Painting Rocker Panel Covers

[RRoller123]

Silly question, but the thought occurs to me that I might want to paint my ribbed rocker panel covers to match the car color. These are the ribbed aluminum pieces that are pop riveted to the rocker panels. Mine are black and aluminum. I like them for the protection they provide, but don't really like the look, so I am thinking of painting them. Has anyone done this? How do you prep to paint these things?

[spider2081]

I don't think they are original. Aluminum requires special primers for the paint to stick properly. You might go to your local Auto Paint supply house and get a quart. There is also a wash the aluminum gets treated with depending on the primer you purchase.

[RRoller123]

Thanks, that helps! I am not sure what they will look like painted, ribs and all, and I know that the color underneath is likely the original bronze car color, so I am not wanting to remove them. These were dealer installed in the states, but you are correct, they did not come from the factory. But they are authentic Fiat.