De-Chrome around windows (1 Viewer)

[Project60]

I am going to de-chrome my 60 (or just not put it back on). I have a question about the chrome around the doors (top and sides - NOT the bottom). I can see it is purely cosmetic and doesn't seal anything.

My question is what to do about the "step" in the window frame? Has anyone filled this step when repainting to give a clean look? Since I have the doors pulled apart it won't be an issue with access or proper prep.

I was hoping for de-chromed pictures with and without the step filled... anyone?


You can see the "step" is where the paint is not as badly faded:

 

[SKINNER]

I'm interested to see the responses to this thread. What about the chrome around the windshield, rear side, and back hatch windows?

 

[AfricanToy]

I like the faded color better than the original...

 

[Project60]

I like the faded color better than the original...

I think that misses the point. It is not about what color paint, but rather after repaint there will be "visible" step around the window where the chrome used to be.


The car is getting a complete repaint. It is currently being stripped down to nothing (check the build up thread link in my signature). It will all be one color when it is done.

 

[Tofudebeest]

I'm interested to see the responses to this thread. What about the chrome around the windshield, rear side, and back hatch windows?

That chrome insert in the weatherstrips actually has a function. With it in, the strips expand slightly and seal the window to the sheetmetal. Without it, leaks will eventually result. But wait my fellow chrome h8ers, you can install a half-round strip of black rubber instead (it will cost you $20 maybe $25 bucks for a roll of it with enough to do all four windows, and it is easily found at your local window and glass shop. Also at least in regard to the windshield, you can replace that OEM weatherstrip with a channel-less version. I do know that Specter carries it. Ta da!

 

[Toadhopper]

I'm interested to see the responses to this thread. What about the chrome around the windshield, rear side, and back hatch windows?

Its my unserstanding the the chrome strip in the windshield and in the rear quarters (and maybe other places) serves to push the rubber out lateraly and help make a good seal.
I've just ordered some black rubber strip lock to replace the chrome strips. I'll post up after its installed to let folks know how it works, where to get it, and the costs.
Bryan

 

[kevinmrowland]

Leave the step, it looks just fine and will save a bunch of bodywork time (I hate bodywork, makes you sad when you dent things)

More info/pics on weather strip

 

[Project60]

Leave the step, it looks just fine and will save a bunch of bodywork time (I hate bodywork, makes you sad when you dent things)

More info/pics on weather strip

I saw that post when I searched but didn't see anything on the door trim on the top and sides of the doors (not the sill).

I read back through your ROTW and found this picture without the chrome... I presume this still has the "step" around the windows?
IH8MUD.com Forum - View Single Post - ROTW: kevinmrowland

 

[kevinmrowland]

Sorry, should have separated the post, the link was for the other question about weather strip.
But yes, that image is still with the step, I unfortunately do not have any close up pics that would show what you are looking for, but to be honest, I can not think of any reason why you would want to bother bondoing it out? It really is a non obtrusive little detail, and it is exposed on all the non US cruisers.
HTHs.

 

[kevinmrowland]

Ah, found one, still not a very good one, but you can see the step a bit.

 

[Project60]

Ah, found one, still not a very good one, but you can see the step a bit.

Thanks! That's the picture I was looking for!

 

[beaufort-fj60]

that looks more like a repaint... I took the chrome off my 84 dookie brown and there was barley a difference..

 

[Christian]

Hi Project60

As I come from Denmark, all our 60 are HJ60 or 61's. We never got the chrome trim. Our doors are just like yours are now, and have been that way some 20 years Below is a pic of one of mine, as you can see, I have stripped some of the paint of, buy you can still see the step. they were left that way by TOYOTA.
That should answer your original question.

 

[Project60]

Christian,

Thanks for the picture and info on the HJ's. I think I will leave the step alone when I repaint.

 

[Christian]

Youre welcome!
You could do like me:

 

[SKINNER]

Christian,

Thanks for the picture and info on the HJ's. I think I will leave the step alone when I repaint.

What are your plans for the bottom chrome piece? Can it also be removed and discarded?

 

[Project60]

What are your plans for the bottom chrome piece? Can it also be removed and discarded?

Hadn't gotten that far yet... I have bodywork on my mind right now .

Maybe some one else can chime in... maybe scuff and paint or remove?

 

[Project60]

Youre welcome!
You could do like me:

I can't quite tell from the pic... did you fill and sand smooth? or did you weld in new and grind flat?

 

[kevinmrowland]

Thanks! That's the picture I was looking for!

Glad it helped

What are your plans for the bottom chrome piece? Can it also be removed and discarded?

The lower "chrome" holds the (necessary) window wiper, can't be removed, but it is not actually chrome, it is stainless steel, can be sanded and painted like any metal.

 

[NMFJ60]

Personally, I prefer all the tinsel removed from around the windows and like the step on the window frame. The bottom stainless can also be removed, at least from the earlier mouldings that are mounted with steel clips. With the moulding removed carefully pry each clip to spread and remove the clips, the stainless will then fall off the rubber. If you are careful the clip can be reused as is but if the clip gets deformed sqeeze it shut and remount on the rubber. The rubber will then mount on the door as original. Attached is a pic of a replacement door I plan on installing hopefully later this year when I repaint my 60.