Chrome to black

[Texas Red]

I'm toying with the idea of eliminating the chrome details on my '03 H2. I know some of this has been discussed in old posts, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Are the exterior mirror caps removeable? And are there replacement exterior mirror caps available to go from chrome to black?

Is it a pain to replace the exterior door handles/insets?

[Texas Red]

I'm toying with the idea of eliminating the chrome details on my '03 H2. I know some of this has been discussed in old posts, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Are the exterior mirror caps removeable? And are there replacement exterior mirror caps available to go from chrome to black?

Is it a pain to replace the exterior door handles/insets?

[PARAGON]

Yes

Yes

Yes

[PARAGON]

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

The mirror glass itself can be "popped" off, revealing 4 little tabs that holds the caps on. Used to be that you could buy the caps themselves, I don't know if that has changed or not. I traded with someone that wanted chrome. Another options is to buy a set off of E-bay as there are whole mirrors on there sometimes, and lastly you can rough'em up some and rattle-can them with some flat black.

The front door handles are a bitch as I understand it. I looked and decided not to do it. everything is black on my except my handles and my H2 logo. IMO the handles just aren't worth the effort to switch out.

You also have the rear license plate surround that has a chrome "brow" on it.

[The Ledge]

Hi all, I am a newbie here and have been lurking since taking possession of an '05 H2 a year ago. This place is a wealth of invaluable information and I appreciate the input I've been taking in from you all while I had a chance to get use to my H2 surroundings.

With regard to people who have used the rattle can method to flat black for the mirror cap conversion, is a specific auto spray paint recommended for this type of chrome surface application?...or will a "general hardware" Krylon type rattle can suffice in this case? Thanks in advance.

[rodster]

A few ideas http://elcova.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/2911055711. (http://elcova.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/2911055711)

I used Performix Plasti Dip (got it at Home Depot). It's been on the license brow a few months and is holding up well. Not sure how it would do on a facing, flat surface like mirror caps.

BTW, the mirror caps are pretty easy to swap. You might post a message in the classified section to see if anyone with black wants to trade for chrome. Others here have done that.

[The Ledge]

Thank you rodster for the information and the link as well. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I did read in a thread it was recommended to rough up the surface before application so I'll try giving that a go. Would have like to have opted for the classifieds for a trade but my chrome caps have a few rock/pebble "pits" on the surface already.

[rodster]

You are correct about sanding before paint. A fine grit paper will do nicely.