[samaspire]

This is not technical DIY; it does not require any technical skills - but it does require craft skills. This is an aesthetics oriented DIY.

I recently bought an Aspire Ambiente model. For those who don't know, the base model interiors have been stripped of all the bling - chrome trims, glossy paint, etc. Before buying the car, I had decided to replace each of these parts from Ford Genuine Spares to bring the car up to spec with higher models.
After buying the car I discovered that I would have to buy whole assemblies to replace a minor part. Needless to say, that would be too expensive. So I started hunting for cheaper options.

This is my final goal.

Pic from the official review.

First on my list was the Chrome Ring on the AC vent.

Found this listing on ebay.com (not ebay.in)

http://m.ebay.com/itm/4mm-CHROME-TRI...806?nav=SEARCH
Since delivery was only within the US, I paid $8.68 (Rs.568) via PayPal and got it delivered to my cousin's place in the US. She was to leave for India in 10 days so that was good for me.

Later I found that the same item is available on Aliexpress and ebay.com from China based sellers that deliver to India (might work out cheaper). I got the package on 18th Dec.

Its a 3 mtr long PVC strip with chrome in the front and 3M foam tape at the back.


Installation is theoretically easy - just measure, cut and stick. In reality it needs a bit of skill and finesse. I got it perfect only in the last application

Now let the pictures do the talking.

THE UPGRADE

AC Vent - Before:


AC Vent - After:



Dashboard - Before:


Dashboard - After:



Gear Shift Console - Before:


Gear Shift Console - After:



Window Roller - Before:


Window Roller - After:



PROBLEM AREA: For circular areas where 2 ends of the chrome strip meet there is a problem - the joint will not be clean as seen below:

Vent with original chrome:


Vent with stick-on chrome:


The seller suggests putting Fevibond for this but I avoided it. Fevibond is very corrosive and I did not want to risk my dashboard for it.

NOTE: This will not stick on certain soft textured areas like the steering wheel.

I have a couple of more places that can be chromed but I ran out - maybe in the future. The best thing is that if you don't like the look you can always peel it off without any damage to the original surface.

[Gannu_1]

Thread moved out to the DIY - Do it yourself section. Thanks for sharing!

[Nitish.arnold]

This is very cool stuff,

although might require several tries before getting it right.

I have done the same thing with carbon fiber finishing, looks pretty lame though

[SnS_12]

Innovative idea indeed. But, in my opinion you could have without the strip around the gearshift console. Doesn't look good at least in the picture you have posted.

[anjan_c2007]

Please check this one out. Its a 10 mm thick 20 metres chrome trim ( its 10 mm thick mind you) for Rs 599=00 at rediff.com shopping:

http://shopping.rediff.com/product/2...lle-s/12354733

And a video on you tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3RBCnHwEyM

[joeblack]

Cool stuff! please let me know how is adhesive tape holding, i had bought the same chrome from amazon for my xuv but the adhesive tape couldn't even last one day.

[samaspire]

Originally Posted by joeblack

Cool stuff! please let me know how is adhesive tape holding, i had bought the same chrome from amazon for my xuv but the adhesive tape couldn't even last one day.

The one I got is holding on tight, but this was bought in the US. I was specifically looking for ones having 3M tape only.
You also have to be careful with the surface - textured surfaces will peel off.