There aren't a lot of exerior mods that I'm interested in but I have always liked the exterior look of the SE. I think that I would like to change the door handles to match the body color, the grill to match the body color, and replace the chrome window trim with the black.

Has anyone else done this on a GLE? Is this difficult? I tried calling up a local dealership and hung up shortly after being told that each door handle will cost $88... no really, each.

If someone has already been down this road and can guide me, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

the door handles are easier to get, and install. The chrome trim you're pretty much stuck with, unless you get creative with a sharpie

 

you can paint the chrome window trim with flexible bumper and trim paint, flat black. you should also buy adhesive promoter. its just like spray paint.. tape everything off on the car, tape newpaper around the rest of the side of the car and the windows to keep off overspray. i did this on my old max and it came out great. lasted years without chipping or fading.

 

i have pics of you want me to look for them.. i can email them to you

 

What if my car was in an accident? The body shop would have to replace it, yes? Is this part is no longer available?

You also mention that the handles are easier to get -- I'm new to this -- how so?

I think that I can order an SE painted grill online from a parts re-seller but I'm not sure if I would have to body-match the paint on my own.

Thanks!

 

Yes, please.

What brand paint did you use?

Thanks!

 

I'm interested too. Let me know if you find a place to get the handles. I can imagine painting the grill & window trim may be the easier way to go.

 

take a look around a local body shop/paint shop supplier or even auto parts store for "black out" tape, its just wide , about 1 1/2" semi gloss vinyl tape, clean off the window trim good, stick it on, trim with a razor blade and viola!

 

123456987

 

for the window trim just use the tape easy and very cheap too use but for door handles you will need to get new ones because even if you paint them there constantyl used and paintwill begin to fade away the grill is paintable to whatever extent you wanna do with it ive seen people do it and it comes out perfect and lasted for a year so far

 

dam gle's have a chrome trim around the windows? hhm never noticed that

 

Good advice, thanks! The tape sounds like the way to go. And it won't come off during normal wear?

The body-matched door handles and grill might be a different story. What is the best way to acquire these items? I've seen the painted grill on part-sites. I assume that it is primered and not matched? (I will call). The door handles seem tricky. For $83 -- or was it $87 -- they must mean the entire assembly. Seems awfully expensive.

Once again, if someone has already done this...

Thank you for your replies. I'm kind of excited about the tape. I have always hated the chrome around the windows.

How difficult is it to replace the rubber moldings that are now oxidized because I lived at the beach for the 1st 3 years of my Maxima's life?

 

http://www.internetautoguide.com/rev...n/maxima/1997/

It's tough to see in this shot but the grill, door handles, and trim around the black molding is chromed.

 

i bought a paintable grille and had it painted black and no chips or anything so far.
need to start on the chrome window trim and handles.
how do u remove the handles

 

How could you not notice that? You have a GLE!!! LOL

 

Thank you for the good advice.

Now if anyone has a lead on reasonably priced door-handle replacements (for an SE)...

 

I've seen this done on a 5th gen. Looked really good, IMO.

 

Holy smokes!

First, that is amazing. Kudos.
Second, how do you keep the front end from becoming squirley during hard acceleration? How often do you go through front tires?

 

i know what you guys are going to say... d*** noob resurrecting an old thread. anywho, going along with the topic. I am going to be getting my whole car painted within a month or two and want to get rid of the chrome window trim (which i'll paint myself with the rubber bumper stuff described above)

....but i really want to prep my chrome door handles and chrome bar on the grill to get painted like the color matched SE models. How would you guys recommend prepping this chrome for a paint job, i know paint doesn't adhere well to these ugly shiny pieces?

 

Why not let the professional who is going to paint your whole car worry about it??

As for the window trim, don't paint it. Just get SE window trim.

 

Ditto.....

 

i would get the painters to worry about it, but i'm going to maaco. I'm on a budget... just want the car look a better for several more years until i get out of college. Figured i'd do the prepping since they do a half @ss job...

looks like i'll try looking for SE trim and if i can't find that, i'll get some adhesion promoter or something and give that a rip.

 

uh oh better NOT get maaco, honestly u will regret it if ur going to keep the car for more than a year stay away from maaco because the paint is just going to come rite off within a years time. trust me myself and countless others will say the same thing. save some extra cash and find a better company