03 sr5 runner plastic molding

[ObeseFieldMouse]

I was wondering if the plastic molding on some of the '03's can be replaced easily with the body colored trim of the later models

 

[toybox]

I was wondering if the plastic molding on some of the '03's can be replaced easily with the body colored trim of the later models

Easy maybe but definetly expensive. Why don't you just have a body shop paint them? You would probably have to do this anyway with the new cladding.

 

[MDT4RNR]

Painting Body Clading

I agree with toybox, you should look into having it painted. if this is posible, you'll have a really good looking clading. Specially the clading around the wheel wells, with the indentations/markings it will look really awesome. What color is your runner?

 

[Good Times]

I looked into this because the newer moldings are smooth rather the block look. Anyway long story short, new moldings + paint will cost you upwards of 2000-3000 depending on the body shop.

It's much cheaper to just paint the cladding and have them smooth out the finish so you don't see the dimples (looks like orange skin).

Good luck!

 

[GlennD]

A kid on a bicycle ran into the front right fender of my truck. They ended up replacing the fender and the cladding.

The cladding arrives pre-painted. The shop returned three pieces before they received one that was not scratched on the edges.

 

[ObeseFieldMouse]

my runners silver...im just worried about it fading plus it looks worse than the smooth new ones

 

[toybox]

my runners silver...im just worried about it fading plus it looks worse than the smooth new ones

Personally out of all the colors with the unpainted cladding I think silver looks the best. I actually like mine better without the cladding painted and with the notches that are on there. It's kinda unique considering it was only available for half a year.

 

[MDT4RNR]

my runners silver...im just worried about it fading plus it looks worse than the smooth new ones

when 4th gen came out in late 2002, I saw the rubberized clading and I had mixed feelings about it. Over time it grew in me, I now look at it and see it as unique. I wouldn't change the look if I owened it. I know some people have made a reference to it looking a bit "Avalanche-ish" but you and I know that this is a far supperior product than the avalanche will ever be, and this comparison should never make you feel bad about your runner. If you really dislike the look and you bought it with the idea to change the clading, well, go ahead and change it, or repaint it. Just make sure you take before and after photos of the truck and post them here.


Later

Dax

Ohhh, and I aslo think the rubberized calding lends it self to off roading better than the painted. You do not have to worry about scratches showing. JMHO

 

[jharris2]

Personally out of all the colors with the unpainted cladding I think silver looks the best. I actually like mine better without the cladding painted and with the notches that are on there. It's kinda unique considering it was only available for half a year.

Totally agree! I like how the cladding makes ours unique.

 

[4runnerndachi]

I went to a paint shop the other day, and he told me the cladding couldnt be painted, and i would need to replace the entire molding, which doesnt make any sense

I have the gray (galatic) on gray, it doesnt look bad, actually looks better than the blue on gray ive seen

 

[Good Times]

I went to a paint shop the other day, and he told me the cladding couldnt be painted, and i would need to replace the entire molding, which doesnt make any sense

I have the gray (galatic) on gray, it doesnt look bad, actually looks better than the blue on gray ive seen

The body shop is smoking something cuz I had my cladding painted with the 97 Toyota Land Cruiser Grey Metallic. I would ask around as some body shops don't like to due to the texture finish. A well qualified body shop will have no problems getting it done.

Good luck