GLK Chrome Skidplate
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
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2014 GLK 350
GLK Chrome Skidplate
Hi guys,
I just bought a Black 2014 GLK with the Sport Package. I like the design except for the chrome skid plate, which I now think looks tacky. I think the car would have a much cleaner look if it were black instead. Any suggestions for how to fix this? I contacted Brabus but they can't help me. The only thing I can think of is to have a body shop paint it black. Doesn't seem ideal though. Thanks for your help.
I just bought a Black 2014 GLK with the Sport Package. I like the design except for the chrome skid plate, which I now think looks tacky. I think the car would have a much cleaner look if it were black instead. Any suggestions for how to fix this? I contacted Brabus but they can't help me. The only thing I can think of is to have a body shop paint it black. Doesn't seem ideal though. Thanks for your help.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
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From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Not quite certain what you are describing "chrome skid plate". Is it the catfish mouth below the centre grille which is chrome? Paint will hold on chrome if the surface is prepped properly so that would be the least expensive. If it is metal, then you could take it to a chrome shop & have stripped. Afterward take it to a power coating shop for a durable finish. Hope this helps!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
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2014 GLK 350
Thank you. Yes, the catfish mouth below the centre grille is what I was referring to. I will try to find a chrome shop to do the job. I hadn't considered wrapping but maybe that would be a good first step to see if I really like the look before making a permanent change.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Another thought taken from the idea of wrapping it would be to consider covering it with 3M carbon fiber. With the black exterior, it might work. Then of course you will want the carbon fiber mirror covers which also would look great with the black exterior. Very good quality products. http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/3Mgraphics/Applications/Series1080/
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Whatever you decide to do, also consider the installation of the 3M Clear Bra on the front end. Find an authorised distributor in your neighborhood. While there, check out what they can offer you as to wrap or other treatments. The Clear Bra is not cheap but it is very effective at preventing stone chips, especially since MB utilises a light gray primer under that pretty black paint.
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A gaggle of MB's
On "invisible bra" find a authorized 3M Venture Shield installer that will install "hand cut" - the computer pre cut kits don't fut as well as handcut - and frankly the right installer hand cut will be same money - the difference is the right installer has experience and bases his business on repeats. Hand cut allows the installer to concentrate on the lay down of the film - then they cut the edges custom - in pre cut kit the installer has to worry about edges 1st - because if they mis align then everything get fracked up.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
A very nice but not inexpensive method to change colours on the alloy roof rails is to have them powder coated in a high UV protectant finish. Wrapping would be cool if it could be accomplished without the removal of the rails from the roof.
