Chroming the 'invisible' Sky grille

[bobarry]

The honeycomb grill on the Sky is nearly invisible. The center one is visible when viewed from certain angles with the white background. Otherwise it is just a big black hole.

I found a place that will chrome it (assuming I can get it out) for about $135.

Before I spring for it, I need some feedback/opinions. Will it be too 'blingy'?

I don't want the judges that voted our Sky #1 in the Canadian design contest to YUK at it. After all they did pick the winner.

(I had a Z3 and replaced the two grilles with chrome and thought it was a nice improvement.)

Bo Barry

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by bobarry

The honeycomb grill on the Sky is nearly invisible. The center one is visible when viewed from certain angles with the white background. Otherwise it is just a big black hole.

I found a place that will chrome it (assuming I can get it out) for about $135.

Before I spring for it, I need some feedback/opinions. Will it be too 'blingy'?

I don't want the judges that voted our Sky #1 in the Canadian design contest to YUK at it. After all they did pick the winner.

(I had a Z3 and replaced the two grilles with chrome and thought it was a nice improvement.)

Bo Barry

Are you talking about all the grills or one in particular?

[GaryH]

For $135, I say do it. And if you don't like it, paint it black again.

[xmicro_Redline]

They are cheap from the dealer if I remember reading in the past. It is better to chrome a brand new one you will get better results and longevity.

This way if you hate it you can sell the chromed one here and put the black one back on!!

[GaryH]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

They are cheap from the dealer if I remember reading in the past. It is better to chrome a brand new one you will get better results and longevity.

This way if you hate it you can sell the chromed one here and put the black one back on!!

That's much better than my idea.

[SkyMan 08]

If you do one you should do them all or it is going to look odd with one chrome grill...
But that is my opinion

[Rick Tinley Park]

I'm toying with the idea of pulling the grill (the open maniacal grinning one) out completely... Anyone try this??

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

I'm toying with the idea of pulling the grill (the open maniacal grinning one) out completely... Anyone try this??

The lower grill? if so I would advise against it, leaves and rocks can fly in there and either stop up your radiator/ condenser/ intercooler or punch holes in them and cause you a BIG problem... You will still need some kind of screen in front of the delicates...

[SUNNY_SKY]

I agree...the grill is there for a reason.
Removing it would do more harm than good IMHO.

[bobarry]

1. Thanks for comment about doing all 3 grilles - I'll go with that. Since it is a custom job, sending the 3 parts shouldn't run the bill up much.

2. Why would you want to take it OUT (and not replace it). Its only visible at 'dog height' looking straight at it. (I get down on my knees to see it). Leave it in and it will chop up your road kill for you. But we have lots of deer in the roads here - I'm not looking forward to that piece of plastic tangling with one, though.

3. How about some comments on how y'all think it will LOOK with the chrome? (I'm an old-fashioned conservative)

Speaking of looks, here's a light-hearted wisecrack for the thread about the 'dislikes' of the Skys. I can't see how to put the ignition key in - the steering wheel blocks your view if you park straight. Fix: Always park your car crooked.

Bo

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by bobarry

2. Why would you want to take it OUT (and not replace it). Its only visible at 'dog height' looking straight at it. (I get down on my knees to see it). Leave it in and it will chop up your road kill for you. But we have lots of deer in the roads here - I'm not looking forward to that piece of plastic tangling with one, though.



Bo

I think if you hit a Deer the grill would be the least of your worries.....

I don't really know how it would look to tell the truth, It is hard to Imagine....

One question, The grills are not a hard plastic, they are flexable, can they still be chromed?

[The Red Baron]

I'd certainly like to see photos after it's done.

Baron

[Importkiller1]

sounds like a great idea. i'd be interesting in the photos too

[kwayne]

Chrome won't get you home - I'm more into performance, look what I did to my "waterfall" emblem !!!

[Sunny Ragtop]

Just make sure you hire a chrome shop with experience chroming plastic. I understand the chroming of plastic is more difficult then metal items.

[SkyBaby]

I was thinking of doing mine a chrome pink..... ... mainly chrome with an irridescent pink ..... not sure.... I would like to see pics of what you have in mind... can anyone photoshop it? SkyBaby

[MidniteBlues]

Originally Posted by Sunny Ragtop

Just make sure you hire a chrome shop with experience chroming plastic. I understand the chroming of plastic is more difficult then metal items.

Here I found some info I googled, quote:

"Many People think it’s impossible to chrome plastic, it is not. The process of chrome plating over plastic is actually a process called vacuum metalizing and it is different than electroplating or chrome plating. Vacuum metallizing is process used to make flash light reflectors and automotive lighting shine like chrome. Vacuum metallizing is the process of evaporating aluminum in a vacuum chamber forming an aluminum cloud which than condenses back on and bonds to the plastic to form a uniform layer, which shines like chrome. After the metalizing takes place there is a protective topcoat applied similar to the ones used in the automotive industry. You can also add dyes to the topcoat to achieve bright chrome colors and different shades of gold, bronze, copper, and gunmetal. It is much more environmentally friendly and cost effective than chrome plating or chrome painting. You can vacuum metalize many materials including plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, and more. There are many different applications for vacuum metallizing including; chrome helmets and accessories, motorcycle/dirt bike parts and accessories, sporting goods, toys, car parts, novelty items, display items, decorative fixtures, cosmetic enclosures, ect. If you want the look of custom chrome on anything plastic, glass, metal, ect."

I myself wouldn't do it, to tacky IMHO, however to each their own, if ya wanna do it? do it!!

Also removal is ok, altho like others have said it leaves less protection for you IC & I agree. However, RPI has removed most of them, it lets the RPI logo easily visible.

BTW, heres the chroming site I got the info above, talks a little about the chroming process.

http://www.chromeservices.com/process.htm

[SkyBaby]

Cool site... Thank you for the info...... SkyBaby

[bobarry]

I Googled 'chroming plastic' and learned a lot. It's not real chrome, but is aluminum. I found one professional looking place and a $150 price tag for the center grille.

However, the idea of chroming my center grille is in trouble. The bumper has to be removed to get to it! The $150 price tag was 'acceptable', but the Saturn dealer wants $120 for removal/re-install of it, plus $60 for a new grille.

The mechanic indicated I may be able to remove the bumper myself, but without a service manual I'm reluctant.

Idea #2: I just want the outline of the honeycomb grille to show. I wonder if it could be PAINTED instead (aluminum color)? Maybe with a flat roller or 'inkpad' type gadget, to only paint the front edge. (A mistake would cost me $180)

Any ideas?

Bo

[cavedyvr]

bo,
The entire front plastic can be removed in 15 minutes with a 7mm and 10 mm socket wrench.

[bobarry]

Wow! Interesting info, considering the dealer charge to do it.

On the good news side, I found service manuals in stock at Helms, and have one on the way. $148

I'll "get er done" as the CableGuy sez.

Thanks for the info.
Bo