White 200 owners: what are you doing with your chrome?

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Had a minute to try my hand at vinyl wrapping my chrome door molding last night. The vinyl is a perfect color match to the blizzard pearl, so really pleased with that. However, my workmanship is garbage and wrapping the corners was really challenging. If it weren’t for the fact the chrome molding was already ruined I’d probably rip the vinyl off. I’m still a fan of the white on white look though and am thinking a professional install may be worth it.

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torg82 said:
I really like this and may now be sold on the blizzard pear side molding. Wish I had the extra cash and lived closer to @Eric Sarjeant to have him do it correctly . Maybe I’ll wrap the side molding and then rattle-can the front and rear chrome pieces matte gray. I was thinking of going black in the middle of the front grille with matte gray surrounds and wings. BTW, here’s the state of my chrome currently. Those blemishes will NOT come off!

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torg82, am a fellow Boulderite that is seeing the same issues with my LC200 chrome. I have replaced the hatch "Land Cruiser" chrome, but not yet replaced the side door trim and rear light chrome. Have you found any solutions to remedy the tarnish on your chrome. Groove Toyota suggest a Meguiars chrome polish, but I have yet to find anything that will solve the pitting and stains on my chrome. This Colorado Mag Chloride is brutal on our cars....and I wash mine regularly!
 
HighRanch said:
torg82, am a fellow Boulderite that is seeing the same issues with my LC200 chrome. I have replaced the hatch "Land Cruiser" chrome, but not yet replaced the side door trim and rear light chrome. Have you found any solutions to remedy the tarnish on your chrome. Groove Toyota suggest a Meguiars chrome polish, but I have yet to find anything that will solve the pitting and stains on my chrome. This Colorado Mag Chloride is brutal on our cars....and I wash mine regularly!
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@HighRanch , I suppose this is the way with anything in life; but my I've lost the initial motivation to get it fixed as I've grown used to the look. I'm still interested in fixing it somehow but believe that there aren't any products out there that can fix this. I think a replacement is the way to go. Although, I was quoted $3k+ to replace all the chrome. I was starting to go down the path of just plasti-dipping it but haven't had the time. Was able to take it out w/ our new camper this past week. Towed like a champ over the Gemini Bridges OHV trail.

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torg82 said:
@HighRanch , I suppose this is the way with anything in life; but my I've lost the initial motivation to get it fixed as I've grown used to the look. I'm still interested in fixing it somehow but believe that there aren't any products out there that can fix this. I think a replacement is the way to go. Although, I was quoted $3k+ to replace all the chrome. I was starting to go down the path of just plasti-dipping it but haven't had the time. Was able to take it out w/ our new camper this past week. Towed like a champ over the Gemini Bridges OHV trail.

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Found a polish that I would recommend trying…

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Thanks for all of this helpful content (and the content in the somewhat parallel Remove Bling from LX570.. Dechrome thread). I am working through these issues and choices on my white (Blizzard Pearl Tricoat 070) 2018 LC200. I just went to my vinyl guy this morning to have him take a look at the LC; he did a "simple" chrome delete (window trim only) for me earlier this year on a new leased BMW sedan, and seems to know how to get good results, and when to raise his hand and say "it isn't going to come out right".

He had an Avery sample wheel/book showing all of their vinyl wrap colors - the Avery SW900-109-S vinyl (thanks again @KLF and @dc916cruiser) is indeed a super-close match to the Toyota 070 paint. He had a sample wheel/book from 3M as well, but their closest white pearl was a noticeably different shade, and most of the other 3M whites were just too bright. He prefers to work with the 3M material, but given the color match here, Avery it is for the door lower moldings. Installation would be easier off the truck, but it can be done either way. Having tried my hand at vinyl wrapping on the BMW, subject to his price quote I'm going to skip the DIY attempt and go straight to the professional for this.

