Black Chrome

Raccroc · 02-14-2009, 10:59 AM

Jeep's PO was a big chrome fan...I am not. So, over the next year or two, I plan to swap out all the chrome on the Jeep. White Jeep, so my first thought was to go with a "black out" type setup and replace everything with black powder coat.

Before I do however, I would like to investigate black chrome. Anyone gone done this to there rig? Recommend any vendors who can handle items from small tire bolts up to larger things like wheels and dash consoles?

bigjoe · 02-14-2009, 12:00 PM

I guess your taking about the stuff made by Kentrol. I have not used it, but I'm sure someone who has will post. IMO you'll get what you pay for. The cheaper powder coated stuff is just that cheap. No matter which you choose the key is protecting it. A good coat of wax will do wonders. Just like a painted surface once it's scratched water will start to make it's way down to the metal. Also a couple side notes for you. I have had good luck in just painting older parts that the powder coat was flaking off of. Just stripped the loose stuff off, put a couple layers of primer on and then finished with some gloss black. And finally, check on the wanted section, there's always someone looking for chrome parts. Maybe you'll be able to sell your chrome stuff and off set the cost of the black stuff. GoodLuck.

GPER · 02-14-2009, 04:09 PM

My new son in law works at a plating place, I ask him about it.

mjp83 · 02-14-2009, 07:03 PM

Not sure about black chrome, but like my old chrome wheels, the hinges tend to rust around the bolts. I was going to powder coat, but I sanded and prepped my factory hinges, and primed and painted them with automotive enamel. This was seven years ago, and it still looks great. Did all the hinges, hood vent, grab bar and glove box in black. Jeep is some type of GM green.

OCDWheeler · 02-14-2009, 10:20 PM

Search pics of white Jeeps or FJ40's....Look at the difference in black trim and silver (not chrome) trim....My 40 is white and the silver trim is absolutely stellar.....I have black steelies but the hood trim, hold downs, running boards, etc are silver.....Just a thought before you commit......

**only in a jeep cj** · 02-14-2009, 10:43 PM

Never understood why Jeep owners want to bring attention to items like exposed door hinges or an air intake grill. Chrome rims, grill, and mirrors...yes. Hood hinges and the like should be the body color. Just my opinion there.

careyfl · 02-15-2009, 08:31 AM

Agreed, Keep it stock.
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww241/careyfl55/005-1.jpg

GPER · 02-15-2009, 09:30 AM

I'm not a purist, but chrome don't get you home.

OCDWheeler · 02-15-2009, 09:45 AM

Chrome on an early to mid 80's CJ is a big flashback to Highschool for me.....I think it looks a bit retro and very acceptable designwise on the early years....newer Jeeps seem to take the blackout, gunmetal or just more industrial look....

I think the paint color has a little to do with the decision as well.....especially the OP's White CJ.....

CSCmrwizard · 02-15-2009, 10:20 AM

Nice CJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by careyfl

Agreed, Keep it stock.
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww241/careyfl55/005-1.jpg

**only in a jeep cj** · 02-15-2009, 02:19 PM

I understand that "home" and "chrome" rhyme, but what do they have to do with each other? So if someone has chrome stuff all over their Jeep, that automaticly means they don't have locked and geared dana 60s,, 6 inches of lift, 37s, a winch, and years of experience and you are in 4 plus trails that your non chrome jeep is excelling in????? Of course not. One is based on looks or personal taste and the other is function verses desired use. A fully built rig with chrome will get home from the trails...just as a stock jeep with chrome will get home from the mall!
The only chrome stuff I like is OEM Laredo packages and such. I have stock Jeep AND I'm building a big trail Jeep......so I have both. I guess I don't get upset till I see lowered CJ's with 22 inch bling rims.... now thats a crime.

dirtman13 · 02-15-2009, 05:51 PM

Going chrome or going black is a personally choice and neither is wrong. I personally don't care for the chrome so I went all black powder coat. I can tell you that my black faded after a while and I had to re-paint it. Guess that's part of the maintenance.

JeffJ · 02-15-2009, 05:52 PM

I use the Kentrol black chrome on my CJ and love it. It is yellow and the black really stands out. With the Powder coated black it gets dull, with the Kentrols it is shiny. I would definately go this way again.