Kia Mohave Chrome Delete Review — Blackout Trim Transformation

The Kia Mohave and its Chrome Design Relationship

Hello, this is Today's Car. Today, we're showcasing a Kia Mohave chrome delete (blackout trim) project completed in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. The Kia Mohave is a beloved model, praised for its imposing presence as a large SUV and its sophisticated lines. To further enhance this vehicle's appeal, many owners opt for the chrome delete, also known as the blackout trim.

Chrome delete on the Kia Mohave is more than just covering chrome parts with black; it's a process that redefines the vehicle's entire style. Originally conveying a sense of luxury, the chrome parts are transformed into a modern and refined aesthetic once they are blacked out.

Mohave's Unique Features and Chrome Delete Considerations

Given the Kia Mohave's substantial size, its chrome parts are distributed across various areas. Comprehensive application is crucial for a flawless finish, covering not only prominent sections like the grille surround, fog light surrounds, lower door trim, and roof rails, but also smaller, detailed areas.

A notable detail on the Kia Mohave is the 'MOHAVE' lettering embossed on the lower door trim, requiring a specialized approach compared to standard film application. This involves printing a film precisely to the size of the lettering, applying it first, and then proceeding with the chrome delete over it. This technique ensures the 'MOHAVE' text remains visible without disrupting the overall uniformity.

Chrome delete for the Mohave goes beyond mere aesthetic enhancement; it fundamentally alters the vehicle's image. Therefore, selecting a shop that meticulously handles even the smallest details is paramount.

Chrome Delete Installation Process: Step-by-Step

The chrome delete process for the Kia Mohave often begins with the door handles. If the entire handle isn't chrome, the film can be applied directly without disassembly. Minimizing disassembly is advantageous for preventing component damage and improving work efficiency.

The installation on the chrome trim along the trunk line involves precise cutting to ensure the film adheres fully to the inner edges, followed by meticulous finishing. The key here is to prevent any lifting of the film.

For the roof rails, only the end caps are typically removed, leaving the main bars intact during the initial application. This selective disassembly speeds up the overall process and reduces the risk of damaging parts. The removed end caps are then treated separately for the chrome delete.

The Intricate Detail of Lower Door MOHAVE Lettering

The 'MOHAVE' lettering on the lower door trim is embossed, meaning standard film application would simply cover the letters in black. To preserve the lettering's visibility, a detailed process is required: printing custom-sized film for the letters and applying each piece individually.

After the lettering film is applied, a second layer of black film is applied over it to create a unified look. This double-layer application requires significant labor but results in a highly polished finish.

Once the film is applied over the lettering and the edges are finished, the intricate detail of the lower door chrome delete becomes apparent. As seen in the photos, the color tone of the lettering and the surrounding chrome is perfectly unified.

Attention to Unseen Details

The success of a chrome delete lies in the details. When small elements like the fog light surrounds, door handles, and grille surrounds are all blacked out, the true transformation of the vehicle is realized, creating a cohesive and aggressive aesthetic.