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Chrome delete retrofit?

Discussion in 'Model 3: Interior & Exterior' started by Scottus3, Oct 16, 2020.

  1. zackmilo

    zackmilo Professional moron

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    I did it last week- regret it a bit. Just did it because my car was in a hit and run and left side was covered since chrome delete would need to be re-done anyways. Did not do repeaters or handles since its the $ and labor costs of handles. Looks really good but NOT worth the $. Appointment tomorrow to re-tint corner windows+lightly resmoke rear lights. $1800 parts alone for whole car including all trim, mirrors, and corner windows. Screen Shot 2021-03-03 at 11.25.15 AM.png Screen Shot 2021-03-03 at 11.23.17 AM.png Screen Shot 2021-03-03 at 11.23.32 AM.png Screen Shot 2021-03-03 at 11.23.52 AM.png
     

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  2. Aye_itscarmen

    Aye_itscarmen Member

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    How did you install quarter panel windows?
     
  3. Durzel

    Durzel Active Member

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    I'd like to know the answer to this too.
     
  4. zackmilo

    zackmilo Professional moron

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    Body shop did it when car was in there. They did the whole install.
     
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  5. tinkererguy

    tinkererguy Paul Braren TinkerTry.com/Tesla

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    Wow @zackmilo very helpful info, and great pictures too!

    $1488.94 was the estimate gave me for labor and parts to replace my window trim with the same chrome it came with, details here:
    Tesla Model 3 replacing my 13 year old Honda Civic Hybrid, let's see how that goes. So far, so good! | TinkerTry IT @ Home
    so yeah, going with black trim is looking costly, especially since door handles and repeaters and labor aren't included in that $1800.

    By the way, something interesting to note.

    FYI, the Tesla Manual recommends touch-less car washes, see page 169:
    https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_3_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf
    which has been recently updated to include information about pH levels:
    CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, use touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3. Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash. Damage caused by improper washing is not covered by the warranty

    But back when I got my 2018 Model 3 on Dec 23 2018, the instruction manual didn’t say anything about pH levels, only that I SHOULD use touchless car washes only. See this pdf version from November 8, 2019 for example, page 163:

    Caution: If washing in an automatic car wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3. Using any other type of car wash could cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

    This tends to lend some validity to this article:
    Will Tesla Fix The Discoloration on Window Trim? | That Tesla Channel
    claiming:
    Will Tesla fix discoloration on window trim? Yes, Tesla will replace the window trim if you purchased your vehicle before the warranty change in January of 2020. If you purchased your vehicle after the warranty changed, replacement of the trim will be at their discretion.

    but I've never been able to reach the author to clarify or provide details.
     
  6. zackmilo

    zackmilo Professional moron

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    Yes touchless car wash is a big no-no since the chemicals they use are very strong and can discolor the trim.
     
  7. zackmilo

    zackmilo Professional moron

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    Also few things to note the mirrors are not compatible unless you switch the antennas so I took the antennas out of the old mirrors and place them into the door panel. They change the connectors from 3 to 1. Loving the look but wouldn’t do it again. Not worth time money and effort. F61F624B-C378-4B4B-9C35-31507AA91158.jpeg 3203CA1A-DB3F-4FC7-B86F-4DA5BC2AB17B.jpeg
     
  8. Durzel

    Durzel Active Member

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    The wifi antennas? I thought there was only one in drivers side (US) wing mirror?
     
  9. Aye_itscarmen

    Aye_itscarmen Member

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    I took apart both mirrors fully and transferred the black trim onto the old mirror so I could keep wifi antenna without removing it. Definitely a lot of work and wouldn’t do it again.
     

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