Alright, I finally got some full car shots instead of the single close ups. I've had her de-chromed for a while now but just haven't gotten pictures up. I couldn't find out how to post them straight on the page so here are some attachments. Can anyone let me know how to post on the page? Thanks.

 

Looks great man! What was your method? Max

 

Nice! I like the fuel cap and door handles, nice touch.

 

Nice look, Lagston! (Those who really dig this look should search for the original "chrome hater" thread... more info there, including insights/instructions from Lagston, I think.)

 

 

I think it looks sweet. The white roof doesn't do it for me but that is why I ordered black. Gotta love a free country. Ever consider a black/blue UJ for the roof to tie it all together?. Like the rest of it though. Nice job.

 

Very nice.

 

I've been trying to think what I want to do with the roof, that Union Jack sounds like a good idea. I think a flat blue roof would look good as well.

 

That one is the "side gills" thread. Here are the instructions that I wrote on how to black out the side grills.
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"Hey all,
Here are some pictures of the SEM Trim black paint I used on most of the exterior chrome pieces, an upclose shot of the S, and my rear COOPER S badging powder coated flat black, make me an offer on the badging and I'll pay the shipping. So, the side grilles are three main pieces (once you remove the bulb), the chrome piece, the S, and the black grill that sits behind the chrome piece as you can see in the picture. With the bonnet popped place a finger or two behind the fender and you'll feel a plastic point, push that out, some may be stubborn, once that side is popped out, the other end just slides out towerds the front of the car.
Looking at the backside of the grill you'll see the "S" piece being held in by a round retaing clip. I used some small needle nose plyers to slowly walk it up the shaft. Once you've done this there is also some double back tape holding the "S" to the large piece, just work it off gently. My first idea was to mask off the red "S", this was difficult when it came to sanding around it. When I was finished and was removing the tape it started to expose the chrome that surounded the "S". You can give it a try if you have plenty of patience. I removed the sticker with my nail and finger and some goo gone or you could just go straight for the 180 grit sand paper and have the double back tape just flake off.

When you are preping (sanding) the "S" make sure you get inside the little revine, or indentation, with the sand paper really well or your paint won't stick and you'll be putting three to four coats on the "S". Once it's preped you can take some vice grips and clamp down lightly on the shaft, or if you have an idea of your own, go for it.

Now just sand down the large piece really well, especially in the indent for the bulb and casing, mask off what you wish, tape down the bottom side to a piece of cardboard or what-not and spray away. Preferably 2 coats, maybe 3. You don't really need to spray the black grill as it is already black . Good Luck. Take your time and you'll be fine.

Lagston
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Check out the "side gills" thread here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=40649&page=1

Here are some more pictures.

 

My only suggestion would be to paint the headlight bezels body color instead of black to clean it up a little more

 

Great shots!!! How did you get into the rear lights to paint that little chrome surround piece? I really like that...

 

Yeah!!, I know, I thought about that after I put them back on the car. oh well, It's not chrome and I still like it.

It is actually red vinyl that I stretched over the tail light and used the same procedure as window tinting. (tail lights off the car of course).

Let me know if you want some vinyl, I can get it in bulk and cheaper than the smoke out kits.

Lagston

 

For whatever it's worth, Lagston, I prefer the black around the headlights (as you've done it) to the body color treatment suggested above... ya done good! (When you get around to completely de-blacking, it'll be another matter. Those rings will have to go. But for now, you've gotten rid of a ton of chrome.)

What's the tint percentage on your windows?

 

Good looking car . So how is it driving with those mirrors?

 

Thanks. The mirrors are convexed so they are actually better than the stock ones. IMO

 

I think its 20 in the rear and 30 on the drivers and passengers or something like that. I can never remember the percentages. The rear is one step below limo tint and the sides are one step below the rears.

Do you mean black roof and....

headlight housing????

 

Anyone know of a way to make the chrome, more Anthraciteish? I like a little reflection, but not like chrome. Think Hematite, nice dark, 70% reflective

 

hey lagston what did you paint the headlight bezels with?

Did you use the same SEM trim black?

If so did you use anything to seal them? I am finding that the grill I painted int he trim black looks fantastic but gets a few rock chips here and there to show the chrome. I was wondering if there was a way to avoid that?

Chris

 

Yeah, he mentioned in the other thread he used the SEM Trim Black...

 

I really like the door handles and gas cap! How did you like powdercoating the base of the craftsquares? Mine were a real pain! Very clean look though! Very well done

Hey I just noticed the MINI wings are black too! Do you have any close up pics of those???

 

Regarding the Red Vinyl for the Rear lites. How and could I get some? Maxhell

 

oops

Sorry, meant to PM