Dechroming! Let's talk!

[milkchip]

So my mini s coupe is on a boat justttt about to the panama canal right now. I've got a couple weeks to wait. In that time I want to lock down the right information about removing the chrome on the belt line and head/tail light rings.

I've decided on vinyl as opposed to painting due to the non permanent nature of the modification. My question, though, is which vinyl to use.

Initially I was gonna go with black satin, but now I'm thinking that a glossy black would look more respectable. Do any of the vinyls offered from 3m match the metallic black paint? Or is satin the way to go and not clash?

P.S. ohjesusimsoexcited.

[espedaire]

How about plastidip? Easy to apply, rather scratchproof, fairly easy to apply now and later remove if you decide so

PS: Congrats

[The Nun]

I think youre right using vinyl to do the job as its easily removeable when you change your mind or come to sell it, the all black theme is not to everyones taste either, batman being the exception, but another thing to take into consideration with a brand new car still under warranty, if you did paint the parts or do something permanent to them and then need to make a claim for replacement under the warranty because for one reason or another it came to light later the part/s had a manufacturing defect, I bet MINI wouldnt touch them if youd altered them!

[minicore]

Definitely go for satin... personally, I think gloss looks a bit cheap?

For the belt line, 3M Scotchcal striping tape, 1/2" thick (in satin black) is perfect.

Oh, plus congrats and welcome.

[mab01uk]

"It would appear MINI is now seeing the appeal and will soon be introducing a “Black Line” set of exterior details.

Including the rear taillight trim rings, the rear fog light trim ring, the side scuttles and the headlight trim rings, the “Black Line” will let you take your MINI darker. Look for this to show up as an available option in the Configurator some time soon, and once it does, these parts should be available at your local MINI parts desk and elsewhere for retrofit. No word yet on whether there will be a matching “Black Line” interior package."
MotoringFile Archive Coming Soon: MINI “Black Line” Exterior Trim

[milkchip]

Satin is probably the result I'll end at, but still wondering if anyone knows if theres a vinyl that matches the current "metallic midnight black." I suspect not since that metallic sheen, though faint, is not something you can really emulate in vinyl. Anyone know?