Well after refinishing my front bumper, the rear was ugly as a fart in church. I had planned on using the same Duplicolor satin black wheel paint I had used on the front but once I got to the parts store, I had another idea.....

Bedliner. I looked online and people had nothing but good to say about this stuff, Duplicolor Bed Armor. So after removing the plastic cap from the top of the bumper (pain in the butt!), I used a 120 grit sanding sponge, water and Purple Power to sand it thoroughly and remove any contaminates. I then went over it with a red scotchbrite and more detergent. When I was done, I rinsed it with high pressure water and blew it dry with compressed air.

I then used Duplicolor self etching primer to prepare it for the coating. After it flashed off, I shook the Bed Armor for a couple of minutes and started to spray. It took 4 light coats to cover it completely and create a good texture. I was glad the primer was green as it allowed me to make sure of even coverage of the Bed Armor. The coating requires 20 minutes between light coats to avoid sags.

I am VERY happy with the result. It looks great and should be very durable. Once I build my sliders/steps I will use this product again.

Anyway, some pics.

 

Nice touch -- I've also had good luck with the plastic dip products -- never thought they'd adhere as well as they have, but they've been holding up on our work trucks.

Rechroming (I guess because business isn't all that great these days) is an option and many of the shops I deal with price the rear bumpers at around $150.....

 

Looks good. Last bed liner spray I used came out like spray paint, was extremely disappointed with it. Might try that type next time

 

These bumpers were not chrome, they were grey painted. My original bumpers were chrome but for this truck I have always planned on black trim.

The steps, tool box and bed caps are next but they will be painted with satin black wheel paint.

 

I had used some before that was pretty smooth too. This being a true polyurethane product and "rubberized" (and $13 per can) made me have high hopes. I used about 2/3 of a can on the bumper and coverage was very good, just remember that this product will not tolerate super heavy coats without sagging. Many lighter coats are truly the only way this will work well.

Prep, prep, prep... sand WELL and use a strong detergent and I ALWAYS use self etching primer.

 

Looks good! I used that stuff on a down n dirty rocker panel repair for a friend. Welded in new sheetmetal, but he didn't want to spring for matching paint. Came out great, and has lasted two new england winters with no issues.

 

Good to hear. Looking at some of the rusty northern trucks on the forum, if it can survive that kind of abuse it should last forever here

 

I was surprised it hadn't chipped off, being on the rockers. The thought at the time of repair was even if it did chip, it'd be easy to touch up.

I've noticed your daughter's truck, and yours, are rust free. Where is "here"?

 

That turned out really nice! I'm impressed. This may be an option for my ugly rear bumper... At least until I can find a nice chrome one.

Keep up the good work!

 

We are in central NC. They do spread out some liquid brine when we get some ice but it is only maybe 2 times a year. I always go to the car wash with the undercarriage wash as soon as the roads are clear.

 

We found this one for my daughter's truck right down the road on a real "work truck" 89 F150. It was pretty beat up but the rear bumper was in excellent condition. Just one of those survivor bumpers that had never been bumped.