So, it was one of those days. Work was a royal pain. I had a headache. And, when I got home my girlfriend was loading the last box of her junk. When I asked what was going on she said “I’m sick of you, I’m sick of this place, and I’m sick of your stupid truck. I’m out of here!”

Just like that, she was gone. Of course, I was floored, but what kept ringing in my head was the part about my truck. I liked that girl, but I love my truck. Why was she sick of it? Of all the things to say. Did she say it out of spite or was there really something wrong with it.

“It” is actually a sweet ’05 F-150. Sure it’s not brand new, but it’s not a junker either. But, I started to think maybe she was on to something. Maybe the ol’ F-Rig, as I liked to call it, was in need of a makeover – look, the only reason I even know what a “makeover” is, is because of the now ex. She made watch those stupid shows. Sorry, I’m still a little touchy about that.

Anyway, I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so I fired up my laptop at a local coffee shop and searched for Ford truck accessories. I found a bunch of sites that had tons of cool stuff, but what really caught my eye were the chrome accents. Darn it! Calling them “accents” after my earlier use of the word “makeover” is going to make sound like a sissy, not that there’s anything wrong with being one, it’s just not for me. So, let’s just call them “chrome truck accessories”, or to be hip and cool, how about “bling”. Scratch that. I don’t like using “bling”. It’s like saying “all that and a bag of chips”.

Alright, back on point. I figured some chrome would do the F-Rig some good, maybe help to turn a few lady heads, since I was now back on the market. I checked out a few of the plastic tape-on door handles, but decided to go with solid billet replacements because they were just way cooler. I also ordered a chrome fuel door. That was actually the piece that got me my next girl, but that’s a story for another day.

When the parts arrived, I was a bit surprised with door handles. I mean, they were just about what I expected build-quality wise, but they looked liked they’d be easier to install than I anticipated. But, like in love, I was totally wrong. In fact, if I hadn’t called my buddy Joe, I might still not be able to close my doors. In the manufacturer’s defense, I’m not really good at taking doors apart. Don’t get me wrong, I can turn a wrench, but there’s something about those clips. Some folks can do that kind of stuff, I can’t. The chrome gas cap was a piece of cake. Really, like 20 minutes and I was good to go.

All said and done, putting the chrome accents, I mean, chrome accessories on the ol’ F-Rig has made life not so bad after that disastrous day. In fact, things are looking a lot “brighter”. That was lame, wasn’t it?

I am not internet-savvy and found that my online search for Ford truck accessories wasn't specific enough. I was blown away by how many Ford truck aftermarket parts there are. To narrow it down I simply searched for chrome truck accessories and found just the ticket. Maybe now I'll check out the e-Harmony site for a new girlfriend.