Calling all blackout trim fanatics….. May I pick your brains?

[BigE_In_TX]

Hello all- Just upgraded my 22 to a 26 and trying to figure some things out…..

Please may I pick your brains and get your feedback if you have done any of the mods and I think this goes without saying but post pics of your rig when you reply….

Question #1: This is regarding the side marker lights. I am thinking of going with the VIP Auto Accessories ones. Why, because I like oem parts. They are pricey, which I have second guessed my purchase and also pondered getting them vinyl wrapped when I get my tint done soon. Anyone do the VIP side markers? Pics?

Question #2: Anyone powdercoated the exhaust tips? Do they easily come apart? Hate the idea of someone taking apart my new car, but also the chrome gots to go! Any feedback on this? I have been looking at GM part # 84888291 to use the tips and get those done, but can’t find the exhaust for less than $1K on eBay which seems dumb just to use the tips.

Thank you in advance for the replies

 

[Protect1989]

If you want to save $250, why not use a tint spray and cover the marker lights yourself? Should be a relatively easy project, just tape of the area and give a few light coats. Additionally you can buy a small thing of tint film on amazon and apply that too.

Tint Spray

Tint Roll

 

[Sgt1411]

I have a High Country which came with the OEM chrome trims and bright machined wheels. I had a shop pull the grill, all the chrome trim and they did liquid vinyl to all trim pieces except roof rack rail and door handles. Those were done in an OE black wrap. The benefit of having the blackout done this way is its like it was done at the OE parts manufacturing plant. Essentially you never worry about separation from the base material.

My wheels were powder coated which is stronger then paint, they chemically wash them, bead blast them, then powder coat them and after curing they ceramic coat. Then I bought the OEM black lugnuts.

The front 1/4 marker lights and the red reflectors in my rear bumper are wrapped with opaque black vinyl.

It looks OEM to me and everyone who sees it thinks its factory.

IMHO Im not interested in the Joey DYI Home Depot cheap look.

I was told by the shop they would do the exhaust tips but would not guarantee the finish for lifetime like the rest of the blackout so I declined

If you look at the GM OEM Black Appearance Package they always leave the exhaust tips muted chrome so I try and emulate that look.

 

[OR VietVet]

Hello all- Just upgraded my 22 to a 26 and trying to figure some things out…..

Please may I pick your brains and get your feedback if you have done any of the mods and I think this goes without saying but post pics of your rig when you reply….

Question #1: This is regarding the side marker lights. I am thinking of going with the VIP Auto Accessories ones. Why, because I like oem parts. They are pricey, which I have second guessed my purchase and also pondered getting them vinyl wrapped when I get my tint done soon. Anyone do the VIP side markers? Pics?

Question #2: Anyone powdercoated the exhaust tips? Do they easily come apart? Hate the idea of someone taking apart my new car, but also the chrome gots to go! Any feedback on this? I have been looking at GM part # 84888291 to use the tips and get those done, but can’t find the exhaust for less than $1K on eBay which seems dumb just to use the tips.

Thank you in advance for the replies

Good luck on your blackout endeavors.

By the way, you own a truck, not a car.

 

[BigE_In_TX]

I have a High Country which came with the OEM chrome trims and bright machined wheels. I had a shop pull the grill, all the chrome trim and they did liquid vinyl to all trim pieces except roof rack rail and door handles. Those were done in an OE black wrap. The benefit of having the blackout done this way is its like it was done at the OE parts manufacturing plant. Essentially you never worry about separation from the base material.

My wheels were powder coated which is stronger then paint, they chemically wash them, bead blast them, then powder coat them and after curing they ceramic coat. Then I bought the OEM black lugnuts.

The front 1/4 marker lights and the red reflectors in my rear bumper are wrapped with opaque black vinyl.

It looks OEM to me and everyone who sees it thinks its factory.

IMHO Im not interested in the Joey DYI Home Depot cheap look.

I was told by the shop they would do the exhaust tips but would not guarantee the finish for lifetime like the rest of the blackout so I declined

If you look at the GM OEM Black Appearance Package they always leave the exhaust tips muted chrome so I try and emulate that look.

@Sgt1411 First off, beautiful hoe you got there

Secondly, I appreciate your thoughtful response. I too am not a DIY because I likely would F it up, and it would look cheap and tacky. Not going for that look at all!

So you did the vinyl wrap on the side markers. How long has it been so far? Can you still see the glow from the front side markers at night?

 

[BigE_In_TX]

Just to not be a hypocrite since I asked for pics, here’s mine

 

[KMeloney]

You guys need some front-window tint. Otherwise, looking good!

 

[Stbentoak]

My 21 had many things wrapped, roof rails, rear bumper trim and the like. Looked good for about 3 years them started to receed and fail. 100% hand washed. In a car wash.. wouldn't have lasted a year.
Got smarter on my 25 and had every chrome piece replaced with AT4 black OEM or removed, prepped, painted and automotive clear coated for a factory finish. Had the 24's gloss black powder coated. None of this is cheap, but I will never have to worry about it or look at it again for as long as I own it. Get many compliments on it......

 

[KMeloney]

Just to not be a hypocrite since I asked for pics, here’s mine
View attachment 474962

I assume the front of your truck looks nice, too. (Terrible picture! Go out and take some good ones!)

 

[BigdawgR6]

You guys need some front-window tint. Otherwise, looking good!

Windshield tint as well! It makes the inside feel so much more cozier.

 

[BigE_In_TX]

You guys need some front-window tint. Otherwise, looking good!

@KMeloney Yep, I absolutely agree with you. My appointment is set for Saturday morning.

 

[BigE_In_TX]

I assume the front of your truck looks nice, too. (Terrible picture! Go out and take some good ones!)

@KMeloney I will have to brush up on my photography skills (Just a quick 1st pic seeing it for the first time getting it from the dealership yesterday…. My focus was getting behind the wheel)

 

[Sgt1411]

I like your wheels better then mine......very nice look

 

[BigE_In_TX]

I like your wheels better then mine......very nice look

I appreciate your compliment @Sgt1411

 

[Sgt1411]

@Sgt1411 First off, beautiful hoe you got there

Secondly, I appreciate your thoughtful response. I too am not a DIY because I likely would F it up, and it would look cheap and tacky. Not going for that look at all!

So you did the vinyl wrap on the side markers. How long has it been so far? Can you still see the glow from the front side markers at night?

Its been 8 months, no issues, yes its an opaque vinyl and you see the bulbs through the wrap, it just dims the reflectors down a bit. You can get various levels just like window tint so it can be customized to your preferences.