XL trim paint-matched upgrades!

[The_Auto_Tech]

Hey guys, finally ready to get all the paint-matched upgrades done on the truck. It's a 22 XL RCSB. Here's the current plans -

STX grille with paint matched outer surround and gloss black middle (Amazon, probably)
Putco lighted grille emblem
Paint matched front bumper and filler panel
RK Sport front bumper splitter (paint matched)
Painted matched street-style fender flares (ones without the rivet pockets, thinking aftermarket so they're wider than stock ones)
Paint matched cab corner panels
Saleen tailgate spoiler (apparently made by Air Designs, paint matched)
Paint matched rear bumper and reverse sensor surrounds
Saleen rear bumper diffuser (if I can get ahold of one, paint matched)
Air Design cab spoiler (paint matched)

I haven't decided in the mirrors yet, but most likely will just swap them out completely as I have the XL mirrors, and wouldn't mind the heated/folding/whatever from a higher trim. If there's any other suggestions or pictures you guys have to show some recommendations, I'd love to see them!

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[The_Auto_Tech]

Ordered the STX grille today from here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3GXCDJ?psc=1&smid=A1NGB4ITARJPER&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

Reviews from people have been good on them across the FB groups and forums that they fit well. I'll be painting the outside surround to match the truck and leaving the inner part gloss black.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Went and picked up the Putco lighted grille emblem and matching harness locally since I'm in Des Moines where they are based.

https://www.putco.com/product/luminix-ford-led-front-grille-emblem/v/Ford/F150/2022/

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Since my truck came with a chrome front bumper, I'll most likely just pick up a used OEM painted one and repaint it. They're about the same price as an aftermarket new one, unless you buy a segmented aftermarket bumper, but then you'll have the splits that aren't too aesthetically pleasing. My filler panel is black painted plastic that's vinyl wrapped currently, so there won't be an issues pulling the vinyl and painting that.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

RK Sport fiberglass front bumper splitter has been ordered as well!

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Currently leaning towards the Bushwacker OE style fender flares as they are smooth and can be painted to match:

The larger flares that I've seen without the rivet holes that can be painted to match I think will be way too wide to blend in on a lowered street truck. Both the Saleen and Super Snake street trucks look to be using OE paint to match flares as well.

 

[sheesh]

Try the air design fender flares. They are more fitting for the lowered style truck. They are available as a ford accessory (best way to get a discount).

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Try the air design fender flares. They are more fitting for the lowered style truck. They are available as a ford accessory (best way to get a discount).

After seeing more pictures that's probably what I'll go with and have the bodyshop fill the parking sensor holes on them. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Looks like the Saleen tailgate spoiler is very different from the Air Designs one, it's got a much more angled lip to it whereas the Air Designs one is pretty flat. That being said, the Saleen one is available, it's just expensive.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Ordered new aftermarket paint to match front and rear bumpers since my truck currently has chrome ones, and I've not had great luck with the chrome bumpers long term for holding paint. I don't see any aftermarket street truck bumper options available for the 21+, as the Saleen and Super Snake parts aren't available to purchase either. I don't even see a roll pan available, and usually they delete the hitch too unfortunately.

 

[Davidwnuc]

@The_Auto_Tech
you listed cab corner panels but i cant picture what you are talking about.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

@The_Auto_Tech
you listed cab corner panels but i cant picture what you are talking about.

On the Ryobi truck the cab corner panels came black. Mine are currently vinyl wrapped, so I need to get them painted.

 

[Davidwnuc]

Ah. Okay thanks.

 

[Graygoose2021]

My buddy painted chrome bumpers for one of our company trucks. Used a DA to sand the chrome down, and used epoxy to adhere too, then painted gloss black. Lasted for many years, only issue later was rock chips, so he fixed and painted again.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

My buddy painted chrome bumpers for one of our company trucks. Used a DA to sand the chrome down, and used epoxy to adhere too, then painted gloss black. Lasted for many years, only issue later was rock chips, so he fixed and painted again.

From the looks of it, by the time I paid the bodyshop the time to pull the vinyl, sand the chrome bumpers, epoxy them, and then paint them it wasn't much difference in cost to just purchase the new paint to match ones. Also, then I don't need to worry about the paint not sticking or chipping long term.

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