Way to upgrade XLT plastic trim to painted Limited trim?

[4FordFamily]

Hello,

I sold my 2003 Explorer but the friend that bought it is interested in this. As you're aware, the XLT model and XLS model have a lot of gray plastic along doors, bottom of rear bumper and bottom of front bumper.

What would be the cheapest/best way to upgrade and paint this? I don't know what all of the trim pieces are called. How reasonable is it to do this upgrade? It looks much, much better IMO.

Thanks!

Jason

 

[lincolnshibuya]

plasti dip or vinyl wrap

 

[Number4]

Problem with painting these pieces is that they are typically textured. The painted versions are smooth.

You can try sanding them smooth then painting properly or buy pieces from a wrecking yard. Right color if possible, otherwise just paint over them.

 

[Blue91Ex]

if ypou cant find used pieces, sand the stock plastic down so its smooth and no longer has the texture. sand by hand, an electric sander may heat up and warp the plastic. after you finish sanding paint it, preferably with paint that is able to flex with the plastic as it heats and cools. if you use some normal paints they will chip and crack.
good luck!

 

[MurderedSport]

Problem with painting these pieces is that they are typically textured. The painted versions are smooth.

You can try sanding them smooth then painting properly or buy pieces from a wrecking yard. Right color if possible, otherwise just paint over them.

I would definitely not try and sand it smooth that's close to imposable.

 

[Number4]

I would definitely not try and sand it smooth that's close to imposable.

Not impossible, but time consuming.
I've done it.
Wet sanding is best.

 

[Joe in NY]

The only way to get a boat to shine is wet sanding. Not at all impossible. Just lots of work

 

[Number4]

I'd stick with wrecking yards. Find painted pieces and paint them the desired color.

 

[Stic-o]

Plasti Dip with a glossifer coat could do it. Plasti dip is thick enough that it would smooth out. I have thought about this for my '06 for a long time.