Metal Center Cowl ???

[CookieMonster]

I've always hated the amount of black plastic the wranglers have on them, and with my new 392.... that massive black plastic center cowl on the hood has got to go! I'm looking for a metal replacement to color match, either same/similar to the OE part, or completely custom. I've searched forums and all corners of the internet, with only one found made by Warrior Products.

It's okay looking...... but not in love with it!
Anyone out there know of any other metal replacements for this part?

 

[CPT Papa]

The plastic one can be painted to match. I will be doing my wife's 18 Sahara and will probably do the 392 also. Any reason for metal?

 

[JeepnJam]

Metalcloak makes a metal catwalk, but that just covers the plastic so probably doesn’t count.

 

[CookieMonster]

The plastic one can be painted to match. I will be doing my wife's 18 Sahara and will probably do the 392 also. Any reason for metal?

I have a couple reasons for not painting the plastic one. It has a textured surface, so it will be impossible scuff properly for proper primer adhesion, and will leave a less than glossy finish with the top coat. Removing it later on in the future will most likely crack the paint where the plastic flexes. I doubt the paint would last long term on exterior plastic, but I could be wrong.
I guess it just depends on what you'd be looking for in a final product.... what your will to live with or without.

 

[CPT Papa]

I have a couple reasons for not painting the plastic one. It has a textured surface, so it will be impossible scuff properly for proper primer adhesion, and will leave a less than glossy finish with the top coat. Removing it later on in the future will most likely crack the paint where the plastic flexes. I doubt the paint would last long term on exterior plastic, but I could be wrong.
I guess it just depends on what you'd be looking for in a final product.... what your will to live with or without.

I painted the plastic crush can covers on the front bumper. Just takes proper prep and the right materials. The clear coat is just as glossy, maybe more gloss than the factory, no orange peel. It is surprisingly flexible. I just cleared a single layer of carbon fiber I am using behind the 392 logo and can flex it. Not much different than painting a plastic bumper.

 

[CookieMonster]

I painted the plastic crush can covers on the front bumper. Just takes proper prep and the right materials. The clear coat is just as glossy, maybe more gloss than the factory, no orange peel. It is surprisingly flexible. I just cleared a single layer of carbon fiber I am using behind the 392 logo and can flex it. Not much different than painting a plastic bumper.

Thanks for the inputs, you make some good points. I'll reconsider and maybe talk to a painter again. My experiences are from many years ago, and I assume products have improved.

 

[veddersbetter]

I've always hated the amount of black plastic the wranglers have on them, and with my new 392.... that massive black plastic center cowl on the hood has got to go! I'm looking for a metal replacement to color match, either same/similar to the OE part, or completely custom. I've searched forums and all corners of the internet, with only one found made by Warrior Products.

It's okay looking...... but not in love with it!
Anyone out there know of any other metal replacements for this part?

View attachment 2230

Try www.distinctionapplied.com . They sell on ebay and have some prepainted parts with a core charge... the cowl is one of them. I am ordering some dash panels from them in matte hydro once my Jeep arrives. Theyre very responsive to any questions.

 

[CookieMonster]

Try www.distinctionapplied.com . They sell on ebay and have some prepainted parts with a core charge... the cowl is one of them. I am ordering some dash panels from them in matte hydro once my Jeep arrives. Theyre very responsive to any questions.

Great recommendation! Thank you very much!
I like what I see on their site, and their exchange program is awesome. I had found a chroming site like this when I was building my Harley years ago. I will definitely use these guys for dash panel paint and maybe a couple others things.

Cheers!