[WK2-Over]

Just though I'd share some pics of the de-chroming project on my 2012 Overland model.

Starting from the front:

• Black Plasti-Dip on the formerly chrome grill
• Hemi Orange Plasti-Dip on the chrome badge and black tow hooks
• Replaced Headlights with black versions from SRT model
• Factory decal on hood
• For some reason I kinda like the chrome bar at the bottom

Then on the sides:

• Hemi Orange Plasti-Dip on the formerly chrome mirror caps
• Replaced chrome+red "TR4X4" badges with factory gray+red badges (need to have somebody paint over the red with orange; I'll screw it up if I try it myself)
• Black vinyl on chrome window surround
• Black plastic caps over chrome door handles (these were cheap from Amazon; I'm amazed how well they worked)
• Black Plastic-Dip on the lower chrome door strips (might do the "GRAND CHEROKEE" in orange)
• The silver roof rails don't bother me

And at the back:

• Black Plastic-Dip spoiler (I see that Jeep now offers a black roof and spoiler as a factory option on some models)
• Replaced chrome logo bar with black factory part; applied orange "Jeep" vinyl
• Replaced chrome "Overland" and "4X4" badges with custom vinyl
• Replaced chrome step surround with black factory part

That just leaves the wheels. Debating on black Plasti-Dip (cheap), black powder-coating (not cheap, and kind of a hassle), or new black wheels (but I really like the style of these factory wheels).

Whadda ya think?

 

[moparado]

Looking dam good as i'm not a fan of chrome at all.
Since the chrome looks so great blacked out, are you planning on something more permanent other than plasti-dip?

 

[WK2-Over]

Looking dam good as i'm not a fan of chrome at all.
Since the chrome looks so great blacked out, are you planning on something more permanent other than plasti-dip?

Good question. Depends on how the plastic-dip holds up. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on painting or parts at first (I think a factory black grill is about $400, for example) because I wasn’t sure how I’d like it. Turns out I love it.

 

[moparado]

The ideal would be powder coating but that would require removing all the chrome parts and could be cost prohibitive.
The other option would be paint. But chrome can be a challenge to paint.

With painter's tape, masking paper, degreaser, sandpaper, primer, paint and elbow grease i myself would experiment by painting one smaller piece of chrome and see how it looks and lasts then do the rest.

 

[WK2-Over]

The ideal would be powder coating but that would require removing all the chrome parts and could be cost prohibitive.
The other option would be paint. But chrome can be a challenge to paint.

With painter's tape, masking paper, degreaser, sandpaper, primer, paint and elbow grease i myself would experiment by painting one smaller piece of chrome and see how it looks and lasts then do the rest.

Yeah, I'm not really a do-it-myselfer when it comes to painting. The only pieces I'm concerned about wearing are the front-facing items (grill, tow hooks, and mirrors), as I drive through grasshopper country once or twice a year. Will probably eventually have the grill and tow hooks professionally painted or coated (or buy a black grill); and maybe vinyl-wrap the mirrors.