Bob_98SR5

Repainting Your Chrome Wheel Well Trim to Black - 3rd Gen 4Runner
By <96 4Runner>


Christian (<96 Runner> on the forums) shows you how he painted the factory chrome wheel well strips black on his 3rd gen.

Tools Required:
None

Supplies:
1. Premium Rust-Oleum Automobile Primer Spray Paint (Home Depot)
2. Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Black Spray Paint
3. Clear Top Coat Spray Paint
4. 100-grit sand paper
5. Painters Tape (masking tape will work also)
6. Paint Thinner, Acetone, or Goof-Off
7. Old shirt or clean rag
8. Newspaper (over-spray protection)
9. Old sheet (to cover wheels and tires)

Start by cleaning the fender trim thoroughly with Paint Thinner (or similar).
It is important to ensure the tape has a clean surface to bond to. Directly wipe the chrome piece, slightly overlapping onto the black of the fender trim (where the tape will be). Clean until the rag contains little or no residue.



Once each fender is clean, you are ready to apply the tape. Tape just above the chrome piece, carefully following the natural curvature of the fender. You will be attaching newspaper later on, so do not press down on all of the tape. Now tape the lower portion of the fender trim. Again, be careful not to cover the chrome piece.



This is the fender trim completely masked, top and bottom, with newspapers in place. Use an old sheet to cover the wheel and tire.



Now you are ready to start sanding. Using the 100-grit paper, sand carefully everywhere on the chrome piece. It is important to get in the small gaps too.



When you are finished sanding, once again wipe clean with Paint Thinner (or similar). Be sure to wipe until the rag is clean again.



Now you are ready to apply the Primer. Spray lightly and in a uniform fashion. This is what the primer will look like, just after being sprayed. Air dry for 15 to 30 minutes depending on the temperature.



Once the primer turns a light gray, you are ready to apply the black paint.



Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the black paint to dry, then apply the clear top coat.



After all 3 sprays have been applied and properly dried, the fender flare should look like this:



Remove all the tape and check out the new look.



View from the back, properly applied and dried.



Here is a view of the rear fender.



Now isn't that better!