Black panels L&R of tailgait window

[RFM]

Can anyone offer advice on improving faded areas on either side of tailgate window 96" XLT.
Appears as though it's a vinyl coating.
Any tips?

 

[Bill Kemp]

Rough them w/scotch pad, wash w/dish soap, tape off the area and paint them.
I dont know of any other method that lasts more than week or two.
Just be sure to cover all area around w/newspapers as the paint floats all over.

 

[RFM]

Greetings Bill,

I appreciate the advice. I never really considered painting them, but that 's an Idea i'll keep in mind.
I was curious if anyone knew of remedy.

It wasn't one of Ford's better Ideas.

Regards,
RFM

 

[RangerX]

There was a great thread from last year that showed step by step with photos how somebody repainted those panels. Maybe someone remembers who it was? I couldn't dig it up with a search.

 

[97splorer]

I painted mine black about a year ago and they still look good. It's the easiest and cheapest way to go .
heres a pic of what mine look like

 

[97splorer]

Sorry, forgot the before pic. Here are what they used to look like.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

I am thinking about doing what expo5.0 did, and put that carbon fiber vinyl over it.... we'll see if I get around to it this summer.

 

[Stephen]

Mike, that looks really neat...

If you keep it waxed like the paint you wont have a problem, I never have. Of course my truck is garaged...

I'd try the carbn fiber myself...

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Hmmm...never thought of using carbon fiber vinyl. Where do you get those??

RFM, I repainted mine a couple of years ago and the paint still hold up like I was just painted. It still looks great. Here's a pic:

Dead Link Removed

I used black metallic paint on mine instead of using gloss black. I sprayed 2 coats of black metallic then topped it off with 3 coats of clear. The durability is awesome. I'd recommend repainting them.

 

[EliteConcept]

don't forget you could even do just black vinyl..

if you don't trust yourself to paint..you could go to a rice shop get some black vinyl for like 8 -10 bucks i'd guess and put it on .....

 

[sailorman101]

I have a 91 eddie bauer that i have owned now for five plus yrs and i have done a few tricks to keep it lookin like a spring chicken. like most the black trim panels started to fade and what ive found to look close to original is a SATIN BLACK paint, dont remember the brand but i would not use a cheapie brand for this. the satin is between a gloss and flat and leaves a slight sheen to the finish just like the original did. just use a medium to fine sand paper to smooth the surface and get rid of the wax and break the surface then mask and tape the area to isolate it and give it a good coat. its better to apply in steps rather than to try and put too much on at one time as you run the risk of runs