Advice from those who have had chrome trim painted

[Atx Cruiser]

Due to an expanding family, my wife is going to take the 200 and I’m looking at new tundras. I really like the interior of a certain trim (1794) but hate all the chrome around the front bumper. I’m talking to the dealer about either swapping out the chrome pieces with ones that will color match the rest of the truck, or possibly have them remove all the chrome parts, paint them, and reinstall. Should I expect a dealer to be able to paint over chrome?

My big reason for wanting this done on the front end is that we are a 2 car family and I don’t want to have to rent a car for a day or two to take a new truck to an aftermarket shop for them to paint/ delete chrome. So if the dealer can do it before I take possession that would be ideal.

Any thoughts from those that have had their chrome trim painted or replaced properly?

See picture for what I’m referring to. The truck on the right looks so much better without the chrome. Excuse the yellow rectangle I drew on it. I was trying to communicate with my sales guy which parts I want replaced/painted. And, I know this is more of a tundra question but the 200 forum is much more active.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[RickC5]

The only way that paint will reliably adhere to chrome is to have the chrome pieces sand/bead blasted first. This can get expensive.

An alternative is Plasti-dip, but you won't get a color match and will need to settle for a contrasting color. I used Plasti-dip on our 200's chrome bits that has been eaten by mag chloride about 2 years ago and none of it has peeled off yet (fingers crossed).

 

[electro992]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for:

2014+ Painted bumper ends part number cost and part number break down

Edit, more more comprehensive thread:

Ultimate OEM Toyota parts thread

 

[NautiqueGuy]

The only way that paint will reliably adhere to chrome is to have the chrome pieces sand/bead blasted first. This can get expensive.

An alternative is Plasti-dip, but you won't get a color match and will need to settle for a contrasting color. I used Plasti-dip on our 200's chrome bits that has been eaten by mag chloride about 2 years ago and none of it has peeled off yet (fingers crossed).

I’d love to see some pics of how this looks.

I’ve been considering the same myself

 

[RickC5]

Photos of Plasti-Dip over the grill, side strips and rear chrome pieces. Color used was grey, with a top coat of "metalizer". Total of about 8-9 coats of Plasti-Dip--took most of the day.

 

[Atx Cruiser]

I’ve used plasti dip on my 200 with pretty good success. I’d fit a bit weird painting a brand new truck but it may come to that. The dealer quoted about $1700 to replace all the chrome on the front.

 

[TonyP]

Plasti-Dip'ing will eventually make your fancy Tundra look like a sub-prime loaned Nissan Altima. Do it right and have them swap out the chrome with legit parts or have them painted professionally.

 

[RaptorOO7]

If you want it to look factory and hold the appearance long term, I would suggest the dealer route, and sell the original non painted parts on eBay, I am sure there is someone looking for them.

 

[dnh1]

You’re in luck w a Tundra. You can get an OEM TRD Pro grill with T O Y O T A on it for next to nothing. Check EBay.