Oh ok.
Add the attached UIFILE 42 to the Shell32_UIFILE in your theme custom shellstyle you're using for Old New Explorer. Change the gradient there ( just search gradient. there's only one there) with Restorator.
I just tested it and it works.
you rock.
I had opened Shell32 with Restorator earlier, looked at UIFILE 42, and saw that it was binary...so didn't want to fool with it. Didn't think about the shellstyle in the theme, DUH!
Thanks!
Much better I think!