Interior/Exterior Side Gills
#1
Side Gills
I am on a mission to de-chrome Black Tie, and until I find the right vinyl tape, I started with the side "shark gills." Pushed them out, masked the "S" and painted black. Looks great but I don't know if it will hold up. Wondering if anyone else has done this with any success, or if they can be bought anywhere in black instead of chrome, with the "S" of course.
TJM
TJM
#4
Do you have a picture?
Originally Posted by amorican
I am on a mission to de-chrome Black Tie, and until I find the right vinyl tape, I started with the side "shark gills." Pushed them out, masked the "S" and painted black. Looks great but I don't know if it will hold up. Wondering if anyone else has done this with any success, or if they can be bought anywhere in black instead of chrome, with the "S" of course.
TJM
TJM
#5
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#10
Originally Posted by Lagston
A little late but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post three pages deep. I actually took the red sticker off of the "S" and sanded down the whole thing including the tough to reach indented portion. I used automotive SEM flat black.
That looks sweet! I have to ask though was it necessary to fully sand it down? What grit were you using and did it come out smooth? Sorry for the questions but I love the job you did as it is exactly what I want to do!!!
Did you use a compressor and sprayer or just a regular spray can?
#11
Originally Posted by CustomAV
Lagston,
That looks sweet! I have to ask though was it necessary to fully sand it down? What grit were you using and did it come out smooth? Sorry for the questions but I love the job you did as it is exactly what I want to do!!!
Did you use a compressor and sprayer or just a regular spray can?
That looks sweet! I have to ask though was it necessary to fully sand it down? What grit were you using and did it come out smooth? Sorry for the questions but I love the job you did as it is exactly what I want to do!!!
Did you use a compressor and sprayer or just a regular spray can?
Lagston
#12
Lagston that looks
INCREDIBLE!! As posted above it would be greatly appreciated if you could let us know the procedure. I think I will deviate from your exact application though as I will be retaining the red "S". Definitely two thumbs up!!
Edit: Thanks for the info. I guess I type REALLY SLOW!
Edit: Thanks for the info. I guess I type REALLY SLOW!
#13
Cool! Any help you can provide would be appreciated. I assume removing the side markers is not a hard task, will look into it when I get home, also for the paint as well....
I just want to make sure it looks good from a close inspection as well as from a distance. I will definitely take of the red.... my baby is Darks Silver and anything I can do to keep the black and grey look is best!
Chris
I just want to make sure it looks good from a close inspection as well as from a distance. I will definitely take of the red.... my baby is Darks Silver and anything I can do to keep the black and grey look is best!
Chris
#14
#16
Hey all,
Here are some pictures of the SEM Trim black paint I used on most of the exterior chrome pieces, an upclose shot of the S, and my rear COOPER S badging powder coated flat black, make me an offer on the badging and I'll pay the shipping. So, the side grilles are three main pieces (once you remove the bulb), the chrome piece, the S, and the black grill that sits behind the chrome piece as you can see in the picture. With the bonnet popped place a finger or two behind the fender and you'll feel a plastic point, push that out, some may be stubborn, once that side is popped out, the other end just slides out towerds the front of the car.
Looking at the backside of the grill you'll see the "S" piece being held in by a round retaing clip. I used some small needle nose plyers to slowly walk it up the shaft. Once you've done this there is also some double back tape holding the "S" to the large piece, just work it off gently. My first idea was to mask off the red "S", this was difficult when it came to sanding around it. When I was finished and was removing the tape it started to expose the chrome that surounded the "S". You can give it a try if you have plenty of patience. I removed the sticker with my nail and finger and some goo gone or you could just go straight for the 180 grit sand paper and have the double back tape just flake off.
When you are preping (sanding) the "S" make sure you get inside the little revine, or indentation, with the sand paper really well or your paint won't stick and you'll be putting three to four coats on the "S". Once it's preped you can take some vice grips and clamp down lightly on the shaft, or if you have an idea of your own, go for it.
Now just sand down the large piece really well, especially in the indent for the bulb and casing, mask off what you wish, tape down the bottom side to a piece of cardboard or what-not and spray away. Preferably 2 coats, maybe 3. You don't really need to spray the black grill as it is already black . Good Luck. Take your time and you'll be fine.
Lagston
Here are some pictures of the SEM Trim black paint I used on most of the exterior chrome pieces, an upclose shot of the S, and my rear COOPER S badging powder coated flat black, make me an offer on the badging and I'll pay the shipping. So, the side grilles are three main pieces (once you remove the bulb), the chrome piece, the S, and the black grill that sits behind the chrome piece as you can see in the picture. With the bonnet popped place a finger or two behind the fender and you'll feel a plastic point, push that out, some may be stubborn, once that side is popped out, the other end just slides out towerds the front of the car.
Looking at the backside of the grill you'll see the "S" piece being held in by a round retaing clip. I used some small needle nose plyers to slowly walk it up the shaft. Once you've done this there is also some double back tape holding the "S" to the large piece, just work it off gently. My first idea was to mask off the red "S", this was difficult when it came to sanding around it. When I was finished and was removing the tape it started to expose the chrome that surounded the "S". You can give it a try if you have plenty of patience. I removed the sticker with my nail and finger and some goo gone or you could just go straight for the 180 grit sand paper and have the double back tape just flake off.
When you are preping (sanding) the "S" make sure you get inside the little revine, or indentation, with the sand paper really well or your paint won't stick and you'll be putting three to four coats on the "S". Once it's preped you can take some vice grips and clamp down lightly on the shaft, or if you have an idea of your own, go for it.
Now just sand down the large piece really well, especially in the indent for the bulb and casing, mask off what you wish, tape down the bottom side to a piece of cardboard or what-not and spray away. Preferably 2 coats, maybe 3. You don't really need to spray the black grill as it is already black . Good Luck. Take your time and you'll be fine.
Lagston
#20
#23
Lagston,
Just go to any body shop and they have the tape that is used for lettering and emblems on cars. They are usually pretty nice and will give you some. The only pain with the COOPER S is that you will have to painfully cut each piece of tape on the letters so that it wont show when you put them on the car.
Just go to any body shop and they have the tape that is used for lettering and emblems on cars. They are usually pretty nice and will give you some. The only pain with the COOPER S is that you will have to painfully cut each piece of tape on the letters so that it wont show when you put them on the car.
#25
First of all: great job! Thanks for the inspiration (and the instructions). It looks great, and you've explained it clearly.
Second: what kind of price would you put on a pair of Lagified Gills? This seems like do-able DIY, but as busy as I've been lately, I kinda like the idea of getting a finished set from you. Feel free to PM me with a price.
Second: what kind of price would you put on a pair of Lagified Gills? This seems like do-able DIY, but as busy as I've been lately, I kinda like the idea of getting a finished set from you. Feel free to PM me with a price.