De-chroming window trims

**gcon45** · 27-04-2012,02:19 PM

I plan on having my chrome window trims converted to gloss black by either painting or having them vinyl wrapped:

Are the trims easily removed?

**Guest 2** · 27-04-2012,02:21 PM

Are you wanting to do them yourself?

If not, ATM Graphics in Ballymoney does this sorta stuff .. Highly reccommended as I've used them in the past for various bits - easily paid too.

**gcon45** · 27-04-2012,02:24 PM

No I wouldn't be doing them myself but I'd like to remove them myself and be able to use the car whilst they are being done.

Is it vinyl wrapping that ATM does?

**Guest 2** · 27-04-2012,02:31 PM

I (think) they're only glued on so a bit of heat and some floss etc would take it off - but I'm not 100% on that. They may be clipped/popped on.

Andy would know how they're attached.

028 2766 4646

He can wrap them, I was in once and he was wrapping a 5 series' chrome into black/carbon.

**darich** · 27-04-2012,04:25 PM

have a search through the forum -there are several threads on it.
Going by those other posts, removing them is a nightmare. You may have to remove door trims and I believe the rear triangular window has to be removed on the saloon.....so I'd expect similar difficult jobs on an estate.

I just bought some matt black tape and will wrap mine. Had a go this morning and it was looking quite good until I had to trim it and found my stanley blades weren't sharp enough....so pulled that bit off and will have another go soon.
Looks really good when wrapped and you might even find pics on those other threads.

**Boxa786** · 28-04-2012,12:04 AM

quick 10 second search found:

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...954#post712954

Something you could easily do yourself and its meant to be very good quality results.

**Big G star** · 28-04-2012,07:09 PM

The chrome surrounds are riveted on so they would be a nightmare to remove, wrap them on the car and use a very sharp scalpol/hobby knife to trim.

**darich** · 02-05-2012,10:13 PM

Eventually got round to this....well nearly.

I've done the driver's side tonight and called it quits when finished. I'm using the motorbike so the car can stay in the drive tomorrow. I'm planning on doing the passenger side tomorrow.

First impressions?....looks superb. Matt black tape on the chrome surrounds. Taking my time, and bought new stanley knife blades to ensure a nice cut.
Unfortunately, the tape isn't wide enough to do my grill, so I'll either need to get wider tape or cut it from a sheet. Using a wider roll would be much easier I think.

I'll post a few pics of the finished job over the weekend so keep an eye out for them if you're thinking of doing this.

**Macdoon** · 02-05-2012,11:09 PM

Originally Posted by darich

Eventually got round to this....well nearly.

I've done the driver's side tonight and called it quits when finished. I'm using the motorbike so the car can stay in the drive tomorrow. I'm planning on doing the passenger side tomorrow.

First impressions?....looks superb. Matt black tape on the chrome surrounds. Taking my time, and bought new stanley knife blades to ensure a nice cut.
Unfortunately, the tape isn't wide enough to do my grill, so I'll either need to get wider tape or cut it from a sheet. Using a wider roll would be much easier I think.

I'll post a few pics of the finished job over the weekend so keep an eye out for them if you're thinking of doing this.

Looking forward to the pics and tips, I've got the tape and scalpels, so when the weather picks up it's the next job..

**darich** · 02-05-2012,11:23 PM

Mac

I've messaged the seller of the tape on ebay to see if he has any wider stuff for the grill. The 50mm tape isn't wide enough to cover the chrome so I need either a sheet (very difficult to fit without removing the grill) or wider tape. Tape would be far easier and quicker.
Just received a message from the ebay seller (within 30mins of sending question!). He reckons he might be able to get me some cut to 75 or 100mm wide. He also said he knows of a US supplier doing that size so should be able to do my grill soon enough!

I'll post a few close ups - I made a couple of joints because there were a couple of real tricky bits and partly because I didn't want to waste loads of tape....I only have one roll. So when I made slight mistake, rather than rip the whole thing off, I cut a straight joint and only removed the damaged part. You really need to look for the joint though.
I'm pretty happy with it.