I want to get the two indicated pieces replaced to match the body color of the truck. Anyone had this done on an XL before? Is it an easy/cheap dealer swap? Also would i be better off just getting a whole new grille instead of just changing the surrounding piece?

 

Best bet would be to look for someone selling a white grille surround and then have a body shop paint the bumper shroud. Even a new replacement shroud would have to be painted after purchase anyway. If the body shop will cut you a deal and paint the grille surround nearly free, I'd say go for it.

 

yep, have em painted. replacement peices come black anyways. it shouldnt cost more than a few hundred bucks to have it done or even less if you find the right shop.

 

So even the shrouds that come on, say the FX4, are the same material just painted?

 

True story.

EDIT- Well kinda... They lack the texturing. You can probably get the body shop to use a heavy primer that will fill the texture in.

 

I got quoted a while ago and they told me it was a three step sanding process to get rid of the texturing. if that helps at all

 

if you want it SMOOTH, it has to be atleast sanded good with 320 grit, then primed good. i have just wet scuffed parts with a scuffing paste and cleaned/adhesion promoted them good and depending on how much clear you put on, they came out almost nearly slick.

 

I did the same thing on mine. I bought it all off of ebay after alot of searching. There are some companies on there who sell every little part for our trucks.

 

Yeah i think its best to get the whole part. I dont like the idea of painting it if i don't have to. But i will look into both, thanks for the replies.

Now, tell me more about that center console you had installed

 

Have you called any salvage yards? I'm sure there's a rear-ended white F150 somewhere on LI. Don't know what it would cost, but if you're talking about buying and painting new parts, it's got to be cheaper.