Full Size Jeep Network

Next step: Wood grain. Looking for advice:
- Best/cheapest source for wood grain and molding

-What was the original color wood grain for 1987? BJs Off Road was nice enough to send samples of Marine Teak and Cherry Oak. I've called and sent inquiries to BJ's but no response. Also, they offer a $599 option and a $799 option. What's the difference?

-I see guides on YouTube for applying the Wood Grain. Are there any guides for applying the molding?

-On YouTube, Applying the wood grain looks pretty straight forward but I've had people tell me I should hire a professional. Anyone have any experience doing it? I'm pretty handy, but haven't done this before.

Thanks & Happy New Year!

I like it the way it is!

+1 as is she looks tremendous.

Just say no to shelf paper!

In other words, it looks great without.

Anyhoo, I've seen pics of installing it, Idunno where prolly youtube. I'ts done like window tint where you wet the surface with soap solution and squeegee it on.

Another vote for no wood grain. I like the current look

My 81 had what my wife referred to as 'tasteful' wood trim. This was factory original but no longer available. You might be able to source some used or get something similar aftermarket. It broke up the panel line a bit but wasn't as complicated as the full wood.

Don't get me wrong. I think with that color a 'full wood' set on yours would look really sharp! What front grill are you planning on using?

Does he have to drill holes to install the factory wood?

I fink it depends on the year. My '84 was stuck on with foam tape but I think at some later years there were holes.

Thanks everyone! I'm torn between the look as is and the wood grain. I'm all about original, so I'm leaning toward the wood grain. I may enjoy it as in in the spring and then decide. Anyone know if any Grand Wagoneers came from the factory without Wood Grain?

The vehicle had rivets for the molding. I filled them in just in case. The replacement moldings are peel & stick.

This is a solid, no rust vehicle. Just the paint & wood grain was really faded. I have the original grill, just need some time to reinstall it.

It was smart of you to delete the rivets and give yourself options.
As far as I know all of the Grand Wagoneers enjoyed the 'full wood treatment'.
I have never seen an aftermarket kit look 'original'. The color is always a bit off. But most folks won't notice and your truck will be handsome either way.

I’m not a fan of the full wood treatment, wouldn’t kick it to the curb just not a fan. I’d do throw back to the 60’s and do a woodgrain stripe to pay tribute to super wagoneers. I think it looks awesome but something to break it up a bit would be over the top cool.

What is the cost to get a G.W. painted with no color change.

I'm sure you could get by cheap with a can of paint and a roller, or send it to a body shop where your first born and DD will be needed to pay for it, as it mostly depends on how much of the prep work you will do, and how much you want them to do.

Price range......$30 up to $10,000+

Take it to several area body shops, get estimates, and check out lots of youtube vids to be informed.

Might check with local Community College, Tech School, or High School, that has a larger auto shop. See if you can get on their schedule if not in a rush?

If cost were the primary consideration, I would look into any local "one day" car painters. I expect this will be as cheap as DIY, if you're not set up to paint. I have done a couple of cars this way.

AFAIK the days of the $30 paint job are looong gone. I would expect to pay several hundred dollars for an acceptable one-day type respray. No body work, basic sanding and masking, catalyzed paint. Doors and hood shut, common colors, no custom color. Mask the backsides of the hood and door cracks yourself, to prevent overspray through them. Possible the shop will only have standard colors, and you'll have to pick the one that best matches.

There was a place in my area that advertised in the local Craigs list for resprays. You might find a similar individual or business near you.

A factory-quality respray with color match and door jambs will be thousands of dollars, if you can find a place that does restoration work. Best to not change color - it saves a lot of work, and looks better, but it's no magic ticket to a cheap paint job.

Yup....for the most part, the $30 paint job is gone.....

Or is it?

A can of paint just sittin' there

A roller/brush just sittin' there

Two guys just sittin' there...sharing a 12 pack of select alcoholic beverage, just came back from off roading the truck

One says he likes the color of "mud" on the truck

Cost - about $30