painting rocker panels and trim

[RustyLeskiv]

Am I going to be able to paint the trim and rocker panels of a 93 318i. They are grey and ugly. Wondering if it is ok to paint them or does it spoil the look of the car?

thanks

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Do you have the metal or plastic style rockers? I may be able to scrounge up some pics for you

[RustyLeskiv]

I have plastic panels.

I would appresiate any pics

thanks

[Wayne 962]

Hi there. I have pics - just a sec...

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Here is a pic of Don's car:



-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

I like the look personally...

-Wayne

[stupenal]

for the side skirts, you can actually use a metal degreaser or strong cleansing solution and rub off the gray ugliness. Then slap on some clear coat and lots of wax, and you're set to go. The actual car color is underneath the gray. However, for the front and rear bumpers, thats another story. When i bought the car, the PO had them all painted. However, that means my side skirts are bumpy (not the best). The job was done well and it makes the car look MUCH MUCH better! I personally cringe everytime i see gray (especially on white cars!!!!!!)

[Wayne 962]

Yes, the grey is a big problem. I need to find a good solution for that...

-Wayne

[RustyLeskiv]

thanks



do they still have those little bumps on them after you paint them or could you spackle those?

[Wayne 962]

They still are a rough finish, but it looks fine if you use a gloss paint. In fact, because they are 'bumpy' they don't show off imperfections in the paint, so you don't have to be super-concours quality...

-Wayne

[aapplebey]

i have the grey plastic bumpers and the grey rocker panels. the rocker panels themselves feel like they are metal with the hard (bumpy) surface. is there a way to know for sure if i have plastic or not? in addiction i bought my 318i used and there is some noticable damage and peeling on the panels. would buying new panels and painting be worth it. are the panels easy to replace for the average DIYer?