Chrome delete by Tesla model
Every Tesla model has different amounts of chrome trim, which affects the scope and cost of a chrome delete. Here's a model-by-model breakdown with current pricing at our Van Nuys studio in Los Angeles.
Tesla Model 3 — from $850+
The Model 3 was the first Tesla to really popularize chrome delete in the enthusiast community. Pre-2024 Model 3 vehicles came with bright chrome window trim, chrome door handles, and chrome badges that looked increasingly out of place as the design aesthetic shifted toward blacked-out everything.
The chrome delete on a Model 3 covers window surrounds, door handles, side mirror caps, and all badges. It's a relatively straightforward job because the trim pieces are accessible and the surfaces are mostly flat.
Important note: the 2024+ Model 3 Highland refresh already comes with blacked-out trim from the factory. Tesla listened to what owners were doing aftermarket and made it standard. If you have a Highland Model 3, you don't need a chrome delete — Tesla already did it for you.
Tesla Model Y — from $850+ (pre-Highland)
The Model Y shares the same chrome trim layout as the pre-refresh Model 3 — window surrounds, door handles, badges, and mirror caps. The chrome delete process is essentially the same, with similar pricing.
Like the Model 3, the Model Y Highland refresh (2025+) comes with factory blacked-out trim. Older Model Y vehicles from 2020 to 2024 still have the chrome trim and benefit significantly from a chrome delete. If you have a pre-Highland Model Y, this is one of the first modifications we recommend — the visual improvement is dramatic for the cost.
Tesla Model S — from $1,300+
The Model S has more chrome than the Model 3 or Y. The window trim is longer and more complex, the B-pillar (the vertical pillar between the front and rear doors) has chrome trim that requires careful wrapping, and the overall chrome surface area is larger. Older Model S vehicles (pre-2021 refresh) have even more chrome, including the front nose cone and door handles with chrome accents.
The 2021+ Model S refresh reduced some chrome, but there's still enough bright trim to warrant a chrome delete for most owners. The job takes longer than a Model 3 due to the additional trim complexity and the precision required on the B-pillar.
Tesla Model X — from $1,300+
The Model X is the most complex Tesla chrome delete. The falcon wing doors have chrome trim along the top edges and around the window frames that requires careful, precise wrapping. The extensive window trim, larger overall vehicle size, and the unique door design all add to the labor time.
Pre-2021 Model X vehicles have the most chrome of any Tesla model. The refresh reduced some trim, but the falcon wing door chrome remains and is the most challenging part of any Tesla chrome delete. This is not a DIY-friendly job — the precision required around the falcon wing door mechanism demands professional installation.
| Model | Starting Price | Chrome Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 (pre-Highland) | $850+ | Window trim, handles, badges, mirrors | Highland (2024+) already deleted |
| Model Y (pre-Highland) | $850+ | Window trim, handles, badges, mirrors | Highland (2025+) already deleted |
| Model S | $1,300+ | Window trim, B-pillar, handles, badges | More complex B-pillar trim |
| Model X | $1,300+ | Window trim, falcon wing trim, handles | Most complex — falcon wing doors |
What's included in a Tesla chrome delete
A complete chrome delete covers every piece of bright chrome trim on the vehicle. Here's what gets wrapped:
- Window surrounds — the chrome trim around every window opening, including the windshield pillars and rear quarter windows
- Door handles — chrome door handles are wrapped or replaced with color-matched covers (pre-Highland models with mechanical handles)
- Side mirror caps — chrome mirror housings are wrapped to match the blacked-out theme
- Badges and emblems — the Tesla "T" logos and any model badges are wrapped, removed, or replaced with black versions
- B-pillar trim — the vertical trim between the front and rear doors (especially prominent on Model S)
- Any additional chrome accents — varies by model year and trim level
Gloss black vs satin black
The two most popular chrome delete finishes are gloss black and satin black. The choice depends on your vehicle's overall look and personal preference.
Gloss black is the most popular option and the one we recommend for most Tesla owners. It creates a sleek, factory-finished appearance that looks like Tesla should have used black trim from the start. Gloss black matches the black window trim, black rubber seals, and dark glass for a cohesive, polished look. If your Tesla has a glossy paint color — white, black, red, blue — gloss black chrome delete is the most natural choice.
