The G8 comes with chrome trim around the greenhouse from the Commodore Calais, it's not present on the sportier Commodore SV6/SS/SS-V. Sadly, for those of us who don't like an abundance of chrome trim on our muscle cars it's not optional.

Aussies, how costly is black window trim for these cars and can it be installed at home?

no idea on price or the door trims, but the upper part would be VERY simple to replace, its all clipped in, except for a screw at the front.

That's really good to hear.

The black mould that goes on the bodywork from the a pillar to the c pillar is approx $60.00 each oz.
the 4 black moulds on the doors against the glass is $120.00 for the set.
This conversion will be relatively simple, as in direct swap.
Shipping the long moulds is another story........awkward, fragile and space consuming.

Well it looks like if someone wants the black out appearance it's a fairly easy swap once you get the parts.

The black mould that goes on the bodywork from the a pillar to the c pillar is approx $60.00 each oz.
the 4 black moulds on the doors against the glass is $120.00 for the set.
This conversion will be relatively simple, as in direct swap.
Shipping the long moulds is another story........awkward, fragile and space consuming.

I was going to ask you about this, swapping chrome door handles for painted handles and wheel center caps tonight.

Happy new year!

wheel centre caps.........I assume you mean the holden caps off the 18" alloys
Which door handles do you want..you can also change the inside handles as well

wheel centre caps.........I assume you mean the holden caps off the 18" alloys
Which door handles do you want..you can also change the inside handles as well

I believe he was refering to the Exterior door handles since only the GT will have chrome trim on the handles.

Is the handle all chrome or can the chrome be removed? I know on my last car the pillars where matt black vinyl and underneath was the body color. Maybe if we are lucky it can be removed with no harm done.

If you have painted handles and want chrome handles then you buy complete handles. They also come with and insert that you paint the same colour as the car. Total cost for 4 is approx $280.00
If you have chrome handles and want the painted ones then again, you have to buy complete handles and get them painted. Total cost is approx $200.00
If you want the matt black handles the total cost for 4 is approx $100.00
If you want to change the stock silver plastic inside door handles to satin chrome with black surrounds you are up for $300.00 for the set of 4
These are all in oz $$$$$$$$$

If you have painted handles and want chrome handles then you buy complete handles. They also come with and insert that you paint the same colour as the car. Total cost for 4 is approx $280.00
If you have chrome handles and want the painted ones then again, you have to buy complete handles and get them painted. Total cost is approx $200.00
If you want the matt black handles the total cost for 4 is approx $100.00
If you want to change the stock silver plastic inside door handles to satin chrome with black surrounds you are up for $300.00 for the set of 4
These are all in oz $$$$$$$$$

Thanks for all of the info. I will have to make a judgement call when I see it in person if I am going to black it all out.

These are all in oz $$$$$$$$$

Which by next week will be equivalent to US $$$$$. :ohsnap1:

Which by next week will be equivalent to US $$$$$. :ohsnap1:


sccaGTO: How come? US economy or AUS economy?

Right now 1 US dollar = $1.14 AUS

sccaGTO: How come? US economy or AUS economy?

Right now 1 US dollar = $1.14 AUS

I usually remember it the other way. $1 AUS= $0.90 US (or close to that). Two years ago when I ordered a part for my GTO, $1 AUS= $0.76 US. I don't keep up with economics very well. But, I think it's the Aussie dollar getting stronger. It's been getting stronger for at least a year. That was part of the reason that GM was not totally sure that they would bring the Ute to America.

Which by next week will be equivalent to US $$$$$. :ohsnap1:

But don't forget the $1000.00 that it will cost to get it shipped from the other side of the planet. :cursin:

The chrome has to go!!!!!!!!

But don't forget the $1000.00 that it will cost to get it shipped from the other side of the planet. :cursin:

Perhaps our good friends at JHP could help out? Then maybe the total would only be about $1000.00.

Damn, am I the only one who actually isn't bothered by the little bit of chrome that is on the car?

It hasn't bothered me.

Chip

I think some will change their minds once they see the car in person. I also think the color has a lot to do with it.

Damn, am I the only one who actually isn't bothered by the little bit of chrome that is on the car?
NO.

I think some will change their minds once they see the car in person. I also think the color has a lot to do with it.

I've seen it in person and it doesn't look great. With some colors it's alright.

