So I have been thinking about having my grill and bumper painted the color of the truck. I have seen a few and they look good. However I have chrome bumpers. A buddy who does paint work says it will never hold paint, it's better to get a black bumper and paint that. What is everyone's thought on that. I was thinking possobly someone who has a XL or something may want to trade their bumper for chrome ones, but I would also think chromed are worth more. Anyone had any experience? I would think they would just swap real easy with very little effort. But should I ask for additional $$$?

 

Chrome might be worth more, but keep in mind someone will likely nit-pick a chrome bumper more-so than a painted one (you can't re-paint chrome).

I'd say it depends how bad you want the painted look- you will probably be more likely to get someone to pull the bumper off of their almost-new truck if it were for an even swap. And they'd be less likely to nit-pick for that barely-visible scuff or scratch. Plus, they'll think you're a heck of a guy...

 

Jay, You have never cheaped out on your truck. Dont start now, Paint will be all chipped up within a year and start to look like hell.
Take your current bumpers off and send em to get powder coated, for me its a no brainer. I used to do powdercoating in my garage, this stuff is amazing. Very durable, It can still be chipped but only after hitting a bolder! :O

 

Here is what i found with a quick search. EastCoast PowderCoat - Custom Powder Coaters - North East, MD 410-287-6200
between 85- 265 bucks depending

 

I agree with PA-Mark. Powder them. I had mine done last fall and couldn't be happier with the results.

 

Could they color match in powder coat? I mean I want the bumper to match the truck color. I have no issue with powder coating, I have had a ton of it done on motorcycle parts, but I didn't know if they could match a factory ford color...

 

yes they can color match... i put the link in the post check it out...

 

just to revive this..

I wanted to trade out my Grille, Front bumper, and rear bumper, (since i am going to paint, I might as well get rid of all the chrome.) Do you think that an even trade is fair, or should I ask for a few hundred dollars? I have seen that the chromes seem to cost more on ebay and such, like $100- $200 more per bumper, but not sure if thats realistic to ask to trade, plus $200/$300...

Any thoughts?

Also, with the paint. Not to cheap out. I have powder coaters that I use sometimes, but arnt the factory KR's painted too? I am not arguing with your idea, just wondering what the factory does.. ?

 

I dont know about trade values, I think that is relitive to either party involved what it is worth to them.

I would bet the factory does paint those parts, and im sure the reason is for cost, not for duability. If you wish to paint the bumper, im sure you will regret it in a year or so