Satin black gives a more understated, matte-adjacent finish. It's the right choice if your vehicle has a matte or satin wrap, or if you prefer a subtler look. Satin black absorbs light instead of reflecting it, so the trim virtually disappears rather than becoming a glossy accent. It pairs especially well with satin-wrapped Teslas for a completely muted aesthetic.
Most clients bundle chrome delete with another service. Chrome delete is the most common add-on to a vinyl wrap, PPF, or ceramic tint job on Teslas. Wrapping the body in a new color but leaving chrome trim creates a visual disconnect. The majority of our Tesla chrome delete work is done as part of a larger build — wrap + chrome delete, or tint + chrome delete + ceramic coating.
How long does a chrome delete last?
A professionally installed chrome delete using quality vinyl lasts 5 to 7 years. Chrome trim areas actually see less direct sunlight than body panels (they're recessed or vertical), which helps the vinyl maintain its appearance longer than body wrap vinyl typically does.
The biggest factor in chrome delete longevity is the installation quality — specifically, how well the vinyl is tucked under edges, sealed at the ends, and wrapped around corners. Cheap installations that leave exposed vinyl edges will start peeling within months. Professional installation with proper edge work lasts for years without lifting.
Standalone vs bundled chrome delete
Chrome delete is available as a standalone service — you don't need to get a wrap or tint to get your chrome deleted. Many clients come in just for a chrome delete because it's one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost modifications you can do to a Tesla.
That said, chrome delete is most often bundled with other services because it makes practical and financial sense. If you're already bringing the car in for a wrap, adding chrome delete while the car is in the studio saves a separate appointment and usually comes at a better combined price. The most common Tesla build combinations we see:
- Vinyl wrap + chrome delete — the most popular combo. New body color + blacked-out trim for a complete transformation
- Ceramic tint + chrome delete — darken the glass and the chrome for a sleek, cohesive dark theme
- PPF + chrome delete — protect the paint and clean up the trim at the same time
- Full build: wrap + tint + chrome delete + ceramic coating — the complete transformation package that most Tesla enthusiasts eventually go for
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tesla chrome delete cost?
Tesla chrome delete starts at $850 for a Model 3 or Model Y, and from $1,300 for a Model S or Model X. Price varies based on the amount of chrome trim, the vehicle's condition, and whether you choose gloss or satin black vinyl. Older pre-refresh models with more chrome will cost more than newer models with less trim.
Does the new Tesla Model Y Highland need a chrome delete?
No. Tesla deleted the chrome trim from the factory on the Model Y Highland refresh. The window surrounds and trim pieces are already blacked out from the factory. If you have an older pre-Highland Model Y (2020-2024), it came with chrome trim and benefits from a chrome delete.
How long does a Tesla chrome delete last?
A professionally installed chrome delete using quality vinyl typically lasts 5 to 7 years. The trim areas receive less direct sun exposure than body panels, which helps the vinyl last longer. With proper washing technique — avoid high-pressure water directly on vinyl edges — a chrome delete can look great for the life of ownership.
Gloss black or satin black for Tesla chrome delete?
Gloss black is the most popular choice — it creates a sleek, factory-finished look that matches black window trim and mirrors. Satin black gives a more subtle, matte-adjacent appearance that pairs well with matte or satin vehicle wraps. If your Tesla has a glossy paint color, gloss black chrome delete usually looks most cohesive.
Can you remove a chrome delete?
Yes. Chrome delete vinyl is fully removable without damaging the chrome trim underneath. If you sell the vehicle or change your mind, the vinyl peels off and the original chrome is restored. This makes it a completely reversible modification.
Should I get chrome delete with my Tesla wrap?
Absolutely. Chrome delete is the most common add-on to a vinyl wrap or PPF job on Teslas. Wrapping the body in a new color but leaving chrome trim creates a visual disconnect. Most clients bundle chrome delete with their wrap, PPF, or tint project for a complete, cohesive look.
Chrome delete, vinyl wrap, ceramic tint — standalone or bundled. Van Nuys, Los Angeles.