Hey all -

After 15 years together, I just sold my 1998 F150 and am now looking for it's replacement. I've found a 2011 XLT Blue w/ silver trim, but it doesn't have the trim around the wheel wells like the Lariat/King Ranch have. Frankly, I don't need or want the bells and whistles (or the price tag) of the Lariat, but REALLY love that look. Does anyone know if the trim around the wheel wells can be purchased aftermarket? If so, does it have to be painted and installed, or does it come in their standard silver trim and can be installed reasonably easily?

Also, truck doesn't have a bed liner in it yet, and I'm looking at options. The drop in plastic bed liner is $150, the spray in is $475, not sure of better options. Is the spray in that much better? Not sure that i'm willing to pay an additional $325 just so things don't slide around. Seems like a piece of carpet, rubber, etc would be a cheaper solution. Thoughts?

 

Depending on your use of your bed the spray in will aid:

Resist dents and dings. Example tossing in firewood. Corrosion protection. Sliding material, tools and gear will remove the paint in the bed and leave the bed open to the elements. The spray in liner significantly reduces this from occurring. Small amount of resale benefit, everything else being equal you should get a few more dollars with the spray in liner compared to on that doesn't. Lastly the spray ins simply keep the integrity of the bed like factory usually over the lifetime of the truck, exception being serious abusive duties.

The drop in liner though much improved from the ones offer a decade ago will typically scratch and scuff the surface of the bed, and leave the bed open to the elements. Moreover any damage to the corrosion protection is now hidden between the liner and the bed. Only way to inspect for any corrosion is to remove the liner.

IMHO I would opt for the spray in liner if its financially feasible.

Now for the question. How does the factory spray in liner compare to aftermarket spray in liner offerings?

 

Yes, the spray in liner is worth it.
Don't waste your money on a plastic drop in liner.

 

I say go for the spray in, but not from the dealer. $475 is very high, should be closer to $300. Not sure where you're located at, but that's about what major brand bedliners run you in Houston

 

In regards to the molding question, you can indeed get the oem flares and have them added to your truck. It will most likely require drilling since your truck did not come with them to start. They do not come painted, they come primed-so you will also have to budget for paint. They will run you $106.16 each plus shipping from Tasca. You are looking for part #13 on the diagram at this link-

http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/2011...iagram=MA09110.

You will also probably need #14 and probably #15, but I cant tell you that without having a look at your truck. You local dealer parts guy is usually a great source of info for this stuff. Another, more economical option is to look for a set of take offs on e-bay. They will almost certainly have chips, but they will be considerably less and already be painted.

With regards to the bedliner, it is an absolute no brainer in my mind-get the spray in bedliner. It is far more durable, better looking, and adds to the resale of your vehicle. As was mentioned above, unless there is a financial constraint keeping you from doing so, I would strongly urge you to go the spray route. Either way, congrats on your (soon to be) new truck!

 

Also, keep in mind that the flares are different from one side to another and from front to rear, so they are all gonna be different part #'s. The link above only has the part#'s for the front 2.

 

OP, I have a 98 f150 bought new 150k+ miles and I have the drop in liner and can't say anything bad about it. I like the fact that you can slide heavy stuff around easily. I just lash it down. Just my .02.

 

I would recomend the OEM look, aftermarket flares, like the Bushwacker Street Flares. They are designed to be installed on non OEM flare trucks. http://www.bushwacker.com/fender.asp...search=Search#



Another bed option is a drop in rubber bed floor liner.



It is a better alternative to the drop in liner, but not as good as a spray in liner. I got a spray in liner, and have no regrets. When it comes to spray liners though, beware that they are not all created equally. Avoid any headaches later, and get a Line-x installed. Some dealer bodyshops add other off brand spray ins, and simply don't compare.

 

Thanks all! Now I just have to get the dealer to sell me the truck for my asking price - and give me the right price on my trade! Anyone want a Mint 2008 Acura TL w/ Nav and 42K miles?? 19K .. . .

 

Even better is to get the spray in liner then add the F150 mat on top of that. I have both. I love the protection and the non slip features of the mat

 

... and I ran with it for my 6.5 box which does have the spray-in liner. $140 at the Ford accessories site. No shipping charge.

Question: How thick (i.e. "heavy-duty") is the mat? Couldn't find that info.

ps - My spray-in liner was expertly done (bed bolts and lower tie-downs off) and is definitely not slippery but still pretty hard. That extra cushion will be nice. Love having rear well liners. How can they not be standard?

2013 Platinum Screw, 5.0, 3.55, box side steps, tailgate step, plus.

[Edit: Just picked up mat from dealer after ordering online last night. Exactly as pictured, perfect fit, and seems very durable. 1/4" thick with nubs on bottom to prevent slippage. Grips the spray-in liner nicely. Great addition and thanks again for the tip.]

 

Dosman,

That pic looks like my truck except that i skipped tailgate step. Have bed steps though. I concur the mat is about a 1/4" thick and is plenty thick while balancing weight. Its sticky and nothing moves on the mat. Fits like a glove.....and really compliments a spray in. I feel like I can haul anything without worry in the 6.5 bed. I see you have a platinum...its a refreshing site for me when I see one with the 6.5 bed

 

Red,

The 5.5 box was never a consideration. Several top-of-cab loads to the dump confirmed that. Also went for Bull Ring tie-downs at bullringusa.com (not from Ford; same thing, but $30/pair as opposed to $47). They also fit my b-i-l's 2008 250SD (which had garbage tie-downs) perfectly. I sound like a salesman, but great product and great service.



Back to your thoughts to Reddford. I agree, if he can spring for the spray-in liner, that's the way to go. $475 sounds a bit high (mine was $375 thru the dealer). Maybe that's the going rate in his market. The biggest deal with spray-ins is quality of the material and workmanship. There are some horror stories "out there". Spray-in plus the mat is an excellent combo. Another great benefit of that mat is it's really nice on the knees.

ps - Really like your new Lariat. Moonroofs are great (except for the waterspots; I use straight vinegar). Definitely recommend factory rear wheel well liners ($134/pair) and the mounting holes are pre-drilled on your truck. They cover everything but the shocks. My dealer charged just $117, installed. As I stated before, those should be standard.

 

I too bought the bed rings. Way cheaper than the Ford labeled version. Picked them up at place that did my spray in for 30 bucks a set. They rattle a little on real rough roads. Looking into a solution to fix it.
Reddford - My 10 year old ranger has spray in with mat and I still get compliments on the setup. Course do not drive it as much lately since I've become addicted to my 5.0. Much depends on your hauling needs. The ford bed mat alone would be great for hauling most stuff and keep bed intact. Add firewood or scrap metal and you get rusty where I live!

 

i sprayed the liner in my truck myself, it was a grand total of about 60$ and looks great. i used the rustoleum truck bed spray. after about two solid days of prep i sprayed it in and it's held up fine. mind you the only things i'm putting in there are coolers light stuff like that. no big metal equipment or anything. granted, i want to put another coat on it to make it more uniform, but not a big deal.