I've had my R56 justa since last September, and I've just caught the mod bug. So I decided I want to black out all my chrome pieces. Thought it was perfect when I found the Black Out Beltline Kit on Outmotoring, but didn't realize it was just Black 3M Tape. Not that I have anything against it if it works, just wanted to get a general opinion before I go taping up my car. I want it to look finished. If not I was thinking of going the Plasti-dip route.

Any suggestions?

 

Take your time make sure you pull off the extra layer on top of the tape it works great.

 

Wasn't sure what you meant by the extra layer till it just kinda peeled itself off. Tried it out and I don't think it's for me. I wasn't born with the gift of patience and all the bubbling was irritating me. Oh well, worth a shot. Thanks for the advice.

 

I used it and it worked for what I need it for. I'm like you and don't have a ton of patience, which is why it probably doesn't line up perfectly and if you look closely at my install you can see chrome still.. But oh well, haha.

 

Haha yea, unfortunately I'm also a little bit of a perfectionist so I just ripped off the section I was working on. Not to mention the heat here in Florida was pretty much melting/stretching the tape as I was applying it. The chrome was already heated to burning temperatures. It just wasn't happening.

 

I've done both the 3M tape and Plastidip. I first went with the 3m, and didn't like how you can see the end of the tape. So off that went and I end up taping up the car and spraying plastidip. The front hood section and the panels right behind it (the section above the scuttle) comes off, so you can just pull it off and spray it separately. I also pulled the trim from the read lights as well as the cap on the gas door and the front trim pieces around the grill ( I dislike chrome). I also taped up the door handles. It took a while do to everything. but 3 years later, everything is still on pretty good. I did 3-5 coats. The trim around the headlights chipped so those just came off, but the rest have been great. I might do the headlights again if I decide to black out the headlight...

 

Samysonary- Yea, I'm thinking thats what I'm gonna do. That's great to know that it's lasted so long for you. I just ordered plasti dip to black everything out. I dislike chrome as well, and was going to do most of my trim, but saw the tape and figured I'd give it a try. Can't wait to mess around with the plasti-dip. Sounds like fun

 

Do you guys have to tuck inn the end of the tape under the trims?

 

Call Lyle

 

I just overlapped mine just a tiny bit and then cut it. This allowed a small amount to shrink and still cover the chrome. I then tucked it flat against the edge using a small flat edge.

 

Thanks

 

I agree, call Lyle at Vinyl Styles, worth every penny spent!

 

I tried using 3M tape on the beltline and I used plasti-dip on some other trim bits (grill, door handles, etc.)

Maybe it's just a reflection of my poor arts and crafts skills, but I thought both looked cheap and cheesy. I ended up going back to chrome. IMO there is something 'off' about putting spray plastic or utility tape on a $20k+ car.

 

Did my beltline out of the same 3M vinyl that everybody uses for stripes. If it's good enough for your stripe it should be good enough for your beltline.
Just take a razor and cut the ends of it to fit perfect on the end and then you can't see the ends/edge of it. Helps to do it when it is not scortching hot out, just use your finger to rub it down as you pull it tight with the other.. If you have too spray just alittle soapy water on it so it doesn't stick too fast..

 

Electrical tape works just as well and its a hell of a lot cheaper. I live in Florida and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between electrical tape and the 3M. If you decide you dont like it just peel it off and use some goo gone and youre back to chrome.

 

3M Electrical Tape

 

When referring to the "3M", I believe ChiefTyGuy is referring to 3M Vinyl in a "tape" sized roll - provided from OutMotoring and several other aftermarket shops.

When referring to "electrical tape", he's talking about the popular alternative to 3M vinyl - 3M 33+ Electrical Tape.

Easy to get confused.

I had no problem installing my beltline kit. Go slow, take a step back if you need, and use an Exacto Knife. I also found a set of plastic clay modeling tools - a few dollars at your local crafts store - that helped me get the corners tucked in without hurting anything.

That being said - I have patience out the ears. It's a skill I've learned after getting rammy on an expensive project or two a few years back.

 

Used SCOTCH aka 3M Super 33+ vinyl electrical tape. Easy to work with and very inexpensive. Took about 20 minutes to do the beltline. That was a year ago and it still looks great with no stretching or sagging after a summer of triple digit temps.

 

Scotch is a 3M brand - which can add to the confusion if you let it.

 

I used the OutMotoring beltine. Yes I am sure its pretty cheap to buy a much longer roll but for only $13 and to support a great vendor I would go that route. I tried the quality name-brand electrical tape (not to be named anymore for we all call it something different ) and it stretched more as well as sagged within a week of the FL summer sun beating down on it.