Somewhat randomly, he suggested that I consider black instead of color-matched white for those moldings. I'm trying to avoid the stormtrooper color scheme, so black is a no-go for me, but I suppose I might consider a grey of some sort, especially if I have to use grey on some of the other, tougher spots...more on that in a moment.

The side door moldings are fairly straightforward, but the chrome window "belts" are another story altogether. After much discussion, his recommendation was to try vinyl (3M satin black, which he keeps in stock) with overlaps onto the rubber molding (both above and below) using knifeless tape to make the cuts. He thinks going a few millimeters onto the rubber molding (above and below) is the way to go, rather than trying to exactly fit into the channel between the rubber edges where the chrome is visible (as that might leave gaps with visible chrome). My principal concern is kid hands / puppy paws out of an open window will end up peeling back the upper edge of the overlayed vinyl, so I'm not eager to go this way.

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@Zarchery I think you mentioned in the other thread that you could / would just "order the LC pieces" for the window belt trim on your LX. Did you do that? If so, did they come with the upper and lower rubber attached already? What about the rearward-most piece?

For the BMW G20 3 series sedans, there are aftermarket snap-on metal overlays for the window trim from China for sale on eBay, or for big $$$ you can go to the BMW parts counter and order black or grey OEM pieces (MSport / genuine M parts) that are a straight up replacement. Is anyone aware of anything similar for our LCs? What about the Russian market LCs with blacked out parts - are those OEM Toyota?

For the rear chrome bits, he definitely thought that vinyl was not the right answer for the Land Cruiser raised lettering - no way to get it to stick reliably. Looking at the photos of @Itsky 's gold LC on the first page of this thread, my 2018 lettering is much more pronounced and blocky. So, it seems like that will have to be painted or plastidipped. I don't think there's a plastidip that is anywhere close to the Blizzard Pearl Tricoat 070, so that leaves either black plastidip (Stormtrooper), some kind of grey/gunmetal colored plastidip, or removal and professional painting (presumably $$$). Any other ideas I should consider? What about the Duplicolor Customwrap in gloss "Modern White" that @smeagol used on his LX? Is that a match to the LC Blizzard Pearl Tricoat 070, or is that closer to whatever that LX color is? (Or is the LX color the same as the LC?)

Also still debating whether or not to plastidip the new 18" TRD BBS wheels in Brass Monkey (to mimic the HE wheels), or to just leave them in matte black with the HE center caps. Can you plastidip wheels first and then mount TPMS and tires, or will tire mounting necessarily rip the plastidip?

Although related, saving the grille and fog surrounds for a subsequent discussion....
 
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Mdog97 said:
Thanks for all of this helpful content (and the content in the somewhat parallel Remove Bling from LX570.. Dechrome thread). I am working through these issues and choices on my white (Brilliant Pearl Tricoat 070) 2018 LC200. I just went to my vinyl guy this morning to have him take a look at the LC; he did a "simple" chrome delete (window trim only) for me earlier this year on a new leased BMW sedan, and seems to know how to get good results, and when to raise his hand and say "it isn't going to come out right".

He had an Avery sample wheel/book showing all of their vinyl wrap colors - the Avery SW900-109-S vinyl (thanks again @KLF and @dc916cruiser) is indeed a super-close match to the Toyota 070 paint. He had a sample wheel/book from 3M as well, but their closest white pearl was a noticeably different shade, and most of the other 3M whites were just too bright. He prefers to work with the 3M material, but given the color match here, Avery it is for the door lower moldings. Installation would be easier off the truck, but it can be done either way. Having tried my hand at vinyl wrapping on the BMW, subject to his price quote I'm going to skip the DIY attempt and go straight to the professional for this.

Somewhat randomly, he suggested that I consider black instead of color-matched white for those moldings. I'm trying to avoid the stormtrooper color scheme, so black is a no-go for me, but I suppose I might consider a grey of some sort, especially if I have to use grey on some of the other, tougher spots...more on that in a moment.

