Blacked out window trim.....what do you think?

[MI2QWK4U]

On a Black Marauder, do you prefer to leave the chrome window trim as it is, or would you like to see the window trim black? The first picture is mine with the chrome window trim as is, the second picture is Lidio's Marauder with the window trim blacked out-both cars have the same window tinting. Just a curiosity question, which do you like best?

[MI2QWK4U]

Do you think the blacked out window trim adds to the badness of the black Marauder? I do....

[martyo]

Shhhwwweeeet!! Do you know how Lidio did that? I have wanted to do that to my MM since I got him!

[MI2QWK4U]

Marty.....do you really want to know? It wont make you go faster...just make you look faster! Mine is getting done as soon as I have a damn day off!

[martyo]

Originally posted by MI2QWK4U
Marty.....do you really want to know? It wont make you go faster...just make you look faster! Mine is getting done as soon as I have a damn day off!

Yes, I MUST know!!

And, don't bet that it won't make my car faster. My fender badges gave me at least a .5 second advantage. Just ask Todd as I passed his sorry arse in Ennis. When he starts to tell you about his "Grand Touring" issue, you can just stop listening (I know I do!!).

[TAF]

Originally posted by MI2QWK4U
Do you think the blacked out window trim adds to the badness of the black Marauder? I do....

First off...Dave...that looks AWESOME!!!! Do it! Do it! Do it! (then tell me how)


Originally posted by martyo
And, don't bet that it won't make my car faster. My fender badges gave me at least a .5 second advantage. Just ask Todd as I passed his sorry arse in Ennis. When he starts to tell you about his "Grand Touring" issue, you can just stop listening (I know I do!!).

Secondly, you beat me by .4 of a second...and as a wise man told me recently..."don't hate me if I want to spend more than 14 seconds in my car...and not only go in a straight line"

And...

A very unwise man recently posted...


Originally posted by martyo
Do I have to????
My times were all over the place my first pass was a less than stellar 16.4

[Bowman9]

That's a tough choice they both look good.

But if your going for an evil demonic car to run down James Brolin in, go with the black. Then you can replace the grille badge with a pentagram.

[MikesMerc]

I like it blacked out:)

[gdmjoe]

IF you do decide to go black-out I believe a few here have done the paint-it route and some the TrimBrite black-out tape.

Me ... I went with 3M Scotchcal™ Striping Tape using three widths to correspond to the sections of the trim; 3/8" - top, 1/2" bottom, and 2" for the rear. Part#s for each are available in sig' link under Modifications:.

Why ? Little to no trimming ( EXCEPT on the rear section ) and the quality of 3M's striping tape.

If anyone is interested I'll deal on enough tape for both sides; let me know.

Why ? The 3/8" and 1/2" tape comes in 150' and the 2" comes in 50', so I've got plenty left over.

*If I remember correctly the rolls are $20-$30 each. :confused:

Example ..... my it's not a Marauder Crown Vic'
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/1030sider01.jpg

[Slowpoke]

I don't like it............

the chrome window trim 'balances' the chrome wheels from an aesthetic point of view. with blacked out trim, the wheels seem out of place against a black car.

but heck, what do I know-I can barely match my own clothes.

[jgc61sr2002]

I prefer the chrome. To each his/her own. Either way it's cool.:D

[GarageMahal]

Originally posted by Slowpoke
but heck, what do I know-I can barely match my own clothes.

Clothes are supposed to match?

[TripleTransAm]

I prefer the chrome... but again, it's only my personal opinion, which holds approximately the equivalent worth of about 2 shiny pennies (okay, one of them is slightly rusted... ) and nothing more.

I do like the all-blacked-out look, for sure it adds greatly to the Bad-Assedness(tm) of the Marauder, but in my own situation, I was looking for touch of luxury.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Slowpoke
I don't like it............

the chrome window trim 'balances' the chrome wheels from an aesthetic point of view. with blacked out trim, the wheels seem out of place against a black car.

but heck, what do I know-I can barely match my own clothes.

I agree with 'poke...

...and BTW, TripleTransAm can't match HIS own clothes, either...just check out his pix from Hershey!!!

:lol:

[Bigdogjim]

Well the more black the better.

