Legato

Planning on "blackening" the car by exchanging emblems for the Black Pearl ones and also the grille surround.

However I would also like to get the window trim in black and some kind of solution for the exhaust tips.

I know some guys here used tape for the window trim, but since I intend to change it permanently I´m hoping there are better solutions?

What about exhaust tips? I know JoeZ quit making the CF ones, but are there any other options? You "black out" guys out there, how did you solve it?

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

The window trims a lot of members just plasti dip it so if you end up not liking it, it peels off easily. As for the exhaust tips, another member here painted his exhaust tips. Good luck

demosTT

I used 1/2" vynil tape thick enough to withstand outside elements. its easy to work with and bends and flexs easily. not to mention comes off easy if you get rid of the car later on.

CaptAwsm

Im sure the company that wrapped your car could wrap that window trim with the blackout tape. As for the tips.. powder coat them because they can get hot.

fleadog99

iTrader: (2)

I have used the chrome blackout tape (from the mini cooper forums) It has been on since 08, and still looks exactly the same as when I installed it. IT is a great product and is VERY durable. For the other items, I would skip the black pearl. It is cheaper and more durable to either have those emblems painted, or you can paint the emblems your self. I have the ISS Forged exhaust and just painted my mufflers and tips a couple of weeks ago. It was super easy, and I am a novice and painting.

The muffler and tips are stainless (ISS Forged). I wet sanded them with 400 grit (wet sandpaper) and I used high-temp flat black spray paint. I did NOT primer, but I did make sure I wet sanded the hell out of it, and tried to scuff up as much as possible.

I used two cans and put as many coats as those cans allowed. I put more coats on the tips than the mufflers, as the tips are more visible. I think I ended up with 4-5 coats on the tips. I didn't want rocks to chip up anything. So far not one scratch or nick or anything. Make sure you allow proper drying times between coats, and tape up everything when re-installing.

I was nervous, because if I screwed it up, I pretty much ruined an $1800 exhaust system. It turned out great. By the way I had my emblems painted at Sewell Lexus, a loooooong time ago. No FADE No Chips still perfect. I probably would have done it my self now that I have painted my exhaust. You could also plasti dip the emblems and grill. I actually plan on getting my grill wrapped along with the roof again.

robbys3m3

iTrader: (1)

My body shop painted my tips with high temp gloss black paint. I was told high temp paint actually handles the heat better than podwercoat. I sold my car after having the tips painted for 2 years and had no issues.

mcauley

iTrader: (2)

What about the grill how do you black it out

robbys3m3

iTrader: (1)

I did the grill 2 different ways. One i painted and then clear bra'd...the other i wrapped in gloss black vinyl. I feel the vinyl wrap was actually the better route.

rtr01

Ceramic header paint on mine.

CaptAwsm

I plasti-dipped my grill the first week I got the car.. just as a test to try this whole "plasti-dip" thing. Its almost a year later and I havent even re-done it. I shoulda gone 5-7 coats, only did like 4 real thin layers. Its got a real matte feel/look, but for like $2 worth of plastic spray and like 40 min of my time, I am pretty happy. I should peel it off and do it again perfectly, but I haven't gotten around to it.

I do like the sound of the gloss black vinyl on the grill though..

Legato

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I´ve ordered the chrome blackout tape. Eventually decided to get the black pearl stuff despite it´s pricing. Since the blackout tape is reversible I feel it´s the safe route to be able to "reverse" the emblems as well when I sell the car.

Really tempted to paint the OEM wheels black as well, if I do I guess I will end up painting the tips too ;-)