hey all.

I registered to this forum awhile back but forgot my login info so here I am again. I have a 2010 XLT SCREW, and I just can't stand the look of the chrome bumpers anymore. Now seeing as OEM bumpers ready to paint are pretty pricey, are there cheaper alternatives? I went to a reputable body shop in my area and they advised against painting the existing chrome. Easy to chip, paint won't adhere, etc. Has anyone ever heard of vinyl wrapping just the bumpers??? Might be a stupid question, but it doesn't seem like it would be too expensive and it could always be removed...I purchased the FX2 headlights, tails, and grille and I really would like to finish off the look. Any thoughts or input would be much appreciated!

 

color is sterling grey metallic if it matters

 

You could plasti dip it for about $40 or get it sand blasted and line-x'ed for around $500

 

Line-x would have a rough finish or no? And how long would plasti dip last?

 

I've read that 3-4 coats of plaSti dip
Would
Last over a year. And line x is rough like rock guard or bed liner spray, looks good though

 

line x would be you'r best bang for you'r buck but it depends if you want the rough texture. it will out last any of the other options and imo looks good on bumpers. plus depending on the color of you'r truck you can get it color matched. you could always get the bumper sand blasted then painted or powder coated. i would go powder coat before paint.

 

If you like the black out look, I think that Dupli-Color makes a "Black chrome" just for painting over the original chrome.

 

I forgot too add you can vinyl your
Bumper. If you dig
Page a few pages there was a member that successfully
Wrapped his bumpers in a black vinyl

+1 on the line x. I believe it Has a 6 year warranty

 

Remember one thing before you jump off the cliff and do something to your current chrome plated bumper. Almost nothing that you can have applied to it (and nothing that you can apply at home) will have the chip and corrosion resistance of factory chrome plating. The front end of your truck is a tough neighborhood to live in since it's constantly getting blasted with all sorts of road debris. The automotive manufacturers go to great lengths to develop finishes that will stand up specifically to that environment.

You might want to take a look at some alternative finishes used in your area that are a few years old to see how well they hold up in the real world. In fact you absolutely want to take a look at a factory painted bumper that's a few years old. I think you'll be disappointed at the number of stone chips that even they collect.

 

Have you look at any of the junk yards in your area for wrecked F-150s? Not all trucks are hit from the front or rear when they are totaled.

 

PLASTI-DIP ALL THE WAY. a few cans of plasti-dip and some of the metalizer clear coat. 4 solid coats on your bumper, a couple coats of metalizer and you're golden. don't like it, peel it off and do it again or figure out a different option. 4 coats of plasti-dip is quite thick. Won't really chip unless really given an edge to start peeling. the clear also forms a layer of protection.

prep work is key though. just watch some videos on YouTube from dipyourcar.com. Sprays entire cars with plasti-dip. Also shows how to mask off with plasti-dip b/c its rubber etc. my opinion, that's the way to go.


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All great suggestions, the line-x seems most up to the task, but that's not quite the look I'm.going for. Haven't checked too many yards, just craigslist. Last night I was digging around and found the thread where the guy used vinyl. I think it turned out awesome, considering the cost and simplicity. I know the chrome is most durable, but it does nothing for the look of the truck in my opinion.

 

I have never used Plasti-Dip, it sounds like awesome in a can haha

 

That is an understatement. Like I said, just look up plasti-dip on YouTube and you'll be watching videos for hours. lol


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good stuff dieseldawg!