I read some threads about blacking out the grill slats using black auto graphics vinyl. Anyway, to test the look, I used electrical tape after the surface prep (wash/dewax). I think it looks good and I may keep it like this. Is the auto graphic vinyl anymore durable than outdoor electrical tape? (the tape says it is good for below freezing). I will post a pic soon.

 

I used sign vinyl, bought at D.ick Blick and cut into strips. I apply vinyl protectant to the slats every time I do my trim and it's still glossy, black and not peeling (except for a little inside thwe grille, where it wraps around - nobody can see it). I have enough extra left over that if it ends up peeling next year, I can replace it like 3 times over...



I used vinyl so it was reversable, but I love the look so much that I'm seriously considering just buying an extra grille and having it professionally painted. The vinyl does make it look interesting though - the sheen of the satin-finish vinyl is interesting to me.

 

Your car was one of few that inspired me to do the black out. Yet my question remains unanswered, is outdoor elelctrical tape as durable as the more expensive black auto graphic vinyl?

 

Yours looks great with the black stripes. Not sure how that would look on mine. White slats??? Could be intereresting but they probably look dirty pretty fast...

 

Never used that material, but if it's inexpensive, why not try it? Removal is as easy as peeling it off. I'd think the adhesive might not be as sticky as sign vinyl, but it's worth a shot - I'd use the "wet" application technique on a single slat, then drive around with it for a day or two to see how it holds up. The wet technique and a squegee should insure the best possible bond. If it peels, you're out what? $3 or $4 bucks and some time?

EDIT - reread your OP - see you've already applied it. Let us know how well it holds up. Buying it in a strip seems MUCH easier than cutting strips like I did.

 

I blacked out my grill before I installed an aero kit. It looked great. You can buy the exact size you need at Pep Boys. Other auto parts stores might have it, but I know Pep Boys did. Cost was less than $ 10, and you will have plenty left over.

 

i supose if the electrical tape wears off i might get the better vinyl, or buy the jet black grill from the dealer.

 

ImagoX, that photo you posted of your car is really nicely done. Dare I say, it is NAM calendar-worthy.

I like what you've done with your grille. Seeing how nice it look has got me wondering about doing the same to mine.

Since my car is Electric blue, I wonder if you can post a picture of your electirical-tape version, nabeshin?

Also, keep us informed of the longevity of the electrical tape grille mod...

Does it go through a car washing okay? Howabout hot sun all day? Driving in a downpour? Snow, ice and freezing temperatures? Salt, either from the ocean air, or road salt in northern climates?

Any info you have amassed will be helpful! Thanks.

 

Well, I just did the electrical tape today, erm yesterday. It was about 29 degrees out side (i did it in the garage), the tape looked fine so far after some driving. I'll get a picture up today sometime. Since the tape was not as wide as the slats, i had to use two pieces on each one. There is an overlap seam, but you have to be within 2 feet to see it. As i said earlier, this was to test what a black grill would look like on my car. If I decide I like it, I'll end up getting a Jet Black grill from the dealer and putting that on.

 

Much cheaper to get the OEM generic black grill: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...33754&cat=1147

 

Here is what the electrical tape looks like. This was after a day of driving on snow melted roads and an automatic touchless wash.

From a distance it looks good.


Here you can see the seam/bump from the tape layers.

 

Looks really good! Adhesive vinyl is super cheap at sign stores, like $3 a yard. It may be a cheaper option for you and it is easy to fix/replace if it gets damaged unlike paint which tends to be costly.

 

Just blacked out my grill today. I went to a local hardware store and purchased a plastic "Designer Tape" 1 inch in width. Adhesion seems very good and it has the low gloss look that I like. $2.99 for the roll of 20 feet.

 

I woulda left the surround chrome.

Zip

 

I did

 

Yeah, it does look like the surround is blacked out also, but upon closer inspection, it is still chrome. Must be reflecting a dark background, that's all.

Looks great, guys.

I'm now seriously pondering doing this cheap and easy mod, versus going with the aero kit's honeycomb grill, as I was previously going to do. Now that the R56 MCS is going to have a honeycomb black grille standard, that makes our slat grill from the R53 MCS that much more unique. So I may stay with the slats, but go black like you guys.

 

My car is Pure Silver/Black and after seeing many post about blacking out the grille, I decided to do the same. After some thought, I figured maybe someone on NAM has a used black grille after converting over to the Aero grille etc. So I put feelers in marketplace for a grille an was able to buy the complete grille and the bottom slat from a fellow NAM guy for $25 bucks.

 

I'll have to go to Home Depot and get some wider tape. I did this mod it about 15 minutes so its kind of a hack job.

 

I know that there is "blackout tape" that's made that's wide enough to cover the slats... I cut my strips to 1 3/8" (for lots of details of my install process see THIS THREAD) and they were wide enuogh to wrap around just dandy. So, anything that's a AT LEAST that wide will do you.

Also, I notice what looks like bubbles and such in your close-up photos... I found that if you try to do a "dry" install that the chance of getting wrinkles and bubbles is very great, but if you use the "wet" install technique (i.e lightly mist the grille with water with a drop of dishwashing liquid in it first) that the vinyl can "slide" around and more perfectly adhere. The wet technique, once mastered (I wasted one vinyl strip, just tinkering with the installation technique) is VERY easy compared to the frustrations of trying to get it to apply properly when dry. I didn't even have to pop any bubbles trapped beneath the vinyl, even, and as you can see it's perfectly smooth, from 6 yards away to 6 inches.

 

Here's a pic of mine with me, or is it me with mine, with auto graphic vinyl tape used.....



....Les

 

Is auto graphic vinyl tape appiled dry (with adhesive) or wet like a clear bra?

 

Some of what apear to be air bubbles on my grill are infact bumps from numerous rock chips. After each chip I cleaned it out, and used the factory paint touch up and clearcoat sticks. It doesnt really bother me, the only way out is a new grill which I might just do anyway since I like the black. Does anyone know if I could reuse the grill chrome? I noticed on later model minis that the chrome lost some lines it has on earlier ones.

 

another pic of mine

 

Love all your pictures!

I blacked my grille in October. I just washed my car yesterday and there were crystals of road salt on the tape--but it cleaned up great and looks just like the day I did it.

I recommend using Trimbrite Blackout Tape which I bought from PepBoys for $5.99. It is 1 3/8" x20' which is the perfect size for the slats. (You can also find it on the internet if you do a google search.)
Here's the thread, with detailed instructions . https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=80624

And here's a pic of my baby:

 

hey good job on the grill looks nice. but does anyone know how i can also black out the headlight ring.