Blacking out the chrome can really change how your Datsun Z looks. Picture it with a new sleek and modern style. Do you want to make your car look different and cool? You can do it with this easy change.
For car lovers who always like to customize their rides, blacking out the chrome has become very popular. Why do this? You might enjoy how it looks. Maybe it matches other parts of your car. Or you just want a fresh custom touch.
You should try these six ways to get that perfect look. Each way has its own strong points and works for different needs and how much you want to spend. You might go for vinyl wraps - or try powder coating - both beginners and long-time car tinkerers will find something helpful here.
Do you want to give your Datsun Z a bold new look? Let's jump in and find out how!
Disclaimer: This article is authored by a member of the Skillard community and reflects their personal views, not necessarily those of Skillard. We welcome your feedback and corrections in the comments to help us continually improve this content.
Wrap Your Chrome with Vinyl
You can use vinyl wrapping to cover the chrome on your Datsun Z. This is a cool one because it's reversible, and it won't hurt your car's resale value.
First, you should get quality vinyl like 3M. You also need a sharp 30-degree utility blade, a heat gun, a wrap glove, 70% Isopropyl alcohol, clean microfiber cloths, and a 4" blue squeegee with a fresh felt strip. Octopus magnets, VViViD Shield Guard, VViViD Tack Reducer, and optional knifeless tape or Wrapcut will also help. A bit of preparation first really helps to make sure you have a smooth application.
Always clean the surface area and edges of the chrome well with 70% Isopropyl alcohol. This will get rid of oils and wax residues that might prevent the vinyl from sticking properly. For larger panels, you can definitely use VViViD Tack Reducer to help move the film around if needed - this makes the job much easier and will ensure better results.
Next, you should spray a lubrication spray like VViViD Shield Guard over the area before putting the vinyl. Grab your squeegee to actually smooth out any air bubbles as you go. Have lots of patience here. Rushing will cause bubbles and wrinkles which are frustrating to fix later. Once the sheet is in place, carefully cut off the extra vinyl with your utility blade.
You're going to want to tuck the edges with care, using a heat gun to make the vinyl softer and more flexible. This helps you tuck it in neatly - avoiding wrinkles for a cleaner look. After putting the vinyl in place, you can use the heat gun to heat the edges again. This post-heating step ensures the vinyl sticks well and reduces the chance of peeling later.
Expect the vinyl to last for a few years with a bit of maintenance. Regular cleaning with soap and water keeps it looking fresh. Always stay away from high-pressure washes, though, as those can definitely damage the wrap.
Avoid common risks with the right amount of adhesive to prevent bubbles and wrinkles. Choose quality vinyl to make sure it lasts longer and doesn't degrade quickly. This gives better durability and a longer-lasting finish!
Spray Your Chrome with Plasti Dip
You're going to find Plasti Dip an easy way to black out chrome on your Datsun Z. What's so loved about it among car lovers? In short, you get a removable and rubbery coating. It's also affordable and DIY-friendly! It lets you play around with your car's look without making a big commitment. You can peel it off at any time if you don't like it.
To start, use a clean chrome surface. Take your time to remove every bit of dirt. Skipping this step might give you a bumpy finish, which could end up looking more amateur and less custom. Always use tape and paper to mask off nearby areas - this way, you won't get Plasti Dip where you don't want it.
Next, spray with multiple thin coats. Let each one dry for about 30 minutes before adding the next - this stops drips and gives you a smooth finish. Patience here pays off. You'll get a pro-looking result this way! Always spray in a well-ventilated place. Remember to use masks and gloves too because these fumes aren't safe for your health.
Are you worried about getting an even coat? Start with a base coat of white dip for lighter colors. It makes missed places obvious, helping you cover everything evenly. Some skip this step - they might end up with a patchy look though.
Luckily, this won't cost you much - a single can is around $6. It's an affordable alternative to vinyl wraps and full paint jobs. If you don't like the new look, no problem - you can basically peel it off and the original surface stays fine.
Remember, mistakes happen, so don't stress about them. Plasti Dip peels off. Try again if you need to. A drip reformer can help with small touch-ups. It might sound too good to be true, but many DIYers have had good success. Just look at projects on cars like the Hummer H3 and the BMW E92 - these examples show you can get a showroom look at home.
So what's stopping you? Get a can of Plasti Dip and some painter's tape. Start working on your car! Don't expect perfection on the first try. Its ease and removability make it a forgiving project. Customizing your Datsun Z is as much about the fun process as the final look.
Replace Chrome Parts with Aftermarket Options
You can change chrome parts on your Datsun Z with aftermarket parts for a fresh look. Actually, swapping chrome with black aftermarket parts has a few perks. For example, you can find black emblems, trims, and mirrors from suppliers like Skillard (that's us!). We make parts just for Datsun Z models, which means you get a perfect fit and finish each time.
Sometimes aftermarket parts offer long-term and tough results - not like short-term fixes. Unlike painting or wrapping, aftermarket parts keep the blackout look over time. This matters quite a bit when you're aiming for a long-lasting change without needing regular touch-ups. Besides, these parts are often sturdier than the original chrome ones. This way you get more lifespan and quality. Who doesn't love durability and quality?
You should think about the installation process as well. Basic tools you might need include a drill and screwdrivers. Swapping out emblems and mirror covers can be easy if you have some DIY skills - just to give you an example. But more complicated parts like mirror mounts might need professional help to fit and match them the right way. You could save yourself big headaches later by getting an expert, especially if tools are not your strong suit.
