My goal was to dechrome my Lardeo X (Hemi, 4x4). Thanks for all the pointers from the members here, the assistance has been awesome...I've done the following:
> front window tint (20%)
> upgraded to 20" stockers (nice satin finish)
> debadged (except for Trail Rated which is nice and subtle)
> removed chrome side moldings
> blackout vinyl on the window trim and roof rails (oracal semi-matte)
> plasti-dip liftgate cover (this turned out better than I would have expected)
next step will be to vinyl wrap front grill (perhaps try plastidip?) and i think i'll be done for this round.
Did you take the front jeep embleom on the hood off too? I tried and it kept cutting the fishing line, so I wonder if there are bolts holding them on. Any idea?
Re: removing the front Jeep emblem, I used an internal thread from 550 paracord (hooyah) which worked great as I didn't have any monofilament around. I think it helped that ambient temps were in the 60s and that the paracord strands are actually a bit rough so as to saw through the tough parts of the adhesive.
Re: The vinyl wrap..that was done while on the vehicle, not perfect by any means as very hard to tell. I was too scared to remove the trim and risk snapping mounting bits and the rearmost trim is part of the window assembly I believe. For $250 total I can live with the current job.
Nice "low Key" appearance with your subtle changes.
I am loving the car in its present state but if it would mine I would address one thing.
1. The strip that used to be chrome on the lift gate I would keep it black but I would go for a mor semi-gloss look and I am sure it perfect in person but plasti-dip always look dull in photos.
2. This is a maybe..... going to a darker shade on the on the wheels.
I would try a hair dryer to heat up the front jeep emblems before trying to go between them with the fishing line. Some use heat guns but they may be a bit too hot and damage the paint.
Also try switching to a stronger fishing line like Super braid.
Looks really good! These forums are a terrific source of great ideas for new owners looking to personalize their rides.
Iust picked up my 2012 Overland a week ago and also plan to go the debadging/dechroming route. I have the deep cherry red, and your pics helped me decide to do both the window trim and roof rack chrome in black rather than body color. I also plan to do the grille in body color and use the chrome/stainless mesh insert from justforjeeps. The 18" polished wheels are going to receive the "Uncle Paul" paint treatment detailed in this forum, with gloss black interiors. I'm going to sit with it all for awhile to make sure I know exactly what I want to do, but will definitely initiate the process by early next summer and post pics when complete.
The Overland is beautiful, but has way too much brightwork. Would be nice if Jeep at least offered a body-color option package on the Overland, as comes standard on other models.
Not sure if this has been covered yet or not but if you plan to Pdip when its cold (around freezing) don't keep the can in the cold between coats. I was dechroming around the windows and did one coat, came back half hour later started doing my second coat and the spray came out in chunks like splatter. Ruined my first try but it was easy enough to start over. Kept the can warm the second time around and all three coats came out perfect.
I just removed my lettering, badges and side strips today using a hair dryer and, thanks to the info on this thread, 65 lb. Superbraid fishing line purchased at a local sportng goods store for $10. I was a bit surprised at how quickly it went. I was in a warm garage, and just used the hair dryer for a couple minutes on each item before using the line. Some pieces pulled off easily, and others resisted a bit in places. You can do it with bare hands, but I suggest using a sturdy pair of work gloves. I pulled hard enough along one of the side strips to break the 65 lb. line, which would not be all that comfortable with bare hands. Most difficult and time consuming part of the project was removing the adhesive residue strips from the door areas, but it really did not take that long. And the last bits cleaned off quickly with Goof Off. The Jeep looks MUCH better already!
I used an Ice pack and dental floss to remove the Laredo badge on my Jeep. Just put the ice pack on on the letters for 1-2 minutes, get the dental floss and pull off each letter. the colder you make the badge the less sticky residue is left behind.
looks great i was looking to plasti dip the rear chrome area i have a quick question did you spray the plasti dip while its on the truck or did you take it off. also if i leave it on how do i cover the little button that locks the doors. or do i just spray it and it wont effect it. thanks
looks great i was looking to plasti dip the rear chrome area i have a quick question did you spray the plasti dip while its on the truck JEEP or did you take it off. also if i leave it on how do i cover the little button that locks the doors. or do i just spray it and it wont effect it. thanks