Sorry about that... I forgot to post that info...

Since my truck is 'Black Clearcoat', I opted to just go with the touch-up paint in a can from AutoZone. I think the brand is 'Plasti-Kote' or something similar.

If I had a paint code with metallic flake (ie: arizona beige, etc...), I'd probably go with a paint from paintscratch.com as I've heard nothing but good about them.

Additionally, I went with the Plasti-Kote clear coat as well. $5 for a large rattle can on each one... I already had sand papers in house but, you're only looking at an additional $4 or so for a 'multi-pack' of papers.

RP

 

So, should I go ahead and bring my handles down for you to paint now or...

Looks good RP.

 

For a nominal fee 04 Red... LOL!

We all need to get together again!

 

Can I come drink beer and get high!!!

 

Technically speaking it's ebony.

And also sanding past 600 isnt advised by most painters. 600grit will eliminate most if not all fine scratches and going past that will sand it "too far" not providing a good surface for the paint or promoter to adhere to.

 

i agree, actually, 400 is enough for anything without mettalic in it.. primering and adhesion promoter would have been a good idea. other than that, it looks great. ive got my tailgate and handle both primered twice, they just need sanded and painted. after a little accident with my tailgate i decided to fill the emblems..
one question, how many hours a week do you spend waxing your truck?

 

Thanks for the Decals RP
Your handle turned out awesome.
I would think the LT handles would look very nice on your truck.
I also think a King Ranch Emblem would be very nice as well, or maybe a custom one with your Company Name on it!
Later Trev
P.S. I just needed the rear one as mine was to small (by 1/8") and the ebay seller, same guy you bought them from, never sent me a replacement one so i figured i would jump all over yours as you didnt need them. thanks Again

 

Per week? Maybe half an hour...

Now, when I polish and wax, it'll be nearly a full day by machine.

RP

 

Glad they made it KK! Thank you again! The new overlays should be here this week. Stay tuned.

 

Nice job, RockPick!

I am just finishing up a similar job on the tailgate latch of my 2002 Lightning (red). Didn't trust myself with the stock handle, so I bought one at a junkyard for $5.00.

I concur with your procedure...and the sanding is a PITA! I used a Dremel with various bits to get into the round corners of the bucket, then took it down to 800 grit sandpaper. I used some sort of cleaner/prep stuff from Wally World and also some adhesion promoter in leiu of primer (was told it accomplishes the same thing). Used Duplicolor Ford Red (E4) and their clearcoat. Was surprised how dull the red looked after 3-4 coats, but the clearcoat adds the gloss finish.

Needs one-two more coats of clearcoat to even out the orange peel, but it's lookin' good at this point.

Will post pics when finished.

Patience is the key here. Has taken two years to get this project to this stage.

 

that looks awesome ...
time well spent ...

 

Good job RP!

Is wet sanding really neccessary? I have no clue how to do it, but could learn. I was going to pay the body shop to paint my mud flaps but they want $150 to do it and then are saying they won't warranty it because they think it'll just flake off. I'd rather just do it myself it will look just as good and cost a fraction of the price. I've never done anything like this before though. Are you happy with your results? Perfect match?

 

Wet sanding is simply sanding with moisture and the sandpaper versus just the sandpaper. No biggie. The moisture provides a touch of lubrication... the moisture also provides a mechanism to 'float' the abrasives.

I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I'm not concerned, in the least, about any flaking or problems of that nature with the handle as it's obviously very low impact. Also, it's tough to mess up a color match with black.

Find a hungrier body shop if you're not interested in doing it yourself... they obviously had a backlog of work... I'm sure it can be done much cheaper!

RP

 

Thanks for the tips on wet sanding. I think I'll just paint the mud guards myself anyway. $5 per can, 4 cans paint, 4 cans primer with flex agent, $5 in sand paper and I've got mud guards that are done for $45. I doubt I'll even need that much paint and primer. It'd be more of a hastle to keep calling body shops and then have to drive the guards over to them and such.

I'm definitely going to have them paint the mirrors, since thats only $250. Depending on the price for the applicays, I may have them do those to. Same with the antenna base, unless someone knows how to remove the antenna base. As for the handles, I'm going to order the LT ones in a week or two. Thanks again for all your help and great directions on painting!

 

Nice job RP! Looks really swweeet. I'm sure since you did all the work, it makes it even better.