Louie the Laramie (aka..Misfit)

[epitomeofme]

Posted some of this up in the 4th Gen forum, but wanted to share here as well.

Had been kicking around a couple of exterior ideas, and was giving a bit of a shove when some jabroni hooked me up with a dent in the middle of my hood (beer bottle)...not intending to remove all of the chrome, but leave little highlights here and there (door handles, lug nuts, etc...)

I played around with the vinyl for a little while, but could not get it to last past a couple of trips down the road after the roads here in Colorado got sanded down. Decided to go with the bed liner option for hood stripes, and will run those over the roof and down the tailgate. Idea in mind is "classy" and subdued.

Sprayed the wheels, but I think I am going to get some tan accent color and cover the remaining chrome of the wheels. Had to replace the grill assembly because I got a little anxious the first time I took it off, and broke two of the lower retaining clips...fortunately, replacements don't poke you in the eyes too much. Might pick up a couple and have them on standby in case I want to change things up a bit.

The chrome mirror covers had to go because I just plain did not like them....

Working on the bumpers and side steps right now, but am going to hit them with the brown pearl tinted spray...

 

[Cruizer]

I like the hood stripe. It came out real nice. Have to post more pics with it on the truck and such. Will be following this thread.

 

[epitomeofme]

Cruizer...thanks for the support

Along with the steps and bumper, I am working the grill assembly again today (just got the new one). There is currently a gaping maw in Louie's nose, but I will probably grab some tonight or tomorrow.

What do you think about covering the exisiting wheel chrome with the lower "tan" rocker color? Just want a better transition from the wheels and lower trim.

 

[Cruizer]

Post some pics of the whole truck. I think it could look good. I'm not a fan of chrome either. Been killin' it slowly on my truck. Going all black and red. What are you spraying with? Rattle cans or do you have a spray gun?

 

[epitomeofme]

Hood On Shots

Gaping Maw....

 

[epitomeofme]

I have been using a spray gun with the Raptor liner...what makes me maniacal is the hours and hours and hours of prep time. Spray time take me mere minutes.

 

[Cruizer]

Yeah, but prep is everything. I think it could work if you can color match. Don't know if I'd do it if it's just a similar color though as it may not match what's already on the truck. I'd try and get as close to that as possible. The hood looks sweet BTW.

 

[DublDee]

Love the way that hood looks. Great job man!

 

[epitomeofme]

Ok..I would agree. Having a hard time finding the paint code for the lower tan trim...not anywhere on the vehicle that I can find (checked 7 different places) and cross-referenced every paint code I could find. Have to stop in to the dealer soon for the rear-pinion check..might check with their parts department while I am there.

I have some left over vinyl that I am going to play with to see how the stripes look going over the roof...very sure I am doing the tailgate, but not sure the roof will be worth the effort.

Thanks for the encouragement Dubldee!!

 

[Cruizer]

Is it either one of these?

Light Almond KJ 2002-2005
Light Khaki Metallic JC 2006-Up

Took it from the Paint Code Thread - Link

 

[WhiteExpress]

That looks great! Good job!

 

[argray90]

Awesome job man I really like that idea!

 

[epitomeofme]

Thanks for looking Cruizer, but it is not either one of those...gotta keep looking

 

[epitomeofme]

chrome grill with sprayed inserts

Put the original grill back on...hmmm, choices

 

[epitomeofme]

Round 2

So...after battling cold weather for a couple of days, I was finally able to get some temperatures warm enough to spend outside prepping. Was able to get the steps, grill assembly, bumpers, and new stripe painted. I changed the color from the original pics and went with the rugged brown pearl instead of black stripe. The bumpers, perimeter of grill assembly, and stripe are all rugged brown. The mirrors, nerf bars and rear bumper step are black. Definitely a different look for Louie now, and he was definitely turning heads when I took him (and the wife) for a spin around town.

 

[epitomeofme]

Round 2 Cont.

While I was waiting for the liner to dry, I decided to dress up the engine compartment a bit too. After looking at several other members' engine covers, I decided to go with the two tone (just like the interior) of rugged brown and tan...

 

[epitomeofme]

Round 2 Cont. (again)

I will probably have sore cheeks from smiling so much while Louie was purring around town. Glad to have this project behind me, but was definitely worth it.

 

[bigbadram1500]

very nice!

 

[epitomeofme]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[Cruizer]

Those stripes are sweet. I can't believe how good that came out. Great job!