Re: Painting over "chrome" trim strips...

[Andy Poling <andy@realbig.com>]

> As for all the other trim, I'd like to
> paint it semi-flat black to match the door handles ... has anyone done this
> to their car and, if so, how and has it held up?  The bodyshop that's doing
> the work on my car says they don't really recommend doing this for a street
> driven car (versus a show car) because they claim it's difficult to get the
> paint to adhere properly and it will eventually chip and pit ... 

I think that the flat black is inherently prone to damage.  Dunno why,
except maybe its textured surface is more succeptable to wear...

One alternative (though I doubt you'll find it attractive) that was
available in the hayday of the monochromatic look was basically flat black
material like an adhesive tape that you applied over the chromed trim.  The
advantage was that it was less brittle, though tears were a possibility.

Another alternative is to destroy the smoothness of the chrome-like parts so
that paint can adhere.  Common body work abrasives might work...

Then again, it's not my car.

I must admit I wouldn't mind toning down the few chrome pieces on my A4Q -
most notably the chrome arc over the doors.  It's the only part of my car
that I can see from 1/2 block away when it's sitting in the parking garage
where it lives.

-Andy

'91 Miata: "ZIP"          '96 A4 Quattro: "ZOOM"       '84 Yam RZ350: "ZING"  
                        '88 Bronco II 4WD: "ZZZZZ"