Body Cladding Question

[Guest]

Hey everybody,
I just have a quick question about the body cladding on my 2003 Expedition XLT. I was wondering if anybody knows if it would be possible to paint the body cladding to match the rest of the vehicle, for a monochromatic appearance. I was not sure if it was possible to paint that type of surface. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Guest]

I think so

I'm thinking the same thing. The surface is smooth enough and it shouldn't be a problem with regards to painting. At least, that's what I'm thinking. The only way to really find out is to take it to a paint shop and ask.

If you have rear vehicle sensors, I'd make sure they took extra care of painting that and not to paint over the sensors. That could either negate or decrease their sensing range.

 

[BikeRider]

I know it's possible, the guy down the street painted his whole car a new color (all white) . He said you have to know how much of a "flex additive" to put in so that it does not crack when the flexible parts move. I will take a picture when I get a chance.

 

[bnvus]

Anything is possible. The body shop will have to use an additive to the paint and primer to ensure there is adhesion to the particular type of plastic it is.

 

[Guest]

Quite easy. But not necessarily cheap.

A lot of Chevy Avalance owners paint thier cladding. It is a lot rougher, too. They usually have to sand quite a bit.

I would think sanding is in order for ours, too. Depends on what you want it to look like after.

I am considering painting mine black. The rest of the truck is red. Don't ask me why really. I think it's because there is another red one here on the island.

_____

Aloha from Hawaii (the island)
monsta (who can't post as a registered member yet. only an unregistered one. )

 

[Guest]

The Eddie Bauer cladding is smooth, so no need for sanding there. The price to paint should be cheaper than the rough cladding since sanding shouldn't be necessary (at least, that's what I think).


Anyone who has done this, how much was paid so the rest of us knows how much to fork out....

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by Esteves
The Eddie Bauer cladding is smooth, so no need for sanding there. The price to paint should be cheaper than the rough cladding since sanding shouldn't be necessary (at least, that's what I think).

Why would anyone ask about painting their already painted Eddie Bauer cladding?????


______

monsta
Big Island of Hawaii

 

[Guest]

For a monochromatic look because currently all expeditions have a two tone look.

Some people are completely happy with stock.

Some just want to be different.

 

[monsta]

Ahhhhhhh!

You're right!!

Forgot 'bout that two tone EB for some reason...

 

[Guest]

I've seen several 03 Expy's that have done this within the last 2 weeks (none before this). And I must say it looks very good with monochromatic look. I've called around and the cheapest auto body and paint quote I got was $600 but they sounded like they new what they were doing. They said they've done a lot of these jobs for Avalanche owners - they have to take off the cladding and sand the surfaces flat, then bake them to drain all the plastic oils, and finally the usual primer and paint-matched color. I still think I can find a better price though. Can everyone here keep an eye out for what they're finding on this kind of job? I may just go the $600 shop if that seems to be the going rate.

 

[monsta]

$600 doesn;t really sound all that bad! There's a lot of labor and plastic invloved!