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Blue Ribbon 4x4 Build Thread

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by BlueRibbon4x4, Jul 25, 2020.

  1. Feb 4, 2021 at 8:32 PM
    #151
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks Tin!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  2. Feb 5, 2021 at 1:47 PM
    #152
    Eric6621

    Eric6621 New Member

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    Some creative ideas and nice work. Took notes for my truck :cheers:
     
    ElNopal and Rica25 like this.
  3. Feb 5, 2021 at 3:38 PM
    #153
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Awesome! And thank you!
     
    Eric6621[QUOTED] and Rica25 like this.
  4. Feb 6, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #154
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    I figured that I’ll do a slow write-up on the new retrofits. I wrote one already in the Barcelona Red Retrofit thread, but I’ll focus on pulling the headlights apart, proper paint preparation, and setting up the headlight beams. This is my current setup:
    Color matched bezels in 8T5 Blue Ribbon Badass Metallic.
    Acme projector kit with Morimoto harness
    Morimoto replacement H1 headlight bulbs
    Panamera shrouds
    Cheap Amazon sequential drl/signals

    E0EA1248-0EDB-4CCE-A5A7-9A5BE144AA8E.jpg 3D4D65BB-F8FE-4A5F-B19C-B5986B44E8EE.jpg

    Couple things first. I’m tired of messing around with HID bulbs. The harness, ballasts, and burning ass HID bulbs are a pain. You have to shim H1 bulbs for projectors sometimes to get the beam pattern correct. Right now I’m at a crossroads between upgrading the setup to LED projectors, or sticking with my current HIDs. The elite retrofit schmuck will say not to put LEDs in HID projectors. They look bright, but don’t carry much distance. So we’ll see what happens.

    Opening up the headlights:

    There are a few threads on this, but I’ll just explain everything.

    First, pull the screws out of the back of the headlamp. Use a T15 torx bit.

    81F382FE-ECE8-464D-9107-163EF24C7C35.jpg

    I cut a couple of 1x4 pine boards to fit on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 220F. Place the light lens up on the boards. Be sure that the sides of the light are not touching the sides, top or directly on the rack of the oven. It WILL melt the plastic.

    249F9C83-7B02-4A64-B088-18BD3B5C6BE1.jpg

    Then after the oven at 220F, 20 min, the permaseal becomes somewhat soft. I can get it done with a couple flathead screwdrivers and only once in the oven. Start at the bottom of the light, and continue around the inside (blinker), over the top, and do the outside (side marker) last. Using one screwdriver to hold the area that’s already pried open, use the other to continue around the headlight. As you go, be sure to open the tabs that hold the bucket to the lens.

    3780CE0F-F5F5-4EA3-B986-69F0F0AC14CB.jpg

    Having gone around the bottom, blinker aide and top, just the marker side is left, pull the light apart with your hands and open it like a door, pulling the two pieces slowly apart.

    58AE7218-2350-42DA-8754-3094A0E27286.jpg

    DO NOT TOUCH THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. The oils from your fingers, even gloves will stay or scratch the inside of the lens. It is super fragile and you will see them when your lights turn on. I have a way to clean them, I’ll explain later.

    Once the bucket is separated from the lens, be sure to remove all the sealant from the groove so there’s no issues resealing. The channel should be clean. This may take a while, it is stubborn.

    A5511140-9541-45F5-9928-621F4C3E9014.jpg

    Then, pull the screws out of the lens holding the bezel in place. Remove the bezel and place the lenses somewhere safe. I use a giant tupperware, or you can wrap them in saran wrap.

    0514A8F9-DBD6-4C9D-A57F-34F3688BA77B.jpg

    Then you can remove the lower portion of the bezel from the assembly, and the marker lens from the bezel.
    B5578765-AE59-42AC-9D74-C1C80FBC3993.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Feb 6, 2021
  5. Feb 6, 2021 at 10:04 AM
    #155
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Removing the chrome. Using a red scotch brite pad and Zep Industrial Degreaser, remove as much of the chrome as possible. I’ll be using adhesion promoter for the paint to stick, but removing the chrome will ensure there are no paint issues later. 6BC3BF0F-7B56-442C-854D-31E95F823C4E.jpg
     
  6. Feb 6, 2021 at 11:22 AM
    #156
    Fotnot

    Fotnot SSEM #69; LRCS#1

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    Curious to see how well the chrome removal and paint adhesion goes. I'm probably gonna attempt to scuff my chrome grille to color match. Will use something like am etching primer to make sure it adheres well
     
  7. Feb 6, 2021 at 4:17 PM
    #157
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Sweet! Etching primer is great for metal. Adhesion promoter will be your friend when going over the chromed plastic. These bezels have very thin chrome, so most if it will come off. The grille will have a more substantial chrome layer.
     
