1973 road runner rear bumper plastic trim recondition??

[Doubleclutch]

This is the trim between the bumper and body that I think was tan in color on all cars. Please confirm the color.

Mine is discolored from time and I have tried cleaning and even lightly sanding it without a satisfactory result. I tried cleaning with solvents but haven't tried Clorox or anything stronger?

Paint it ?? What type of paint??

Any other advice appreciated. Thanks Chuck

 

[SureGrip]

I haven't restored one of these before, but I've done other trim like this. Try soaking it in high strength Simple Green. It will not only clean it, but will also soften it up and make it more supple like original.

Avoid any cleaners with bleach as that will just dry it out more.

you'll likely never get the discoloration out of it, most people paint them with a light gray color or a silver to blend with the bumper.

If it's mostly intact, be thankful, usually they are too far gone and have to be replaced.

Good luck!

 

[440runner]

I painted mine a silver Grey Color and it turned out pretty good.
View attachment IMG_0434.jpg

 

[YY1]

Mine appears to be silver gray or argent from the factory.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Thanks Guys --The car is True Blue so the tan doesn't fit my eye. I like the silver/gray.

Chuck

 

[idrivemopar]

I did the silver grey also.

 

[Doubleclutch]

I like the idea of gray paint-thanks 440 runner. I saw a car treated with plastic handle dip (didn't remember the product name) that was tinted. But it was peeling off after about a year.
Anybody?? used "plasti dip" comes in a rattle can in light gray? It looks to have the durability that I need.
Chuck

 

[idrivemopar]

I experimented with Plasti dip in the spray can on my bumper guards. It didn't last long, and will be easy to damage, and once that happens, it will start to come up. So don't waste your time with that.

If you don't want to paint, which I think is the best method, there is another product from DupliColor called Bumper Coating. It comes in black ,Grey, and Medium silver. Its heaver than paint, and the Medium silver is just about the same as argent silver and would probably work for the bumper trim. Whether you paint or use bumper coating, both require use of adhesion promoter.

Here is another example of painted

 

[Photon440]

Stay away from Plasti-Dip for that application. It's main attraction is for temporary colour changing as it can easily be peeled back off again.

 

[Doubleclutch]

OK thanks