Mod 13 - Black Chrome the Rams Head badges
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 -
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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:
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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:
All I need now, is a truck to attach them to.
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:
All I need now, is a truck to attach them to.
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If I had know this prior to giving them to the body shop to install, I'd have sent them to you to try out!.......NOT! :gy:
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:
Those look awesome Brad, nice job and great write up! Now I just need to find me a 4th gen tailgate badge! :smileup:
- Cajun
- Cajun
G
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·That looks great, Brad!!!
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22,645 Posts
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.
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22,645 Posts
Thanks for the warning! :smileup: I would not be too pleased if I ended up with green rims. :158:
Do you have any pix of the grille after you black chromed it? Is it the factory one with horizontal chrome slats?
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626 Posts
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
http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=77322
http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=77322
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1,185 Posts
great job/write up.......did mine 4 months ago.....:smileup:
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