i wouldn't worry about painting. the trim underneath the running boards is usually in better condition than the rest of the body, so that part your fine. aside from trim, the only thing you can see at a reasonable angle is the catalytic converter (i think that's what it is) and two bars running from the middle towards the rear. if you wanted to be picky you coat those using the rustoleum paint that fireteacher used for his trailer hitch, mine looked fine when i took mine off but it would definitely be a bonus if you took the time. hope that helped.