Re: Trim Painting?

[tnas@euronet.nl (Tom Nas)]

Derek Daily <ddaily@SMTPGW.MITSUICOMTEK.COM> wrote:

>Should I decide to dump the required funds into the Qtm to keep it for
>a few more years I will have it painted.
>(1)  What can be done for the black trim pieces such as the rain
>gutter, or window trim, or in my case...the luggage rack bars?

I've had bad experiences in the past with painting those pieces. Whatever
surface prep, whatever paint you use, it just doesn't seem to hold up. Even
on my old Opel Kadett SR, which came with flat-black painted rain gutters
as standard, this eventually wore off. Therefore, I've decided not to do
this anymore. of course, YMMV, and I would be very interested to read
otherwise...

>(2)  I'm not sure if these things are really_anodized_ or if they
>just have some funky flat paint or other coating on them?

I think they are anodized on most cars, and as such not suited to repainting.

>(3)  This also brings up plastic trim parts.  Can anything be done
>other than Armor-all?

You mean the VW 'fade-in-a-year' bumpers? I use special bumper paint for
that. Get some silicone remover first, and clean your bumpers thoroughly
(off the car is easiest). Then spray the paint directly onto the bumpers.
No surface prep needed, although I have used plastic primer for some
particularly smooth bumpers in the past. This is available in several
tints, and the darkest grey is best in most cases- black looks too
conspicuous. Did this to my '80 Jetta- made a huge difference to its looks
and only took 45 mins including removal and refitting of bumpers. This is
slightly flexible paint, and it holds up well for years. This works on door
mirrors and grills as well- be sure to clean well!

HTH,

Tom
1988 80 1.8S- covered in yellow brick dust due to building activities next
door. @#$#$@#$%^!

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl

           "The prince wants your daughter for his wife."
              "Well, tell him his wife can't have her."
                                         -- Blackadder III