They are almost white, how do I get them back to looking black? I can't tell if it's wax residue, or if they are just faded that way.

 

I took mine off and sprayed them with gloss black spray paint, along with the other plastics. (cowl, grill insert, rear bumper etc)

 

Buy new ones.......problem fixed.....

 

It may be wax residue. Try a detail brush on it and see if that takes it out. Mine can sometimes look a little white too, washing them and then putting armor-all on them might help.

 

+1

I used some Krylon spray paint for plastics and they look brand new.

 

they fade pretty badly


Krylon Spray paint for plastics does a great job restoring them to black. I did the fender flares on my old FX4 with that stuff and it came out very nice.

 

What a timely thread. Yesterday I applied the Bondo - Restore Black to my bedrails, cowl and running boards. I am very impressed with the results. I was not going to make any comments or reccommendations until after a few washes. It does look very good at this time.

Amazon.com: 3M #800 Restore Black Kit: Automotive

I purchased mine at Advance Auto for $12 and change.

 

Good to know Sako, never heard of it. Did you get it at a parts house? Mine are getting pretty faded, I was gonna go with Krylon plastic paint too.

 

Yep, As stated, got it at Advance auto. Damn - those guys get a lot of my money. It cost alot to maintain a "fleet" of( 4) vehicles, all of which have over 100k miles.

Wifes caddy (STS) 104k
Sons Toyota Supra Turbo 154k
Ranch Rat Isuzo Rodeo 4x4 215K
Mine 160K
Daughters ? (15-1/2 years old) Probably a '65-'68 mustang.

But guess what --- no payments.

 

sako
did you take them off or can you apply it pretty easily? Also, how careful did you have to be to not get the stuff on the paint?

 

On the bedrails, I just shoved masking paper under them - using a plasitic bondo spreader to lift the cap away from the fender. It was quick and easy. I used a paint brush to apply the gel (It dries evenly, no brush marks). The product cleans up with water - just keep a damp rag around to wipe up any mess. Use disposable mechnics gloves as well - if you get it on your hands, you'll need to grind it off. Even though it is a water based product, it bonds well.

 

Mother's "Back to Black" works well too. I use it and it lasts 3-4 months at least. Besides, it's Mother's Day.

 

What I use. Does great

 

Update on the "Bondo Restore Black." Well it has been almost a month now, - 4 washes - and I have driven through some pretty horrific thunderstorms. I have been in western Nebraska for about 10 days (Lots of sun and 2 hail storms). Everything looks just as good as it did when I first applied it.

Two thumbs up.