Just throwing out this idea here and couldnt find if this has been tried before. I have been in the remote control car hobby for a while and I know you can use Easy OFF or any overn cleaner to strip chrome off of plastic parts safely. Has anyone attempted to do this on the OEM grille and then repaint it?

Here is an example of how it can be used to strip chrome.
How To: Remove Chrome and Dying Plastic - YouTube

 

It works well. I used this method to strip the chrome from the headlight shroud.

 

I fell for this!!!

Doesn't work!!

 

Did you cover the chrome pieces with the spray and leave it soaked for 30 minutes? It takes several cycles to strip off everything.

It works well on the chrome headlight pieces. Unless the grille is coated with something else, i imagine this method should work for the grilled too.

 

2 Hours so far. Nothing.
Im trying to remove the chrome from the IPL fog surrounds.

 

Then i guess the exterior chrome parts must have special coating for durability. This is the product you used right?

 

This one:

 

I've used that before and worked on headlights. I guess exterior chrome is coated differently.