Repainting: Replace Wood or Not?

[Schlagger]

The time is quickly coming to repaint the Grand Wagoneer. It is currently maroon with wood paneling (stock).

Repaint will be the same color, but should I lose the wood or keep it?

Poll will decide my actions, so vote wisely!

[funhog]

If you don't keep it you should replace it. We have a green wag that was repainted and the wood taken off. We are going to put new wood on it.

[Dirtball]

Lose it... it'll just end up dry rotting/pealing anyway... do you REALLY think it looks good?

[Schlagger]

No, not really. I might even go all black. Just curious what the general feeling among long timer FSJers is...

[firecaptain13]

I'm up in the air right now on mine, too. Mine is light brown with the wood. Thinking seriously about going two tone with the light brown and forest green

[jcz1978]

It's your Jeep...do what you like!

I've always thought the de-wooded FSJs look odd. If you don't go back with wood, maybe some kind of two-tone design would look good. Kinda like the Eddie Bauer or XLT type jobs Ford had in the late 80s, only with, you know, colors that look good together.

[BarryL]

Lose it. It's not wood, it's a vinyl sticker.

I plan to get rid of mine. If I decide I really want a wood look, I'll replace with the real thing...

[Schlagger]

I was kinda thinking the same thing. Maybe burlwood-or teak? Is there a kit for that, or would it have to be custom. Those are some tough curves to match...

[18cherokee]

bj's have a kit that is not exactly the same as the original - the molding is slightly thinner.

[Schlagger]

Well, the original is peeling on every corner, so I dont know why I would replace it with something flimsier. I (and the poll) am heavily leaning towards ditching the "wood".

[armyfsj]

Mine is de-wooded and I like it better that way it does need something to break up the slab sides though.

[spaulding]

You mentioned black with out wood. That's what ours is. Someone else mentioned de-wooded wags looking odd. The PO romoved the rood rack and I think that helps with the body lines looking better.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa306/spauldings/general%20jeep%20pics/Picture2008.jpg

[janie]

Dump the wood.

[shadowjeep]

ditch the wood, and pic a good color that you like.:p

[jeepcomj]

still looks wierd

...dump the wood but two-tone it with a different color where the wood was.

[misfittom138]

Or two tone it in that spot just under the door handles. That groove is just begging to be a different color! :)

[addicted]

I say keep the wood but with a twist. If I ever get around to getting mine running again and get to repainting it I am keeping it the same color and replacing the wood with a custom wood paint job.

If any of you watch trick my truck, the Fort Stockton truck was painted like a tree house and the wood planks looked really good. I have even seen the truck in person and it looks better than on tv.

So I was going to have it painted on trim and all. That way I won't have to worry about it fading and peeling or the stupid rivet holes for moisture and salt to get through and rust it out.

[Schlagger]

Well, this truck is for off-roading, not lookin' pretty. I'll probably paint it myself, because I really dont see the point in dropping 2-3K on a paint job so I can leave it on a tree somewhere.

If funds were no object, I would do that, but I'm sure its insanely expensive:eek:

[addicted]

Well, this truck is for off-roading, not lookin' pretty. I'll probably paint it myself, because I really dont see the point in dropping 2-3K on a paint job so I can leave it on a tree somewhere.

If funds were no object, I would do that, but I'm sure its insanely expensive:eek:

Mine is gonna be an all around rig (vacations, DD, cruiser) that I plan on keeping for a long time and I have never been into trails that require lots of lift and bigger than 33" tires. So I see your point. Definatley not a good idea for a trail rig.

[710 Burner]

I like the wood, but I have seen some examples of Wags that are woodless that looked good too. Since you are primarilly going to wheel it, I think I would consider skipping the wood as it would probably end up torn or skinned anyway. If you could find the stainless trim that was on the mid-late 70's(?) wags that fits the "arrow" indent on the side of the wag, I always thought that would look good to break up the color a little.

[Dirtball]

Or two tone it in that spot just under the door handles. That groove is just begging to be a different color! :)

Something like this?

