Fixing a mole on her face

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I know I did my badges before, but I don't consider those a big deal because anyone can replace them with something easily.

Lately I've been noticing little things I wish Dodge would have done when building these trucks. Things such as color matching the tailgate handle (especially considering all the others are), painting the pinch weld along the bottom black to make it disappear, and painting the antenna base to match the truck.

Decided I would tackle the smallest of those projects and see if I could actually do some good sanding for a smooth texture and paint.

Sanded smooth. Used three different types of sandpaper and just stepped it down as I went. Then cleaned and dried thoroughly.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29210445.jpg

Rigged up my own way of holding the part in the air but with some rigidity so that I could keep it from swaying. Nothing an old hanger couldn't fix.

First coat (thin) of primer.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29210743.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29210756.jpg

After the final (third) coat of primer.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29212148.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29221915.jpg

Here is the primer sanded but not yet cleaned.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29222221.jpg

First coat of true color matched paint.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29222412.jpg

After the final (third) layer of paint.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-04-29225420.jpg

The problem I've run into here is that the Duplicolor automotive clear caused the paint to darken a couple shades. Another member (musclemckeester) used Rustoleum automotive clear and it apparently did not have the same effect. However, I can't find any in my area. I've checked the Walmart closest to me, Autozone, O'Reilly, and still nothing. I'm thinking of hopping on my bike and riding over to the other Walmart to see if they have it.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Nice dude! yeah makes you wonder why dodge would not just do that right off the bat...No telling. Gives us something to do right.

[0212353]

pick up some duplicolor "wheel" clear - it doesn't darken up and is a little more "solid" than the "perfect match" stuff.

That is.....if you don't want to drop 20 bucks on the really good shit (but you'd only get 1 use out of it!).

[myoung84]

I used some regular ole Krylon clear for my badge when I painted it. Not sure how well its going to hold up, but it looks great and didn't darken the paint much if any.

I need to tackle mine soon, its turning white for some reason.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Mine did too Morgan.

Jeremy, I couldn't find the wheel clear so I picked up some Rustoleum Laquer Clear.

First coat is drying now.

[0212353]

man, you have no luck! wonder whats up.........I think I've seen it at the local parts stores here too.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I used a laquer clear that came out great except the small run from a heavy last coat. I'll wet sand it this evening and hopefully get it out.

[0212353]

how's the color match?

[ramthis9501]

That looks pretty cool!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Color match is perfect. Just got done buffing after a thorough wetsanding to get rid of the run. Came out great! Just finishing pd'ing the little chrome ring and waiting for it to dry a bit.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

All finished up after three coats of clear (last one had a run), wetsanding to get rid of the run, buffing, and Plasti-dipping the chrome ring:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-05-01175238.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj60/BMRbrnSNRbrd/2010%20Dodge%20Ram/2011-05-01175315.jpg

[(S.M.R) 101]

Nice and clean dude...Good job!

[Bagged03Ram22s]

can we get a before and after?

looks good

[0212353]

love it!

[myoung84]

Looks awesome David! Nice work!

[oklahemi]

Sweet david

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Thanks guys.

Jason, I don't have any before pics.