Show your new paint colors please. My truck is a daily driver and bought her new back in 2003. She's in good shape with the exception of clear coat coming off in some spots. Yeah, I know I could spot fix it and that would only be a band aid so am contemplating having her painted and was even thinking of going with a new color instead of my original red. I really like the deep cherry red that I see on some vehicles and think it would look awesome on the L. If you've painted yours or knows somebody that did please post a pic.

 

Pictures? How many miles on it?

 

I'm at about 165k miles. Interior is immaculate as I just had it redone. But on very top of the truck and a bit on side and tailgate I've had the clear coat start to come off. Really bad on top where you can't see it. But no pics of the "damage"

 

Ruby Red is current deep red color, would look great on a Lightning with chrome wheels

 

Yes. I think the Ruby Red is what I'm kind of leaning toward. It is a pretty rich shiny color. Any idea what I can expect to pay for a paint job like this? I know switching colors is more expensive. I've never painted a truck/car before so I really have no idea but I'm willing to put out 5-7k for a good paint job.

 

Not sure on retail cost of it, but also depends on your desires

It costs more to do a full color change, door jams, inside door, under the hood etc

I would think 5-7 would get a pretty good paint job, similar to factory paint job. Not show quality, but looks great overall

 

Neat!

I like the fact that you are using it as a daily driver for so long.

Most people keep Lightnings in showroom condition.

 

My wife has an uncle that has a 2003 in mint condition. He bought it new as well and has less than 15-20k miles on it. Some nice mods also. But he never drives it or enjoys it and it rarely sees sunlight. Personally, I love my truck too much to let it sit so I drive it every day. Is it showroom condition? Nope. But it still looks pretty darn good. I never had a blemish on the exterior (except for some rubbing my ARE lid did) until this past year. Paint was always spot on before this year and I always claybar, polish and shine on pretty regular basis. But heck, its a fun truck and if you don't drive it then you miss the entire experience, right?

 

Very true!!!

I got a '00 Dakota that is in pristine shape... it's got the 4.7l V8, 5 speed NV3500, and the 3.92LS. Talk about a tire roaster... I've spun them starting off in 3rd -- not good for the clutch, but was curious several years ago.

Drive it a lot during the summer, but store it during the winter.

You don't see too many early model Dakotas in the Northeast because of the rust problem they had. I took it out the other day, and went to my local Homer store, and a guy out in the parking lot got out of his car and was marveling at that truck. Wanted to know every specific about it... all I wanted to do was shop. lol But those Dakotas are starting to become something that people miss seeing -- especially up in my neck of the woods.

 

Very nice!

 

I do not not know what color this is but I absolutely love this color. Would look pretty nifty on the L.

UPDATE: The color is Candy Brandywine

 

I guess I’m biased though

 

 

Have you ever seen "Candy Apple Red"? I think that's what I'd get if I ever wanted a red vehicle. Here's a link to a utube of a Mustang in that color:
- Jack

 

Here's my 2000 Dakota:

People love this red...

(Quick specs: 2000 (built in 11/1999), reg cab, 4.7l V8, 4x2, 5 speed NV-3500, 3.92 L/S, 9.25 axle, dual Magnaflows off each cat to rear exhaust all stainless. Absolutely NO body rust/was never driven in salt/winter!)