I dont know if whoever owned the ol prerunner before me just didnt take care of them, but my fender flares have a slightly faded gray look after every washing. Ive tried black magic shine and armor all after a wash but the flares just seem to absorb it then 5 minutes later they look like they did before I put the stuff on. Anyone have any tricks for making these stay shiny?

 

Take 'em off and paint them with a satin paint or go glossy black or even body color for a custom look.
I just had my Bushwackers painted and they'll be on next weekend.

 

Elway,

Quite possibly you have a lot of wax build up. Try this test: take an old toothbrush and some creamy peanut butter. Thoroughly scrub a large enough section of your fender flares so you can do a visual comparison. Of course, wash off the peanut butter residue with soap and water.

Bob

 

if i remember correctly there is stuff called "forever black" or something like that, basically a protectant that has black coloring in it to protect and bring the original color back to plastic moldings. i think i also saw something similar at www.griotsgarage.com you may wanna give that a try.

 

http://www.topoftheline.com/bumtrimrec.html here it is

 

2001,

Yeah, i've recalled reading about that stuff too but just like auto wax and polish, you need a good, clean surface to start with. Wax build up will not allow whatever you put on it to properly adhere to the fender flares.

I believe 3M makes a fluid that takes off wax build up better than peanut butter. i recall seeing it before.

bob

 

ive used a product called back to black on the plastic on my bumper and it works wonders. Looks brand new again.

 

thanks guys, Im gonna explore the options.

 

paint 'em but be careful, i posted a thread a little while ago because I painted my flares very carefully w/ some good krylon paint and clear coat but under the high pressure wash at the car wash the paint has started peeling and now about 50% of it is gone after only 2 months waste of time and money.

 

If you liked the way the Armorall looked, but didn't like it's short lifespan, try a product called 303 Protectant. I know you can get it at marine supply places, but I'm not sure where else. This stuff has UV inhibitors in it so it will not dry out like the alchohol-based Armorall. It's more expensive, but well worth it, and not as drastic as repainting. Works great on tires too.

 

Forever black SUX big time. Don't waste your time on it.

Use the Peanut butter like Bob said to clean the old wax off and then use some VINYLEX on them. It works great on vinyl, rubber, plastic and helps them keep that rich black look.

Good luck!

 

I had mine painted professionally and since my friend is a professional it only cost me a $100 and of course I'll be doing a follow up on the paint once they are installed. I did ask him about paint durability and the key is to use a flex aget in the paint since they expand in the heat and shrink a little in the cold;he said you can't just rattle can 'em.

 

Hmm interesting point... Wish I knew that before!

 

I was able to buff out scratches on my Bushwhackers with polishing compound. I'd try that before I painted them.

 

I use "303 Aerorspace Protectant" which you can buy at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe's or other hardware stores. It is not the cheapest stuff, but it does wonders especially for black plastic. Try it, you will love it!

-- Andrey

 

Zainos Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss keeps the black plastic looking shiny and new. I use it on the black fenders on our Tacoma and all the black plastic trim on the Tacoma and Runner.

Z-16

 

I use this stuff called Multi-dressing by P&S. The P&S products are all we used when I ran a detail show. Love this stuff. Smells kinda good too.

http://www.pssales.com/products/dressings.html

 

I'm a big fan of forever black. It works great on faded trim and makes it look brand new.



More info here:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...=forever+black

 

Who would have thought that peanut butter is also good on my Jeep and not just my bread!
Wish I could upload a picture to show how awesome it works!!!!
Thanks guys!!!

 

Try a heat gun / it should bring out the black...