mennonitemerc

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.

Rascally Wabbit

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!

ashwats

Have you considered wrapping it?

mennonitemerc

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.

Rascally Wabbit

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/

bop11

If you go to a chrome shop, ask them about Black Chrome. It is use extensively on motorcycles, and give a very hard durable finish.

shotgun_banjo

Wrap it first or plasti-dip it. That way when you change your mind you can always peel it off.

fabbrisd1

I would have it wrapped - will look great - and will not discolor like some dark plating will over time..

Rascally Wabbit

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.

fabbrisd1

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.

ashwats

Did anyone in the forum wrapped your GLK?
Clear or chrome or color change, part of car or whole car?
I am looking to wrap the roof railing either chrome or brushed aluminum.
Please post pictures.

Thanks!

shotgun_banjo

I havent seen one.

Rascally Wabbit

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.

sterz85

did you end up wrapping the chrome?

MJ50

best option is to repaint in matching body color...

sterz85

I think it would look pretty good if wrapped in black, it would make the opening look bigger kind of like the ml63

Gotti78

I have the older GLK 2012 but I blacked that out with plastidip.

I like the look and will probably eventually have it painted professionally.