dealership.

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/VW-8W6854867

Your local dealer is correct. The rocker for B9 S5 coupes is made of 2 part numbers. 1 part number for the painted rocker panel itself and 1 part number for the rocker fin that is the black textured plastic part.

If you look at the link you posted, these parts are depicted as Part #1 and Part #3. What I am looking for is Part #3 in carbon, to replace the OEM black textured one. Similar to how the rear diffuser unclips from the rear bumper and the carbon one clips into place.

If you were to unbolt the entire rocker (part #1) and remove it from the car, on the inside, there are clips that release the black textured rocker fin (part #3). ::Pictured Below::





I have a CarbnLabs carbon fiber front lip and a Carbon Import carbon fiber rear diffuser. I would like to finish off the look by having the OEM rocker fins in carbon fiber as well. Especially since I love the way the carbon package looks on the RS5s.

[Dave10]

Yup, we agree. I just wanted you to know it was not a double sided tape stick on part like other models.

I did not want you to waste your money and be stuck with the wrong part.

[Andy_FL]

This piece has been in the (way) back of my mind to fab in pre-preg CF but I had not been clear on how exactly it affixed to the car. Has someone actually taken it off and verified there is no double-sided tape contributing here? Which vehicle is that blue rocker from in the photo?

[Leo Gets]

This piece has been in the (way) back of my mind to fab in pre-preg CF but I had not been clear on how exactly it affixed to the car. Has someone actually taken it off and verified there is no double-sided tape contributing here? Which vehicle is that blue rocker from in the photo?

Andy,
The blue rocker is one that is on sale on ebay - like ths one for sale > ebay listing <

However the part(s) is about $84 per side. I am more than willing to either take mine off my car or purchase new ones and donate them to the cause.
LMK

[Leo Gets]

Update 10/14/22 - for anyone that was interested.

HR Performance has agreed to do these for me in carbon fiber.
I will post updates and pictures and may even do an unboxing and installation video if there is interest.

FYI - these will not be a weight reduction item, only aesthetic/cosmetic, as they are laying carbon over the OEM trim.
I am interested on how the fit and finish will turn out and am more than happy to be the guinea pig for my Audi brethren.

[gamov3r]

Awesome - thanks for leading this! I'm VERY interested in these for my B9 SB.

[Leo Gets]

Update 10/28/22 - Parts Arrived

Alex from HR Performance sent me a text today that the OEM rocker sills arrived. He will start working on them early next week.

They are a special order part and took about 12 days to arrive.
OEM part numbers are 8W6-854-868 / 8W6-854-867

[Mugatu]

How much were those?

[Leo Gets]

How much were those?

The OEM rocker inserts vary depending where you get them. I’ve seen them anywhere from $90-120. Direct from the dealer the price is closer to 120 per side.

[Leo Gets]

Update 11/8/22 - Carbon is laid

Got a text from Alex at HR Performance. The carbon is laid down on the parts. Next is curing, trimming, cleaning, and polishing. He is expecting them to be ready to ship out by Tuesday.

[gamov3r]

This is for the B9 S5 SB? Very interested in these for my SB.

[Dave10]

They are for a Coupe not a SB / Hatchback.

[gamov3r]

They are for a Coupe not a SB / Hatchback.

Ah - bummer

[Leo Gets]

Ah - bummer

He can make both the SB and the coupe trims in carbon fiber. He just overlays carbon over the oem part.
Reach out to them and I’m sure he’ll make you a set.

[GoneQuantum]

FWIW I had the side blades on my B8.5 S4 wrapped with carbon vinyl that almost perfectly matched the weave on the ECS diffuser/spoiler.

I had heard mixed reviews on fitment for the ECS blades and general pains for install, plus ECS wanted $700+ for the set I believe and the wrap was much cheaper which is a plus.

Could be worth trying

[Diesel S5]

Interested to see finished product…

[Leo Gets]

Update 11/15/22 - Sanded and polished

Driver side rocker insert is sanded and polished. He’s going to work on the passenger side tomorrow. Prep and ship by Friday. Taking a few extra days but I’m happy with the way they look so far. It’s going to look very OEM+.

[Diesel S5]

Looks nice…

[Leo Gets]

Update 11/21/22 - Complete and shipped

The rocker/side skirt inserts are done and have shipped. I should have them soon.



Is there any interest in an unboxing/installation video?

[Gerith]

Those are going to look sooo good.. might need to do this myself

[Diesel S5]

Update 11/21/22 - Complete and shipped

The rocker/side skirt inserts are done and have shipped. I should have them soon.



Is there any interest in an unboxing/installation video?

What's involved in the installation of these...? Can you put me in touch with the supplier...?