The side door moldings are fairly straightforward, but the chrome window "belts" are another story altogether. After much discussion, his recommendation was to try vinyl (3M satin black, which he keeps in stock) with overlaps onto the rubber molding (both above and below) using knifeless tape to make the cuts. He thinks going a few millimeters onto the rubber molding (above and below) is the way to go, rather than trying to exactly fit into the channel between the rubber edges where the chrome is visible (as that might leave gaps with visible chrome). My principal concern is kid hands / puppy paws out of an open window will end up peeling back the upper edge of the overlayed vinyl, so I'm not eager to go this way.

View attachment 2729155

@Zarchery I think you mentioned in the other thread that you could / would just "order the LC pieces" for the window belt trim on your LX. Did you do that? If so, did they come with the upper and lower rubber attached already? What about the rearward-most piece?

For the BMW G20 3 series sedans, there are aftermarket snap-on metal overlays for the window trim from China for sale on eBay, or for big $$$ you can go to the BMW parts counter and order black or grey OEM pieces (MSport / genuine M parts) that are a straight up replacement. Is anyone aware of anything similar for our LCs? What about the Russian market LCs with blacked out parts - are those OEM Toyota?

For the rear chrome bits, he definitely thought that vinyl was not the right answer for the Land Cruiser raised lettering - no way to get it to stick reliably. Looking at the photos of @Itsky 's gold LC on the first page of this thread, my 2018 lettering is much more pronounced and blocky. So, it seems like that will have to be painted or plastidipped. I don't think there's a plastidip that is anywhere close to the Brilliant Pearl Tricoat 070, so that leaves either black plastidip (Stormtrooper), some kind of grey/gunmetal colored plastidip, or removal and professional painting (presumably $$$). Any other ideas I should consider? What about the Duplicolor Customwrap in gloss "Modern White" that @smeagol used on his LX? Is that a match to the LC Blizzard Pearl Tricoat 070, or is that closer to whatever that LX color is? (Or is the LX color the same as the LC?)

Also still debating whether or not to plastidip the new 18" TRD BBS wheels in Brass Monkey (to mimic the HE wheels), or to just leave them in matte black with the HE center caps. Can you plastidip wheels first and then mount TPMS and tires, or will tire mounting necessarily rip the plastidip?

Although related, saving the grille and fog surrounds for a subsequent discussion....
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@Mdog97 welcome to the wonderful world of chrome deletion. At this point I almost feel like a veteran with this nonsense. A few points to address here on what you specifically mentioned to me on the belt molding.

-Unfortunately, our situations are a little different. I have a 2011 LX570. The mimicking years of the LC have black belt moldings, whereas my LX has the chrome inlays. For me, it will just be a direct swap. I think the year range is 08-13 for the direct replacement on mine. So long as the windows have not changed shape, I suppose they would work in your application as well.

-The belt molding is an entire piece with rubber, plastic, felt, etc. The entire thing “pops” out. But don’t be fooled, it’s an absolute PITA to remove them, especially without damaging them. Once you’ve pulled one out, you’ll understand what I mean.

-It’s funny, the suggestion from your vinyl guy was spot on. It took me 4 attempts at wrapping a belt molding to figure it out. I wrapped the rear-ward most piece in matte black 3M vinyl. I got a roll that was 2” wide and 25ft long. It was a lot of trial and error to get it perfect. I actually needed up wrapping it on the car, and as your guy said, cover the whole thing. I used the razor to cut at the glass and at the bottom of the belt molding. So far, no peeling or any issues at all. I’ve washed my truck about 5 times since the install as well. I’ll take some pictures tomorrow.

- If I hadn’t already tried painting my belt moldings, I would’ve wrapped those too. But at this point they are dented, bent, and damaged to the point that I’d rather just replace them. At a glance you’d never notice, but I’m a perfectionist and they bother me now.

-Havent ordered belt moldings yet. But is next on my list. However might be a little while before I pull the trigger.

