Body color is the new blacked out.

I'd like to get my headlight rings, door handles, boot handle, and beltline body colored, but not enough to pay for it.

 

I did exactly that (except I shaved the beltline trim) on my 1973 Beetle. Replaced chrome bumpers with the chrome T bars. Painted wheels gloss black, with chrome lug studs, no hubcaps. I later put chrome door handles back on, because I wanted just a couple of accents. Car is black, but nose is silver (and so are headlight trim rings).

Found a photo of car in-progress (no trim yet). Only one on my work PC, but you get the idea...

 

Well, I guess there really is nothing new under the sun! Great looking car

 

For those not in the know, this is a US spec e28 M5 (not mine). I consider this a blackout treatment, versus body color, since it's a satin anodization on the aluminum trim, not gloss paint. A regular e28 535is like the one I owned would have silver anodized window trim and bumpers. All e28s did have satin black door handles, though.

 

"That statement in itself is true. However, in following this forum (and others), It's clear to me that amongst owners who alter the appearance of their cars from factory, dechroming is immensely popular. I'm seeing the dechroming boom online, but on the road in my area, most MINIs appear as-delivered."

Agreed! But I think when people make snide remarks about those who de-chrome and those who keep it, they are taking a narrow view (ie. this and other sites) of the reality in the MINI world. We here are cultists in a sense, lol! Don't get me wrong. I've been known to snap back a bit with a remark when I feel my choices are being ridiculed.

I think the fact is that blacking out your car (whatever the brand) has been so popular is that firstly it just looks damn good on some cars and secondly, it's a super easy mod that virtually anybody can undertake with minimal money, time, and tools. Many folks who buy MINI's tend to enjoy them more than as simple tools to get from A to B. Modding, no matter how complex is a way to do that.

 

I like my chrome, too and wasn't going to do any blacking out, until I saw other blue Mini's with the beltline blacked out and really liked it. I think it unites the black roof nicely to the car. So, I'm buying Scotch 33 electrical tape, invited a Mini friend over for a steak dinner to help me!!

I also have black wheels, but will keep the rest of my chrome. I think it will be a nice balance. He is bringing over some left over CF vinyl in case I want something else done...hmmmmm...uh oh...

 

There's nothing wrong with chrome. I've seen black MINIs with black wheels and VERY dark tinted windows but the owner never touched the chrome finish. Looks very sharp and striking. I've even heard on another forum of one owner who was upset that he couldn't get the base chrome grill on his S model. When his car was delivered, he bought a chrome grille off E-bay. It makes for an interesting contrast.