ExplorerTom
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unfortunately not the "what kind of badass custom bumper should I get" decision.
A little over a year ago I was a ******* while trying to install some auxiliary backup lights in my rear bumper. I made some templates for the hole cutouts, I measured where to put them so they'd be even, I started drilling and cutting into the bumper........ THEN I looked on the backside of the bumper. That's when I discovered some significant structure just behind where I was trying to put the lights.
Since then I've been left with this:
The rust streaks are getting bad and there's nothing I can do about the cuts and holes.
Today I went to the junkyard and got a clean, straight replacement.
Now the question:
Polish up the chrome and keep the factory look?
OR
Prep the bumper really well for paint?
Here's my truck for those that aren't familiar:
The obvious choice is to paint it black. But if I do that, I'll also have to paint the front. And why stop there- also paint the trim. I'm not opposed to any of that but I don't want it to look like poo in a little while- rock chips on all the leading edges and whatnot. What's the best way to prep a chrome bumper for paint? What about the trim?
A little over a year ago I was a ******* while trying to install some auxiliary backup lights in my rear bumper. I made some templates for the hole cutouts, I measured where to put them so they'd be even, I started drilling and cutting into the bumper........ THEN I looked on the backside of the bumper. That's when I discovered some significant structure just behind where I was trying to put the lights.
Since then I've been left with this:
The rust streaks are getting bad and there's nothing I can do about the cuts and holes.
Today I went to the junkyard and got a clean, straight replacement.
Now the question:
Polish up the chrome and keep the factory look?
OR
Prep the bumper really well for paint?
Here's my truck for those that aren't familiar:
The obvious choice is to paint it black. But if I do that, I'll also have to paint the front. And why stop there- also paint the trim. I'm not opposed to any of that but I don't want it to look like poo in a little while- rock chips on all the leading edges and whatnot. What's the best way to prep a chrome bumper for paint? What about the trim?