Now if I can just do something with these "show me wheels"

[studio460]

DAMN that looks good! That trim has been bothering me since the day I first saw it. gdmjoe, PLEASE SELL ME SOME OF YOUR TAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NBC Shooter 310.722.0293

[bigslim]

gdmjoe, I like the clear side marker light lens. They look real good with the blacked out trim. Dave, I like it both ways. The chrome helps out the wheels. The black out looks more sleath. It all depends on what you like.

[gilby04]

I think Slowpoke's comment regarding aesthetic "balance" is right on the mark. Since the eye is sensitive to light, one's "Line-of-sight" view encompasses the prominence of the total car, whereas, blacked-out, only the wheels are prominent.
However, prominence lies in the eyes of the beholder !

[Petrograde]

hmmmm,.. I'm undecided. I like the trim black out idea, I asked about this a few months ago, I don't think any one had done it yet.

Having seen it now, it looks good..... but,... yeah,.. maybe a bit too much black. I wonder how Cruztaker's car would look with blacked out trim?... hmm,. might go nicely with his black wheels.

yup, still undecided.:rolleyes:

Tom

[CRUZTAKER]

You are all :sleepy:
That just shows how much some of you, martyo, etc., pay attention to detail. I did mine before Ennis, and it was that way at Hershey.....so obviously this is an un-noticed mod.

My answer to you 2quick....it's great! I like yours, I like mine, and anyone else s that does it. DOWN WITH CHROME! My pics are in the gallery in my personal section, that would be the Ennis pics.

I used the blackout tape specically made for this purpose, and found it at autozone. It takes two rolls. Total cost $9, total time 40 minutes. Secret...dont use an exacto knife, use your finger nail around the rubber window trim.

-Barry

[Mad1]

Originally posted by GarageMahal
Clothes are supposed to match?

Does this mean I can't wear my chrome pants with a black turttleneck anymore?:help:

[duhtroll]

I think the idea if bringing out the wheels by setting the chrome trim to black is a *good* idea.

But what do I know? I'm only a musician and not a visual artist.

-A

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by CRUZTAKER
You are all :sleepy:
That just shows how much some of you, martyo, etc., pay attention to detail. I did mine before Ennis, and it was that way at Hershey.....so obviously this is an un-noticed mod.


Well, I'll be a primate's relative! I went back and checked the pics from Hershey... hot dang, there it is, clear as daylight.

http://www.tripletransam.com/hershey/DSCF8028.jpg


I certainly didn't notice, but I think it's due to your car having so many visual deviations from stock that one is too busy studying the others and therefore miss the little things. I know I was mesmerized by the wing and the look with the CB antennae...

I think Murader03 suspected something, though...


http://www.tripletransam.com/hershey/DSCF8071.jpg

[studio460]

Originally posted by Slowpoke
. . . the chrome window trim 'balances' the chrome wheels from an aesthetic point of view. with blacked out trim, the wheels seem out of place against a black car.
Yup, that's why I NEED the black wheels, 'Poke!!! Actually, I'm gonna go with a dark, dark, dark gray powdercoat on the wheels so that the tires still look "blacker" than the wheels. Thanks for the tip, Cruz . . . OH NO!!! WHAT TIME DOES AUTOZONE CLOSE!

Can't wait to do all my black-out mods . . . blacked-out trim. Black-chromed badge. Tint, tint, tint. Black, black, black. Can ya tell, I like black?

[gilby04]

NBC Shooter,
Sounds like you've designed the special Johnny Cash edition, "MM in Black". Should be awesome in daylight.

[AFSP13]

IS there any other color ( BLAC BLACK BLACK and more BLACK)

looks great !!

[Petrograde]

:lol: Hey Barry? you pointed the trim out to me at Ennis didn't you? Wow... I need to lay off the tequila maybe? I must've killed that brain cell!

[CRUZTAKER]

I also want to add that the first test wheel was done in grey. IT SUCKED!!!

I beg of you to do your spare as a sample FIRST when choosing any color other than black. The original plan was to use a color called "GUNMETAL", but the company needed a paint code that I could not provide. OZ wheels has several gunmetal wheels, but their corporate offices won't un-ass the paint codes.

See my old thread on 'powder coating wheels' for more info.
See my gallery pics for more wheel pics.

-Barry

[Ross]

I don't care if my car is blacked out like Lidio's, I just wish it RAN like his!

