A-Pillar removal and paint questions

[MojaveJoe]

Hi Guys,



Need your advice on how to remove those oval caps over the fasteners holding the A-Pillar cover in the pic. (without dinging them up, I mean )



Also I have been trying to get a can of the Light Taupe (Lt Beige)

spray paint that has been mentioned here in other threads (Part # 05010128-AA) All the Dodge parts counters I call say its no longer available or in the warehouse. :{



What gives? Has this number been superceded? Is it still good for 04? What are my other options for matching this A-pillar paint on a black XMonitor pod?



Any advice or suggestions appreciated.



Thanx,

Joe

 

[MojaveJoe]

Heres the A-Pillar pic

Ooops!

 

[MojaveJoe]

What? Nobody has removed their A-Pillar cover on an 04 yet?

Hmmmmmmmmm... .

 

[SS]

Joe,



I believe that there is a small clip on the top and bottom of the caps. Use a small screwdriver to pry them out - they should be quite pliable. If you are really in the Mojave it should be no problem - otherwise do it when the interior is warm. Sorry I can't help with the paint right now.

 

[Boondocker]

paint pillars

That's right - small screw driver to pry out. I couldn't get a color match either for 2002. It's no wonder why, my interior has about 4 different colors, I think the assembly plant just used up whatever non-gray stock was left.



I removed BOTH pillars an painted them. At least they match each other. I did not paint the passenger-side grab handle because I figured it would get scratched after handling and look bad.



Spray one coat lightly and let dry completely. Repeat. Repeat.



Neil

 

[MojaveJoe]

Small screw driver works! '04 Paint found?

My small 2" thin blade screwdriver worked great. Thanks guys.



I called my dealer today and asked if he could get me some interior matching paint for my 04. He said "Dark Taupe" or "Taupe" I said well there's two shades of Taupe trim in the cab, so I want the lighter one "Taupe" I guess. He said 2 days. I'll call you, eh! I said Beauty, eh! (pretty close to Canade here *LOL*)



Now don't that just figure. Messed around for 2 days with an old Part number with 5 dealers who couldn't get it anymore, then offered no number to the parts dept at my own dealership and they come through (I HOPE!) Will advise if its an A-Pillar match in a couple days. Stand by all interested 04 owners.



Regards to all,

Joe

 

[MojaveJoe]

Painting plastic A-pillar...need advice

There a so many guys with gauges out there, most of you must have some tips on ways to paint plastic that is easier, better or more durable.



Care to share your tips, experiences, or things you wish you would have done different?



Looking forward to your help,

Joe

 

[DavidGardner]

Joe.



I bought a shakey can of matching paint from my local Dodge dealer. It was grey and matched my interior perfect. Just layed the A-Pilar on a piece of cardboard and sprayed it. Used light coats and put on three coats. Trick is to spray light and use more coats, that way you wont get runs.



Worked for me. Good luck!

 

[Photoman]

I ordered the factory paint from Geno's Garage. As stated above, several light coats do the trick and it comes out looking just like the original. I believe that Geno's now has the pro pods already painted in the factory color. Good luck with your install.

 

[crabman]

Plastic Paint

Krylon makes a paint especially for plastic now. {Fusion}

DG is right about the paint procedures.

crabman

 

[Wireman76]

Joe, I ordered my gauges ( autometer phantom series), and A-pillar triple pod with the factory taupe color injected into the pod. I have'nt actually seen it yet, since I've just ordered it of 12/29/04,through a reputable supplier.

 

[Gunnernmybike]

The A-pillar that's already color matched is a perfect match. If that's not the one you ordered, then get the paint from Geno's. They have everything you'll need. I ordered the A-pillar but then found out I still had to cut my grab handle off instead of just swapping out the A-pillars so I returned it and got the overhead 3 gauge mount. When I painted it, I put about 2 coats of gray primer on it and then another 3-4 coats of the factory matched paint. It turned out excellent. The big secret is to put on thin coats. Its not a big deal because they dry very quick.