Chrome Wheel Well Trim Mod,
3rd Gen 4Runner
8/7/2003
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.
)
Another view of the masking tape, applied to the top and bottom of the chrome piece.
)
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!
)
If you choose to do this mod good luck,
and if you have any questions 
(<96 Runner>) on the Yotatech Forum.
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