Another Body Cladding Question

[Guest]

Hey everyone,
I have an '03 xlt, and like the look and finish of the EB body cladding, instead of the rough/plastic look on the xlt's. I believe the cladding on the '04 xlt has the same smooth/painted metallic finish. Does anyone know if it is possible to replace the cladding on the '03 with either the EB or '04 xlt?

 

[Guest]

It should be possible to replace the cladding, but I think it's very expensive if you're thinking of purchasing the EB cladding, pry off your XLT cladding and then put on the EB cladding.

It might be easier to simply paint the XLT cladding to color match the color of your vehicle. Of course, there might be some sanding involves since I believe the XLT cladding it rough and not a good surface for paint to stick on (I could be wrong, but I've read other posts where sanding was necessary).

 

[Guest]

A good body shop will tell you they'll sand and then bake the plastic oils out of your XLT cladding before primer and painting. Honestly, I think painting your body cladding the same color as your body (a monochromatic look) would look a lot nicer than the EB two-tone deal.

 

[Guest]

I've never heard of baking plastic. Is it something new? I always just sand etc.. then prime with plastic parts primer then add a flex agent to the paint. Works great with motorcycle parts.

I am hoping you aren't talking about baking like Earl Shive and Maaco. They "bake" (heat their paint booths) their paint jobs to get them out the door faster. Automobile paint needs to cure. "Baking" it simply dries the very top a little faster.

 

[Guest]

Some of the DFW dealers have been painting the EBs monochrome- and adding $7k worth of 20" wheels.

It looks good with the darker trucks- white just makes it look like a throwback to the 80's when a totally white car demanded a "EURO" badge from a Chevy Celebrity.

I did see one FX4 painted up black. The difference being the EBs were already painted, the FX4 was raw plastic. I doubt the dealer bothered to bake the trim. It'll probably last past the 36k/3yr warranty.

btw- that FX4 looked cool... with the black headlamps and bullbar it was nice. Except for the $6k of chrome wheels and tires.

 

[Guest]

I've been thinking of doing this with my 03 Expy and that's what a reputable body shop explained to me as far as the "baking out the plastic oils" is concerned. They said they've done it for several Avalanche's. Whether they really need to do that step or not, I really don't know. But their paint and body work is tops around where I live.