Delamination of chrome side trim - Caravelle

Sladie07

Member
T6 Pro
Hey all, while the van is sat on the drive waiting to go into an independent VW specialist to get the suspension/ wheel bearing stuff sorted next week, I’m just doing a few little cosmetic bits and bobs, and one thing that just seems to have popped up out of nowhere is some bubbling/ delamination of one of the side chrome trims on the Caravelle. It doesn’t appear anywhere else nd I’ve only just noticed it so I’m not sure what’s going on. I’m de-chroming the front grill so I have no objections to swapping these out for black too but is there an explaination for this, and what’s the best way to approach it? I have some matt black vinyl wrap tape I could use if I’m not going to make a pigs ear of it, or is it easier/ better to remove them somehow (not sure how they’re attached) and replace them with proper trim?

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Eyup there, so my vehicle is doing the same. Must admit it's not as bad as yours.
I think it's caused by road salt creating a micro hole in the chrome plating.
Although the trim is plastic I think it oxidises behind the chrome plating and festers.

Fairly confident the trims are stuck on with double sided tape, maybe 3m vhb.
I hot air gun will probably soften the adhesive and allow you to peel the trims off.

No idea what a replacement would cost. loads I guess!
 
It’s weird because it’s only really popped up in the last few days and the vans not moved for a week or so! A quick eBay search shows replacement ones from £40 up to £80odd. Will probably leave it for now and sort down the line. Annoying!
 
Ouch, all of my side trims are suffering but the tailgate is okay at the moment. Must admit I don't wash it enough during the winter months.
Having said that don't know if we had any road gritting in East yorks over winter.
I tried Tcut on mine, it polishes them nice but the bubbles don't disappear!
 
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