The Tesla Cybertruck has been a conversation-starter since its initial unveiling, and it isn’t just the truck’s distinct polygonal design stirring the pot. Customers, some with apparently deep pockets and a flair for the unusual, have been quickly transforming their electric pickups with an array of custom wraps and modifications.
In a particularly lavish display, a recent modification went beyond simple aesthetic variation—YouTube personality Zack Nelson, well-known from his channel JerryRigEverything, embarked on a mission to gold-plate an entire Cybertruck. Unlike conventional vehicles, the Cybertruck posed a unique challenge due to its oxidation-protected stainless steel shell.
The gold-plating project was a complex process that required the careful removal of the Cybertruck’s plastic trim to expose the maximum amount of stainless steel. Nelson teamed up with the specialists at Gold Plating Services to ensure this would be done correctly. After taking off the trim, the team proceeded with the meticulous cleaning of the stainless steel, making it hydrophilic, prepping it for the subsequent steps.
Next came the acid treatment, which simultaneously etched the steel and coated it with a thin golden layer to stave off re-oxidation. The various chemicals were applied with a brush linked to an anode, while a cathode was attached to the panel’s surface. Following the steel’s preparation, they utilized a purple substance, loaded with 24-karat gold, to electroplate the truck with a layer of gold.
Despite the layer being only microns thick, the total cost of the gold used amounted to a staggering $60,000. The transformation resulted in a Cybertruck with a sheen like no other—an embodiment of opulence on wheels.
While a gold-plated electric vehicle might appear to be the ultimate symbol of luxury, it’s a customization that isn’t likely universally admired. However, it does underscore the intriguing lengths to which Cybertruck owners are willing to go to personalize their vehicles and perhaps make a statement. Whether or not this kind of extravagant modification catches on among other Cybertruck enthusiasts remains to be seen.
The aftermarket potential for the Cybertruck seems to be growing, with creativity only limited by one’s budget. For those who simply want a taste of the Tesla Cybertruck lifestyle on a more modest scale, collectible models, such as the Hot Wheels id Vehicles 1:64 scale Cybertruck, are available for enthusiasts to enjoy.
