Line-Xing the Rocker Panels

I'm thinking about scrapping the flaps and line-Xing my rocker panels on my 2008 Tacoma. Has anyone tried this on theirs (pics)? Any suggestions? I was thinking about Line-Xing the whole bottom side of the door up to the impression mark. Is this a bad idea?

 

I did this on another pickup (GMC Sierra Denali ) but just in the spots where
the splash guards touched. On that truck the molded guards would allow sand and grit to get in between the guard and the paint and would eventually sand away the paint. I had places where the clearcoat was worn completely through in just 8k miles.

I think it's fine if you're absolutely sure it's what you want. Line-X is definitely a permanent fix. What color is your truck? Some Line-X dealers have Line-X XTRA which is colored, so they might even be able to match your paint.

 

i've seen this on some trucks before and i've never been a fan of it..... But each to their own i guess. I'd rather put on some rock sliders to help fend off the rocks, especially for what they'd probably want to charge to do the job.

 

I had an 02 tacoma that had it color matched, looked good you could hardly tell. It came facrtoy with a similar coarse paint on the bottom but the previous owner took it a step further and made it tougher. I loved it.

 

I've seen people do it. I've seen an entire Jeep done in Yellow with it (it was a show rig).

I personally wouldn't do it to a nice new truck. My Jeep...maybe, simply because it's beat to hell anyway.

I'd make sure the stuff doesn't fade or get discolored over time due to all the sun exposure.

I'd also be concerned about it getting *dirty* and you're not able to clean it. Like rocks & debris embedding itself into it / since it's somewhat soft. I know you can spray tire-shine on it and it'll look black & shiney again...but what about road debris sticking to it (so to speak)?

And...what about dents & deep scratches, gouges, etc. Will a 'dent' cause the stuff to start peeling off? Can you patch or repair these spots? And what about winter/summer temperature conditions?

(sorry - off on a tangent)

 

I don't think anything is going to stick to it. I wouldn't even describe it as "soft". It's primarily intended for use as a bedliner, and I think most truck beds will see rougher use than the doors or rocker panels. My grandfather has had Line-X in his F250 for seven years with no tears or gouges, and that's on a farm. But, in the event it is damaged, it can be repaired. As for cleaning, wash it like the rest of the truck. You could probably even pressure wash it, just stay away from the edges.

My biggest concern is this: Line-X carries a lifetime nationwide warranty but it states for use as a bedliner. They may or may not want to honor it spayed on the doors/rockers. I can't imagine why they wouldn't, truck beds get all kinds of junk thrown in, chains, bricks, etc.. I would ask the Line-X dealer up front if the warranty would still be good on the doors/rockers.

http://www.line-x.com/files/NatWarranty.pdf

 

My pickup is Silver. I would be okay with a color match but I am REALLY curious to see what it would look like with this much Line-x on the side of a pickup. I need to do some more research and find some pics with this done. I'm nervous about taking it half way up the door because there is no going back, as you said. And if I hate it, I'll have to give the pickup to the wife. I can't be seen in an ugly Tacoma .

 

Good points, I will have to ask the Line-X guys about it. I'm not a hardcore wheeler but enjoy hitting the trails during the rainy season, which is usually October through June in Oregon

Thanks to everyone else for the ideas and thoughts, keep them coming. I'll post a pic here of what I want to do when I find one. I appreciate all the opinions, I never know if my ideas to change the cosmetics on my rigs are any good... My wife says I have no sense of style. I'm starting to believe her.

 

I've been thinking about doing this for a while. Then again, my truck is a 02 with 125K on it. I plan on using the store bought roll on type in black. My truck already has black fender flares and wheels.

 

I've considered that also but don't think I trust myself to make it look good. I know it's not rocket science, but it is my baby we're talking about . I know this is a good deal cheaper than Line-X, but what do you have to do prior to applying it? Do you need to wet sand/buff the area or just slap it on?

 

I believe you have to scuff up the paint....It all comes in a kit. You would have to tape off where ever you planned to coat up to. As far as cleaning it, you can scrub it with a tire brush. I would have it professionally done, but I just cannot justify the cost.

 

I've seen an entire Taco Line-X'd...everything except the glass and lights. The dude was from Washington state and practically lived in the woods. I asked him how he washed it; he said "a scrub brush!"

I don't see a problem doing what you're talking about; I would imagine That surface preparation would be the key to longevity of whatever product you decide to go with.

I've thought about just having the unsightly body weld below the doors done just to protect/hide it.

 

If I could afford it, I would have my whole truck done in a military olive green.

 

I've done the Herculiner DIY kit on my 96 tacoma and on 2 Jeep interiors.

I think it's worth doing it....(atleast, on a truck bed & floorboards).

No wet sanding, but you do have to scuff (or slightly sand) the paint and use Acetone to wipe off all the dust/particles. The job goes much easier if you use an orbital sander (or similar) instead of using the scuffy pad included in the kit.

Also - Anything you use (paint brushes, rollers, pans, etc), buy DISPOSABLE stuff. Avoid the cleaning mess...just use it and toss it away. Also - wear the shittiest clothes & shoes you have and don't be afraid to throw them out also (if you get it on you). Avoid getting this stuff on your skin....when it dries, it's nearly impossible to get off until days later. When you get it on you - don't SCRUB your skin to get it off - you could end up with a rash.

Yeah, I've done that kit a few times. The kit allows you to apply 2 coats, which is still pretty thin. After it dries, you can apply more to make it thicker and touch-ups are easy (no prep needed).