Removing Chrome And Painting?

Superman TNT · September 26, 2008

I bought an 08 Silverado 2500 HD. It has those stupid looking chrome plated end caps on the front bumper. Is there a good way to strip off the chrome plating and paint them? Is there some kind of stripping compound made? Is there a lot of sanding post strip? Anyone have experience with this?

biller007 · October 1, 2008

I would take it to a body shop, I believe that with the right process chrome can be painted over. I would never buy a new truck and start screwing with the body on it myself.

Thats just me tho, to each there own

Zembonez · October 1, 2008

Aren't those plastic? They can be painted over successfully.

Superman TNT · October 2, 2008

Aren't those plastic? They can be painted over successfully.

Yes, the end caps are plastic. However I thought you had to remove the "chrome" plating from the plastic before painting them. I assume there is some product made that does that. I was just wondering if there was anyone on here that knows what it is.

Zembonez · October 2, 2008

Aren't those plastic? They can be painted over successfully.

Yes, the end caps are plastic. However I thought you had to remove the "chrome" plating from the plastic before painting them. I assume there is some product made that does that. I was just wondering if there was anyone on here that knows what it is.

I never heard of anything that would take chrome off of plastic. Im not necessarily saying it isn't posible...but I haven't seen anything. We normally just painted chrome grilles, bumpers, etc.

Two possible options.

1. Prep and paint the existing parts.

2. Check into the possibility of buying non chrome replacements from GM.

Either way. I think it would look good and last if done properly.

Good luck.

tobias · October 2, 2008

Aren't those plastic? They can be painted over successfully.

Yes, the end caps are plastic. However I thought you had to remove the "chrome" plating from the plastic before painting them. I assume there is some product made that does that. I was just wondering if there was anyone on here that knows what it is.

I never heard of anything that would take chrome off of plastic. Im not necessarily saying it isn't posible...but I haven't seen anything. We normally just painted chrome grilles, bumpers, etc.

Two possible options.

1. Prep and paint the existing parts.

2. Check into the possibility of buying non chrome replacements from GM.

Either way. I think it would look good and last if done properly.

Good luck.

Agreed. BTW, I can't recall if the 2500's are included or not but apparently there is to be a fog light kit for the 1500's which include new end caps ready for paint. Get in touch with Rich (MS3DALE) as he is our resident parts guru. He should be able to tell you what your options are.

kevhead hd · October 4, 2008

The only options for the HD is with or without fog lamps, all Hd's have chrome. I think all you have to do is scuff the shine off so the paint will stick and you should be fine. I was thinking of doing mine but am not sure how it will hold up. (stone chips) Best bet would be to talk to a painter it can be done, i saw some at sema. Let us know how it works. Kevin

zumlin · October 10, 2008

The only options for the HD is with or without fog lamps, all Hd's have chrome. I think all you have to do is scuff the shine off so the paint will stick and you should be fine. I was thinking of doing mine but am not sure how it will hold up. (stone chips) Best bet would be to talk to a painter it can be done, i saw some at sema. Let us know how it works. Kevin

Chip guard looks good and when painted to match the Hood inserts if you have them on yours. Have a shop do it so it dont come off ,they will have the best way, they are plastic......

gbnl917 · October 25, 2008

I bought an 08 Silverado 2500 HD. It has those stupid looking chrome plated end caps on the front bumper. Is there a good way to strip off the chrome plating and paint them? Is there some kind of stripping compound made? Is there a lot of sanding post strip? Anyone have experience with this?

you can buy oem painted endcaps on ebay for a descent price, which is easier for me im not a painter

takevin · November 8, 2008

The only options for the HD is with or without fog lamps, all Hd's have chrome. I think all you have to do is scuff the shine off so the paint will stick and you should be fine. I was thinking of doing mine but am not sure how it will hold up. (stone chips) Best bet would be to talk to a painter it can be done, i saw some at sema. Let us know how it works. Kevin

yep, just scuff the chrome and you'll be fine, thats what im doing for the side view mirror covers i got from a member from here. They look great!