Tomorrow I'm planning on painting abunch of the pastic on my truck. I did it on my bed caps, but I didn't prep it well and it's cracking away. But I'm gonna re do them, including my side steps, lower bumper valance (sounds right?), some back light covers I got awhile ago, wiper area, the wipers, and the plastic behind the cab that circles the back windows. As long as I'm going all out, does anyone have another other ideas what to paint? Perhaps the plastic around the mirrors? Anyways, I'll try to finally get some pictures after I paint it all, I'm hoping for a cool stealth look.

 

i must agree all the plastic looks bad and needs paint. that list is good one more to think about is the plastic around the antena. plastic on top of bumper

 

A must do, what a difference, If I had the courage I'd do it myself.

 

its not too hard if you do it right. give everything a little sand so the primer sticks, prime it, scuff it, put on some paint then the clear coat. It does look alot better, I'd recommend it, it's pretty cheap too. I just grabbed duplicolor from NAPA. Highly recommended. I wanna try the grill, I've got the hex like thing, and I want it shiny black. I'll inform everyone of how it turns out tomorrow.

 

if just looking for exterior pieces that pretty mush covers it, but as the engine bay goes i saw a black lightning with the black cover that goes over the rediator and the cover that clips on, and covers the battery terminals that is on the firewall next to the battery, and for the interior he had the bezel around the radio, covers around the lock and windows switches all painted gloss black, it looked sharp........

jim

 

Hey guys, I did quite a few things on my truck a while back. Here is the page I made. I have a few other pieces that I have not written up yet. The antenna base is very easy to do. Just be aware that you are going to have a lot of sanding to do with all those pieces. Be sure to take pictures along the way, and if you send them to me I will post them with the others on my site. Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason

 

Do your tailgate handle too. Kinda looks neat and is still finctional. I did my tailgate, wipercowl, antenna, rear window trim and once I get a new valence I will do that as well.

Later
Jim

 

How does the rear window trim come off exactly? Do you have to take the window out or do most of you pain it on the truck? Also what kind of prep work did you do and how is it holding up? Lots of questions, sorry

 

To KyTruckFreak & all interested. I have a 97 lariat w/ the faded rear window trim. Since i have many add-ons that are painted i decided to include the bezel.
Remove rear seat belt upper bolts, 2 & 3 door models. also dome lite assy, coat hanger hooks, l & r rear corner trim panels, on x-tra cabs, the trim panel around the left rear side window. if you can be a contorsionist and get your hand up & over the head liner you are almost there. If you have large arms & hands g and take the visors down so you hav ample room to work. I Can not remember the exact count but there are 10 to 12 nuts holding the trim on & about the same for the glass. When you are 100% sure that ALL nuts are off, gently push the glass toward the rear of the truck. It is held in place by butyl tape. You may need to persuade it with a screwdriver at a lower corner. BE CAREFULL! After it breaks loose it is easyto push out. Next push out the trim panel. I had the painter spray the 1/8 inch weatherstrip around it so it would blend in better. It looks good when done! You will need to remove the old butyl tape and clean it off finally withglass cleaner w/o ammonia, thats what my dealership glass guy said. He also donated a roll of tape to betterment of my truck! When installing the tape start at the bottom center and follow the factory markings on the glass holder assy. You will understand when you see the mldg. Install in reverse order and you will be done. Figure on 3 to6 hours for the entire job. Also find a good painter NOTa cheap painter.