Whats up! I had talked to my father about ordering me a quart of my factory ford color, I believe its shadow grey metalic or something. He owns a repair shop, I was going to take my mirrors off and paint the plain black to the trucks color. Im just wondering if it would look better to do the mirror and leave the flat piece where it sits on the door black? or do the entire mirror. I also would like to do the door handle inserts leaving the handle part to put a piece of chrome. Does anyone have this already done to there 04-08 model? If so drop me some pictures, also did you have a issue with the slight texture on the mirror? I wouldnt think there would be much of a issue but who knows.

 

I had my mirrors painted a LONG time ago, and i prefer the whole mirror painted to leaving the base black. I dont have any pics right now but check my sig youll see them.

If you get them sanded smooth you shouldnt have a problem with the texture.

as far the handles, look up pics of the lincoln mark lt and a newer truck with the chrome package, youll see a few painted buckets with chrome on them. They look good IMO but only if you have the chrome front and rear bumpers.

 

it looks like you have your handles painted as well as your mirrors? Do you have any idea just how much you had to sand to get them right? I dont know my dad is kinda a particular guy he usually works with older vehicals restoring them to there orginal state. I might do the spoiler under the bumper in the same color too. I got some OEM fender flares going with the whole thing.

 

yes i have all the black texture peices smooth and painted to match except the bed caps and the front valance.

The handles and mirrors i sanded myself, started with 100 grit sandpaper to get the texture off then worked my way up to 400 to smooth them out. The primer took care of getting them smooth, they were then shot with paint and cleared. Its kind of a pain to sand everything yourself but youll save some cash by having the shop just do the spray and you do the prep and install. Being that your dad owns the shop, i dont think that would really matter unless he is charging you to do it.

Just a tip, dont do the front valance. It gets too many rocks and debris thrown at it and will soon dissatisfy you. It will look great for a while but if your like me any little scratch or chip ruins your day.

 

I am not putting it past him to charge me lol, nah he told me I could just do it myself I have done alittle bit of spraying before. I appricate the info tho brother. Im going to get the paint then, start my sanding. I wont be doing the spoiler, I really dont think anyone would tell the difference anyways.

 

You will notice a difference with the front spoiler done and use a flex primer for it so it doesnt chip as bad and as fast

 

Yea if its a nice front valance like yours or a rousch or the fx2 kind.
The stock one just doesnt have much vertical face to justify all that sanding.

I do agree though, if you decide to do it, it will look better but DO use some good quality flexing primers and promotors.

 

It sounds fun, I can't wait I havent messed with my truck in about a year now as far as upgrading stuff. Things keep going throu my mind about what i wanna do. Im sure my old man has got some good primers, he does alot of race car painting for a flat track series around here they probley need some good stuff lol. I just hope hes got some left that stuff can get expensive. Just as soon as this baby gets alittle older Ill be getting started. Hey BTW do you guys do any Photoshopping?

 

lol race cars usually get the cheapest and smallest amount of paint, it adds weight.
And send me pics to my email ill see what i can do for you.