What's up AZ.

It's been a week now since I got my new 2014 ILX and it came with a black film on top of the front grill (the "Shield").

Here's a shot of what it looks like:



I'm still debating over removing it or keeping it as-is. I've seen a lot of you guys plastidip theirs to get a similar look, and I find the one on mine to be particularly well done. It also has the advantage of protecting the chrome underneath.

Here's a random similar shot (without) that I found online:



I do like the fact that it adds contrast to the front of the car, as well as remind of the chrome trim around the windows.

What do you guys think? Keep or remove?

Thanks for your help!

 

it's your car! if you like it without the vinyl wrap, take it off!!

with that being said, it looks like some one spent a fair amount of time in applying the vinyl wrap.

Edit* if it were my car, I'd remove it, as it doesnt match the paint. it's a little bit darker and flatter than the pearl paint

 

Agree with justin.
I would keep it if it matched the paint more. That is truly what I would like with my grill.

I personally do like it without but my suggestion is keep it black as long as possible. You always have the ability to take it off verse re applying it would be more expensive.

 

^neat, i didnt think of it like that.
OP briefly mentioned it, keeping the chrome from rock chips...but I do agree. it's like a grille condom!!!

 

For the same purpose you could plastidip it clear.
It would give a more brushed/satin look and protect without losing the contrast.

But I dont suggest plastidip anymore.

 

Keep it murdered!

 

Personally I like it with the film better - Makes it more distinctive and seems to be done right. Maybe keep it on for a couple weeks and see if it grows on you?

usdmJON - Why don't you recommend plastidip anymore? One of the things on my bucket list is to plastidip the emblems and grill black, and maybe the chrome trim pieces. I think I'll like the contrast it will have on my white ILX and have the flexibility to take it off if I don't like it. A couple bottles isn't too much money down the drain, but are there other reasons I should stay away from plastidip?

 

*lmao* Maybe if the first Acura model with the shield came with this grille condom, it wouldn't have reproduced and spread to other models *lol*

 

In my opinion I think it looks and feels cheap. I just rather say I dont have plastidip but I care about what people think so there ya go. lol

 

plastidip is cool n all.. but i say paint it.

 

Thanks for your advice guys!

I really like the mindset of "keeping it until I grow tired of it" - because like Jon said, I can always remove it, but putting it back should be painful/costly.

 

I agree painting is the best option. But only for the purpose of color matching imo.

 

ah okay - not only does it look and feel cheap, but it is also cheap haha - I don't want to paint anything because dealers tend to hate "customized" cars aside from tinted windows in my area

 

I think it looks good with the painted shield, plus it's a little more unique than most other ILXs. I'd probably just leave it.