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g101/Bham_old_fart/100_1421-blacktop.jpg

I actually want to go a little wider... but it gives the idea...

[Schlagger]

Thats a sweet ride Dirtball-did you do the paint job yourself?

[Dirtball]

I'm not finished with it, but yep... me and MSPaint in that particular pic...

Thanks for the compliment...

[waynestiles]

get rid of the trim, that way you can avoid the termites and carpenter bees.

Eventually I'll be doing that with mine. Probably going with a black and white scheme with a black accent stripe in that "groove" in the bodywork and "blacking out" most of the chrome.

[18cherokee]

still looks wierd

...dump the wood but two-tone it with a different color where the wood was.

nice - about tens minutes into "scarface" (high-way scene) theres a soft yellow 4 door sj - could presume it to be a wagoneer - white roof & then white along the sides where the wood usually goes on the later models - looks sweet :thumbsup:

[HorribleHarry]

here are my before & after pics.

beforehttp://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9620/1003607ek9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)afterhttp://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9804/1004696copyng1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

there is something nice to be said about the woodgrain when it is in good shape, it looks classy & does compliment the lines of the vehicle. That being said, I like MINE without...(makes it look like the one at the beginning of my signature!)

scrape it off!:thumbsup:

[Schlagger]

Wow, when they are side by side like that, the choice is clear. The wood has got to go! When I repaint, I'll be leaving it off. I kind of like the solid color look, and since I'll be painting myself (with NO experience), I'd rather not try the pinstripe.

Thanks to all who responded-I'll leave it open for a while to make the poll more "scientific":p

[trellis8]

I'd keep it if it wasn't so expensive to replace. I do like the look of the woody, but it is a pain in the butt!

[HorribleHarry]

One thing I figured out is that outer moulding for the trim is HEAVY! It isn't 20 pounds but it's close... and every pound counts. I do like the earlier waggies that have the wood just in the recessed panel on the side, that's snazzy!

My sides are just white primered... up close they look terrible, but since my rig is all rusted (lived at the beach) I'm not too worried about it getting torn up.
Harry

[Mahamotorworks]

I think that the lighter colors look good with the wood grain. The darker coloers look good with out it. That is why I am going to Keep the Wood on my White 89 and no wood for the primer black 77, the PO took it off any way. If you are going to paint it your self stay away from black it will show every little ding and scratch that you miss when sanding. I think that beige would look good on a FSJ. I just dont have one to paint Beige.

MAHA

[JPSwapMohn]

I am planning to loose the wood and go with a off-white top and either orange or the old sort-of lime green on the main body. I have seen several of the narrow-track cherokees and a few old waggys with this original color scheme and think it looks classic.
I have been collecting pictures from the Readers Rig here and anywhere else I can find them for comparison. I like the look of my tan rig with the wood, but wanted an older rig when I found this one. The body was in such good shape, I couldn't pass it up.

[motox-010]

When I need to repaint my door, I will be in the same situation as this. I dont know what is underneath the wood, I hope that the paint is in good condition. It will just be a descision I make when the time comes.

[18cherokee]

Wow, when they are side by side like that, the choice is clear. The wood has got to go! .....

& yet, i thought the exact opposite!!

[80fsj]

Lose it.

[Thomas792]

When I get the time, mine is going to get painted forest green and new wood is going on with BJ's trim kit.

[joe]

Lose the packing crate. ;)

[james1414d]

& yet, i thought the exact opposite!!



your toilets flush in the opposite direction too huh? :)
BTW I voted wood free. I've never owned a grand wagoneer. I think the wood looks, well, fake.

[Hud]

Can not believe I voted to keep it, but, as much as I toss and turn, wanting to de-wood mine....without the wood it ain't no WOODY!
I have seen a guy on here that had cammo inserts placed over the wood and what I'm even thinking about having done is the graphic guys cover it with a darker woodgrain.
ALSO, AND FORGIVE ME, I can not for the life of me recall who, but someone did an super job of maroon with marbling on the top half and pearl white on the lower half. It was prob. one of the best paint jobs I have ever seen. Post your pics.

