[Colorado_Lab]

So, just inherited my dad's TJ circa 2006 (Wrangler X Trail rated), with 30K miles on it. A couple easy things I want to do include:

Taking the top off
Taking the doors off
Removing the plow lift on the front (don't really have a need for it)

A buddy said I should give the fender flares a bit of fresh life. They're tan now to match the soft top, but not sure I'm a fan of the color. The soft top itself is a bit worn, and the windows are scratched up some too (I think he used an ice scraper on them in the winter). So, a new soft top/windows may be in the future too. That said, is it best to match the soft top color to that of the fender flares for consistent aesthetics?

All that said, I am thinking of breathing new life into the fender flares by plasti-dipping them to black. Would this be an appropriate method or should I be using something else? I've been reading through the forums and read from a lot of threads where people talk about Plasti-Dip, Krylon Fusion, and even Rustoleum with varying degrees of success on each.

I've driven the Jeep before as a loaner, but now that it's mine, am more comfortable with making some cosmetic changes to it. That being the case, it's also worth mentioning I am not the most proficient guy with vehicle mods, so any tips, tricks, etc. are all welcome!

 

[SN95GT50]

Below is a link to my build. I tried the cleaners, heat etc and none looked great and didn't last. I finally tried the Krylon Fusion Satin and I love the results. I cut manilla folders in strips and slip them between the flares and the metal and then taped newspapers to protect from over spray. I think I did about 4 coats each separated by a few minutes, per the can. The taping off took most of the time. It is now about 11 months later and they look as good as the day I did them. One other thing, remove the turn signals/side markers completely to do it.

Go to post #40 and you can see I used the same stuff for the chrome headlight bezels. Wasn't sure how this would look, now that I did them, wish I would have done them a while ago.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f322/sn95gt50-build-thread-1233489.html

Good luck,
John

 

[2manyrides]

I wouldn't use any of those. Use the duplicolor vinyl/plastic dye or SEM dye. It won't last forever. None of them due, but it lasts a long time and apply's a lot thinner. It's easier to do it again down the line. The krylon fusion or any other paint is a mess to clean of after it flakes up. Use semigloss

 

[Colorado_Lab]

Below is a link to my build. I tried the cleaners, heat etc and none looked great and didn't last. I finally tried the Krylon Fusion Satin and I love the results. I cut manilla folders in strips and slip them between the flares and the metal and then taped newspapers to protect from over spray. I think I did about 4 coats each separated by a few minutes, per the can. The taping off took most of the time. It is now about 11 months later and they look as good as the day I did them. One other thing, remove the turn signals/side markers completely to do it.

Go to post #40 and you can see I used the same stuff for the chrome headlight bezels. Wasn't sure how this would look, now that I did them, wish I would have done them a while ago.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f322/sn95gt50-build-thread-1233489.html

Good luck,
John

I wouldn't use any of those. Use the duplicolor vinyl/plastic dye or SEM dye. It won't last forever. None of them due, but it lasts a long time and apply's a lot thinner. It's easier to do it again down the line. The krylon fusion or any other paint is a mess to clean of after it flakes up. Use semigloss

Thanks gents - and after posting realized I totally had this in the wrong subthread - appreciate you both taking the time to look.

Note to Mods: Feel free to move as appropriate

 

[opaul]

If you don't mind taking the time to apply Back To Black from time to time it does a good job. Personally I like it and enjoy the task of applying it after I clean up my TJ. You also don't have to worry about any flaking or peeling down the road.
Congrat's on the jeep!

 

[DocMotorhead]

I used Krylon with GREAT results. My fellow jeeper in our group used Rustoleum Trim and Bumper with GREAT reuslts too. We are waiting to see which on looks better longer.

 

[Blazor]

I know you were asking about flares and top matching. Honestly, those flares were originally black lol. Your top, its khaki diamond, but they dont make it anymore. I think the Rampage top has a khaki top, but not for certain. Just wanted to mention it, cause I was in the process of doing some restoring as well. My top and flares (now that they are faded) match perfectly lol. Top is leaking though. I think our only options are black and spice top wise.

 

[T.Wagner]

I know you were asking about flares and top matching. Honestly, those flares were originally black lol. Your top, its khaki diamond, but they dont make it anymore. I think the Rampage top has a khaki top, but not for certain. Just wanted to mention it, cause I was in the process of doing some restoring as well. My top and flares (now that they are faded) match perfectly lol. Top is leaking though. I think our only options are black and spice top wise.

Rampage does make a good quality replacement Khaki Diamond soft top with clear or tinted windows. Materials feel good and it has two zipper pockets in the top front corners to store stuff in which is pretty cool. The top itself fits fine, but the windows look a little loose. This really doesn't cause me any problems though because the top doesn't sound all too loud or anything while driving at highway speeds. All in all it is a great value for the money if you are interested. The link below has some pictures of my Jeep after the install.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f282/rampage-soft-tops-good-quality-1753809.html

 

[BSA70]

Ditto Krylon Black Satin. Will make it look brand new. Walmart is selling cans right now with 25% more free in the can.

 

[Colorado_Lab]

I know you were asking about flares and top matching. Honestly, those flares were originally black lol. Your top, its khaki diamond, but they dont make it anymore. I think the Rampage top has a khaki top, but not for certain. Just wanted to mention it, cause I was in the process of doing some restoring as well. My top and flares (now that they are faded) match perfectly lol. Top is leaking though. I think our only options are black and spice top wise.

Are you serious?!?! Those used to be black?!?! OMG - I am kind of ashamed now.

Ok, thanks to everyone for their input, but this now leads to my other question on this - would it be easier to repaint the existing flares or just replace them?

It sounds like the taping, marking off of the rest of the vehicle or even removal to repaint something suggests that if I take something off, might it be easier to just put a new one on?

 

[Colorado_Lab]

Ok, pretend I didn't ask that last question - just googled it and rugged terrain looks to sell just one fender flare for $83!

Rugged Ridge Front Left Wrangler Fender Flare 11609.11 (07-16 Wrangler JK) - Free Shipping

:jawdrop:

 

[SN95GT50]

I will stick with the fusion, $10 and takes an hour to tape and another hour to paint and the results are fantastic.