-Lastly, when you get into the grill, let me know. I’m a pro there too haha
 
Thanks @Zarchery. Not my first trip into dechrome hell, but definitely my first on an LC. Thanks for the info on the window belt trim - you're pretty brave to trim the vinyl using a razor on top of the rubber window molding. My vinyl guy is pretty relaxed about removing and reinstalling those trim pieces, but I'm sure I'd end up bending the aluminum. I'll still keep looking for the holy grail dark Toyota OEM MSport / Russian oligarch trim parts.

I found some replacement / cover stuff on eBay from China, similar to what I found for BMWs...I'll be reading through those listings tonight. Also saw some silver and black replacement lower side moldings on eBay too. And plenty of faux carbon fiber.

I bought a can of plain jane white plastidip at HD the other day, but that's primarily to test on one of my new-in-the-box TRD BBS wheels before I go and spring for 5-6 cans of the Brass Monkey bronze color. I may try it on the rear lid Land Cruiser emblem too, in case I end up having to go wtih some kind of grey plastidip. I'll post the results if/when I do either of those tests.
 
You can order LC window trim pieces and they do pop right on and come with felt, etc. Removing the belt moldings if you are replacing them is simple. I do not know why someone says above it is not. They pop right out as well but will get bent.

I did all of this on an 09 LX and just used the VIN from a 2008 LC. Its somewhere in this thread or somewhere else where I posted pics.

The rearward part over the back window must be painted or wrapped. I had mine painted and it never chipped.
 
dnh1 said:
You can order LC window trim pieces and they do pop right on and come with felt, etc. Removing the belt moldings if you are replacing them is simple. I do not know why someone says above it is not. They pop right out as well but will get bent.

I did all of this on an 09 LX and just used the VIN from a 2008 LC. Its somewhere in this thread or somewhere else where I posted pics.

The rearward part over the back window must be painted or wrapped. I had mine painted and it never chipped.
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If you’re objective is to remove the belt trim without damaging it, in an effort to reinstall, it’s very hard to remove. My phrasing was misinterpreted there.
 
Window belt molding "stainless steel" "cover" from China on fleaBay - $233.09 shipped - Black Stainless Lower Window Sill Trim Molding Cover 08-20For Land Cruiser LC200 | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/362839912789?hash=item547af1b155:g:7oAAAOSwoqFd6QCX. These "covers" may be a way to bypass the whole vinyl wrap / remove and paint process on the cheap, for at least the window belts. HOWEVER, has anyone seen something like this (LC or otherwise) in the wild? Do they actually fit? Do they actually look acceptable, versus just doing a vinyl wrap? I couldn't find a verified purchase and installation in BMW land when I briefly considered these.

Or do you PayPal your $233 to somewhere in the PRC, wait for 1-2 months, then get some random box with some junky bent up metal and end up wasting a bunch of time trying to get a refund.

Also, this is from one of the few sellers with more than 20 feedback reports. My guess is the same sellers are cycling to new eBay identities if/when they take too many negative feedback hits.
 
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The rearward part over the back window must be painted or wrapped. I had mine painted and it never chipped.
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Did you have it painted on the truck, or removed and painted and replaced?
 
kms254 said:
LX owners have chrome door handles. I did this 3m wrap as a test to see how it would look. The way the door handles are constructed actually hides the seam in the back, the door handle is two pieces.

The chrome on the door bumpers is probably next, I have to figure out how to remove them.
Grill would be after that. I'll dip it and if that doesn't hold up ill paint it.
Looking at buying the black window trim from the LC and replace that but I want to see how hard that is to take off.

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These look great! Did you have to take the handles off, or how did you get the vinyl around the back??
 
LXGus said:
These look great! Did you have to take the handles off, or how did you get the vinyl around the back??
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I took the door handle off and then disassembled it to tuck the vinyl in so you don't feel a seam on the backside. Years late it is still holding up great.
 
kms254 said:
I took the door handle off and then disassembled it to tuck the vinyl in so you don't feel a seam on the backside. Years late it is still holding up great.
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Thanks! I'm sure there's a post here somewhere about taking the handles off, but how difficult was that?
 
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