[MI2QWK4U]

I have decided that I will go ahead and black out the trim, I think it looks great on Lidio's Marauder, and a few guys here in Michigan are looking at it too....

[Hack Goby]

Thanks for finding the Pic Dave I am also going to have it done but I will go lite on the tint(and legal)

[gonzo50]

The black trim looks good and stealthy and adds to the Marauder image of "Black Beauty" I prefer the chrome trim because it brings out the rims and tail pipes nicely for that complete package look. Just my opinion thou......:D

[MI2QWK4U]

Thats why I asked, to see what folks thought and why they thought that way....

[woaface]

I think the blacked out chrome looks great...as long as the window tints are dark enough to make it look finished. Instead of Black black black all the way to the windows black and then the windows are....sort of black. But I think it looks great other wise!

[woaface]

The plastic guards at the top of the windows on the other hand are a neat option...but look kinda funky.

[tbore007]

i like the crome look myself..

[MERCMAN]

I feel strongly both ways, however to really go with the stealth look, one has to black-out the lenses as well. BTW has there been any word on the lense covers? No hi-jack intended here!!

[Agent M79]

Hmm... how do I "red out" that window trim... I would like to have the chrome around the window be DTR tinted so that it is still chromy but DTRy too.

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/109604_DTR_MM_Right_Rear_Profi le.jpg

[wm_sorg]

I like it on the black car. I think the red looks better stock. Triple Trans AM, those are some cool wheels. Please post more pictures of them what are they?

[TripleTransAm]

Wm_worg, that wasn't my car, that was Barry's (Cruztaker).

[wm_sorg]

Sorry. I must have accociated the picture with the wrong posts. Since you are a Trans Am guy I may have to post a pic of my LS1 powered 1991 Formula.

[woaface]

I guess to red it out, you might want to take the touch up paint you got from Mercury and take it to Home Depot or something. Have them match it up, and then get the right paint to paint over them, possibly taking them off if you can.

[Big Red]

I prefer the chrome...just my opinion...

[sb2463]

tint the windows and leave the chrome

[MarauderMark]

I am blacking out mine because since i put on the vent shades i have no choice but too.Which i like any ways..http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?migration=1&image=http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/487000-487999/487512_6_full.jpg

[89VERT]

I agree that the blacked out look is waaaaay cool!

Does the tape that has been discussed come off esily enough if you wanted to return the car to stock or if you messed up applying it ?

[SergntMac]

Don't feel any different today, than I did six months ago, a year ago, or will when it's two years ago a short time from now.

[gdmjoe]

I agree that the blacked out look is waaaaay cool!

Does the tape that has been discussed come off esily enough if you wanted to return the car to stock or if you messed up applying it ?
Define easy :D

-serious-
You can remove the tape by peeling it off, however, some remnants will remain along with some adhesive residue. This is easily removed with (say) mineral spirits and elbow grease.
-/serious-

[teamrope]

It's too close to call. These Bad boys just look too good anyway

[MarauderMark]

LOL, True very true ....

[GodOSpeed]

I got to admit that looks sweet. But then again my favorite color is Chrome! :coolman:

[jgc61sr2002]

I haven't changed my mind either. I still prefer the chrome. :D

[Smokie]

Chrome :up:

[muslhed]

You are all :sleepy:
That just shows how much some of you, martyo, etc., pay attention to detail. I did mine before Ennis, and it was that way at Hershey.....so obviously this is an un-noticed mod.

My answer to you 2quick....it's great! I like yours, I like mine, and anyone else s that does it. DOWN WITH CHROME! My pics are in the gallery in my personal section, that would be the Ennis pics.

I used the blackout tape specically made for this purpose, and found it at autozone. It takes two rolls. Total cost $9, total time 40 minutes. Secret...dont use an exacto knife, use your finger nail around the rubber window trim.

-Barry

What exactly is it called at Auto Zone? Also, how would you apply this "tape", without overlapping it or having any lines in it where the pieces join? It seems like that would be pretty tricky. I prefer the blacked out look! It certainly adds to the attitude of the car!

If I decided to paint mine, how would one go about doing that? I mean, can it be removed from the rubber trim, or does it need to prepped just like it is, and painted?

