Faded Bumpers
 

I have an 850 estate which I bought a few months back. Great driving but the bumpers have faded.
They were either black or grey originally, the car is white. I would like some suggestions on the best way to get them looking good again. I have tried some 'Back to Black on a small area but after about a week it didn't look as if I had done anything.
Short of buying new ones - which won't happen! - I am stuck a sto what to do.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.:D

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

I've tried various potions on the old and new-style grey plastic trim on 850s and the stuff that works best for me is the Back to Black spray.

Try not to overspray too much on the paintwork and rub it off after it dries on or while it's damp if you've got circular marks.

Badly faded plastic will need several goes to get it back to new, but it will get there.

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

I use tyre wall paint. Small tin of black paint for tyres that costs a pound or two from a small auto shop. Not sure about Halfords. Using a fine brush to get to the edges without touching the paint it works wonders and lasts for ages. With your car being white I guess you may not do this in case some goes on the paintwork but if you do practice using the brush first on other things (like the tyres!) just getting in close. And use a good brush, not one with hairs coming away. Most importantly - take your time with any product you use. It will look much better in the end. The tyre wall paint is like gloss, a nightmare to get off so just be careful. Oh, and keep a rag with white spirits on nearby. It's better to be overprepared!
Al

850, 2.0, 20v

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

I tried just about everthing on the grey inserts on my bumpers, in the end I bought new front ones for about £20 plus VAT each from a local dealer. What a difference !!!!! the old ones where almost white, the car looks years younger. Now i'll have to save up 70 quid for the back ones !

Si

850 GLT '92

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Don't forget to keep treating them to keep them looking new.....

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

I was at my local coachworks yesterday to enquire about paint treatment and the helpful chap there mentioned the dulled bumpers (850Tdi Estate) and showed me what they use for them, he called it RENOVATING GEL I didnt manage to get the manufacturers name but if anyone posts further interest I can find it out.

The only snag is that it was a 5 litre can, maybe there are smaller quantities available. The results were impressive, a quick wipe over and the colour changed from whitish grey to an original looking dark grey. It also protects the plastic and sheds water.Also for use on the door handles etc.

Jim

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

hmmm! interesting, perhaps a few of us can club together and share some, I'm up for it

Regards
Mike Smith
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96 850 GLT

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hi all,

I am a great fan autoglym and use the bumper restorer, i can't remember the label exactly but it comes out like that kids green slim stuff.

Anyway i use this on my bumpers, side trim and other rubber bits and it works wounders. You apply it to the trims and let it dry and buff it up after. It leaves a shine and is water repelant. I normally apply two coats first after washing and then the second after the first buffing up. I then allow the second to dry overnight for a good finish. I have tried most of these products and i personally dislike the back-to-black type as they make a mess and seem to give a laquer finish.

Just in my opinion of course,

Hope this helps.

mark

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Cheers Jim.
It would be most hepfull if you could find out the make of the gel and whether it is available to mere mortals like me.
It sounds exactly like the stuff I am looking for. I'm not really into using the back to black products, especially as my bumpers were grey.
I have cousins who run their own high quality body repair shop who are going to see about my noisy check strap, they might know of this product.

Back to black is actually back to original
 

The back to black aerosol actually refreshes the colour rather than turns a grey bumper black.

I tried some of the "paints" recommended here and they did indeed blacken a grey bumper, but the aerosol sprays appear to put the solvents leached out by time back into the plastic, restoring its finish.

I would think that this gel does something similar, except it's more concentrated - and probably a lot cheaper per treatment!

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hi Paul and others!
Well I went round today and got all the details off the can. They are as follows....
Valeting Gel - Bumper and Trim Cat. No DWC314 (5 litres)!!
DX Products
Greenbridge Road
SWINDON
Wilts SN3 3LB
Tel. 01793 513315
Fax. 01793 641942
THE BAD NEWS IS
There is no web site and in spite of trying both the phone and fax numbers I cant get any response, or even a ring tone.!! It seems that the company has been abducted by aliens. Maybe some one in the Swindon area could pop round and check them out???

THE GOOD NEWS IS
While searching for info on the above, I discovered a company called Travik, brand name, SYSTEM 8 http://www.travik.co.uk/bumperreviver.htm will get you there, there are a whole range of other interesting products and they appear to be available in 'domestic' quantities. Also appears to be sort of Volvo approval link.

If anyone tries it out perhaps they could post the results here.

Jim

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hi Jim
can't seem to get the link to work, also tried travik.co.uk with out success :-(

Regards
Mike Smith
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96 850 GLT

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Mike

I just tried and couldn't connect either. It is correct, so I assume that their server is down or something, suggest you try in a few more hours in the hope that they're up and running again.
Since I posted the info, I was in Halfords looking at bikes for my kids and I noticed the same sort of thing (plastic/vinyl renovating gel) Im sure it was made by T-Cut and was about a fiver a bottle, could be worth a try!?

Good hunting

Jim

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Gents,

I think that Travis' website must have crashed with the amount of hits volvo owners have generated!!

I was also in Halfords recently. They had T-cut colour fast bumper restorer but it came with bumper cleaner and cost £12. So instead I bought their own brand for £3 odd which is useless.
Pay for what you get eh!

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

UPDATE

Found a phone number for Travik, and yes their system crashed on Wed.15/05. Should be back on soon I am told. They will supply direct from the factory. You can phone them on 01325 307000 FAX 01325-307070 if you cant wait for the website to rejuvenate!

I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH TRAVIK---Just passing on the info..

Jim

11:30 16/05 WEBSITE IS NOW BACK ON LINE.....

Jim

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Thanks for that Jim, I'll have a surf around
Regards
Mike Smith
----------
96 850 GLT

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Update for all bumper cleaners>>>

Just to let interested parties know that the TRAVIK/Sytem 8 is on the VOC suppliers list and offering a dicount to club members.

I got some and found it very good. Tried their tyre shine too, a great improvement.

Jim

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hey People,

I use a leather treatment - some kind of beeswax - I'll get the name this evening and put it on.

Get a very small amount onto a cloth, rub onto the plastic. Wipe off the excess and it looks good as new, and has done for about a month now (after driving all the way from Amsterdam to Leicester in hot sun, and after several downpours here in Holland!).

If you get a real, clear beeswax, and not some shoe polish stuff, then it will not be greasy, come off on your clothes, and if it gets on the paint you just rub it off, no mess, no problem. Also of course you can use it for the leather inside too!

Chat later

Stu

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hi Stu
thanks for that got some lying around in the garage, might try it this weekend

Regards
Mike Smith
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96 850 GLT

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

Hi Mike,

The stuff that I used in the UK was Renapuur (but you can only get it direct from the supplier, or if they are doing demonstrations). The stuff I use over here in Holland is 'Rapide Leder Creme', but like I said any clear Beeswax should do the trick!

Good Luck

Stu

RE: Faded Bumpers
 

I just tried Auto Glym bumper/plastic treatment-it's the best thing I've found so far-much better than back to black!
Good luck.
Nick