Body Side Cladding

[richardfj]

I just bought the '05 Expedition Eddie Bauer ... black with the tan Body Side Cladding. I'm not a big fan of the two toned look, but was completely unable to find an Eddie Bauer edition that didn't have it (considering the fact that it's standard, I guess I'm not surprised).

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either replacing or painting the side cladding. I really want to get an all black appearance, and was thinking about painting the side cladding in a black powdercoat finish. Would it be cheaper to paint the side cladding? ... or should I check into replacing it completely? Considering the fact that the side cladding is some sort of synthetic material (am I right?) ... is it even possible to get a good pain job on it? Since I'm only going with a powdercoat finish, I'm assuming that the paint job (if doable) should be fairly cheap ... anyone have any advice on what I should expect in terms of cost?

I'm planning on putting on a black grill guard, replacing the running boards with black powdercoat nurf bars, as explained above, change the side cladding to black ... and then accenting the whole car with some nice chrome on the door handles etc. ... I'll be sure to post pics when I get it done ...

Any help / advice would be much appreciated!!

 

[smo0othride]

Take a look at this thread

 

[monsta]

However...

That body side cladding is already painted. You will not be able to use the method I did. You'll have to see a body or paint shop to help ya out.

I'd probably say in the $400-600 range. Lotsa masking to do...

 

[rainmn]

What do you mean by a "Black powdercoat" finish? As far as I know, you can't powdercoat something that isn't metal.
Do you just mean flat black?