I'm going to have my pickup repainted in February. It's going to come apart, get paint and then put back together. The paint shop said any items that would normally be removed for their work would be replaced with new if I supplied them. I have 3 months lead time. Pieces that come to mind are:

Body to frame bushings and bolts.
Window "gaskets", The ones that the window rubs when opening and closing.
Drivers side mirror, (just needs replacing)

Having never done this or been around this type of work I am asking what other pieces would be a good idea to plan on, or consider, replacing?

Thank you,
BlueW250

 

When I did mine, I did away with the crappy side trim and the aluminum strips around the gutter and windshield. I had the holes where the side trim attached welded up. I think it looks good but YMNA. Finding new trim pieces might be problematic but I think mirrors are available. Don't know about door handles.

Edwin

 

I would want the windshield and back glass rubber redone, and any rust repaired thats found after removal.

 

Use a usa made windshield seal.

 

I would closely examine the doors where the door handles attach, that is a weak spot and the doors crack there over time.

MetalbyCharlie is making a nice reinforcement plate for the inside of the door if you need to reinforce them.

I definitely agree with pulling the glass and addressing any rust issues.

 

Another weak spot is the door to the hinge area, inspect for cracks. Then if it's a LE truck, I shaved/filled in the holes for the cab corner and front fender trim, it's hard to find quality trim replacements 2nd hand. I have 2 sets of trim and none of the OE trim is wroth a dam, all sun-faded, and chrome is pealing. The aftermarket trim most people use nowadays is just taped on... so no need for the holes. It gives you the option to not run the trim...

 

I believe that after 90 they quit using the clip on trim and factory trim was taped on

 

The 88-90 trim I have attaches with all those little nailhead-shaped studs. If it's been added to non-trim bodies, then the clips are often pop-rivetted on.

The later plastic wheelarch trim has a couple holes in the fender for locating. The matching body trim is attached with sticky stuff.


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That's the way mine was. Ground down the studs and plugged the holes. I painted the dually fenders flat black (rustoleum primer actually). I think it looks good but then I'm prejudiced.

 

On my 1992 LE trim truck the very front part of the fender and the on the cab corners had “bolt on” trim. This was the same for my 1991 LE parts truck.

The trim for cab corner and the very front of the fenders had 1/2” holes for a stud on the trim to pass through then you used a speed nut to attach it. I’ve seen post of people putting marker light an all sorts of creative solution’s to plug up the holes. All the long straight sections are 3M taped on. Then there are some small holes to locate the fender trim too. I plan to keep my fender trim.

the aftermarket does not offer these “molded” trim pieces for the cab or fender. So I recommend shaving/filling them if you are going to repaint the truck. Cause all the new stuff will get taped on anyway.

this will only apply 1991-1993 LE trucks.

included is a pic of me filling my fender trim holes on a 1992 LE truck.

 

I had never thought about eliminating the side trim and wheel arches but after looking at the comments and photos that idea is fast moving up the consideration ladder. Probably another day and a half before it pops up to the top.

Thank you,
BlueW250