How to fix old/rotted chrome side trim.

[ShadowRejects]

I don't really know if anyone else has had this issue... but on my gmt400, the chrome accent on the side trim has rotted and got dirt underneath it, causes it to look 'rusty' and pretty gross... so this is going to be my write-up on how I fixed it.

Tools:
-Hobby knife
-fine grit sandpaper (I used 220)
-Painter's Tape
-Any chrome (or color of your choice) spray paint
Before:

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After:

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Step 1: Peel off/cut off the thick plastic top layer. The plastic is bonded at the top and bottom but on some parts of my trim, it was rotted off at the top seam, so I only had to cut on the bottom

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Step 2: Peel off any peeling chrome film for a smooth bonding surface. I rushed so mine doesn't look very smooth but you get the idea.

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Step 3: Using your fine grit sandpaper, carefully sand the chrome surface only, carefully, trying not to sand the paint job.

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Step 4: Mask up the area with the painters tape, try to cover as much area with is as possible, as you can see i got some overspray, which I easily removed with Goo-Gone afterwards. And then paint!

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Step 5: Remove tape to reveal the finish product. This side trim looked fine to begin with, but i figured why not do all trim to prevent future rotting.

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What's cool about this touch-up tip is that you don't have to paint it chrome, you could easily paint it the color of the truck, or any color that compliments a bolt-on part.

 

[95C1500]

This is perfect. I was planning on replacing it.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

I just picked up a pack of guitar strings and removed it completely.

 

[Mysilvi]

Nice idea, wonder how the stainless steel tape would look..

 

[96k1500]

Nice idea, wonder how the stainless steel tape would look..

We did this on my dads old plymouth acclaim, it didnt turn out to bad

 

[trailer-trash]

I bought all new side molding that was precut from LMC...came in ready to install for like $105....I switched to the all black. Problem solved.

 

[kamokevin]

I scuffed mine with a scotch brite pad, cleaned it with acetone, then sprayed it black with duplicolor trim paint.

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[sewlow]

Good job! Only the SS's came with red where the chrome is. Not available, anywhere. But, not anymore! Heh-heh!

 

[jdyates]

Good job! Only the SS's came with red where the chrome is. Not available, anywhere. But, not anymore! Heh-heh!

I'm thnking about doing red to match my pinstriping lol probably do black though.

 

[oohunter04oo]

Good job! I like the black!