Ongbak

Hi everyone

My ride is a florett silver 2019 Q5 (B9). Am thinking of dechrome-ing all the chrome parts i.e. changing those parts to optic black.

I think the parts would be the whole front grill, the roof rails, the window trims and the rear bumper.

There are a few ways to do it:

(1) Replace all those parts with original Audi optic black versions. This is the most expensive option
(2) Wrap all the parts gloss black
(3) Spray paint all the parts gloss black

Any thoughts on which option I should go for? I would prefer to spend as little as possible but without compromising quality. For example, I'm concerned about wraps and paint peeling.

Perhaps the best way might be a combi of the above? The window trims can be wrapped for example?

NeedMoreHP

I’d say for a conversion, it depends how much you care about it looking perfect. If you want perfect, you need #1. IIRC there’s something with the furthest back side windows with the glass and trim that makes this not straightforward.

Best option seems #2 and get a ceramic coat on the vinyl for durability.

Subaruski1

(1) Replace all those parts with original Audi optic black versions. This is the most expensive option
https://tagmotorsports.com/b9-sq5-black-optics-package
This is going to cost you $3k+ and you'll still have the window surrounds, mirror caps, roof rails, and other misc pieces
(2) Wrap all the parts gloss black
Grill, fog covers, ect are nearly impossible to wrap. You'll spend just as much money as buying new black optic pieces.
(3) Spray paint all the parts gloss black
Not possible. Finish quality will look horrendous

The proper answer is sell car and buy proper black optic spec

Don Nguyen

Wrapping most of those will be a good way to black them out. Anything that's too complicated for wrapping, then painting would be a decent alternative.

TheWalrus

I was thinking the same thing. It may just be worth selling and buying new. Any other options you wish you'd gotten or not gotten? Perhaps it's a chance to spend a few thousand dollars and dial this in exactly the way you want it?

-James
Seattle, WA

Chawski

I think wrapping is the way to go. Not sure why wrapping the grille isn't possible? I've done one already and seen many others. Just need it off the car to tuck the edges, since there's a lot of overlap around the top that's no easy to reach.

Only issue is the roof rails. If you use the rack, the vinyl is gonna get chewed up quick. Paint shop may be able to do this on the car, but if they need to come off, you've gatta drop the headliner to get them out.royal pita, but doable

BlackPanth3r

Mine is wrapped in gloss black...grille, window trim, mirrors, rear diffuser (yes they did all the chrome parts on the front grill etc). I have had it wrapped for around 20 months and the grill wrap will need to be redone soon but the rest is holding up ok. Cost $1000

Ongbak

Thanks but what do you mean by drop the headliner?

Chawski

I mean take the headliner down to get access to the roof rails

Ongbak

Oh I see. Sounds like more trouble than its worth