Hooligan
Rangerholic!!
How To: Strip and re-paint factory step bars from a 2001 Ranger XLT and any Ranger with the same steps.
Tools required :
Grinder or electric drill
Paint/rust stripping pads (atleast 2)
Socket set
VHT Rollbar/Chassis paint black or gloss your choice (minimum 2 cans)
Flathead screw driver
Gloves & safety glasses
Rubber mallet (optional)
Xylene (optional)
Step 1. STEP REMOVAL
Using the proper socket, remove the bolts underneath each side that hold the steps to the bracket.
Step 2. END CAP REMOVAL
Using a flathead screwdriver remove the end caps by prying them out partially, than pushing down
Step 3. PLASTIC STEP REMOVAL
Again using the flathead screwdriver, slide the screwdriver under the end of the plastic step, pry the plastic up with the screwdriver while pulling it up with your other hand working your way down the step. Take care in prying it up so you do not break the clips.
Step 4. GRINDING PAINT & RUST FROM THE STEPS
Using a grinder or electric drill, attach a paint/rust stripping pad and grind the paint and rust off the steps. MAKE SURE YOU ARE WEARING GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. THE STRIPPING PADS THROW ALOT OF DEBRIS WHEN GRINDING.
Step 5. CLEANING STEPS AFTER GRINDING
There are two options of cleaning off the steps after grinding. I used an air compressor and just blew them off with the air hose. You can opt to use Xylene to clean the steps off. Wearing rubber gloves and a clean rag dump Xylene on the rag and wipe the steps down and allow them to air dry. USE CAUTION WITH XYLENE, SKIN CONTACT MAY CAUSE BURNS, WEAR THE PROPER ATTIRE WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT!
Step 6. PAINTING THE STEPS
When painting the steps, its best to hang them when painting, However I leaned them against things to paint and I could still get them painted 360 degrees. Using the VHT rollbar/chassis paint, paint the bars in a sweeping motion, keeping the spray can 8-10 inches away from the bars. Go around the entire bar and make sure you do not let the paint build up and run. Allow 10 minutes drying time between coats. I applied three coats, you can do more to get to the way you want your steps.
Once your are done painting the steps, allow them to dry for atleast 24 hours before reinstallation. I chose VHT rollbar/chassis paint because it is a self priming paint and it is durable.
Step 7. RE-INSTALLING STEPS
Snap step pad back on starting at one end, working your way down, if the snaps are too difficult to snap in by hand, use a rubber mallet and gently tap them in. Slide and snap in end caps in reverse order in which they were taken off, then mount the steps back on to their brackets attached to the truck.
Before
After
Tools required :
Grinder or electric drill
Paint/rust stripping pads (atleast 2)
Socket set
VHT Rollbar/Chassis paint black or gloss your choice (minimum 2 cans)
Flathead screw driver
Gloves & safety glasses
Rubber mallet (optional)
Xylene (optional)
Step 1. STEP REMOVAL
Using the proper socket, remove the bolts underneath each side that hold the steps to the bracket.
Step 2. END CAP REMOVAL
Using a flathead screwdriver remove the end caps by prying them out partially, than pushing down
Step 3. PLASTIC STEP REMOVAL
Again using the flathead screwdriver, slide the screwdriver under the end of the plastic step, pry the plastic up with the screwdriver while pulling it up with your other hand working your way down the step. Take care in prying it up so you do not break the clips.
Step 4. GRINDING PAINT & RUST FROM THE STEPS
Using a grinder or electric drill, attach a paint/rust stripping pad and grind the paint and rust off the steps. MAKE SURE YOU ARE WEARING GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. THE STRIPPING PADS THROW ALOT OF DEBRIS WHEN GRINDING.
Step 5. CLEANING STEPS AFTER GRINDING
There are two options of cleaning off the steps after grinding. I used an air compressor and just blew them off with the air hose. You can opt to use Xylene to clean the steps off. Wearing rubber gloves and a clean rag dump Xylene on the rag and wipe the steps down and allow them to air dry. USE CAUTION WITH XYLENE, SKIN CONTACT MAY CAUSE BURNS, WEAR THE PROPER ATTIRE WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT!
Step 6. PAINTING THE STEPS
When painting the steps, its best to hang them when painting, However I leaned them against things to paint and I could still get them painted 360 degrees. Using the VHT rollbar/chassis paint, paint the bars in a sweeping motion, keeping the spray can 8-10 inches away from the bars. Go around the entire bar and make sure you do not let the paint build up and run. Allow 10 minutes drying time between coats. I applied three coats, you can do more to get to the way you want your steps.
Once your are done painting the steps, allow them to dry for atleast 24 hours before reinstallation. I chose VHT rollbar/chassis paint because it is a self priming paint and it is durable.
Step 7. RE-INSTALLING STEPS
Snap step pad back on starting at one end, working your way down, if the snaps are too difficult to snap in by hand, use a rubber mallet and gently tap them in. Slide and snap in end caps in reverse order in which they were taken off, then mount the steps back on to their brackets attached to the truck.
Before
After
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