Hello fellow Ford lovers.....

I am not sure if this has been posted, but I am bored and tried a little something that worked out pretty damn good, so I want to pass it along.

As some of you may know, I bought a 93 F-150 Kingcab, that was repainted black.....real crappy orange-peely paint job and the PO painted damn near everything, to include tailgate garnish.

Anywho, I am taking the truck to TN later this week and was really concerned on how dark the vehicle is in regards to safety and driving at night etc. 93 didnt have the third brake light and the stock tail lights are just dull to begin with, so I figured I would try a little something.

The black paint on the garnish wasnt applied to well (poor prep job), so there was bubbles, runs and flaking. I figured for craps and gigs, I would try and remove the paint. So here begins my saga.

Tools needed:

A couple razor blades with comfort grip handle
Wash bucket
Car soap
Sanding block (150 grit)
2 liter of Diet Coke

First off, here is a pic of the truck before I got started......as you can see pretty darn dark and hard to see at night time




I took the razor blandes and started at the flaking areas, holding just right so I could lift up the paint and make long runs left to right. Of course it skipped some areas here and there, but go back and touch them up at your leisure.

I then took some soapy water and the sanding block and started rubbing back and forth, left to right in small areas, until I got the whole garnish completed. Gave her a rinse and again with the block going left to right, to long passes to remove any swirls or residue.

After about an hour or so, the old gal was complete...






The last two pics were taken with my crack berry and does not have a flash. The only illuminmation is the side house light and back lighting from my garage. Came out really nice and looks superb!

I know I did this in regards to removing paint, but I figure if you garnish is beat up a bit and dull, this just might do the trick for you and have your ride looking good from the backside too.

I am sure I will be easily seen now on my trip. Will post additional pics tomorrow in the daylight, as for I have to taken some engine pics for a new member tomorrow.

Enjoy,

Curt

 

Looks good....... You might want to spray some satin clear on the bare aluminum, it may tarnish quickly since there is nothing to seal moisture out..

 

Yeah was thinking about that....would clear wheel paint sealer work you think? I got some of that in the garage from last time I painted my VR4 wheels......it says "clear coat" on it......

 

I would think so...