UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi! So I'm planning on changing my dash buttons and air vents etc to 6C style mainly as I can't find a used 6R front parking sensor button (as the new one was a different black and doesn't match). I now have everything, but the aftermarket gloss black radio trim has just arrived and annoyingly the chrome trim is a bright chrome, so in no way does it match the satin chrome trim on the centre and side air vents and looks a bit cheap because of this! I need a genuine VW one like this if it exists (but so far I can only find 6R ones):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175504787509
I cannot seem to find an original VW 6C one the same or even the part number. There maybe an aftermarket band that does them with a satin chrome trim, but most photos are not clear or close enough to show this and I'm not buying more if they are the same as what I have.

If you dont find it.... i may have a solution if you are willing to try.

That chrome is a thin layer of chromed metal on plastic surface. You could use a technique that watchmakers use to accomplish a brushed ( mat finish).

You can mask the glossy piano part with masking tape. then use a gray scotch brite pad and lightly stroke the surface going in same direction with light pressure.
It will lightly scuff the surface leaving a matt finish.

Since you can flip the part, you could test the effect on the backside first and see if you like it.


... If you have a dish washing sponge, you could use the scuffing side.

There's no original part like that for the 6C that I know of. They never had a full standard double-DIN headunit opening. Only the latest Polo Vivo 2024/2025 facelift model here in South Africa has that because they fitted a full touchscreen unit, but they are based on the 6R.
The scuffing technique that was mentioned might be a very good option.

I have the silver trim and the grey buttons on my 6C. Was super annoyed when I ordered a USB port to fit into a switch location and the thing turned out to be black. Living with it for now.

amer6R wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:04 am If you dont find it.... i may have a solution if you are willing to try.

That chrome is a thin layer of chromed metal on plastic surface. You could use a technique that watchmakers use to accomplish a brushed ( mat finish).

You can mask the glossy piano part with masking tape. then use a gray scotch brite pad and lightly stroke the surface going in same direction with light pressure.
It will lightly scuff the surface leaving a matt finish.

Since you can flip the part, you could test the effect on the backside first and see if you like it.


... If you have a dish washing sponge, you could use the scuffing side.

Thanks for that. I have tried that before on some chrome plated metal, but being that the aftermarket trim was cheap and from China, I am pretty sure it will be chrome plated plastic! If that is the case, then I'm kinda stuck, as I can't seem to find a 6R proper black or 2nd hand front parking sensor button, so then my switches won't match and being that I take my car to shows and am trying to make the interior as nice & perfect as possible, then just have to match! I then tried the 6C route, got the air vents and all matching buttons, but now I can't find a matching stereo trim! So annoying and I'm not sure what to do now!

yes all plastic is plated, layer of copper on plastic then chrome plating.
Or your other option can also be brushed aluminium foil wrap, or gray silver paint.
Thats what i can think off.

amer6R wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:44 am yes all plastic is plated, layer of copper on plastic then chrome plating.
Or your other option can also be brushed aluminium foil wrap, or gray silver paint.
Thats what i can think off.

I think the wrap would be tricky to do as the trim as so small & thin, plus it's not brushed and trying to find the same finish wouldn't be easy. I guess it would add a thickness to it also. I'm thinking of maybe trying some chrome spray-I know it says chrome, but we all know that it will never actually look chrome (which works in my favour), but hopefully will look a bit different to a normal silver. I do have satin and matt layers that I could to it if needed, but again this won't be easy due to the trim being so small/thin and fragile!