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Right.... My chrome ones are terrible. Super rusty and I've had this truck only since June. So, instead of worrying about it, I'll just go with the black ones...
But had hoped this was doable without bumper removal, which isn't a big deal, just hoping for something where I don't have to get all that involved.
Of course turning a wrench for an improvement is therapeutic.
Right.... My chrome ones are terrible. Super rusty and I've had this truck only since June. So, instead of worrying about it, I'll just go with the black ones...
But had hoped this was doable without bumper removal, which isn't a big deal, just hoping for something where I don't have to get all that involved.
Of course turning a wrench for an improvement is therapeutic.
Mine are a little rusted as well, but rather than replace them, I am going to try something like Quick-Glo to help rid of the rust and protect it moving forward. Have you tried similar products or is your mind made up to just replace the chrome?
I replaced mine with a winch.. BUT, I am pretty sure they can be removed without removing the bumper.. pretty sure. Each one is held on by 4 bolts, the bumper is held on with different bolts.
After reading this I think I'll stick with my black ones. You can have your chrome ones powder coated black probably cheaper than buying new black ones. I have lot's of chrome powder coated black on my bikes and it looks great and holds up to some hard road miles.
I had my chrome hooks powder coated black. I have a friend that works at a powder coating shop so I had him set up a deal where I could take the hooks to him in the morning and get them back at close so I wasn't having no bumper for several days. I'm sure you could call a local powder coating shop and do the same.
To answer the OP's question though, yes you have to take the front bumper off. It isn't difficult, annoying more than anything. What kind of truck do you have? Does it have adaptive cruise control?
I just shine mine up with polish and a toothbrush. 2-3 times a year chrome polish on my 2005 and chrome bumpers were both good as new. Tow hooks took a beating pulling chevvies and dodges out of ditches though. They were not chrome so they ended up with rust marks. The idea of powder coating over the chrome is a good one, can always re do them once in a while.
I just shine mine up with polish and a toothbrush. 2-3 times a year chrome polish on my 2005 and chrome bumpers were both good as new. Tow hooks took a beating pulling chevvies and dodges out of ditches though. They were not chrome so they ended up with rust marks. The idea of powder coating over the chrome is a good one, can always re do them once in a while.
When they're powder coated they sand blast the chrome off the hooks as the chrome is just a finish layer on the steel hook. I have had tons of things powder coated over the years and have never had to have a powder coated finish redone. You would have to hook a chain up to the hook instead of a strap to mess it up.
Two words...Plasti-Dip. Actually that's probably technically one word, but hyphenated.
don't have to remove the bumper or hooks. Takes about 3-4 minutes per hook to apply and you can get many colors. If you use them and they get scratched just touch them up.
After coffee, I'm gonna crawl under the bumper to size up this little event. I've already replaced the lower valance with a 2wd one and replaced the Lariat grill for a Platinum grill. So if the bumper has to come off, no biggie, but like I said was hoping for just having to grab a wrench and socket extension and go.
I don't have adaptive cruise or front cameras...just fogs on my '17 Lariat 6.2 ccsb 4wd bumper.
I like the chrome just fine, but not in a state where it's rusting so bad. So black powder coat it is...