It would be cheaper to remove th eparts you don't want chrome and have them black anodized locally. BTW, the door handle skins as an available accessory to us come in already painted colors, including a red that the car does not come in. No price yet. Is it the base with chrome or is color part of one of the packages (but not listed as a content)

I've blacked out some bits on my Mini Cooper S with great success using "Wurth" Satin Black trim paint. I'd have no qualms pulling off the chrome bits and prepping them for some spray in the garage. It's just important to remember to clear over the satin for protection, especially with any door handles and front chrome.

I think you guys might be better off waiting for the 2009 Impala SS for 'dress' parts, as it will look identical to the Holden SS, only difference being badges....

http://jalopnik.com/cars/spy-photos/2009-chevrolet-impala-ss-or-not-emerging-market-muscle-278311.php

There you go.

I think you guys might be better off waiting for the 2009 Impala SS for 'dress' parts, as it will look identical to the Holden SS, only difference being badges....

http://jalopnik.com/cars/spy-photos/2009-chevrolet-impala-ss-or-not-emerging-market-muscle-278311.php

There you go.


Again, another reason you can't always believe what you read on the internet. That was just a G8 test vehicle. Chevrolet is not getting a variant of the VE.

i think once people get the G8, they'll realise the chrome isn't as flashy as they think, the window surround chrome is only about 5mm thick, and the door handles actually look very classy..

Its more to highlight certain areas, i think the side of the car can look very flat and boring without it

Again, another reason you can't always believe what you read on the internet. That was just a G8 test vehicle. Chevrolet is not getting a variant of the VE.

Well there you go, thanks for that info!

Well there you go, thanks for that info!

:bunny: ;)

It must be Rick Wagoner's company car. :gr_jest:

Chrome.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/05102007.jpg

No chrome.

http://uploader.ws/upload/200710/2007_0218RedHot0009.jpg

I dont see the problem with the chrome. I love chrome. Every bit of chrome u see on the pic up top ima have plus more! Thinkin bout seein how some chrome 23's will look(or fit, rather. I know they'll look tight as hell!).

I'm with the NO chrome crowd on this one. Chrome pieces to me scream BUICK or TRUCK. Two images I don't really want associated with a sports sedan. Frankly I think the chromed plastic makes it look "cheaper" if you ask me. When you see chromed plastic dress up parts on Kias, Hyundais and every ghettoed out Grand Am or Malibu under the sun it kinda loses its "luster" so to speak. If they were actually chromed metal parts it would seem classier to me. I have a feeling the older Boomer set probably likes the chrome as they grew up with it. I'll hope the chrome stays off the G8 ST.

PS I'm not trying to offend anyone who likes the chrome, but it gives me the image of a tarted up Buick or Toyota Avalon. YUCK! :barf:

No offense taken. I was raised 'round people u luv to dress up a vehicle as soon as they get it. For a while it was a major thing; people would get REAL chrome attachments to their vehicle(rims, mirror covers, etc.). Now po ass people wanna look good so bad, they stoop down to aluminum foil on mirrors if they have to! I agree with u on the end bout cheap plastic chrome(that goes 4 hubcaps especially), but me, i just like to shine(literally). I no most car enthusiasts luv chrome to be missin so the car looks sporty, but me, more chrome(in sensible places)gives me more of a headturner to ride in.

Before anyone readin this forum starts assuming, im not the type of guy to use materialistic things to get females or make sumone jealous, i just luv attention.

Perhaps our good friends at JHP could help out? Then maybe the total would only be about $1000.00.

JHP are planning to stock the fast moving parts for the G8 in California, which will help save $$ on one part shipping.
I agree on some exterior colors the chrome will look better black.

Chrome sucks. Give me all body color and call it a day. :cool:

This seems to be the problem........in oz if you want a sporty commodore, you buy an SS (spoilers, blackouts , lack of chrome, wheels, suspension etc). If you are more luxury orientated then buy a Berlina or Calais version. It seems to me that Pontiac haven't given you guys that option, hence the division on what looks good. The non chrome version looks good..even better when the wide rubber and sporty mods are added.

Yep chrome is for "show". It's not sporty only says, look at me, notice me. It just sends a negative image to me personally.

Non chromed is clean and sporty. That includes the wheels as well. You can get chromed wheels on mini-vans for crying out loud. What is the sporti-ness in that? Chrome is for old people and attention hounds, it's not for me.

Pontiac is about Performance, all chrome should be left off. Buick isn't the image we want with the G8.

