P38A How do I make it black again?

300bhp/ton · May 3, 2022

The rubbery trim that runs along the lower edge of the windows.

If I scrub them with T-cut the rear ones mildly improved. But it was a lot effort. Is there a better way to rejuvenate them?

RangeRoller dt · May 3, 2022

Pretty much have to paint them.
Then other bits catch the eye next to the new black, so you end up making your way around the whole vehicle as @Bagshot did on his diesel. Under headlight wipers for example, then the grille looks shabby all of a sudden, door handles, rear pillars etc etc.
I’d likely avoid taking them off if possible the little tangs snap easily. Try to get a paint that’s easily available to match for future or itl be 50 shades of black.

kermit_rr · May 3, 2022

I've heard you can use a hair dryer on them but not tried myself. It's allegedly supposed to bring the colours to the surface.
Might be worth a look on YouTube, not actually looked myself so i might be talking complete rubbish

300bhp/ton · May 3, 2022

It seems to be a rubber texture. Not plastic. Not sure paint will work tbh.

brianp38dse · May 3, 2022

I have used some of this, it brings the black back but you have to keep doing it every now and then
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...utoglym-bumper-and-trim-gel-325ml-448928.html

Bagshot · May 3, 2022

Agree with that, all the refurbishment chemicals don't do it. Only way to get a decent finish is plastic primer and satin black. @Range Roller dt is right, the side trim clips snap for a hobby, (if you really do intend to take them off, there is a screw on the inside face of the door at the ends, then pull them 'up' - not 'away', from the door). But painting all the black bits really lift it, especially the grill and light trims.
Still trying to work out how the rear corner pillar covers come off if anyone has an answer, mine are to do yet.

Bagshot · May 3, 2022

The "rubber" type trims on the window sides are bonded to the metal. Not much can be done to these and replacements just don't exist.

300bhp/ton · May 3, 2022

Bagshot said:
Agree with that, all the refurbishment chemicals don't do it. Only way to get a decent finish is plastic primer and satin black. @Range Roller dt is right, the side trim clips snap for a hobby, (if you really do intend to take them off, there is a screw on the inside face of the door at the ends, then pull them 'up' - not 'away', from the door). But painting all the black bits really lift it, especially the grill and light trims.
Still trying to work out how the rear corner pillar covers come off if anyone has an answer, mine are to do yet.

Thanks. Not looking at the other trim items. Just the bits under the windows.

Bagshot · May 3, 2022

300bhp/ton said:
Thanks. Not looking at the other trim items. Just the bits under the windows.

That's the ones then, just be V careful taking em off..

norseman · May 3, 2022

Not sure if this would work on the trim you describe, not having a P38 myself, but for the ABS bumper corners, grill & front spoiler on my RRC I use black shoe polish. Apply generously & buff with a clean micropore cloth ... the effect lasts for weeks

lynall · May 4, 2022

Owatrol lasts well

pete12345 · May 4, 2022

Teek oil may bring them back to life

Datatek · May 4, 2022

It is plastic, I did mine with satin black paint for plastic. I used a brush but masking and spraying might be better, I'm no good at spraying paint.

Rubberknees · May 4, 2022

pete12345 said:
Teek oil may bring them back to life

Use teak oil on my bumpers and the difference is brill. A little goes a long way

pete12345 · May 4, 2022

I’ve not good at spraying take them of and wrap them

Jasonmichael · May 4, 2022

You can use a heat gun on them, I did it with the bumper corners on my Disco and they come up a treat, BE WARNED though, do not hold the gun in one place too long, just waft it around and keep it moving otherwise it will melt. Definitely re-energised the plastic.

Mark Piercy · May 5, 2022

@300bhp/ton, A wipe with wd40 gives a nice finish.
Not permanent and depends on the level of sun damage.

AllanWorms · May 5, 2022

Wurth Bumper dye. Brilliant stuff.

300bhp/ton · May 5, 2022

Thanks. Can people post some pics of your success. Because I just can't see most of these things working on this bit of trim. I'm not 100% sure if it some kind of coated aluminium or if it is pure plastic. The bits on the doors have a white powder on them that you can mark scratch off with a nail. Surely part of the bonding or underlying product if aluminium. The bit on the boot window looks similar, but the white isn't powdery at all and looks like the black has maybe worn away.

I think powder might be caused by some kind of corrosion, which I doubt a heat gun or bumper products will improve at all.

pete12345 · May 5, 2022

I think your right it’s not rubber or plastic oil wd40 or wrap

P38A How do I make it black again?

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