[Strider]

Lose it! (It's on my never-ending to-do list)

[Schlagger]

Ok, finally got photobucket going. Here's some pics to go along with the thread. I had the lift kit on the Chief first and swapped it out to the Wagoneer.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/schlagger/2007_06140141.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/schlagger/2007_06140148.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/schlagger/2007_06140165.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/schlagger/2007_06140169.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/schlagger/2007_06140171.jpg

[Schlagger]

OK, some of you are going to think I'm insane. Its VERY hard to see in the pics, but the corners of every single panel are peeling, and getting worse every day. Although the wood is not terrible, the panels are going to start falling off when I drive fast (which is easy due to the 2.73s:mad:

[18cherokee]

ok, well all of these people planning to take the wood off, try to keep the molding lookin' good - theres a few blokes down my way that may very well be willing to buy it from you if you dont stuff it up during the process. we wait to hear from you!

[18cherokee]

47 remove, 29 keep? c'mon folks, thats a rort for sure!!!! :(

[Heckofadeal]

I'm losing mine as well. It's all faded and nasty. I'm completely painting mine in a bedliner material. think I'll try to do some kind of two tone though to make it look right... :)

[Schlagger]

Can I get some feedback from someone who installed the BJs kit?
How about you TPI? Whats your opinion of the kit?

[Dirtball]

I think it looks pretty darn good like this... :D

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g101/Bham_old_fart/SchlaggersWaggydewooded.jpg

The black just sets it off...

[Schlagger]

Dirtball, you are the man! PS-you have too much free time! :D

Just kidding, it looks good. It also makes me think the color needs to be black on black. Although I prefer the no wood look, that color is not the best...

[Dirtball]

I like the color... it's different... but black on black is good too...

I was just playing around while I watched the game this afternoon... had a lot of fun. Look up an old thread of mine on painting my truck to see how much fun a lot of others have doing this... it's truly worth the time. All kinds of cool paint designs, etc., came from that thread, and it was all done with Paint programs... I'll see what I can do about black on black... it's fun to mess around...

[Schlagger]

The more I look at it, the more I like it. Maybe maroon is the way to go:confused: , or maybe I am a maroon!:o

[SirPaul64]

anyone have any feedback on bjs kit? I believe it only comes in marine teak though which sucks. Is the trim raised like the stock trim or is it the same as the panels?

[Dirtball]

The more I look at it, the more I like it. Maybe maroon is the way to go:confused: , or maybe I am a maroon!:o

Just remember... if you change colors you have the engine bay, the door jambs, all of the other exposed interior metal... my truck was brown, then I changed to yellow... that way I changed colors without HAVING to paint all that other stuff... the brown and yellow mix really well... think about black and that light maroon color... :eek:

[Dirtball]

Check this out... you might find it interesting...

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=75849&highlight=painting

[Schlagger]

You're probably right. I may stick with the maroon. Lots to do before I think about paint though. Right now my fuel pump is sitting on the coffee table next to me, so I'll start with that :) :)

I'm also toying with the idea of durabaking the whole thing. Anyone have experience/pics with something like that?

[Dirtball]

There have been several Durabak'd FSJs on here... search, or maybe it's still active, something close to "daughter has the jeep disease" and see what Mickey's J-10's bed looked like after she Durabak'd it yellow... really, really nice...

[woodstock]

Well, this truck is for off-roading, not lookin' pretty. I'll probably paint it myself, because I really dont see the point in dropping 2-3K on a paint job so I can leave it on a tree somewhere.

If funds were no object, I would do that, but I'm sure its insanely expensive:eek:

I was about to say replace the woodgrain, I personally like it. You have a woodless Chero, so it's nice to have a little variety. That's the way it is with my 88 GW and 75 Chero. But, if you're just off-roading anyway...who cares about wood. I'm going to other way; stock for the GW and offroading the Chero.

