My 97 5.4L XLT

[97_edition]

Just got the brush guard installed about a week ago along with some after market black & clear tail lights. Washed it at my friends house and took some pics. I am thinking about spraying the guard black with bed liner, any opinions?

 

[dgray69]

nice grill guard, looks good

 

[nvycrmn]

i cant see the pic here at work but i probably wouldnt go with the spraying. im assuming you have the chrome one like i do. you would have to do LOTS of sanding to get it ready for the liner and even after you get it lined, probably wont look as good. you might be better off shopping craigslist or ebay for a black on if that is what you are going for.

 

[grantikal]

nice ride. i am hesitant about a chrome grill guard too, i want an all black look.

 

[97_edition]

Thanks all, The more I drive it around and look at it the more I am starting to like it (until its wash time.) My thoughts are now that I should paint my header panel and get the billet grill inserts along with some headlights (mine suck).

 

[grantikal]

there are other grills like mesh or diamond cut,
just a suggestion

Thanks all, The more I drive it around and look at it the more I am starting to like it (until its wash time.) My thoughts are now that I should paint my header panel and get the billet grill inserts along with some headlights (mine suck).

 

[chrmar]

I would say with a chrome surround and bumper, leave the guard chrome. If you paint the surround and bumper, then a black one would work. Just my 2¢

 

[dgray69]

I like the idea of the black just think if you take it to far there will be to much black, i would drop a black costom grill and leave it as is. just my thoughts

 

[walnuts4x4]

dont paint chrome.... unless you get it to bare metal... (past chrome and nickle) paint will not stick very well... best bet would be sell chrome and buy a black if you want that look.... for grills shop ebay... got a few toys there...lol search around you can find awesome deals.... remember if you search ebay look for F150 parts.... thats were i found my hood for 175 shipped....

 

[nvycrmn]

are those hooks that you have welded in the front? i was thinkin of doin the same thing

 

[97_edition]

are those hooks that you have welded in the front? i was thinkin of doin the same thing

Yes, they are hooks that bolt on to it, they are rated at 10K lbs. I hated losing my recovery hooks (looking at longer bolts to put them back on). After I get my lift/leveling kit and tires I will let you know if they hold up pulling me out..

I am just going to keep the chrome grill guard. I have talked to a friend of mine that sprays the bed liners and he said the same thing about painting chrome. I am looking at getting the Chrome billet bumper and grill insert then maybe painting the header panel the same color as the truck.

Also debating painting the mirror covers either black (cheaper & easier) or blue to match the truck. I am taking the chrome fender trim and probably the door trim off as soon as it warms up a little.

 

[chrmar]

If you can get the chrome wheel trim off without ruining it, I may be interested in buying it from you....

 

[97_edition]

If you can get the chrome wheel trim off without ruining it, I may be interested in buying it from you....

I will keep that in mind, but the after market trim is about $13 new at advanced auto. It is only the stick on, not one piece molded.

I will be picking up a heat gun from a friend of mine to loosen the grip of the 13 yr old tape.

 

[walnuts4x4]

use piano wire ( or high pound test fishing line) and vice grips to slide behind it too help take off them or modling...

 

[97_edition]

use piano wire ( or high pound test fishing line) and vice grips to slide behind it too help take off them or modling...

Yea, good idea, I got some spider wire in the basement. Thanks Walnuts..

I love this forum. I can clearly see I am going to run out of money before I run out of idea's to customize my ride.

 

[nvycrmn]

who knew a free forum would cost you so much?!!! hahaha

 

[chrmar]

I will keep that in mind, but the after market trim is about $13 new at advanced auto. It is only the stick on, not one piece molded

Oh, okay, no worries then. I thought it was the moulded stuff like on my dad's old 96 F-150...

 

[walnuts4x4]

yes this forum does make someone wanna burn through money.... my next mods are on hold because the next few are gonna require me to save up some cash.....

 

[nvycrmn]

i hear ya on the walnuts. still cant seem to find a good deal on that damn hood though! might just have to cruise the parking lots with my tools!!! hahah

 

[dgray69]

hmmmmm, we doing a sas, this summer wingnut, lmao, hey im doing great on a budget, new lights rims, hitch, im kickin some expy a$$, lmao