Help me decide between the raw aluminum armor or body color match

[Rescue6]

I am amazed you would change anything, That Jeep looks tremendous, But for the weight saving I understand. If you are wheeling tight hard trails leave her bare. But you paint matched the original set for a reason.....haha.

Thanks for the compliment. I’ve had it since new in 1999. When I ordered it. It was the first brand new vehicle I ever bought myself. Ordered it through AAFES while deployed in the military. The steel stuff is about 8 years old from when I stretched it. I’m getting it ready for bigger tires and axles. So I’m doing the Highlines and then decided to do the rear armor change with the blank aluminum corners and new fenders as well. I did paint match it originally and it’s been great. I’ll be repainting the Jeep with a new hood and cowl replacement when all the armor is done as I got hail damage to those with racquet ball size hail. So painting it isn’t a problem Im just not set on it this time around. I love the Jeeps color but even that may change.

 

[suicideking]

I do like the aluminum for armor and anywhere that's going to get scratched. All the painted areas need to be constantly touched up, which is one more thing you have to keep up on.

Though the aluminum can get a cloudy look. I've heard of people using aluminum polish or scotch brite pads to keep it looking good. I haven't done any of that yet.

I have aluminum flares and corners. Seems to blend well with my silver. I'm about to paint another set of half doors to match the silver. Though if they start getting too scratched, I might go with the aluminum half door armor eventually.

I've also thought about doing a liner for a more uniform look.

Recent pic.

 

[Rescue6]

That's one of my favorite colors, so doing it body color would look awesome. The major con is scratching it is more difficult to recover from. If you're undecided, leave it unpainted for a while and see if you like it. Going the other way would obviously be more difficult!

If you're looking to break up the monotone, you could always leave the hardware stainless steel.

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Beautiful

 

[Rescue6]

I do like the aluminum for armor and anywhere that's going to get scratched. All the painted areas need to be constantly touched up, which is one more thing you have to keep up on.

Though the aluminum can get a cloudy look. I've heard of people using aluminum polish or scotch brite pads to keep it looking good. I haven't done any of that yet.

I have aluminum flares and corners. Seems to blend well with my silver. I'm about to paint another set of half doors to match the silver. Though if they start getting too scratched, I might go with the aluminum half door armor eventually.

I've also thought about doing a liner for a more uniform look.

Recent pic.

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Looks great

 

[Rescue6]

To me this is one of those function dictates form things. My corners have seen a good bit of use in the short time I’ve had them on. Me personally I couldn’t imagine painting the armor because it would be a scratched mess in short time. I like the look of body matched better but the raw look is a very close second and will stay looking good even with scratches
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Looks great. Did you build those cowl sliders or does someone sell them?

 

[Rescue6]

I’ve been wondering this on mine, but I’m keeping mine raw for now since I expect I’d otherwise be wanting to touch up the paint several times a season.

Aside from that, I’d probably color match. And keep the rub rail raw (to be installed when time allows).

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Nice Jeep and pic. I think I recognize that area.

 

[Rescue6]

I just don’t drag the corner armor on stuff, as long as I avoid the super crazy trails
That shouldn’t be too hard.

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Beautiful. I love that color

 

[Rescue6]

I am in the body color matching crowd. You will be happy with difference between the steel and the Alum. I know when I first bought my front fenders in steel to save a few bucks. But when they arrive and I opened the box I went holy shit these tings weight a ton. I returned them and ordered them in Alum and never looked back.

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Looks great as always

 

[Rescue6]

My previous TJ had natural aluminum, my present has mostly body matched. I prefer the natural look.

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I still remember your old red one from days past. I’m leaning towards raw aluminum and I can always paint it later if I decide to.

 

[rasband]

I still remember your old red one from days past. I’m leaning towards raw aluminum and I can always paint it later if I decide to.

Another option I considered momentarily was a wrap of the aluminum. Then it’s not committed to a color and can peel off, but similar to expecting to paint it regularly a wrap would probably not hold up too long.

 

[mrblaine]

To me this is one of those function dictates form things. My corners have seen a good bit of use in the short time I’ve had them on. Me personally I couldn’t imagine painting the armor because it would be a scratched mess in short time. I like the look of body matched better but the raw look is a very close second and will stay looking good even with scratches
View attachment 268846

The aluminum was always designed to be color matched. The main difference is you don't have to worry about it bleeding rust when you scratch it.

 

[starkey480]

Looks great. Did you build those cowl sliders or does someone sell them?

I built them modeled after a build Blaine did

 

[Midnight LJR]

Beautiful. I love that color

Thank you very much.