Wondering about the cost? Actually, aftermarket parts vary in price based on the supplier and quality. For example, a decent reproduction fender mirror set might cost around $529. On the other hand, methods like painting or vinyl wraps could be cheaper at first, but you might have to redo them sometimes. Over time those costs can add up. So investing in quality aftermarket parts might actually be cheaper in the long run. This cost comparison is important for budgeting your project.
But let's keep it real - nothing is perfect. Unfortunately, sometimes non-OEM parts may have fitment issues. That means you might need extra adjustments to make them fit right. You're always better off researching and picking good suppliers to lower these risks. With some planning and the right resources, you can successfully black out the chrome on your Datsun Z - it gives it a sleek and modern look. Why settle for less when a high-quality look is near?
Can You Paint Over Chrome Parts?
When you paint chrome parts to black out the chrome on your Datsun Z, you have a more lasting option. First, you need to make that chrome surface very clean. You just start with scuffing up the chrome with some fine-grit sandpaper to make a rough texture for the paint to stick to. Doing a thorough job on the surface prep will really make a difference in how long it lasts.
Once you finish sanding, be sure to clean the surface thoroughly. You can't have any dirt, grime, or oil left on it - so always use a degreaser if you need to. A rookie move would be to skip this step, but it's super important. Even a tiny bit of dirt can ruin what could have been a perfect paint job, and that's something you definitely don't want to happen.
Then, you need to prime the surface. Go for a quality primer that's made just for automotive use. A self-etching primer works best. This goes a long way in helping the paint bond better and ensures it stays on longer. Imagine going through all the trouble only for the paint to peel off later. You don't want that, trust me.
When you get to the actual painting, you need to use sturdy and durable paint fit for cars. Apply thin and even coats, letting each layer dry before adding the next. It might take a bit of time, but it's well worth it. You'll get a sleek and professional-looking finish that you can be proud of. Cheap paint? That's a shortcut to disappointment.
If you don't have the experience or time, you might want to get some professional help. The cost will depend on how complicated the job is and where you're located, but you get what you pay for. Quality work from pros usually lasts longer and looks better.
You should watch out for risks. Not prepping the work enough can make the paint peel. Nothing's more heartbreaking than seeing all your hard work flake off because of something that could have been avoided. Looking at examples of successful paint jobs can really help and inspire you. You can make chrome wheels and motorcycle parts look pretty sharp with the right prep and good paint. These success stories can show you what's possible and guide your work.
Thinking about another way? You could strip the chrome with chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or automotive degreasers and then paint. Some people find this strategy easier, so it's well worth considering.
Use Powder Coating for Durable Results
You can get a strong and sharp finish for blacking out the chrome on your Datsun Z with powder coating. Here's what you do: start with cleaning the surface.
Clean it well and get rid of all the junk. Usually, you blast away any inorganic things and then use an alkaline cleaner for any organic junk. You can also rinse with reverse-osmosis water and then seal it with a chrome-free zirconium sealer. I know preparation is a big part of a smooth finish. A clean surface will make sure that the coating sticks well and lasts longer.
Now, let's move on to the actual coating process. The powder coating uses an electrostatic strategy. You spray the electrically charged powder onto the grounded metal part. This attraction will get you an even coat. After that, cure it in an oven to melt and smooth out the powder - this creates a strong and tough coating. The strategy guarantees a uniform finish, and it's pretty efficient.
So what are the perks of powder coating? Well, it gives you a thick and scratch-resistant finish that stands up well against corrosion and abrasion - perfect if you want something that lasts. Also, you can get it in almost any color and finish, which makes it nice for customizing your Datsun Z. The number of options lets you customize the look exactly to your liking.
Talking about costs, powder coating could be more expensive than other methods - especially when you go professional. But think about this: its durability means you save in the long run by not doing touch-ups or replacements. You'll see the investment pays off. Is it worth hiring a professional? While you can try DIY powder coating, it needs special tools and knowledge. For the best results, you might want to get an expert for the job.
You can sometimes catch powder coating pros at car shows and in customization shops. A lot of folks in the automotive world use it to customize wheels, grills, and bumpers. While a lot of DIY people give it a shot, it's tough without the right gear. Pros have the equipment and skill to get it just right.
Here's something cool: you can technically reverse powder coating if you want. If you ever want the original chrome back, you can strip it off. Another perk is its thickness compared to factory anodizing - it can give you different textures based on application. Some shops carry black powder, which makes it easy if you're going for that look.
Picking powder coating can be a smart choice for a sleek and sturdy blacked-out chrome finish on your Datsun Z. You'll love the durability and the quality of the finish. Definitely go for it and enjoy the new look of your ride!
Build Your Dream Car
Remember, each of these methods has its own pros and cons. You're really the artist here, shaping your Datsun Z to match your taste exactly.
Which strategy do you feel most attracted to? Are there problems you are excited to solve while upgrading your ride?
When you're taking care of classic cars, you're bringing these beauties back to life and making them better in style and utility. Classic Datsun cars like the 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z are loved by car buffs. After all, making them the best they can be is really satisfying. You can think about driving a car that reflects its original beauty and also has modern updates just for you.
For those looking to take things up a notch, try Skillard if you're a Datsun fan looking to go the extra mile with custom work. You'll find a lot of custom parts made just for Datsun models in our collection. We have sleek bumpers, sturdy aluminum door cards, refined center consoles, and high-quality spoilers. Because of our focus on quality and advanced designs, we help you bring your restoration dreams to life. So why wait?
Visit Skillard.com and browse our full range to pick the right parts for your car dream! Are you ready to turn your Datsun Z into the ultimate car you've always wanted?
