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Derek C
Dodge Dakota
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6/21/2002
22:31:38
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 Subject: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
I just got and put on my SS Chrome Grills (just main inserts) on my '02 Sport Patriot Blue. I don't know what they look like on other colors, but if you have patriot blue (the navy) it looks really good. Fairly easy to install... the snaps to hold the grill in place are a royal pain to put on, but otherwise its a breeze.
Also, I plan on buying the Stillen bumper cover, will the SS valance grill fit it? Also, I like the stock suspension of my truck, will the bumper cover look stupid at the stock height? If anyone has pics please lemme know.
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intense99dak
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2002
18:31:38
|  RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Yes you can use the SS valance inserts with the Stillen bumper cover.
Actually you have several options with the Stillen cover as you can iinstall the cover over the existing bumper or remove the bumper (I left mine in place for added strength). Also you can either keep the three vertical supports on the stock bumper or remove them when the cover goes on (like on mine). The SS valance inserts still work well with the vertical supports removed, but there's still seams visible because the valance grille is in four pieces.
Chuck Robbins
'99 IB Sport
www.intense99dak.com
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Derek C
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2002
21:01:23
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Chuck,
You can notice the seams for the valance but they totally look fine. Yes I planned on installing the stillen cover over the existing bumper, exactly like you did for extra strength. Now I don't really understand how you would remove the vertical supports? Do you mean the vertical supports on the factory bumper? Im confused :)
Also, what is the better solution when installing ANY aftermarket parts that need to be painted (like this bumper cover). Should i:
a) Pre-fit the bumper cover, then get it painted, then install it
or
b) Install it, then get it painted while its on the truck
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Jake
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2002
23:23:25
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Derek, I would advise to always prefit and then paint. If you installed it and then painted it, you might get charged for the shop taking it off or having to tape it off which would leave some tape lines. Also some parts might require drilling holes or making a mount which would then mess up an already painted piece.
Jake
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intense99dak
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2002
07:43:13
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Derek,
The three vertical supports are in the stock bumper and they can be revoved with anything that cuts plastic. After they are cut out there will be "holes" (v-shaped) on the stock bumper, but the stillen cover covers these and you'll never see them.
I would recommend that the body shop install the bumper cover prior to painting. You have to stretch the outer edges of the cover to fit it over the stock bumper and if it was painted before installing the paint would crack. Be sure that the shop adds flex agent as the cover does still have some flex around the fog lights after installation.
As for any body parts I prefer that the body shop install them first and then paint them. Any good body shop will fade the new paint (and clear coat) onto the old paint making sure that the color is uniform. If the shop doesn't fade the paint you will see subtle differences in color in different lighting. And as for masking lines any good shop won't leave any, but I always do a thorough inspection before paying and if I ever saw any the shop would be fixing them before they got their balance.
For instance when I had the hood done, the shop faded the hood paint down over the top of the fenders onto the side of them a little. When I had a dent fixed on the rear quarter the shop faded the paint 3/4 of the fender towards the door as well as fading onto the tailgate. The result is a paint job that looks better than stock because the fading not only makes the color uniform, but removes some of the orange peel from the factory hack job.
Oh ... getting back to the SS grille ... I have heard that you cat cut down a SS grille for a Ferd F150 and have it fit in the valance opening with no seams. The only thing that you need to do after cutting out the right size is to round the edges so it matches the projection of the SS grilles in the main grille.
Chuck Robbins
'99 IB Sport
www.intense99dak.com
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HSKR
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2002
08:37:41
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
On the SS grill for the lower valance, you can also use two of the upper sections so you end up with just one seam vice the four for the lower valance inserts.
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Derek C
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2002
09:57:26
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Well i guess Ill call around and see how much it will cost for paint and install. I've never had to get anything painted before, any ideas how much its going to cost me for them to install and paint?
Should I purchase the lower valance the same time as I purchase the stillen cover, and then install both all together? Meaning putting the inserts on the cover before the cover is installed on the truck.
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Derek C
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2002
10:01:16
| RE: SS Chrome Grill
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Message:
Well that made no sense I think. If the cover is going to be installed, then painted, I don't it would be a good idea to have the inserts in. So I guess I will be putting the inserts in after the bumper is installed. Sorry my bain is running slow on a monday morning :)
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