unpainted cladding for Laredo SE?

[DavidESchiller]

I'm going to be buying a '98 ZJ for a winter beater that I will probably be giving to my girlfriend. it's a really clean 4.0L with about 150k on it that's been maintained really well and I'm getting it for an awesome price from a family member. the only problem is that it's a Laredo SE so it has the painted bumpers and side cladding, and some pretty heavy rust is forming just behind the front wheels.

so the question is this: could I buy the grey plastic side cladding for the side skirts, doors and fenders off of a base Laredo and be able to attach it? what I really want to do is completely cut out the rusted area, weld in a patch with new material and then coat the whole side skirt area (only the part that would be covered) with primer, and maybe something more durable like Rhino Liner or something just so I won't have to worry about rust again for a long time.


anyway here's the ZJ:
http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy105/DavidESchiller/2011-10-30132537.jpg

http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy105/DavidESchiller/2011-10-30132251.jpg


and here are the problem areas

driver side:
http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy105/DavidESchiller/2011-10-30132528.jpg (http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy105/DavidESchiller/2011-10-30132528.jpg)

and passenger, which is much worse:
http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy105/DavidESchiller/2011-10-30132515.jpg

oh and I also plan on replacing the bumper covers with the unpainted ones as well... I assume they're a direct bolt up replacement? or do I have to replace the bumper beams as well?

[ejschultz]

The bumper covers are a direct swap. When doing the front bumper, pull the signal lights from the Jeep and you'll see a tab under each one that helps hold the bumper cover in place. Most people break these when they pull the bumper cover. I know I did the first time I pulled my bumper cover. :( If you don't know how to pull the signal lights, there's two T-25 (I believe) screws holding in the corner light. Once the corner light is removed, you can see the two T-25s holding in the signal lamp. The headlight can stay on for this. Honestly, I've never pulled a rear bumper cover so I don't know the tricks to it but I'd imagine it's not overly difficult.

[1ABrian]

Looks like this Jeep is ready for some home made rock rails. Chop that garbage out and weld in some 2x6 box steel and brace to unibody. Be good...ah...better than new