Black Chrome Grille
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: TX
Black Chrome Grille
I want to make the outer ring on the grille a darker chrome color. I noticed this post explaining hot to paint it but am wondering if there are better options? I want it to last and not chip away after a while. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 677
Likes: 1
From: CA
Well, I tried it with paint a while back and it will chip eventually... paint just won't stick well to chrome.
I know a few members who have it done and they don't seem to have issues.
I said screw it and went with a color matched frame from Sewell then put some clear bra material over it...
I know a few members who have it done and they don't seem to have issues.
I said screw it and went with a color matched frame from Sewell then put some clear bra material over it...
Hey there. First off, www.l-tunedparts.com sells a "black chrome" grille bezel (surround). I don't recall the price, but feel free to visit the site and check it out.
Another option, as isthrizzy said is to purchase one already painted from Sewell. Since the group buy is over, I think they're like $250 now. They were offering a core exchange of $60, but I dunno if they still do.
Finally, if you want to paint it, strip the chrome first and problem solved. The paint will chip from the chrome, so you need to strip it. Search for a plating shop in your city and they have chemicals to strip the chrome. If you know of somewhere with a zero bead or glass bead machine, you may be able to blast it off as well.
Some people may have sanded the chrome off, but I'm not sure how well that works. I hope this was helpful!
Another option, as isthrizzy said is to purchase one already painted from Sewell. Since the group buy is over, I think they're like $250 now. They were offering a core exchange of $60, but I dunno if they still do.
Finally, if you want to paint it, strip the chrome first and problem solved. The paint will chip from the chrome, so you need to strip it. Search for a plating shop in your city and they have chemicals to strip the chrome. If you know of somewhere with a zero bead or glass bead machine, you may be able to blast it off as well.
Some people may have sanded the chrome off, but I'm not sure how well that works. I hope this was helpful!
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: TX
Thanks for the help. I checked out l-tunedparts.com but I'm not sure that I want to spend $289, although that is exactly what I want it to look like.
Does anyone know if that piece actually is metal or is it plastic?
Does anyone know if that piece actually is metal or is it plastic?
The piece is ABS plastic, which may have a nickel base under the chrome, but both can be stripped efficiently with the chemicals used at a plating shop. Others have reported getting similar things stripped for ~$20.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: TX
If I strip the chrome is the paint used in this post going to give it the chrome look? or is it just going to be a dark gray color?
Where can I get aircraft stripper? I found it online but I'm wondering if I can just buy it locally.
Where can I get aircraft stripper? I found it online but I'm wondering if I can just buy it locally.
If I strip the chrome is the paint used in this post going to give it the chrome look? or is it just going to be a dark gray color?
Where can I get aircraft stripper? I found it online but I'm wondering if I can just buy it locally.
Where can I get aircraft stripper? I found it online but I'm wondering if I can just buy it locally.
So basically, if you want to make it like "black chrome", you can leave the chrome on and use the spray tint method mentioned in the thread you posted, but run the risk of it chipping, especially when a rock hits it.
If you want to paint it a solid color, strip the chrome first.
If the black chrome is the way you want to go, you might as well try that method and see how it holds up since it's so cheap to do and since it only takes like 10 mins to remove the front grille and bezel.
If you want to paint it a solid color, strip the chrome first.
If the black chrome is the way you want to go, you might as well try that method and see how it holds up since it's so cheap to do and since it only takes like 10 mins to remove the front grille and bezel.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: TX
Thanks everyone. I'm thinking I might use that paint to get the black chrome look and then I'll buy some clear bra material to wrap around it, that should stop it from chipping. How does that sound?
