Blacking out the Ex (updates)
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Weston Fl.
I actually owe you the thanks. When you painted your grill I knew it would look good. I had been thinking about it but wasn't 100% sure. Wasn't as easy as I went in thinking it would be. But I stayed up all night working on sanding and painting. I started to take the bumper off but opted out after seeing how much of a pain it would be. I just took the plastic piece off it and clean it really good before starting.. Your truck would look really good with it. Really looking forward to seeing it. Again thanks.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
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From: Central Coast of CA
One person can take it off pretty easily, but putting it back on is really a two-person job.
Stewart
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
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From: Weston Fl.
Man, I saw way more than 4 screws when I stuck my head under the bumper. There were screws on both sides of the bumper including the middle ones i really couldn't reach unless I take the black frame behind the grill off. I figured it would be easier to just leave it on. Just mask around it and call it a day.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Man, I saw way more than 4 screws when I stuck my head under the bumper. There were screws on both sides of the bumper including the middle ones i really couldn't reach unless I take the black frame behind the grill off. I figured it would be easier to just leave it on. Just mask around it and call it a day.
When people do the front springs, in order to get that front spring eye bolt out, the bumper has to be removed.
4 bolts and voila, it's off.
Honestly, when I did my spring mod, I figured the bumper removal would be daunting too. I probably took more time trying to figure out a different way to get to the spring eye bolt, than I did removing the bumper once I learned it was only held on by 4 bolts.
Stewart
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
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From: Weston Fl.
Yep, I know, but there are only 4 that hold the front bumper on, and they are easy to reach.
When people do the front springs, in order to get that front spring eye bolt out, the bumper has to be removed.
4 bolts and voila, it's off.
Honestly, when I did my spring mod, I figured the bumper removal would be daunting too. I probably took more time trying to figure out a different way to get to the spring eye bolt, than I did removing the bumper once I learned it was only held on by 4 bolts.
Stewart
When people do the front springs, in order to get that front spring eye bolt out, the bumper has to be removed.
4 bolts and voila, it's off.
Honestly, when I did my spring mod, I figured the bumper removal would be daunting too. I probably took more time trying to figure out a different way to get to the spring eye bolt, than I did removing the bumper once I learned it was only held on by 4 bolts.
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Ummm, I just looked to see where the bumper was attached to the frame (IIRC, the lower rubber snubber mount for the rad has to be moved to access one of the bolts) and through a process of elimination, quickly discerned which ones to remove. It was easy once I knew it was four bolts, because once you find the two on one side, it's pretty easy to locate the two on the opposite side.
It's been years since I did the V code, B code mod, so my memory aint super sharp, but it's really pretty easy once you know to look for two bolts on one side, and two on the other. But if I get a chance, I'll try to remember to snap some pics, maybe this weekend.
Stewart
It's been years since I did the V code, B code mod, so my memory aint super sharp, but it's really pretty easy once you know to look for two bolts on one side, and two on the other. But if I get a chance, I'll try to remember to snap some pics, maybe this weekend.
Stewart
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Weston Fl.
Ummm, I just looked to see where the bumper was attached to the frame (IIRC, the lower rubber snubber mount for the rad has to be moved to access one of the bolts) and through a process of elimination, quickly discerned which ones to remove. It was easy once I knew it was four bolts, because once you find the two on one side, it's pretty easy to locate the two on the opposite side.
It's been years since I did the V code, B code mod, so my memory aint super sharp, but it's really pretty easy once you know to look for two bolts on one side, and two on the other. But if I get a chance, I'll try to remember to snap some pics, maybe this weekend.
Stewart
It's been years since I did the V code, B code mod, so my memory aint super sharp, but it's really pretty easy once you know to look for two bolts on one side, and two on the other. But if I get a chance, I'll try to remember to snap some pics, maybe this weekend.
Stewart
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
Yes, it's a private vehicle - no LEO or PS affiliation.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Weston Fl.
Lol... Im actually a remodeling contractor. This is my daily driver and work power house. But I do get the occasional driver at the red light strapping their seat belts on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I guess if you put it that way, you are doing a great service to the public... Who knows you may have saved a life already!! ( people putting on seatbelts when they see you), good work!
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Weston Fl.
Found my cb radio in my old marine storage box I had in the attic today. I also found my 4 foot magnetic cb antenna. I put it on the back end of the truck Just to see what it would look like and the wife said "Hell no, Looks too much like a trooper". I gotta admit, it really looks alot like a trooper and Im now getting a little concerned as I don't wanna go over board. But I really like the look. I plan on getting bigger tires soon and that look will pass on but in the mean time I really like it.
I don't think it's a trooper look im looking for but a stealth and in charge look.
I might install the old cb radio and see if some of my Florida Chapter members have one to chat,,, I can transmit 40-50 miles if I get a bigger antenna.
I don't think it's a trooper look im looking for but a stealth and in charge look.
I might install the old cb radio and see if some of my Florida Chapter members have one to chat,,, I can transmit 40-50 miles if I get a bigger antenna.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 611
Likes: 4
From: Northern NV
My Ex is named the Death Star by my kids, so I'm going for that theme and your bumper/grill blackout job is gonna go great with my black Ex!
I've got a few bumper dings that came with the truck when I got it and it looks like a little bondo is on the shopping list!
Thanks for the pics and the inspiration!
I've got a few bumper dings that came with the truck when I got it and it looks like a little bondo is on the shopping list!
Thanks for the pics and the inspiration!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
I'm going for the 'A real cop owns this truck' look. All I had to do was put the blue line plate on...good-to-go. I really do like the blacked out look of 809's truck but that's a lot of work for me to wanna do to my weekend driver. I gotta say though, that look would certainly catch my attention if I saw it while I was working. Looks great man, good job!