    ElNopal and Fotnot[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Feb 6, 2021 at 5:36 PM
    #158
    Fotnot

    Fotnot SSEM #69; LRCS#1

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    Thnx for heads up! I'll prob be ordering soon, so I'll grab a can or 2 of that
     
  9. Feb 9, 2021 at 4:30 PM
    #159
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Taking a break from electrical mods. A little safety. FBCD724B-575D-490B-8785-C2C03BA81173.jpg 4A95B662-2806-4AC1-AD83-F8975622DFE5.jpg D262C1D2-7A30-4409-AD95-33966294DE48.jpg E3A3D499-714C-4602-A004-8023EF7021D0.jpg
     
    TreeCat, mav7021234, GODZILLA and 6 others like this.
  10. Feb 10, 2021 at 7:01 PM
    #160
    Velocity72

    Velocity72 New Member

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    Just looked through the whole thread. Awesome work. The truck looks amazing.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP], ElNopal and Rica25 like this.
  11. Feb 10, 2021 at 7:32 PM
    #161
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thank you so much, bud!!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  12. Feb 13, 2021 at 3:44 PM
    #162
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Continuing with the new retrofit build.

    I really wanted something different for the DRLs. So I’m making my own. I’m really thinking of changing everything to amber. DRLs, Panamera shrouds, and the side markers. Definitely decided on ditching the lower sequential DRLs, they’re just overdone.

    I removed the turn signal buckets and prepped and painted them matte black. The LED turns will still be super bright, but I wanted the backdrop to be black when they’re off. I traced the face of both buckets onto a piece of 1/16” plexiglass. Cutting them on the bandsaw, I made 4 in case I screwed up. EB9A72B2-5152-4C45-B298-6AC89E0DF5BB.jpg 1445F9B8-50DE-496D-908D-B33AC35C8127.jpg 47717CE6-7FB6-4C59-8C4E-66C512D5ECF3.jpg 6C8AA10C-0F9C-4B05-820A-73B7E5649FE5.jpg

    Then I frosted both sides of the plexiglass by sanding with 220 grit sandpaper, also making a cover piece for the side markers and epoxied them together. These will get taped off and painted. Then I cut 10 strips of plastic 1x5 inches, prepped and painted them matte black for the DRL assembly. F7DEDE73-CEB6-4823-ABFF-17DD843D2AE9.jpg051F7665-65FD-426A-BDED-A9EBE9071190.jpg

    After using epoxy to glue the pieces together, you can see how the idea is coming together.

    EC37FAFA-15BD-4A3D-A59C-B5EA7564B3F8.jpg
     
    GAknight, tinman10101, Rica25 and 3 others like this.
  13. Feb 13, 2021 at 3:58 PM
    #163
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

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    Tastefully enhanced...
    Damn that's great thinking and looking! Well done Geno!
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] and Rica25 like this.
  14. Feb 13, 2021 at 4:11 PM
    #164
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

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    As always, I wish you were done the street and it was easier for me to do this

    :spending:



    :rofl: It looks killer! Can't wait for the end result
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] and Rica25 like this.
  15. Feb 13, 2021 at 4:26 PM
    #165
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks fellas!!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  16. Feb 14, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #166
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Starting to paint the headlamp bezels. After removing the chrome (this was an early pic, I was actually able to remove more of the chrome), I sprayed them with adhesion promoter. 3 light coats, 20 minutes between coats. Then the filler primer, 3 light coats. After wet sanding, I’ll spray them with the flat black and matte clear. 9770AD9B-FA59-433A-8D7B-0E45E7F53146.jpgC3BDBA85-36D7-4C82-8A1F-B8A9FCD052FF.jpg D1EE208A-37E0-442D-8F70-ABA900AEF3C8.jpg
     
  17. Feb 14, 2021 at 1:59 PM
    #167
    paulbk

    paulbk New Member

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    Nice work!!!
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] and Rica25 like this.
  18. Feb 14, 2021 at 2:57 PM
    #168
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thank you!
     
  19. Feb 16, 2021 at 3:53 PM
    #169
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    I had this color lying around so I painted the bezels for contrast ideas. This blue won’t be final.
    The bezels will probably be two tone, with matte black and Blue Ribbon, and the side markers will be done the same. I’d like to find a color match close to my shackles and winch hook, closer to a cobalt blue, to maybe get some accents in with the Blue Ribbon on the Panamera shrouds.
    B1F2237E-FCC8-4BAD-9541-F5FA5A760216.jpg 45068799-EC51-4570-8F94-EC87F91E9018.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2021
    GODZILLA, GAknight, Rica25 and 2 others like this.
  20. Feb 16, 2021 at 4:02 PM
    #170
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

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    Your work is always top notch!! Looks killer, can't wait to see the end result and them then on your truck.
     
