Blacked out my pinch welds this afternoon

Hey guys, I did this on my last Taco too but this time I took a few step by step photos for anyone who wants to follow along. This was pretty easy, only takes about an hour with minimal cost. I think it cleans up the profile a bit, especially on light colored trucks, and adds a little "height" as well. Hope the pics help.

First things first here's the before pic. Were looking at the pinch weld along the bottom of the rocker panel. Usually the pinch welds are pretty dirty and nasty. I cleaned it up with some water-based cleaner (I used Sprayway for the initial cleaning, and Autoprep for the scuffing), but any cleaner will do.


After the initial wipe down, I used a red scotchbrite flex pad with some water to scuff the pinch weld, along with about a half inch onto the rocker to avoid seeing the two tone line. Scuff it really well, as it helps to clean out any stubborn dirt as well as abrades the surface for the best adhesion. A quick mask job and were ready spray. I didnt use any fancy vinyl fineline tape as these lines are pretty hidden, this is just 3/4 masking tape and 1 1/2 for the backroll. Give it a final wipe down with some kind of solvent to clean up any grease or oil residue remaining on the panel.


Here is the bottom of the rocker masked up. I pulled the rocker plugs to get a nice straight line. I should also mention this is easier without nerf bars, but not impossible. If you have the time to drop them off, I would.


I used the trim black aerosal by Smart, but any decent spray paint will do. I would suggest matt or flat finish, or even bedliner. Three light coats on this one to achieve coverage, make sure you give whatever product you use adequate flash times.


Pulled the masking and reinstalled the plugs. Nice clean lines.


Final product. Subtle, but I think it does clean it up a bit. After this pic I put my steps back on and I can cross this one off the list.

 

I used bedliner. I taped the upper edge, cleaned with a scotch brite pad with laquer thinner, then just brushed on the bedliner. Not as nice as your job and a lot less prep, but, from three feet away, you probably can't tell.

 

cheapest lift job I know of

 

What a good idea - looks great man.

 

I did this on my old jk jeep. It does give the illusion of it being a little higher

 

Now that I'm 'almost' done cleaning up the neglected finish on my 5 lug, I should add this to my to do list.

Get that optical illusion cheap lift.

Wonder if there is a paint scheme that will give me a 6th lug nut.

OP, looks nice. I seriously will be likely to knock this out this summer. If nothing else, it gives less white to get yucked up.

 

so, with the optical illusion cheap lift, do you have to imagine that you lift you foot up higher to get in? Yes I'm having fun with this . . .