Since day one of ownership, I've been a big fan of my Advance...yet looked back with regret every time I saw a photo of an A-Spec model.

Last month, I decided to get my front two windows tinted to match the rears; I found a good local dealer and went with the Sun-Tek Carbon option, which was $125. While in the lobby, I saw they offered Plasti-Dip services to black-out chrome trims pieces, and I was intrigued. I asked for an estimate. Walking around the car and counting up all the affected pieces, they said it would be labor-intensive (all-day effort) and cost about $700. I passed, and then realized Amazon and local hardware stores sell these cans for about $6/each, and since YouTube videos make it look so easy, I figured I'd give it a try.

It wasn't quite as easy as the videos made it out to look, and some areas were trickier than others because there wasn't a clean break between surfaces that allowed the plasti-dip to perforate naturally when pulling on it. So, I had to re-do a couple of pieces, and if you look closely enough, you'll spot some imperfections. But, overall, I'm very happy with the results.

Next project: Order summer wheels + tires and use the stocks for winter duty.

Before



After (I also ordered matte-black license plate frames to replace the chrome dealer ones)

 

Looks great but just keep in mind you'll have to peel it off and redo as the black paint from Plastidip spray cans ages horribly in the sun. I find that overtime it becomes very chalky.

 

True that. So many wheels plastidipped around here that looks absolutely horrid. If you want it to look good, and last longer, try using the glossifier. I've had my grille plastidipped w/glossifier for about 6 months now and it looks nearly as good as day 1. Otherwise, I would have had to respray or peel and reapply probably 3 times by now.

 

looks better than the chrome IMO. I would have gone the vinyl route though, better quality and lasts longer. But well done!

 

Very well done! I'm personally so torn on the A-Spec and Elite-platinum (Advance) because I LOVE the A-Spec styling but hate that I have to miss out on some key features (around view cam, adaptive suspension, hud, 16 WAY SEATS!!!). So this is a good compromise of getting it near A-Spec levels. But that red interior is non-negotiable so A-Spec it is.

 

 

Exactly, totally agreed! I like having all the options on my cars, it keeps me happy with my purchase haha. I've been dying to have a red interior ever since I seen a BMW with the coral red interior a few years ago. In this case, I can live without the 360 cams, adaptive suspension, HUD, and 16 way seats but I'm most bummed about the absence of HUD and 16 way seats ON THE SPORT TRIM.

 

I like it. I would get it permanently done though. Not just PD.