Questions about brushed metal bezel look for iPhone 3G

[wildonrio]

I don't know if any of you have looked at this trick (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2007/07/23/iphone-with-brushed-metal-trim/) to get a nice brushed metal look on your bezel, but I have been researching it lately. There are 3 good things I think come from it:


It gets rid of any scratches you have on the bezel.
It prevents future small scratches. And if it does scratch it is very easy to just brush them out again.
It looks VERY nice, from what everyone is saying. I read through and 99 percent of the posters loved the new look so much more.

Here are some great pics:

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...e/DSC00465.jpg (http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/danny_moore/DSC00465.jpg)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...e/DSC00456.jpg (http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/danny_moore/DSC00456.jpg)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...e/DSC00461.jpg (http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/danny_moore/DSC00461.jpg)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...e/DSC00462.jpg (http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/danny_moore/DSC00462.jpg)

And here's a YouTube video on how to do it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HukPfs1NIg

Now, a question. The bezel is used as an antenna in the iPhone 3G:

From the Apple website (http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/wireless.html):


More wireless. Less space.

iPhone 3G delivers UMTS, HSDPA, GSM, Wi-Fi, EDGE, GPS, and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR in one compact device — using only two antennas. Clever iPhone engineering integrates those antennas into a few unexpected places: the metal ring around the camera, the audio jack, the metal screen bezel, and the iPhone circuitry itself. And intelligent iPhone power management technology gives you up to 5 hours of talk time over 3G networks.

Is messing with the bezel gonna mess up the reception at all?

[kisstine]

Well, I was thinking it looked totally awesome... until I got to the part about the potential reception issue. It's definitely an attractive look; I like it better than the mirror finish. ...but that bit you pulled from Apple makes me nervous about considering it.

[free2rhyme590]

I did this on my v1 iPhone and it looks incredible! I love it! It makes the iPhone seem more expensive with the brushed metal look...

[rmfnla]

I talked to a friend who is an RF (radio frequency) engineer and he said the finish should have no effect on reception.

I especially like the way the buttons look; are the photos your phone?

[wildonrio]

I talked to a friend who is an RF (radio frequency) engineer and he said the finish should have no effect on reception.

Whoa you talked to him just now after reading this post I made an hour ago? That was quick.

[rmfnla]

Just popped him an IM and he popped right back.

Remember, a wise man doesn't know all the answers, he knows where to find them.

[wildonrio]

I especially like the way the buttons look; are the photos your phone?

No, I haven't done it to my phone yet because I was worried about the reception problem messing with the bezel. I hope your friend is right, because I plan on doing this this weekend!

[rmfnla]

I'm sure he's right; he really knows his stuff.

Just make sure you mask real well 'cause that plastic on the 3G will scratch real easily.

Good luck!

[MileHighRob]

I seriously doubt it would have ANY effect on reception. Have you heard this from someone that's done theirs or are you just concerned it may?

[sonicwind]

do the screen, too.

[wildonrio]

I seriously doubt it would have ANY effect on reception. Have you heard this from someone that's done theirs or are you just concerned it may?

I am just concerned it may since logic tells me that scratching up the antenna seems like it might affect its performance.

[rmfnla]

Won't happen.

Radio waves cause tiny vibrations in the antenna structure. An antenna is "tuned" for its intended wavelength(s) by using specific materials and making it a specific size.

The surface finish has nothing to do with this.

<edit> How funny that a Verizon Wireless ad just popped up; talk about the wrong demographic!

[KabaModern]

I will chime in here.

I just did this tonight using only one of the three tools (a Brillo pad). And let me tell you, it looks AMAZING! I have the v1 iPhone, so as long as you have a screen protector on, you don't need the tape. Just do it carefully and you'll get the same brushed look. It does not scratch the metal backing of the iPhone, and I had a screen protector on mine and it did not scratch the screen protector, either.

If you have the iPhone 3G, I'd recommend using the tape because it seems the plastic would scratch easier.

Just letting you guys know it's quite easy if you've got the v1 iPhone.

Take care!

[kevlar08]

i have a case on mine anyway but i do think this looks nice

[iChristian]

Thanks for the post! I really don't like the chrome on the iPhone... it's kinda tacky and looks cheap. I'm definitely going to try the brushed metal look! I doubt it will cause a reception issue.

[fury]

Any word on whether this causes a warranty issue? I hear they replace the chrome on it anyway when refurbing it after it's returned for repair or replacement