Since my truck had to go to the body shop for some cosmetic surgery, I figured it would be a great time to Black Chrome my Rams head badges.
Here is the stuff used in the process -
Here are the badges as they came off the truck. The tailgate badge is sitting face down on some foam so I could clean the remaining tape off it. Using a combination of a paint scraper and 3M Adhesive Remover, I was able to clean it up in about 15 minutes. Wasn't sure at first, but can attest that the adhesive remover is completely safe for use on these plastic badges :smileup:
After cleaning the back of the tailgate badge, I spent about 30 minutes cleaning the face of both badges. As with all painting, prep work is the most important thing. I used Duplicolor Grease & Wax Remover, and meticulously cleaned every little crack using a micro fiber cloth and Q-tips. After a good cleaning, I blew them dry with an air hose, and polished them with a micro fiber cloth. Here they are ready for paint -
I applied 2 coats of Duplicolor Shadow Base Coat, spraying from 4 angles to ensure uniform coverage. I waited 20 minutes between coats. Here they are after the second coat, waiting for the Clear Coat -
I let them set for 2 hours (don't need to wait that long, but the lunch bell rang, and I took an extended lunch), then applied the first 2 light clear coats 20 minutes apart. Waited 30 minutes, applied 2 heavier coats 20 minutes apart. After 2 hours of drying, I set them out in the sun to bake for a few hours -
Interestingly enough, they look like different colors in the pic....might have been the light angle, as they look identical in color/shade in the non-photographic world. :4-dontknow:
That does look good! I want a set for mine, but I am going to order the 2011 tailgate Ram without Dodge on the top....match the front! I can put the, on mine for a while while you wait for a bed!!
That does look good! I want a set for mine, but I am going to order the 2011 tailgate Ram without Dodge on the top....match the front! I can put the, on mine for a while while you wait for a bed!!
Thanks! I'm very pleased with the results. I just hope they look good on the truck.
Now the tough one. If the badges look real good on the truck, do I even consider doing the same to the rims and exhaust tips.... :4-dontknow:
I think I need to find a second set of rims. If I don't care for the look, I could always sell them, or use them for winter tires.....:thk:
Since I have a sport, my door handles are already body color. If I had chrome door handles, I would black chrome them.
Having said that, I have no idea on the durability of the product, but should in a few weeks.
Not ure if its the material or the size, but i did my front badge and it turned out really good (like yours ) so i decided to do my grille and it came out horrible, almost green. Would be cautious doing anything that is expensive to replace
Not ure if its the material or the size, but i did my front badge and it turned out really good (like yours ) so i decided to do my grille and it came out horrible, almost green. Would be cautious doing anything that is expensive to replace
Here's the thread , 1st page just a couple coats but its not black at all and still looks decent, 3rd page is when it was as close to black as possible and on the truck. If your gonna do wheels I would suggest plasti-dip, Ive seen alot of nice looking pics of wheels that have been plasti-dipped
Hello all. I was thinking of the possibility of replacing the stock Laramie black window trim with the optional Laramie/Limited chrome window trim. Is that possible? Was also thinking of adding the Limited chrome door molding that runs along the side of the truck.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Gordon
Hi All,
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