Minor cosmetic freshening.... HELP?

[tdaggett]

So we got the T4R a couple weeks ago and looks like we finally have all the mechanical stuff sorted out and it runs like a top.
It's my son's truck, so as you can imagine, cosmetics are now all important. The black plasitic fender flares and running board/steps are looking pretty sad and faded, but I'm not feeling like dropping big $$'s to replace it all. I think eventually the board steps will be replaced with tube steps/rock sliders, but the flares need help.
Anyone have any luck painting or dying them? What paint do oyu use/recommend? Will it last?

Sorry, It's a 99 T4R SR5 Sport 4x4 auto tranny, 3.4l w/ Injen CAI, 265/75/r16 mud stars, 193000 miles, runs smooth and tranny shifts like butter, paid 5K for it, hope we did OK.

 

[Lignum]

You could just remove the fender flares and definatly the running boards, would probably look better anyway.

 

[tdaggett]

I suggested taking them off, but he wants to put wheel spacers on too, and wants to keep the flares to cover more of the tire. Any suggestions on painting or dying them?

 

[brian2sun]

I say loose the running boards and see what the flares look like after a good coat of Armor-all. Just taking the flares off isn't really an option anyways because they tend to scratch the hell out of the clear coat underneath and would require some sanding and painting on the body. Glad you got it running good, I think you did pretty darn good for 5K, That's one spoiled kid!! haha.

 

[Lignum]

You could also try a coat of bed liner or rhino lining or something to that effect if it is to become a offroad machine. Got any pics?

 

[Fireball]

Try this stuff to bring back the color in the fender flares:

Bumper & Trim Reconditioner, 4 Ounces - Restoration - Car Maintenance - Griot's Garage

It will not work miracles, but with a couple applications it will make them look a good bit better.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The best option on the flares is a plastic paint or a dye but I've been too lazy to do that (but soon) but in the meantime I've been using Meguire's Trim Detailer which keeps things looking good for a few months at a time.

Before

After

Before

After

All done

 

[JeremyH]

I would definitely just paint them with some Krylon Fusion....it is meant to bond with plastic.

 

[tdaggett]

RonMaiden, Your truck looks good! Thats the same color as my boy's. We're going to try to do a full on wash/wax this weekend and will try the Meguires trim stuff. I'm just afraid to paint them and have it start peeling or chipping off.
Ireally like the ride height of your ride. What type of lift do you have on it?

The best option on the flares is a plastic paint or a dye but I've been too lazy to do that (but soon) but in the meantime I've been using Meguire's Trim Detailer which keeps things looking good for a few months at a time.

Before

After

Before

After

All done

 

[Fireball]

"Ireally like the ride height of your ride. What type of lift do you have on it?"

Ron is going to love that one! No lift, the 99s come with the tallest of all OEM springs, and he went up one tire size. Looks great. Same setup as I have.

x2 on staying away from painting them. Unless your flares are completely trashed, Ron's photos show that good results can be had by refreshing them. I find the Griot's products to be of very high quality and had great luck with it restoring the lower valance trim on an old car of mine. I'm sure the Megiur's probably works well too.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've also had good results with Stoner's Trim Shine.

Yeah,I just have the OEM taller coils which are replacements for the tired original setup and at the time (4 years ago) you could get the coils and shocks and even new rubber bumpstops from Toyota for under $400.