I think the older ribbed style is dated. I prefer the smooth.

 

Agreed, Im looking to paint them as the van

 

I haven't seen one up close, but my guess is that the painted ones are a different (harder and stiffer)plastic than the unpainted ones. And while you may be able to paint them, getting them smooth enough for a true gloss finish may be difficult at best, if not impossible.

 

You, as always sir, are correct. But those conversion companies have to source these pieces from some where.

 

My guess is they get unpainted ones from GM.

 

They probably just finish them. You skim them in some kind of bondo, sand them, paint them. Could you not?

Maybe they fiberglass them stronger first.

 

Yeah, could be. will try to find ones from the dealer.