is it easy to Remove the Chrome trim?

Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:08 am

Hey guys, i've just bought a 83 chromie 316, the chrome all around is pretty weathered so i was wondering if its easy to replace?

Contemplating replacing it with black trim?

any info would be much appriciated as im new to e30's.

Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:44 am

Uh oh, prepare for the cr24v crew to be disappointed with the concept of de-chroming a chromie

Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:15 am

The trim is fairly easy to remove with a little paitence, but replacing the chrome with black (shadowline trim)

Your car, your choice but imo a ill thought out idea. Why not buy a later model to start with?
Did you buy the car because its was cheap, wikid 4 driftin' init or a love of the shape?
You are the proud owner of a classic car (in age and status) look after it bud and it will look after you.
Too many E30's undergo 'council' treatment and not one is worth more the steam of my pi$$

Place an ad in the Wanted section (but let the guys know even if it's only to get an idea of what the cost would be for decent chrome against the shadowline stuff, or were you going to paint the existing trim?

Happy motoring fella.

This guy may still have some good chrome http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ght=chrome

If you type chrome into the search function and select For sale parts on the left it may help in getting an idea of whats about and prices.

Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:59 pm

TouringTash wrote:The trim is fairly easy to remove with a little paitence, but replacing the chrome with black (shadowline trim)
Your car, your choice but imo a ill thought out idea. Why not buy a later model to start with?
Did you buy the car because its was cheap, wikid 4 driftin' init or a love of the shape?
You are the proud owner of a classic car (in age and status) look after it bud and it will look after you.
Too many E30's undergo 'council' treatment and not one is worth more the steam of my pi$$

Place an ad in the Wanted section (but let the guys know even if it's only to get an idea of what the cost would be for decent chrome against the shadowline stuff, or were you going to paint the existing trim?

Happy motoring fella.

This guy may still have some good chrome http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ght=chrome

If you type chrome into the search function and select For sale parts on the left it may help in getting an idea of whats about and prices.

woo sorry i was just enquiring as my chrome is very wethered and keeping it in tip top shape isnt the easiest thing in the world. i did buy the car because it was cheap but also i do really like the e30.

the car needs an awfull lot of tlc and im willing to put the time and effort into the car for that.

i dont no ANYTHING about e30's tho so thats why i merely enquired about the idea of doing the swap of the trim.

Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:01 pm

Keep the chrome!

Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:05 pm

E30BeemerLad wrote:Keep the chrome!

I think that the problem is that the side window trim is best described as 'difficult' to source.

Last time I was talking to 'hennabm',Mike was very fluent about a deal with an Italian dealer who had stock of one part!

Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:08 pm

daimlerman wrote:
E30BeemerLad wrote:Keep the chrome!
I think that the problem is that the side window trim is best described as 'difficult' to source.

Last time I was talking to 'hennabm',Mike was very fluent about a deal with an Italian dealer who had stock of one part!

and this is my problem, if the chrome is easy to come by and i can get new replacement pieces in mint condition then the chrome will stay but i do want the car looking good and in show condition!

Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:12 pm

In this case your best bet is to clean and preserve what you have and keep a close eye out for better s/h items.

Bumpers are available via BMW,at a price,other trim is 'difficult' even new,but the more people pester BMW,the better are your chances of it being re-manufactured.

Snag with this approach,of course,is the cost!

Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:37 pm

Cant beat chromie-rightness!

Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:48 pm

Bud I wasn't having a pop, I'm a grumpy sod and have become attached to these frustrating money pits

Is yours a two of four door?
I'll keep my eyes peeled for any coming up. As per my name I'm a touring junkie so chrome isn't something I covert but more than happy to add a chrome tag to my e30 radar.

Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:54 pm

I wasn't a fan of the chrome at 1st even when I bought my chromie cab. But it has grown on me very quickly and I LOVE it now. M-Tec to me is too common.

Sat Mar 26, 2011 11:36 am

GWB wrote:Bud I wasn't having a pop, I'm a grumpy sod and have become attached to these frustrating money pits

Is yours a two of four door?
I'll keep my eyes peeled for any coming up. As per my name I'm a touring junkie so chrome isn't something I covert but more than happy to add a chrome tag to my e30 radar.

its cool man, mine is a 2 door chromie without sunroof.

i was thinking of maybe getting the chrome sanded back and having it polished up that way so it gives more of a brushed metal effect.

anybody got a brushed metalie lol.

still we'll see what come up.