TomT
Technical Maven
I like the chrome on my Midnight Silver Metallic. I'm not a de-chrome fan...
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We keep calling it chrome, but is it really? As far as I can tell, it's polished aluminum. But I'm not a pro.
Sandy Munro calls it "chrome" too which confuses the hell out of me - there's been more than one occasion where he says some really perplexing stuff. Given his immense experience and knowledge, though, I end up questioning my own sanity.It's a hopeless battle. As you have probably seen, I have corrected people many times on this form that it is no way no how chrome. You'd have to be completely incompetent and blind to look at that trim and then a piece of real chrome and say they are the same finish. I mean, does it look like a mirror??
It doesn't help that employees of Tesla misquote it as being chrome because these easily misguided people go around spewing that they confirmed it's chrome from Tesla themselves. About 1 in 100 Tesla employees have any clue what they are talking about with anything related to Tesla cars.
For the record, it's anodized aluminum trim. This type of finish is incredibly common with different car brands now. And when the finish gets damaged, like chrome, it can not be buffed or polished to correct it. It has to be replaced or wrapped or painted.
It would be good if someone could set up a swap-a-trim for the Model 3 so people that like one or the other could get what they want.
My take is that it's a misnomer (like many other things automotive), that's generally referring to the metallic appearance and reflective finish aesthetic, as opposed to the literal material type. I'm largely indifferent, since I typically know what the person means and is aiming to remove, but I've heard it when referring to polished aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel (when talking about metals), or colored chrome details (on everything from wraps to nail polishes), so it varies.Sandy Munro calls it "chrome" too which confuses the hell out of me - there's been more than one occasion where he says some really perplexing stuff. Given his immense experience and knowledge, though, I end up questioning my own sanity.
My take is that it's a misnomer (like many other things automotive), that's generally referring to the metallic appearance and reflective finish aesthetic, as opposed to the literal material type. I'm largely indifferent, since I typically know what the person means and is aiming to remove, but I've heard it when referring to polished aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel (when talking about metals), or colored chrome details (on everything from wraps to nail polishes), so it varies.
If the discussion gets into "what is x actually made of", like you did, then someone elaborates, but rarely in a casual discussion like most threads, here. To me, it's similar to calling wheels "rims", stepping on the "gas", and putting down "horsepower"...not the most accurate, but we get by.
I'd considered that possibility, but he's mentioned several times how chrome is harmful to the environment within that context and that it's a good thing Tesla decided to drop it from the 3/Y. So I dunno. Grain of salt and all that.My take is that it's a misnomer (like many other things automotive), that's generally referring to the metallic appearance and reflective finish aesthetic, as opposed to the literal material type. I'm largely indifferent, since I typically know what the person means and is aiming to remove, but I've heard it when referring to polished aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel (when talking about metals), or colored chrome details (on everything from wraps to nail polishes), so it varies.
If the discussion gets into "what is x actually made of", like you did, then someone elaborates, but rarely in a casual discussion like most threads, here. To me, it's similar to calling wheels "rims", stepping on the "gas", and putting down "horsepower"...not the most accurate, but we get by.
I'd considered that possibility, but he's mentioned several times how chrome is harmful to the environment within that context and that it's a good thing Tesla decided to drop it from the 3/Y. So I dunno. Grain of salt and all that.
To be clear, I never claimed it doesn't matter- I specifically gave a nod to that detail in my second paragraph. What I did express, is that given context, I understand what many people mean when they say "chrome", especially when the topic is focused on a color change. By extension, the term is overused, and so mistakes like Sandy's can happen.The problem is maintenance. You clean chrome with chrome cleaners. You don't want to use chrome cleaners on non-chrome surfaces. Plus, chrome is not likely to be damaged by harsh detergents. The anodized aluminum has proven to be susceptible to staining from certain detergents, so you need to be more careful with it than chrome.
Bottom line, unlike you claim, it matters and it's not just semantics. Ignorance is not bliss in this case.
I see what you mean, and he's probably well-intentioned on the environment part, but probably just got it wrong with this specific car, so agreed, some salt is warranted.I'd considered that possibility, but he's mentioned several times how chrome is harmful to the environment within that context and that it's a good thing Tesla decided to drop it from the 3/Y. So I dunno. Grain of salt and all that.
Old guy here (58). Embrace the chrome… except the frunk emblem – cleaner without IMO. I like the black trim too though it looks better on certain colors that others, but am happy with with the classic blue + silver combo. Not sure I'd add more chrome embellishments, fine as is.
Wheels are TSW Nurburgring Mirror Cut/Gunmetal, 18x8, +35mm, 19 lbs per corner (Aeros for winter). Would love to have spacers for the rear and perhaps a slight drop one day.
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It's a hopeless battle. As you have probably seen, I have corrected people many times on this form that it is no way no how chrome. You'd have to be completely incompetent and blind to look at that trim and then a piece of real chrome and say they are the same finish. I mean, does it look like a mirror??
It doesn't help that employees of Tesla misquote it as being chrome because these easily misguided people go around spewing that they confirmed it's chrome from Tesla themselves. About 1 in 100 Tesla employees have any clue what they are talking about with anything related to Tesla cars.
For the record, it's anodized aluminum trim. This type of finish is incredibly common with different car brands now. And when the finish gets damaged, like chrome, it can not be buffed or polished to correct it. It has to be replaced or wrapped or painted.
It would be good if someone could set up a swap-a-trim for the Model 3 so people that like one or the other could get what they want.
I have asked several vendors about this. All give me some song and dance about not having the right material.Anyone know where I can find a chrome add kit for a refreshed M3? Looking for the window trim in chrome.