About the pic above. With the chrome surrounding the windows, it seems to accent the greenhouse making it look LARGER. That's not what you want in a sporty car. You don't want it looking topheavy. Topheavy = slow. Slow is not sporty. Pontiac should know these things. Some idiot beancounter had a hissy-fit over keeping the chrome on it. He/she should have been over-ruled. Chrome = :barf:

JHP are planning to stock the fast moving parts for the G8 in California, which will help save $$ on one part shipping.

Cool. It's nice to see a vendor that is willing to build a base for a car that is popular there, but untested here. A big gamble, but commendable. :hail:

JHP are planning to stock the fast moving parts for the G8 in California, which will help save $$ on one part shipping.
I agree on some exterior colors the chrome will look better black.How can I find JHP, any links would be great!

The only link available is to their Australian site: http://www.jhp.com.au

The only link available is to their Australian site: http://www.jhp.com.auThanks for the link!

what is the molding made of?

On teh doors, probably chrome-plated tin (cheap sheet-metal usually steel but can be aluminum, especially if it is factory black)

The nose around teh grill is probably plastic.

But until someone places a mahgnet against the parts you won't know.


BTW whatever happened to the monochromatic look? Is anyone going to install body-colored wheels? (Last had them on my '90 Bonnie)

any idea if painting them will be an option...

BTW whatever happened to the monochromatic look? Is anyone going to install body-colored wheels? (Last had them on my '90 Bonnie)

That is direction I am wanting to go when I get my black G8.

the side of the car looks like a hyundai without the chrome. cheap and unfinished

at the most, the windows surrounds are about 5mm visible chrome, and the GT has the door handle surrounds (mainly a horizontal surface, so not very noticeable) it all adds a nice contrast and lines to an otherwise plain side profile

I won't argue that it does add contrast, as it does. But to me cheap chromed plastic looks tacky and cheap and is EXACTLY what Hyundai, Kia and all the other wannabe luxury players do to try to make their exteriors "look" more expensive. It screams cheesy to me but hey to each their own, if some like it they can keep it. I'll hope the GXP doesn't have an ounce of the cheesy chromed plastic on it. Different strokes for different folks. :)

The only link available is to their Australian site: http://www.jhp.com.au

JHP will have the G8 / VE intrim web site finished in the next few weeks and will list most of the genuine accessories and parts to suit G8. www.jhp.com.au
You can e-mail sales@jhp.com.au if you need any details on G8.

the side of the car looks like a hyundai without the chrome. cheap and unfinished

at the most, the windows surrounds are about 5mm visible chrome, and the GT has the door handle surrounds (mainly a horizontal surface, so not very noticeable) it all adds a nice contrast and lines to an otherwise plain side profile

Agree the tasteful chrome around the windows and grill makes this car look like it shold be parked with BMWs, MBs and Jags, all of which have similar.

This is a thread I didn't read until today. Personally with the Red, I'd like to black out mine. I live in a small town, more Pontiacs here than anything.

don't know if any of you have seen that black hyperchrome, but it looks alot less like your trying to be, well... bling bling. would probably look pretty good. shiny but not trashy.

BTW whatever happened to the monochromatic look? Is anyone going to install body-colored wheels? (Last had them on my '90 Bonnie)

OK, I'm a little older than most of you guys, having grown up in the chrome crazy 60's. I currently own a '61 Ford Galaxie Convertible with enough chrome, stainless and polished aluminum to open a cookwares store, so I am not really into the monochromatic look. Reminds me too much of the staff cars of World War II. I'm not THAT old, but do remember the movies. My Red G8 #287 is just fine, thank you.

JHP will have the G8 / VE intrim web site finished in the next few weeks and will list most of the genuine accessories and parts to suit G8. www.jhp.com.au
You can e-mail sales@jhp.com.au if you need any details on G8.

Nice! :thumbsup:

Perhaps our good friends at JHP could help out? Then maybe the total would only be about $1000.00.

JHP have the SS black side window surround trims being shipped to the USA, the cost is under $600 + delivery from southern California

the side of the car looks like a hyundai without the chrome. cheap and unfinished

The only way a car would look like a Hyundai would be if it was a Hyundai.

On the dark-coloured bodies, one may take issue with the chrome.
On my white, the chrome is not at all conspicuous. A classy touch, if anything.

For owners of the white G8, I'd strongly recommend leaving the chrome trim in place and save the $$ for other mods..;)

I thought Bob Lutz from gm said they were not going to do the impala. Thats why I bought a g8, because they weren't going to make it. Maybe they changed their mind again.