Painting chrome bumper & grill on SE/LE

SDGator · 12-28-2004, 10:18 AM

I want to paint the chrome front bumper and grill and the rear bumper to match my Galaxy black LE. I could only find a couple posts about this yet. I just wanted to know if anyone has done this or taken it to a paint shop to have it done? Also, does anyone know a reliable auto body painter in the SoCal area where I could get this done? Thanks!

QWIKWHIP · 12-28-2004, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDGator

I want to paint the chrome front bumper and grill and the rear bumper to match my Galaxy black LE. I could only find a couple posts about this yet. I just wanted to know if anyone has done this or taken it to a paint shop to have it done? Also, does anyone know a reliable auto body painter in the SoCal area where I could get this done? Thanks!

I have been told by every bodyshop I've talked to that painting chrome is not a good idea. Your best bet is to trade with someone who has a black XE or buy the parts and have them painted then sell your chrome. That's what I'm doing. The hardest part is the front bumper, the XE bumper is totally different. I think for the time being I'm just doing the grill, mirror caps and door handles till I can build up the funds for the rest.

SimplyTitan · 12-30-2004, 05:32 PM

I have a smoke grill if anyone wants to trade....I already shelled out $400 plus for the bumper...(insurance paid for that, accident...)

Slurppie · 12-30-2004, 06:10 PM

I ran into the same problem then lucked up and found a Galaxy black grill on eBay. I'll eventually swap out the front bumper or maybe go the Stillen bumper cover route.

smoothTitan · 12-31-2004, 12:38 AM

when will the bumper cover be available or is it already.

Slurppie · 12-31-2004, 06:44 AM

It seems that it's available now from Stillen.

SDGator · 01-03-2005, 08:24 AM

How much did you get the black XE grill for? That's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll just have to keep my eyes open. That bumper cover looks pretty good imo. Anyone have one yet? I'm assuming that it comes unpainted though...

HemiHunter · 01-03-2005, 08:39 AM

Don't try to paint over the chrome. Have it sand blasted then painted.

Slurppie · 01-03-2005, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDGator

How much did you get the black XE grill for? That's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll just have to keep my eyes open. That bumper cover looks pretty good imo. Anyone have one yet? I'm assuming that it comes unpainted though...

I won my grill off of eBay for $45 - search for Nissan Armada and you might have better luck finding one.

QWIKWHIP · 01-03-2005, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slurppie

I won my grill off of eBay for $45 - search for Nissan Armada and you might have better luck finding one.

WOW! I won mine for $135 and I still have to get it painted! You got a heck of a deal. Most I've seen go for around what I paid.

Galaxie Beach · 01-03-2005, 03:51 PM

HEMI HUNTER be right. But you can sand it too. Its a plating. As long as it is bonded well to what it is plating (your grille, bumper et-cetera) your fine. Be SURE to put on an etch primer on metal projects and a two part primer on anything your painting then your Galaxy base coat and clear. BOOM. DONE.

juma · 01-03-2005, 04:24 PM

I had my XE rear bumper coated with Linex. looks good with the rest of the smoke vehicle and little scratches rubs and nudges don't show. juma