Just got a 2003 and the paint is blistered, peeling and the aluminum skin is oxidized all along the front edge of the hood where it meets the grill. Will it be a major ordeal to repair this? I got one estimate of $800 which sounds pretty steep for an 11 yr old truck. Is this a common problem?

 

I don't think it is common. I have not seen any 97-03 F150's around town here that have it. I don't know where you are but $800.00 is about what it would cost to have a hood painted here so it sounds OK to me.

 

If you're in the US, that sounds high. Depending on extent of oxidization and how much work it needs, I'd be thinking closer to $500.

 

Thanks for your ideas. I wouldn't think the St. Louis climate was really a factor but who knows? The corrosion is just on that front edge and a couple smaller spots on the underneath. I'll probably sand them down and find someone who paints on the side.

 

That's not a bad strategy. Just make sure they know what they're doing cause it really isn't fun having something not turn out well and having to do it over again.

Hell MAACO runs those $1000 (or $500 whatever) "paint your whole car" deals, which I'm sure aren't great, but somebody's gonna be able to do it for a good price.

 

I have seen it on an 02 driven by a co-worker and we do not have corrosion issues here. I recently painted 2 doors and a hood on my dually and materials alone were over $600 so $800 is not out of hand.