Black bumper covers, etc

[Dave Fain <KC3565L@sprintmail.com>]

I spotted this tip on the Triumph list, but some of you
might find it useful.  If the black bumper covers on your
car are looking scruffy, try applying some black paste type
shoe polish.  I used this on my 4000 Quattro and it worked
great.  Time will tell how well it holds up.

Also, since buying the car, I have been plagued with a
flurry of dead leaves every time I open the center dash
air vent.  I found that the plastic screen over the air
intake had come unstuck and was brittle with age.
I spotted some aluminum expanded metal mesh sold as a
"gutter guard" at the hardware store.  It was quite easy
to cut to shape, cheap, and makes a very permanent 
replacement.  I clipped it in place using pieces of the
plastic channel that comes with transparent "report covers"
(available at your local office supply).  I have enough
mesh left over to cover the enlarged openings I plan to
make in the air filter box to prevent sucking in small
animals and other debris.  The plastic channel also
works nicely to replace the metal clips that attach the
plastic cover that goes under the air intake on the hood.
Spray it black if it's some offensive color and snip it
into short pieces.

Pardon me if these ideas have been posted before, but there
are probably other newbies like me out there.
Dave
4000S Quattro and a bunch of other odd vehicles