Shadowline -- remove strips, or just mask?

[onaquest]

I've scoured the intarweb far and beyond to find the best way of shadowlining my "chrome' window strips. I've read an old page from e30sport that Jordan wrote, i've read the strictlyeta write up, as well as any individual write up here on r3v and on e30tech.

I've read that removing the strips is the only real way to get a thorough coat. I've also read that removing these strips can damage them due to their frailty. Now, I obviously dont want to spend 9 hrs to bend my trim. Is it really that difficult?


Question: Remove trim or not to remove trim

[Teaguer]

If you are apprehensive about removing them due to fear of damging them or whatever just thoroughly mask yhem and leave them on the car .

I would say that by far more guys paint on the car than off .

And yes they bend and can kink easily enough if you are hamfisted .
Also broken clips needing replacement is a given .

[AndrewBird]

While I do kind of think it is half-assed NOT to take them off, I can uderstand how it is a bitch not to bend them. But it's not that hard. Just go slow and take your time.

Personally, I think the only correct way to do it is get 318is factory shadowline. But that's just me...

[onaquest]

Ive been searching for a set of the oem shadowline trim. Also take into consideration that the person removing it from 318is might not take their time, and could possibly bend it..

[KenC]

There is almost no possible way to scour the chrome trim enough to get paint to stick to it well enough... you're better off just waiting until you can get your hands on some black trim.

[erik325i]

I've read that removing the strips is the only real way to get a thorough coat.

There's your answer. If you want a very thorough job that will last a long time, remove the trim. Not only will it be easier to paint, but you will be able to sand and prep the trim better when the trim is removed. The longevity of the final job all depends on the quality of the prep.

I've also read that removing these strips can damage them due to their frailty. Now, I obviously dont want to spend 9 hrs to bend my trim. Is it really that difficult?

It won't take you nine hours.

Here's my best advice... Go to your local junkyard and start pullijng the trim off every e30 there. Once you get the hang of it and are pulling them off without bending them all up, practice putting them back on. That way, you don't need to worry about messing up your own trim...

I can pop off all of the window trim in under 5 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, it's not hard at all...

-Erik

[asubimmer]

Rob

[onaquest]

Here's my best advice... Go to your local junkyard and start pullijng the trim off every e30 there. Once you get the hang of it and are pulling them off without bending them all up, practice putting them back on.

Thats some good, logical advice. Haven't made any trips to the junkers since having my e30.. next weekend I'll check it out.

The 9 hours idea came from the strictlyeta write up. I thought it sounded whack. :loco:

I will likely buy some oem shadowline when it comes around. In the mean time, i will paint my own.. i cant stand the chrome.. it catches my eye when i look at my car, and i cant' get past it.

What's the best method for prepping the trim, 3m scuff pad, 60 grit sandpaper?? Each write up has different info, does anyone have a tried, tested method? As far as the actual paint, I've got SEM 39143.

[PiercedE30]

if you scour the chrome and use a self etching primer i don't see why it wouldn't stay for a long time. thats what i did.

[erik325i]

What's the best method for prepping the trim, 3m scuff pad, 60 grit sandpaper?? Each write up has different info, does anyone have a tried, tested method? As far as the actual paint, I've got SEM 39143.

I used 120 grit paper to really scuff up the trim, them went to 220 to finish it off.
Make sure to really sand every inch of the trim. This is the most impportant part.

Next, I used SEM Self Etching Primer to lay down a few coats. I finished it off with a couple coats of SEM Trim paint.

Good luck

-Erik

[Sean]

Anyone ever heard of the Trimbrite Blackout tape? Is it just electrical tape, or what? I don't care about putting tape on mine, would take a lot less time, and easy to replace when it gets ruined. Anyone ever tried the stuff? There's packages for sale on Amazon, I saw.

Also, when using the SEM trim paint - do you HAVE to use primer? Or, doesn't the trim paint just stick fine on it's own? I didn't think you were supposed to use the trim paint with primer, that it sticks to trim pieces just fine.

How about on plastic? I am using SEM paint on my bumpers until I ahve the money to make them body color - should I have used primer on those too?

[RobertK]

I painted all the trim while it was on my car but I spent 2.5 hours preping each side for paint.

If you take your time meticulously prepping you will be ok. I just sanded them thoroughly with 120 grit and again with 300 grit then cleaned it with brake cleaner on rag to strip any oils on it. Last, 2 coats of primer + 2 coats of Dupont Satin Black Trim Paint.

[TerribleONE]

Make sure to really sand every inch of the trim. This is the most impportant part.

yea that is very important because if you dont sand it, the paint will just flake right off after a couple days of rain or ANYTHING.. i had to redo lots of my window trim because i didnt do the correct prep work first. i think the best thing for you to do is remove the trim from the car for sures, then sand them for sures.

[RobertK]

Even with all the sanding precaution it's hard to ensure the paint will stay forever. The trim is aluminum and is a pourous metal which is why the self etching primer is required.

Though after a few seasons of temp changes I would not be surprised if it starts to flake or crack.

[golde30]

i painted/sanded my trim ON the car last year...i spent HOURS prepping it and taping it off etc, and one year later....its all flaking off. do it rite the first time.