I am going to nix the oak trim. Done. Over it . I have the matching 2002 grill and I know one color will really update the truck. I am going to repaint my cladding, flares and bumpers (ARB again ) My question is two part.


1. When I repaint the bottom of the truck, the top will show it's age. Despite a professional wax, etc. is color sanding the only way to blend/match the truck w/out a repaint? Cost, ridiculous $$$ (just sanding)??

2. What to do with the oak gasket between the body and flares? Repaint or get OEM 2002 red gasket? My concern with repainting existing is flaking or popping?

 

PM bamachem...he did that to his red 99 as it had that gray cladding/fenders/bumpers...

 

Mine was in Dallas for it's first life and there is some minor fading, but not too bad. You don't really notice the difference since it's broken by the body lines of the flares, gaskets, and the cladding. In other words, you don't need to color sand. I just buffed the hell outta it w/ the Griots stuff that I borrowed from Brian and that helped to "renew" it.

Buy 4 of the Red 2002 FRONT gaskets. It's cheaper than buying the split rear gaskets and you just cut them to fit. Don't paint them - the paint won't stick worth a crap...

Any competent dealer can look them up w/o a VIN.

Good Luck, and WELCOME to the monochromatic club...