[rjgilliam]

Well, this truck is for off-roading, not lookin' pretty.

It sounds like you might have already made up your mind. My thoughts are if you like the classic look and want to keep it original-like, keep the wood (that's my preference), but if you'll be scuffing it up off-roading, in the woods, etc. I think you are already leaning towards the other, which would be more practical.

[N2Jeeps]

Well to throw my .02 in..... these rigs never came with wood.... only cheap plastic stickers. It seems to me the 63 was the original intent of the designers and for the first 10 years or so the wood was kept to a small strip.

I ditched the plastic wood and never looked back.

I also considered the black roof and black stripe but in the end went with a kinda Cherokee Chief scheme. The link below is my de-wooded Waggy

http://n2jeeps.com (http://n2jeeps.com/#46)

[COLOFIREMAN]

I voted to keep it, but I have been tossing around the idea to try to install real wood on it. I have a guy here that use to build boats and he says he can steam the wood and bend it without breaking it. I don't know if it will work but I gues it's worth a try?:cool:

[Rednex4x4s]

I am going back that deep burgoundy that is on mine but gonna Rhino from the top of the fender wells down.

[waynestiles]

vote for taking it off, especially if you do something to avoid the slab look. I'll be doing it on mine eventually.

[Eugene 1]

I do not own a waggy, but i would keep the wood if i could find some real wood instead of graphics, otherwise i would take it off and go with one of the many Ideas here..IMO

[Rustyy]

The more photos I've seen the more I like the original look, my 89 Wagoneer doesn't have the wood but I'm planning to put it on, I prefer the original, classic look.

[kennyh]

I had mine removed when I had it painted in '89. The chrome trim that was originally around the wood does break up the slab-sided look though.

Oh yeah, I added some stainless trim at the bottom (JC Whitney, $60 in '89)

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/3834/pict0028yp8.th.jpg (http://img472.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict0028yp8.jpg)

[energyhutch]

I think that there are ways to make it look great without the wood. Originally and when the "wood" is in perfect condition along with the paint I think it looks great, but if either is fadded or old it doesnt look as sharp. Two tone seems like a good option, anybody have any pics of two tone no-wood wags?

[ChileWaggy]

here are my before & after pics.

beforehttp://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9620/1003607ek9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)afterhttp://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9804/1004696copyng1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



OK, the Waggy looks better, but now your house looks older :D

Keep it :thumbsup:

[spyderkeeper]

A lot of people have been asking about two tone. Here's a craigslist posting that's two tone:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/574964123.html
I think it is heinous and worse then wood or nothing, IMHO.

[cttandy]

How about painting it back the factory color, then matching the wood trim, in shape and design and paint that area black. I think it would look pretty tough like that.

[Songman]

The PO took the wood off of mine but painted a big brown patch exactly where the wood was so from a distance you would still think it has wood.
Personally, I like the wood so have been looking at putting it back on. BJs has the kit but it is currently out of stock. They have the border for sale but not the vinyl. I think i am going to have my wood custom painted on whenever I decide to paint the truck instead of applying the decal.

[Treeshark]

If it's in good shape, keep the wood! It's part of what sets these beasts apart.

[jaber]

This is my wifes Wag. I took the wood off with a rubber earaser wheel and the paint undernieth was in fair condition.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/1-1-08001a.jpg

Where the vinyl had started to crack, it gave the clear coat the same cracked look. Mine looks ALOT better without, and was thinking of doing a solid maroon because we liked it.

[Rhino Racer]

I like the look of the wood sides with a coat of glossy dark paint like the midnight blue or burgundy Wags.

I figure by now you must have decided, so what was it?

[Logans Run]

OK, the Waggy looks better, but now your house looks older :D

Keep it :thumbsup:
made me laugh!

[Romanov]

The time is quickly coming to repaint the Grand Wagoneer. It is currently maroon with wood paneling (stock).

Repaint will be the same color, but should I lose the wood or keep it?

Poll will decide my actions, so vote wisely!