[CRUZTAKER]

First of all, the trim doesn't come off the car. So if you paint, you're masking....and as long as you're masking....try your hand at blackout tape first :D

There is only one place that there is an overlap. The widest turn spot on the rear of the back door. If you have a good eye, it can be cut and mated without an overlap. I was in a hurry, I overlapped. Plus, mine was a test for Ennis, I bought extra to re-do it later when I have more patience.

The only trick I have to offer is NOT using a blade, exacto knife, or any other tool to trim the tape on the narrow spots. Use a really sharp finger nail.
The rubber around the trim is subseptible to catching the blade, and all of a sudden you are cutting into the rubber without even knowing. Just run your nail back and forth across the seams until the tape is cut. The fingernail technique is great, and doesn't cut anything except the tape.

Product info:
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/627blackout_tape-med.jpg

[muslhed]

Cool, Thanks! I think I'll give it a try!

[gdmjoe]

A while back I was offering tape kits to black-out the side window trim; essentially I had tape left-over from doing mine.

The kits sold ( Thank You to all the previous buyers ) and the tape ran-out. A few members here have tapped me for kits, however, here's the information to do your own ( buddy-up to save some $$$$$ ) ..... *Yep, giving away all the trade-secrets :D

3M Scotchcal™ Striping Tape - Product information (http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/automotive_aftermarket/node_GSCCVK8DV4be/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSLPLPKL4Xge/gvel_PKD7VS0CHGgl/theme_us_aad_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html)

73302 - 3/8" x 150' window trim top ~$19
72702 - 1/2" x 150' window trim bottom ~$25
77102 - 2" x 50' window trim rear + door handle trim ~$34

*Note - The above lengths are the smallest available; all can be purchased at CarQuest, though they may have to order it ( and that takes about a week ).

http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/d/gdmjoe/BlackOutTapeInstructions.jpg

http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/d/gdmjoe/BOTfront.gif

http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/d/gdmjoe/BOTback.gif

*And "No" the shiny spots aren't the chrome showing, it's a reflection from the camera's flash.

[CRUZTAKER]

^^^nice post!^^^

That's alot more effort I put into the explaination, and I am sure many folks appreciate it as well.

[muslhed]

Great info! Thank you very much!!

[nexstar7]

looks like a stelph machine ready to stomp on something. looks great!

[Fin Harder 92]

I just had my done this evening by an area detailer. It looks awesome! The damn car should have come like this from the factory along with blacked out emblems and more torque. It's the one thing I didn't like about the Impala SS.

Chrome window strips do belong on a Mercury...just not this Mercury.

Take Care

[JDC 302]

Isn't it best to use chrome automotive parts.........IF YA" WANNA" GO FASTER

[Lidio]

I was a teenager in the early/mid 80's when I started to really pay attention to cars. This is sorta an era when cars started to come with less and less exterior chrome. More so the monochromatic look. This is where at least in my opinion I decided that "Clean is Mean". As time went by and I continued to watch and like Ford's and other cars, I decided that at least for me the only thing that should be chrome ( if I chrome is to be used) on my cars is wheels, exhaust tips and maybe some under hood accessories.

Thanks

[Fin Harder 92]

What you said, Lidio.


Take Care

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

GDMjoe is da man, you guys didn't know? :)

[nexstar7]

so who's goin to do mine for me and how much? i am in n.y.

[studio460]

gdmjoe:

You're THE MAN! Thank you for supplying the board with the excellent diagrams and application tips for the 3M Scotchcal™ striping tape products. Very nice of you to also supply the part numbers for all three tape sizes as well. I've been dying to black out the &@#%$&$!@% window trim ever since I bought the car (I never did get around to mailing you my check!). Now I can just order the tape myself and FINALLY get the car the way I've always wanted it--all bad, and ALL BLACK!

P.S. What Lidio said!

P.S.P.S. After a quick internet search I found the vendor with the best prices on the 3M Scotchcal striping tape: http://www.handsontools.com/
charlie@handsontools.com was the kind person who responded to my online form request, and the person I e-mailed my order to.

3M 73302: $14.05 EACH
3M 72702: $18.74 EACH
3M 77102: $26.50 EACH

(A total of $59.29 plus shipping--a savings of about $19 over CarQuest's prices)

Happy trimming, everybody!