Accessorizing my Interior

[elp]

Hello All. I have been reading your forum and you have gotten me all excited about accessorizing my new 2003 PT Cruiser Turbo (Bright Silver). I was wondering, though; what is the difference between Polished Billet and Chrome? I want the accessories I get for the interior to match, so it doesn't look "cobbled together". Which best matches, say, the look of the interior door handles? I'm thinking I'll replace the manual shifter knob, the door lock pins and hopefully trim out the dash a bit, at least by replacing those little knobs on the air vents. What's the best way to go? Thanks for the interesting reading!

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum Elp!

Don't know if I'm gonna get this right or not but here goes. I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong. The end result of Chrome or Billet is about the same. Both really shiny. The big difference is how their made. Billet is usually made from one piece of metal shined to high gloss imitating chrome. Chrome is actually a covering of another metal. So they both look the same but most of the time Billet items cost a little more because of the procedure in cutting/making the piece out of one original form. The door handles in your PT are Chrome.

[IRPT]

Welcome to the forum elp. CREWZIN has pretty much got it right. The billet aluminum stuff is cut from a solid piece of billet aluminum and polished to a high shine. Unless coated with something like clear coat it will require polishing to retain the shine. Billet aluminum has a nice feel to it and it's light weight. Another thing about billet aluminum, if it gets scratched you can polish/buff the scratch out; whereas with Chrome if it gets scratched you have to have it rechromed. Chrome pieces may be steel, or some other type of metal, some are plastic (like the chrome clad wheels).

[elp]

Thanks, you guys are great! One more question. I've seen a thread or two about changing out the door lock pins, but I'm worried because I've discovered that the 2003 Turbo seems to be different in many ways from most of the other models/years. Can someone provide me with instrucitons about removing/replacing? Thanks again!

[bobs turbo pt]

welcome elp!!

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by elp

Thanks, you guys are great! One more question. I've seen a thread or two about changing out the door lock pins, but I'm worried because I've discovered that the 2003 Turbo seems to be different in many ways from most of the other models/years. Can someone provide me with instrucitons about removing/replacing? Thanks again!

Step one...GET CHROME!
Billet is going to oxidize unless coated at stated above. But even with coating, if it rubs as the door lock pins go up and down it will eventually wear through then oxidize. Chrome is just shinier too. I (and others) have used stuff from http://mgwltd.com/pt_cruiser.html. They have very high quality stuff and show quality chrome jobs. All you do is unscrew the old pins (they have a square bottom on them as you are pulling them out, so you have to work them some as you pull. Then follow the directions for installing the chrome pins and adjusting them to the proper height. Then go out and buy more chrome. These cars were made for chrome.

[elp]

Yay, Chrome! I'm so excited. I can't wait to get started. Thanks for the link.

[Basset Hound]

Go with chrome. You won't be sorry.[|)]

[nhrapt]

welcome elp.

[Gary04GT]

Welcome to the forum, elp. [^] And, yes, chrome is the way to go IMHO! [|)] [?]