I suppose I should have asked before doing, but does anyone see any problem with shaving the ribs off? I hate when I wax the truck and the wax gets on that plastic and does not come off. I shaved the ribs off and then sanded down the rails with anticipation of getting them either painted to match the truck. The other possibility is to get them painted a low gloss black that could be waxed with the rest of the truck. I don't abuse the rails, so it should not be a problem. The only problem I forsee is without the ribs, the rails may warp.

 

WELL....Since you went ahead and did this, sure would be nice to see the results. I'm guessing you're right about the warping, but maybe not. The worst thing that can happen is you waste the money to get them painted, then have to buy new rails.....but look at it this way, you might save the rest of us the headache.

 

By ribs, are you referring to the texture on the plastic?

 

Just use zaino when you polish/wax...

http://www.zainostore.com/

 

I tried it. I'm saving you all the trouble. DON'T DO IT!!!!!! they look like absolute crap after. This may sound funny, but I used a block plane to get rid of the bulk and then used a DA sander. once they're sanded down, you can still see where the mold for the ribs were. I bit the bullet soon after and bought the Street Scene smooth bed rail caps. Painted them to match and once they're on, you can barely see the seam between rail cap and bed. they're made from a urethane rubber type material (paint hasn't peeled or chipped after using an adhesion promoter) so i can lean on them without worrying about the paint or finish.

 

You could also look at replacing them with smooth Busch Wacker(sp?) rail covers.

 

I figure I will see in a week if they warp. I will primer, wet sand and primer again. I was able to sand all the little bumps off, so they are very smooth. I will put some pics out when I am done. I think I will only be in it (other than my time and that seems to be free ) about $50 bucks for the primer and paint.

 

I have been thinking about ditching the fiberglass ARE cover and getting the Street Scene smooth caps and painting them Yellow to match the body. How you like yours Dribone?

 

absolutely love them. the only issue is that they're a hair short. with the back and sides of them matched up to the body, the front angle is held back about a quarter of an inch or so. similar to the stock ones. if you're not looking for it, you'll never notice it.