the 'chrome' lockstrips around the windshield and rear glass always seem to oxidize rather quickly, and eventually turn a dark-brown (almost black) color. my uncle just put on new lockstrips on his 320i less than 2 years ago and it already has some brown patches showing; and mine are almost black, cept for around the chrome clips.

has anyone tried to treat the lockstrip to keep them from oxidizing? waterproofing, clearcoat, or some rust-prevention solution?

or would painting them a chrome color be a better alternative?

When I got my windshield replaced about 3 years ago, I asked the same question of the guy working there. He said let the arizona sun bake the shit out of it and imagine that they were always black. So I did.

It's the plastic/clear tubing that is oxiding from the sun and there's really nothing you can do about it!!!
If you cut away the tubing you can see that the chrome is still there!!!!

Doug

ahh crap......would using some rust sealant (coriseal or something like that, i think bmp or bavauto sells 'em) work for that type of oxidation? or are those products only for metal surfaces.

would i be better off painting, then clearcoating it?

...or is it not worth the effort; and not park out in the sunlight anymore (thank god i got covered parking at asu)


altho i still kinda wanna keep them a silver/chrome color, to go along w/ the rest of the chrome trim.