If you like the wood grain, replace it. If not, don't. A lot of people can come with a lot reason's to do or not to do a thing. But, they are not you. Sorry, I am a Libertarian. I do not do consensus.

[SNO*MAN]

If you like the wood have it painted on custom. The best stickers they use today are not meant to last more than a few years with the UV from the sun. Unless you have a garage to store it in, you will end up with another project.
Even full Wraps are available and look good for a while, some cost $2500-3k for a full body wrap, but will never outlast a good paint job.
Save the stickers for a window IMO.

[svining]

Wagoneer was a luxury version, lots of chrome and wood trim. Looks rich. For soccer moms, ski trips etc. If want to go off-roading, adding lots of off-road accessories that add their own trim package in a way IMO. :o

Off-roaders have their own appeal....when you get older and appreciate the finer things in life, you can always put it back on. Maybe by then there will be better wood trim options.:p :p lol

Mine has got new wood trim, and Forest green Metallic, Wheel and Bumpers buffed to almost a chrome brightness. I park way off in Parking lots because its like a magnet for well wishers and gawkers.:thumbsup: :D :)

We love Woodies in this house!!




I like the wood, but I have seen some examples of Wags that are woodless that looked good too. Since you are primarilly going to wheel it, I think I would consider skipping the wood as it would probably end up torn or skinned anyway. If you could find the stainless trim that was on the mid-late 70's(?) wags that fits the "arrow" indent on the side of the wag, I always thought that would look good to break up the color a little.

[COLOFIREMAN]

made me laugh!


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/COLOJEEPGUY2K/Emotions/old-thread-batman-1.jpg

:cool:

[donniesoup]

Kind of yes kind of no. Get the trim and put the small wood stripe or paint down the side.

[svining]

If you go to ebay you see folks paying $8500-10000 for stock good shape Waggie's. Other's on here lament no one will pay for my chopped up, one man's dream Waggie.

Go cheap, get nothing back...Hack it up, crash it in the ditches and wonder why no one will take a chance on your machine. Dude, that's cool! Sorry, not meaning to hurt anyone's feelings, but the facts speak for them selves.

Happy hour is over!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :p :p :p :p LOL, LOL





Kind of yes kind of no. Get the trim and put the small wood stripe or paint down the side.

[svining]

sounded harsh....it was not meant to be. Fact is the Wood trim is the last thing you add. So its also a new buyer could add type of thing. It is expensive, and easy to screw up the first time you do it!

I do like the lower chrome strip that some have added to make it look less boxy. What i meant to say before is that original look Waggies get more in return, more then it costs??:thumbsup: I think when its all faded and torn its a detracter as well.

Nelson Olivia is the fellow i bought mine from on Ebay and he says both original and new woodgrain are 10 year trims. Both can be gouged.;)


If you go to ebay you see folks paying $8500-10000 for stock good shape Waggie's. Other's on here lament no one will pay for my chopped up, one man's dream Waggie.

Go cheap, get nothing back...Hack it up, crash it in the ditches and wonder why no one will take a chance on your machine. Dude, that's cool! Sorry, not meaning to hurt anyone's feelings, but the facts speak for them selves.

Happy hour is over!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :p :p :p :p LOL, LOL

[WasBlue]

All of the Wagoneers in my family have been wood-free from the factory until mine. The wood is a h*ll of a conversation starter (women love it) but I cannot STAND the sight of it. It does a half-*ss job of covering up a gorgeous body line on the front fender (which makes it look like a total afterthought, and it is), it's usually peeling, faded, cracked, rusted underneath, or a combination of those, and the trim is a nightmare to keep on when it doesn't want to stick to the doors anymore. Plus, there is an optical illusion to it that takes away some of the visual mass of the truck.

[billyrb]

I think if you are going to wheel it, ditch it and don't look back. To me, woodgrain belongs on rigs that are on the road, not on trails as you'll just tear it up. And that is not to say that every rig needs 'grain. I have an 84 that was dewooded at some point, and I love it.