Excursion exterior advice...

[yavorssj]

As you can see in my sig, I have a 2000 Ex 7.3... I am in the beginning stages of doing some updates, but I need some advice ---> I just picked up a set of OEM 06 headlights and chromed grill. I am planning on picking up a new header panel to complete the install, but I have a few questions... Should (can) I stick with the 00 bumper, or should I just go ahead and do a full 05-07 front end swap?

I was thinking about removing the bottom molding and having the EX re-sprayed (found a REALLY good shop) ---> What says the hive about keeping the two-tone look, or just going with solid green? Or what about spray in bedliner two tone? With the original bumper or the newer front end?

I have so many ideas rolling around in my head I think the marbles are starting to loosen up...

I want this to be my own creation, but some helpful advice will help me from going bonkers

Thanks,

Steve Y.

[daddyusmaximus]

Two tone, black and green... have the tan part rhino lined. I did on mine, I had tan on bottom, but it made it a one tone. You'll love it when you hear the rocks bounce off the truck and know there is no damage being done!

[yavorssj]

That is actually the direction I was leaning... Get rid of the moulding and spray black bedliner as a replacement. Same for the running boards and rear bumper cover. What about the front bumper? 05? Or the blacked out industrial look? I personally like the durable look, but I also have to compromise since my wife uses the vehicle to haul the munchkins. She is more elegant than I...

[yavorssj]

What says the hive?

So far, I have pretty much figured that I want to keep the two tone, but with the lower black (using-spray-in-bedliner...).

I am thinking that I would like to spray the running boards and rear bumper "top." But what about the front end?... Variation on a 05, variation on stock, or "other?"

Creativity welcome... If not,

:-)

Steve Y.

[muddybuddy]

Originally Posted by yavorssj

I just picked up a set of OEM 06 headlights and chromed grill.

Should (can) I stick with the 00 bumper, or should I just go ahead and do a full 05-07 front end swap?

Everything that I've read says that the 05-07 grille will not fit the 04 and older bumper. It's a couple inches taller. You either need to install the 05-07 bumper or trim the grille to fit. There are a few writeups showing how & where to cut. Basically it's something like 2"'off of the bottom of the grille. The cut line should follow the top profile of your current bumper. Then since you cutoff the bottom mounts, you'll need to zip tie the bottom for support. Another option is to buy a newer grille that has already been cut like what MKM Customs sells. They say that theirs are cnc cut for a precise fit. It'll run you around $100 more than a stock grille but may save you some headaches.

[chrgd2000]

You could always do a wrap on the EX. Or just the lower part. It can be removed when you get tired of it or you can change it up. Just my .02.. I would also just do the complete 05-07 swap. Check CL you could find some cheap bumpers. I found mine for $200