Hi - This is my first post on this forum so if I make any mistakes, please let me know. I have a 1999 Jeep XJ 4.0L 4x4 4door. It seems to be the most basic package as it has no tachometer, only a gas gauge and speedometer. It also has manual windows and locks. I am looking to replace all the fender flares, end caps and bumpers as the fender flares and end caps are all really faded and look almost white and the bumpers are in bad shape too. I've already tried various restoration products and even the heat gun trick I learned online. I am looking to keep the Jeep as original/stock as possible.

My questions is: Did this model come with matte or glossy fender flares and bumper caps?

I spoke with Quadratic and they said the glossy replacement fender flares from Crown Automotive are meant to be painted, but when I spoke with someone from Crown Automotive he said that they do not have to be painted. He believed the original had a glossy bumper and end caps and matte fender flares. That just doesn't seem right to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone has a recommendation for a place to purchase cheaper than Quadratic, please let me know.

Thanks so much!!

 

Welcome to the forum! I believe on the base models they were matte black.

 

I'd call it more of a satin. Certainly not FLAT black. But not glossy.


Welcome to the forum!

 

Those do look a little rough. You can certainly replace them, Quadratec would not be a bad place to get them from, they usually have good prices.

Have you considered removing them, giving them a good scrub, and painting them with some plastic trim paint. I had to replace a lower front valence on my old S10 blazer. I picked up a new one that needed to be painted, and a can paint. It lasted until I sold it and it still looked great. I think the brand I used was Duplicolor. You can get it at many parts stores. If you wanted to go all out, I think Eastwood makes a trim paint as well that I will use in the future if I need. It is not cheap, but I have heard it works well. It would also be cheaper to paint them than replace them.

 

Try hitting them with a heat gun. I haven't tried this method on XJ trim, but it works like magic on some black trim.
The science behind it is... the white you see are small flaked edges of the plastic, damage from UV light, a heat gun "melts" the flakes back into the surface and restores the finish. This has worked several times on several different cars for me. Give it a shot, could cost you nothing but time. There is a learning curve to getting the finish consistent, but you will figure it out quick.

 

I've repainted them with very good long lasting results.
You have to use a special primer for plastic, but then you can use whatever 2k automotive color and finish you'd like.

To do the job right you have to take them off too.

 

those don't look like they are painted from the factory. Is that faded paint or raw plastic?

If its raw plastic, try the heat gun. If its painted, you will have to repaint for sure.

 

Tape them off, put newspaper around them, and spray paint them. That’s what I did with great effect.