Question, why is chrome delete so expensive?

[scrapps]

I think I'm the only one that likes the chrome accents... I think it looks beautiful on my midnight silver

No, I like the regular silver at least. I can understand why people do it on other colours.

 

[S3XY]

@shdooby did you ever consider get the OEM 19' and then getting them powder coated matte black? I am still deciding what I want to do with regards to wheels. I think for me, the 18s are the smart plan but I am really wanting/liking the 19" sport wheels and then just get them powder coated that way I do not have to worry about finding a place to swap them out and putting winter wheels on (my service center said they will not touch after market wheels). The T-Sportlines look sweet too, especially the matte black, but if I got the OEM 19s, I could save some money too. I don't know...still got some time to think about it.

I went with the 19" OEM and ordered the Tsportline 18" TST's in Matte Black for my winter wheels. I plan to have the 19s powder coated in Matte black when the winters go on. I'm thinking of Plasti-dipping the window trim and possibly the Tesla badges. I'm hoping I can wrap the door handles in a matching red if someone offers pre-cut vinyl.

 

[shdooby]

No, didn’t consider the OEM 19s. I really like the look of the TSTs and I don’t have to deal with winter wheels.

There is nothing special or challenging about swapping the wheels. I have changed them myself and any reputable wheel/tire place can easily change them for you as well for not much money I would imagine.

 

[shdooby]

I went with the 19" OEM and ordered the Tsportline 18" TST's in Matte Black for my winter wheels. I plan to have the 19s powder coated in Matte black when the winters go on. I'm thinking of Plasti-dipping the window trim and possibly the Tesla badges. I'm hoping I can wrap the door handles in a matching red if someone offers pre-cut vinyl.

I plasti-dipped my model S trim originally. Looked good, but it is hard to get the texture perfect. And after a few months, especiallu if you aren’t careful when washing, it started to peel in some places. Perhaps if someone who was fantastic a dipping (a professional) did it it might hold up longer. But I ended up getting it wrapped in vinyl and almost 3 years later it still looks fantastic. I would personally recommend spending some $$ to get the trip wrapped instead of dipping it.

For some parts though you can do it yourself with pre-cut vinyl pieces. RPMTesla makes good stuff. Here is a link to Model 3 door handle wrap, including red. RPM Tesla

I’ve ordered many parts from them for both my S and my 3.

 

[itskv]

because tesla owners are known to be wealthy individuals that know nothing about cars so shops charge up the ass

As long as other owners do it, doesn’t void warranty, and legal (having illegal tint apparently is frowned upon here) - they will pay whatever the going rate is. One $40 precut kit = roll of vinyl enough to do 3 cars!!

 

[mrbulk]

If you live in Las Vegas, I had my Model S chrome delete done by SWAT Motorsports and paid significantly less than $650.

Tint including clear ceramic film on windshield (but just regular 20% tint on the rest of the windows) was $250.

I would imagine the smaller Model 3 would be less on everything.

 

[S3XY]

I plasti-dipped my model S trim originally. Looked good, but it is hard to get the texture perfect. And after a few months, especiallu if you aren’t careful when washing, it started to peel in some places. Perhaps if someone who was fantastic a dipping (a professional) did it it might hold up longer. But I ended up getting it wrapped in vinyl and almost 3 years later it still looks fantastic. I would personally recommend spending some $$ to get the trip wrapped instead of dipping it.

For some parts though you can do it yourself with pre-cut vinyl pieces. RPMTesla makes good stuff. Here is a link to Model 3 door handle wrap, including red. RPM Tesla

I’ve ordered many parts from them for both my S and my 3.

Thanks for the letting me know your experience with plasti-dip. I wondered about the longevity. From what I've read it does pretty well if you do enough coats but it doesn't sound like I should go that route. I figured it would be a problem on the door handles since they take a beating but I thought I might get by on the trim where it doesn't get much wear. I was planning on using RPM's vinyl for the turn signal/side camera in either black or carbon fiber. I don't think their red matches as I bought a sample of the sane 3M Red and it was a lighter color.

 

[Henchman]

DIY plastidip for thentrim.
DIY vinyl for the door handles

 

[ATC@LWSK]

View attachment 304321 Here’s my Midnight Silver 3 w/ chrome delete...

This is my favourite M3 look!! Please post more pictures. Thanks

 

[nvx1977]

Thanks for the letting me know your experience with plasti-dip. I wondered about the longevity. From what I've read it does pretty well if you do enough coats but it doesn't sound like I should go that route. I figured it would be a problem on the door handles since they take a beating but I thought I might get by on the trim where it doesn't get much wear. I was planning on using RPM's vinyl for the turn signal/side camera in either black or carbon fiber. I don't think their red matches as I bought a sample of the sane 3M Red and it was a lighter color.

If it's peeling off in the months timeframe, most likely the surface wasn't cleaned well, or there was water in the seams. If you're handy and your other DIY projects tend to turn out well, I'm pretty sure your Plastidip results will be great.

I wrote a pretty detailed post on how to chrome delete with plastidip a while back (with a focus around Model 3 door handles):
CHROME DELETE

If you follow those instructions, it will last years. I've dipped trim and wheels, and they survive New England winter sand and salt no problem. Wheels take more of a beating than door handles ever will.

 

[chasemym3]

Took my installer half the time just doing the mirrors which are apparently a bitch to do. I do think these $500+ estimates are pretty ridiculous, despite being a four hour job. Should cost $300-400.

 

[SlicedBr3ad]

Took my installer half the time just doing the mirrors which are apparently a bitch to do. I do think these $500+ estimates are pretty ridiculous, despite being a four hour job. Should cost $300-400.

This sounds about right. Also, Around South Florida, it's more like $650+ which is even more mind boggling. Finally, I'm not buying that tinting is easier. Maybe the middle part of the side windows but definitely not edges and the level of difficulty is significantly higher on the back window.

 

[GasKilla]

Not a model 3, but it's midnight silver with chrome deleted. looks pretty good to me.

I like the crome delete but I'm not a fan of the red T accents. Don't think that would look good on a TM3 either

 

[P85_DA]

Chrome delete is getting overplayed .. was at San Clemente SC other day and of ten stalls filled 9 of the Tesla’s had chrome delete

 

[Keith909man]

I was thinking to do the same. Didn’t realize it could get that costly

 

[ATC@LWSK]

View media item 117940

 

[Shock-On-T]

I’ve said it before, but you’re really best to simply use whiteboard marker.
It looks the same, but has the added bonus that if you tire of it you can reverse with a gentle wipe of a good soft cloth.

 

[RedCarbon2018]

Not a model 3, but it's midnight silver with chrome deleted. looks pretty good to me.

That looks awesome, think I saw this picture on RPM Tesla! I was between midnight silver and multi coat red, video of red with chrome delete w/ ceramic tint and associated cost for each.

 

[Mineobi]

View attachment 304321 Here’s my Midnight Silver 3 w/ chrome delete...

Is this a satin black chrome delete?

 

[e-FTW]

I like Franz' car, and will see about blatantly copying it, cost be damned!