hehe, thanks for the words, guys.
i'd definitely get at least a 3" tip--3.5" to be sure, and rolled.
i hadn't considered painting them flat black--that idea is KILLER!!! that is going to happen for sure!
i've also been meaning to paint/shine the gas tank cover. as a matter of fact, i was going to do that today but i ran out of the high-temp black spray i was using to spray the fox valve covers we put on.
i'm running the stock springs up front (w/ 1.5 coils cut) and clamps on the rear springs out back. the body kit is from ABC exclusive and yes, i did notch out the lower section, hence why i'm considering the tips.
thanks for the comments, gents!