Restoring faded bumpers
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Roanoke VA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I'm probably buying this 95 ZJ tonight and it looks great except for the faded bumpers. I've seen a product claiming to restore this, does it work?

After one Coat

After one Coat
Last edited by mudfrog; Aug 20, 2010 at 01:40 PM.
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From: Gilbert AZ/Las Cruces NM
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 upgraded
the heat gun trick does indeed work but it is a temp fix as it will just fade out again. it will only last a month or two.
IMHO i would paint the bumpers a satin black
IMHO i would paint the bumpers a satin black
I have never done this to my vehicle but I have done it to our equipment at work. While hauling some cleaning equipment in the back if a truck sometimes it gets really scratched and scuffed up. Doing this smooths out all the scruff marks (we use a propane torch).
I'm not too sure how it would work on oxidized plastic and it will never look "brand new" but it will look MUCH better. Basically you are melting the plastic which gives it a glossy appearance. Like any of these kinds of things it will look good from a distance.
*as always test out things such as this in an unnoticeable area
Armor-All can do much the same thing but is not permanent.
Good luck people!
I'm not too sure how it would work on oxidized plastic and it will never look "brand new" but it will look MUCH better. Basically you are melting the plastic which gives it a glossy appearance. Like any of these kinds of things it will look good from a distance.
*as always test out things such as this in an unnoticeable area
Armor-All can do much the same thing but is not permanent.
Good luck people!
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 474
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From: Roanoke VA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
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From: Richmond, IN
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I used to have a Pontiac Aztek (I know), in all it's plastic cladded glory. The ONLY product I found that worked was Back to Black.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...LAID=109362512
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...LAID=109362512
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Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I used to have a Pontiac Aztek (I know), in all it's plastic cladded glory. The ONLY product I found that worked was Back to Black.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...LAID=109362512
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...LAID=109362512
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
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From: Richmond, IN
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I remember it worked pretty well actually. I had to give it a couple of coats the first time, it sort of sucked it up. I'd say it lasted about a month or two.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 489
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From: long island
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
just clean it good with a degereser and buy duplicolor bumper coating it looks good i did my zj with about 5 cans(i put alot of coats on but it looks good)
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 474
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From: Roanoke VA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Picked up some Back To Black. I've applied one coat so far and updated the original post with a pic. It's still splotchy but it's only been one coat so far.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 474
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From: Roanoke VA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I used one of the headlight cleaning kits on it and it took most of the yellow out. Now I need to get them clear again.



