Lower body panel chip protection?
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Lower body panel chip protection?
This has been discussed before in the past, but maybe there are some recent new approaches or products on the market...<br><br>These truck bodies, with their rolled-under lower body panels are MURDER on the finish in those areas - I checked with the local Line-X shop about getting that area sprayed, but they wanted an outrageous $800 or so for the job. I see Kragen and similar auto parts stores carry paint on or roll on stuff that some have used, but haven't seen one in person to get a good idea of appearance. There are some stick-on stainless or chrome finish lower covers, but they can have a tendency to trap moisture between panels and encourage rust. I've installed mud/rock guards, but they only provide a partial solution, and extend the time before that lower area gets REAL ugly - any other products or ideas out there. especially ones that maintain or enhance the appearance of the truck?
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From: Solomons, MD
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
I have seen a clear plastic adhesive tape that can be put on but I am not sure how it would hold up. I think that rocks may tear it up. If you find something will you post it. I would like to do something on my truck as well.
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From: Brookston, IN
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
I just had the lower section of mine Rhino Lined. I had it done in black for $300, they wanted $400 to do it in color. I decided with all of the rest of the accessories being blach to go that direction. I am pleased with how it turned out. If I can ever keep it clean for more than 2 hrs I will take some pictures. I did have some trouble with overspray, the managed to get the stuff on a lot of stuff on the underside of the truck, a brief discussion with the owner had that taken care of.<br><br>I would recommend shopping around for a better price, I know things in your part of the country are expensive, but it sounds to me like they just don't want to do it.
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Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
[quote author=Ben link=board=7;threadid=16610;start=#155869 date=1057176266]<br>I was the first truck in my town to have rocker panels Rhino - Lined. $175 out the door. Dark gray. Looks real good.<br><br>Ben<br>[/quote]<br><br>JEEZE - I'd pay $175 in a heartbeat to get mine done! - I'd even pay a bit more to have the nerf/step bars done at the same time - Maybe I need to check again, maybe go to Rhino as well. Sure would like to do the lower area in light grey to match the front bumper trimline, but already have the bed done in black, so either would work nicely...
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From: Holly Ridge, N.C.
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
Gary:<br><br>NAPA sells an anti-chip coating from 3M which works<br>very well. There are two different types, one being <br>thicker than the other. I had a body shop paint my<br>rocker panels with the "lighter" coating and it held <br>up pretty well, although I did get some minor chips.<br>I am getting ready to do it again with the thicker <br>coating which my body shop said should take care<br>of the problem. I will try to get you the part numbers<br>but if you tell them you want the 3M Anti-Chip Paint<br>Coating they should know what you want.<br><br>Hope this helps some.<br><br>--------<br>John_P
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Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
Thanks John, I'll watch for it - but actually, finding the stuff to put on isn't so much an issue as is GETTING it put on in a manner that compliments the appearance of the truck - any such work *I* do usually looks like it was applied by a 2-year old with a worn out toothbrush... 
And the local body/paint shops want about the same $800 to do the job as did the Line-X place!
And the local body/paint shops want about the same $800 to do the job as did the Line-X place!
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: FL
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
Gary, if you don't mind the DIY approach, Rustoleum makes a 2-part (catalyst & base?) truck bed liner that might suit your needs. It's only available in black tho. ~$26 from sportsmansguide.com but may be available from the local DIY store/big box.<br><br>You don't really have to be that skilled in applying bed liner type paints as they're so rough textured that flawless technique isn't usually a requirement for good results. Just be sure to lay a nice STRAIGHT tape line, follow the instructions & you should be fine (famous last words).
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From: Northern Minnesota
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
Gary,<br><br>My bed and rails are in black also. I think it was so cheap because they had never done rockers before and weren't sure what to charge. One thing I do like about it though is that the edge of the door sill is covered. You know, the part of the paint that always gets rubbed off with your foot getting in and out. There are 2 grays for rhino lining. One lite and one dark. I got the dark one and it really contrasts nice.
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From: Brookston, IN
Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
When I was getting ready to do mine I was debating between lt gray/ silver to match my pinstriping or back. Rhino Linings warned me that if tar got on the lighter colors it could stain them if not romoved quickly so opted for the black.
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Re:Lower body panel chip protection?
"You don't really have to be that skilled in applying bed liner type paints as they're so rough textured that flawless technique isn't usually a requirement for good results. Just be sure to lay a nice STRAIGHT tape line, follow the instructions & you should be fine "<br><br>Good info - and yeah, the rough finish SHOULD make it blend well enough to look decent...<br><br>The bit in a later post concerning lighter colors and road tar is an EXCELLENT point - the rough finish of a Line-X type product woud be VERY hard to get that off of - think I will seriously consider the same black as my over-the rail Line-X bed installation...
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