Need some tips, and BTW hello everybody!
 

I just joined the forum. Howdy.
I was told by my wife that we will be buying my MIL's Focus after her lease is up. That means my plan to buy a new truck will not happen. the car will be a good deal, so I'm cool with it.


I have a 2011 Ranger Sport. If I'm going to keep it I want to make it look better. I plan on some black wheels to replace the stockers, and raising the front end a little just for looks.


I have some problem areas I'm hoping to work on. I'm looking for the best way to approach them. Sorry, I tried searching for answers and had no luck.


First, I am getting rust in the corners and edges of my running boards (and also in the corners of my towing hitch) I can sand down, mask off, prime and paint the hitch black, but the running boards are part metal and part plastic. Is there an easy way to touch up the little areas of rust without taking them off and taking them apart? The color of the running boards is a weird dark gray color. If I use black to touch it up it will probably look worse. I've also though about removing the running boards altogether. I really don't use them and I owned a Ranger before and the running boards just rusted really bad. Is removing the boards a big job?


My second problem is the plastic parts of the driver side door, door latch, elbow rest, etc. They are scratched up and worn from use. The passenger side looks almost brand new. Is there a way to get the crappy looking parts looking better. I've tried cleaning and Armor all but the wear marks are still there.


Thanks in advance for any tips.