[Leo Gets]

What's involved in the installation of these...? Can you put me in touch with the supplier...?

It requires removal of the side skirt to access the clips in the rear that hold the OEM diffuser in place. Having the car off the ground to access the bottom clips/screws makes it much easier, so jack stands or quicklifts would help. There are a few plastic clips and some screws that hold the skirt from the bottom and some from the top (under the door sill panel) then it just snaps out. Once out, unclip the OEM trip piece and snap the carbon one into place. Then repeat in reverse to put the side skirt back on. IMO its an easy DIY job.

The shop is called HR Performance. This is their instagram account . DM Alex and let him know that Audi Leo sent you and you're looking for the same skirt.
Just be advised, these are hand made custom items and mine took about 6 weeks from ordering to shipping. But communication was great, he text me at least once a week with updates and pics.

Also, feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions. I'm always happy to help.

[Leo Gets]

Those are going to look sooo good.. might need to do this myself

Thx!

You can reach out to Alex at HR Performance via instagram, let him know you found out about him from Audi Leo

[Diesel S5]

I don’t think the B9.5 SB has rocker panels like this at all… Bummer, cause these will look awesome…

[Leo Gets]

I don’t think the B9.5 SB has rocker panels like this at all… Bummer, cause these will look awesome…

Yeah, I believe the B9.5 has a solid 1pc side skirt. You would have to go with a aftermarket bolt on splitter.

[Dave10]

Hey Leo, did you get these on your car yet? Post up a few pictures when you have time if you got them on.

Great job, and they look very nice. 👍🏻

[Leo Gets]

Hey Leo, did you get these on your car yet? Post up a few pictures when you have time if you got them on.

Great job, and they look very nice. 👍🏻

Haven't installed them yet, they arrive on Wednesday. I will post some before and after pics.

[Leo Gets]

Update 11/28/22 - The rocker inserts have arrived

They arrived and I unboxed them. They look better than I expected. The craftsmanship is high quality, the weave is clean with no defects, and the clear coat resin is thick and glossy.
I am going to wipe them down with an IPA solution and then throw a coat or two of ceramic on them. If schedule allows, I plan on installing them this Saturday morning.

[Zeusss]

They look awesome!! Thanks for sharing the finished product but most importantly, thanks for sharing where to get them from!

[Dave10]

Good luck getting them on man. I just put the same part (non-CF) on my car and those clips are a real pain in the effing arse. Fingers crossed you install goes well and hope you have a garage because it’s going to be cold this weekend.

[Leo Gets]

Good luck getting them on man. I just put the same part (non-CF) on my car and those clips are a real pain in the effing arse. Fingers crossed you install goes well and hope you have a garage because it’s going to be cold this weekend.

Thx mate! Sending you a private message about the instal.

[Leo Gets]

Update 12/3/22 - Installation Details

Removal of the side skirt
Underneath the side skirt, there are 6 plastic retainers that simply twist off.





At the rear of the side skirt is a T25 torx that is holding the tiny mudflap. When you remove this, you will have access to the last twist off retainer.





The front upper is held with pressure, you can wiggle it loose.



The rear upper has 4 pressure clip and double sided tape. They come off easily by pulling on the skirt.
The center upper is the most difficult part IMO. There are 5 large retainer clips that hold the skirt to the body and it takes a lot of finesse and pressure to release. I am not that graceful and broke about 4 or 5 clips over all.



But I have a history of breaking plastic retainer clips so I was prepared. I purchased the skirt retain clip set. Part #8W6-898-909 which goes for about $50-$70 per side online.



Replacing the splitter
Once I had the skirts off the car and in the house, I used some pick tools to release the splitter from the skirt. Then just pushed in the new carbon splitter into place.





Here is a comparison of the carbon splitter vs the OEM splitter.



Prepping the skirts for reinstallation

I replaced the double sided tape in the same locations where it had tape from the factory. And pushed in all the new retainers. The 4 in the rear of the skirt and the 5 at the center.









Reinstalling
It started to get late and I wanted to wash the car too, so unfortunately I did not take pictures of the installation. But it was totally the easiest part. lol.
I started from the rear, pushed in the 4 rear clips and added pressure where the double sided tape was. Then lined up and pressed in the front, before using pressure to push the 5 center retainers into the body.
Then the twist retainers underneath in reverse order from the removal shown above.

*Note: If anyone is curious, you would follow the same steps to replace the B9 side skirts with B9.5 ones if you wanted to.

As mentioned, its dark now so I will take some pictures tomorrow.

Again big thanks to Alex from HR Performance for making these splitters.
And to Dave10 for the info on removing the skirts. It helped A LOT!

[Dave10]

Nice work man! They looked great. Did the heat gun make everything easier to separate and re assemble?