  21. Feb 16, 2021 at 4:05 PM
    #171
    tinman10101

    tinman10101 Ah cha cha cha

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    wow i like that blue Geno!!! it looks like the calvary blue. dope. cant wait to see it when its done.
     
  22. Feb 16, 2021 at 4:06 PM
    #172
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks Robert and Tin!!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  23. Feb 17, 2021 at 4:18 PM
    #173
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Wanted to get a lit up sneak peek. I get all dorkus excited when I get to light crap up. Can’t wait till the Panameras go in. Making them full time amber, but still functional turn signals, I’ll be able to bring the wiring back to stock, and clean up a lot of the mess under the hood, and reattach the DRL wire under the dash-there are tutorials on disabling your DRL (required for additional switchback DRLs).
    166E2732-BD30-496F-BF06-C966BF2072E8.jpg 3F936326-48C0-482F-B7BB-F42835F5BCD1.jpg
    Also gonna show the power converter I use for 110v to 12v. I’ve been using this for quite some time, and it’s cheap and works great. I just haven’t had a minute to build a box with a switch for it, which I really should.



    Padarsey 110/220V to DC12V 10A 120W Switch Power Supply Driver Power Transformer for CCTV Camera Security System LED Strip Light(12V 10A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JSC7E7...abc_6BNRG5KJ76426WWZ0HWV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
    3ABE1376-4AD2-4816-8173-7CA1DCB9E234.jpg
    14BD0BE0-E686-40D4-B600-A7836CE37A4F.jpg
     
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  24. Feb 17, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #174
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

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    :eek2: looks awesome!
     
  25. Feb 17, 2021 at 4:54 PM
    #175
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks Robert!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  26. Feb 19, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #176
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Ugh. Full disclosure, homies. I’m not gonna do a build thread without showing my screw ups. Reading time:

    I got ready to apply the base coat to the bezels, the prior coat had dried about three days. I wet sanded at 1500 grit to prep, then degreased. As I applied the first coat of base, the paint wrinkled up badly. When that happens, it means that the paint has either not dried properly for the next coat, or it is reacting to the prior coat. Since I’ve done this a few times, the only thing I did differently was the filler primer. I usually use self etching primer because I always have it on hand. Spray paints each react differently to plastics. Using Rustoleum 2X solves this issue, but my filler primer was not 2X, but neither is self etching primer, but I know it works. So I had to strip the bezels. I used lacquer thinner then degreaser, then soap and water. Time to try again.
    4AAB6408-2760-42BD-886F-DB60334FE7D1.jpg
     
  27. Feb 19, 2021 at 5:29 PM
    #177
    Fotnot

    Fotnot SSEM #69; LRCS#1

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    Dang man. It happens tho. Good luck on the next round
     
  28. Feb 20, 2021 at 10:46 AM
    #178
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Woo! Back on track. Sometimes personal tried and tested beats anything in a rulebook.

    After stripping the bezels, I sprayed them with Rustoleum 2X flat black, no primer. The 2X bonded to the plastic perfectly. Then, using very light coats, applied my base - Rustoleum metallic cobalt blue. Then sprayed the side markers and lower inserts flat black with matte clear.
    I had an old faulty Panamera shroud that I tried a paint scheme on, with flat black and the same metallic cobalt blue. This was just a quick test piece, so the next two will have much cleaner lines.
    Still need to two-tone the side marker, and figure out what will stay cobalt blue and what will be color matched Blue Ribbon.
    B61D907F-40BD-4C3C-BE86-B4BC48561E8C.jpg 4A95240B-DB08-47E7-A354-1B3F594D0171.jpg AEF59468-4741-4A40-AC4B-B49FA023F3A7.jpg 2158C658-6919-4F6A-85B6-760E2D833882.jpg 027C4B1D-D99A-44DF-96D3-94F4412D673B.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2021
  29. Feb 20, 2021 at 1:49 PM
    #179
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Moving on to 8T5! Two tone side markers, then gonna two tone the bezels, then 2K clear. I’ll have to paint the Panamera shrouds when I disassemble the headlights on the truck.
    610E2C53-972E-4474-8723-EE3068CDFAE6.jpg
     
    GAknight, Fotnot, Rica25 and 3 others like this.
  30. Feb 20, 2021 at 5:00 PM
    #180
    Rica25

    Rica25 Got Bam? IG ......@TNDRA08

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    TRD sway bar...addictive audio sub woofer.....Volant intake.....Black Rhino Glamis wheels....Billstein adjustable shocks
    Those are looking bad ass. On my way to your house so you can do mine now.
     
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