I have a 2001 F-150 SuperCrew with 160k miles. Anyways, since mine is a RWD it came standard with the chrome trim around the headlights. However, I'm not big on chrome. I've seen these trucks with the trim the same color as the truck (In my case "Deep Wedgewood Blue"). I was wondering what I could do to get the trim this color. I've looked and looked and the only result I could find is to get a motorcraft one for the 4x4 body style, but I really don't feel like spending $300 on a stock grille (Some aftermarkets only run $100 (Chrome). Would I be better off buying the stock Deep Wedgewood Blue grille? Or painting the existing chrome one? Any other suggestions?

 

Paint it.

Step #1. Remove the grille assembly.

Step #2. Thoroughly clean / degrease, and remove all wax from the assembly. http://www.duplicolor.com/products/greaseWaxRemover/

Step #3. Sand / prep the surface. Use a sanding block, or sanding sponges to keep the pressure uniform, and sand it down till it's dull.

Step #4. If you didn't foul it up in step #3. clean it again and tack it down so no dust is on it.

Step #5. Spray down with adhesion promoter, which is more or less a primer for plastics.
http://www.duplicolor.com/products/adhesionPromoter/

Step #6. Spray with the color of your choise. Find your color code. Duplicolor has matching paing for an amazingly high number of paint codes going back a LONG way... http://www.duplicolor.com/products/perfectMatch/

Step #7. After applying several light coats and allowing to cure completely, you are now ready to move on to the clear coat. Spray each coat lightly, Let each coat cure, and buff with a dry / clean buffer between coats.

 

You're in luck then. Certifit has part number 3L3Z 8200 AAE (their code is FDF110F0, "Grille (99-03) without honeycomb pattern black paint to match"...for $36.75 per the catalog or FDF110D0 for the honeycomb that you can paint to match for a dollar less if you live close to one and pick it up yourself.

http://www.certifit.com/c-10-grilles...2001&Make=FORD

So, get the paint of your choice and your grille and get to work.