Anyone ever paint faded B-Pillar?

[TimAustinW]

Hey Guys,

I'm updating some of the texas sun bleached black plastic exterior parts on my '02. These parts include the wiper cowl panel, the from bumper trim and the exterior B-Pillar trim, the folding convertible top frame that the seals the upper portion of the door windows to the soft top.

The cowl panel is pretty cheap at $47 bucks which I think it totally worth it and is nice visual improvement. But the B-Pillar trim is only the back half of the arm of the folding top frame and those run anywhere from $550-$800 for each side. I can't rationalize that cost so I'm considering painting them. Plus I think it'll be a ******************** to install new ones. Has anyone ever painted theirs themselves and if so what type of paint would you recommend using that not just going to peal off in six months?

Thanks

Tim




:troll: D O O M

[TriGem2k]

Hey Tim,

I've never painted them however I do use this stuff call "Back to Black" it really works magic. My car will be on the road for 10 years in september and this stuff makes all the plastic look brand new.

You should give it a shot before you paint anything. I'm pretty meticulous about everything on all my cars and back to black keeps me happy

James D.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by TimAustinW

Hey Guys,

I'm updating some of the texas sun bleached black plastic exterior parts on my '02. These parts include the wiper cowl panel, the from bumper trim and the exterior B-Pillar trim, the folding convertible top frame that the seals the upper portion of the door windows to the soft top.

The cowl panel is pretty cheap at $47 bucks which I think it totally worth it and is nice visual improvement. But the B-Pillar trim is only the back half of the arm of the folding top frame and those run anywhere from $550-$800 for each side. I can't rationalize that cost so I'm considering painting them. Plus I think it'll be a ******************** to install new ones. Has anyone ever painted theirs themselves and if so what type of paint would you recommend using that not just going to peal off in six months?

Thanks

Tim




:troll: D O O M

Consider dye instead of paint. Won't flake or peel.

[yimmy149]

I was able to bring some of the blackness back my just applying 303 protectant to some parts of the car. If that's not enough, vinyl dye should help.

-james

[TimAustinW]

yeah i've tried the bac to black but it didn't work too well for me. never even knew about vinyl dye. did some research after your suggestions and I'm sold. Thanks guys :dance:

[TimAustinW]

I'll take some before and after photos when I paint them

[blue2000s]

There's a product called Forever Black that would probably be perfect for you.

[TimAustinW]

Just ordered the Forever Black bumper and trim product. Compared to vinyl sprays this seems much more effective with less mess. Here's a good article :dance:

[97 Boxster]

Originally Posted by TriGem2k

Hey Tim,

I've never painted them however I do use this stuff call "Back to Black" it really works magic. My car will be on the road for 10 years in september and this stuff makes all the plastic look brand new.

You should give it a shot before you paint anything. I'm pretty meticulous about everything on all my cars and back to black keeps me happy

James D.

I purchased some Back to Black last evening and it works great. Took the bumperettes off the rear and did those as well. All looks great today. I will report as to how long it lasts and holds up. Thanks for the advice/recommendation

[blue2000s]

The rubber treatments like Back to Black, Zaino tire treatment, 303, and Armor All are all just oils that can help to keep rubber and soft plastic pliable, but they don't keep them dark for too long and they don't do much for hard plastic parts because they wash off pretty fast. Forever Black is an actual dye that will last significantly longer. It will fade eventually too, but for hard plastics, dye is the best way to go.

[Perfectlap]

I picked an exterior paint spray from Pep boys in the auto body section. I actually used it on an old Volvo 960 but it worked pretty darn good. I used it on the windshield wiper cover and bumper trim. Then I used the forever black once the paint dried.