Bumper trim

Tourist · Post by **Tourist** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 7:37 pm

Not strictly about a BX but the bumper trim, mine was tatty so i took it off, most of the black stuff just peeled off (a lot was already coming away, or already missing) but some remains, and I'm not sure how to get it off. I want to get it all off so I can spray the metal itself, and then stick the trim back on.

I've tried white spirit, a chisel, and lastly some sand paper, none have worked, what should I try?

Before anyone points out that I have no idea what I'm doing, I completely agree

Post by **Tim Leech** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:35 pm

Sand paper mate, sand it down smooth and spray it black, get some wet and dry and some black spray paint from halfords etc.

kiwi · Post by **kiwi** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:59 pm

Good Luck

Its easier to just get a replacement set or just get some Trim Tape and cover the holes in the bumper. I took the rear ones of mine with the same intention...they still sit in the garage. However I like this alternative.

Offcuts from the reflective material used on emergency vehicles

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:11 pm

I'd like to get hold of the silver versions of the black one's, i think they make the cars look nicer. There was a set for sale on e-bay, but they wanted daft money.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:15 pm

In the past I've just used black plastic insulating tape to cover the strips. Looks OK and lasts about 3 years.

RxBX · Post by **RxBX** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:01 am

Philip Chidlow wrote:In the past I've just used black plastic insulating tape to cover the strips. Looks OK and lasts about 3 years.

I did just the same as you Philip, when this problem occurred to my first BX DTR Turbo bumper trim strip's .

After removing them from the bumper I warmed up the remains of the black trim on the strips (Do not melt) with an electric hot-air gun, if you don't have one you can use a Hairdryer that should still get the black trim soft enough to enable you to cut off the black trim remnants from the strips with a Stanley knife !
Usual H&S rules apply of course, Leather work gloves so you don't burn yourself and watch your finger's etc. with the blade of the Stanley knife !

Then clean off any residue of glue/bonding with Cellulose Thinners (Usual H & S apply when using this type of solvent) and then allow to dry for 2 to 3 minutes,
I then covered the strips with a good quality black insulation tape and folded the edges over the rear face.
The ends just need a bit more attention to them so as to get a good two-way fold on them before folding the edges over onto the rear face of the strips (You'll need to put a chamfer on each corner of the tape to allow for a neat two-way fold) you may also need to try this out a couple of times first to know how big/small to make the chamfer before your happy with the appearance/result.
Also make sure the trim clip's are positioned in the correct place as you may to need to cut the insulation tape slightly on the rear face just around the clips (Dependent on the the tape width) and that can be a little fiddly !
When all done then just pop the trims back on the bumper !

Should hopefully look as good as new ones if you've applied, folded and cut the insulation tape neatly.
Saves painting them

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:24 am

Without a seven page essay, i did the same with my car, and simply heated the paint with a blow torch, then plunged it into cold water, lifted all the plastic off by the second attempt. I then repainted with automotive spray (a Rover colour), and varnished (cheapo automotive top lac)

RxBX · Post by **RxBX** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:30 am

Vanny wrote:Without a seven page essay,

Point taken Vanny !
But it was mainly for young Jame's guidance, I'll just PM him future, after all he placed the posting and did state :-

Tourist wrote: Before anyone points out that I have no idea what I'm doing, I completely agree

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 2:27 pm

The rubberised bumper trim strips as fitted to the front bumpers of later estates are a lot less trouble to maintain.... though of course the rear bumpers are totally different,so you can't substitute these.

rhv100 · Post by **rhv100** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:48 pm

Yes...rear bumper trim. Mine disappeared despite being held by about
8 clips.

30 squid from Citroen. Must be the most expensive bit of rubber in history!

Richard.

Tourist · Post by **Tourist** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:19 pm

This will sound strange, but I don't have access to a hair dryer or anything similar, I was hoping the solution would be more along the lines of dissolving the glue with spirits, or something like that.

I did try to use my mums one today but she was out, the best I can do for now is stick them in the sun which I really don't think will work.

Given the situation I could just paint over them as they are ... I don't think it'll look too bad, but I like to get things done properly if I can!

Thanks for your replies I now know what to do, it's just when I can do it

if there's anyone near me who has some trim in better condition I have *a bit* of money, maybe I could buy them?

Edit: yours looks quite cool kiwi

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:30 pm

Tourist wrote:This will sound strange, but I don't have access to a hair dryer or anything similar,

After meeting you James I can quite well believe it

Post by **docchevron** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:53 pm

You can get a butane torch from any DIY shop for less than a tenner.
Does the same job, but MUCH faster. Just keep the heat moving.

I would point out all the H&S related garb with using stuff that emits a VERY hot flame at one end, but really, if anyone is that lacking in common sense they need this info then they really shouldn't be allowed anywhere near anything at all ever..

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 12:27 am

if anyone is that lacking in common sense they need this info then they really shouldn't be allowed anywhere near anything at all ever

..

Ah yes: that standard lowest common denominator person around whom so many Health and Safety and liability warnings are based..... the darling of the ambulance-chasers and "no win no fee" brigade.

demag · Post by **demag** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:48 pm

Some of the trims on my bumpers are well dented, bashed, twisted and generally mangled about. Can't remember which now, it's either front or rear...........

I remember seeing some years ago a self adhesive roll of body trim that used to come in slightly different styles but was very attractive. Has anyone ever tried fitting that to the bumpers in place of the original trim?

EDIT,

Ah yes just found it on t'internet. Comes in 3, 6 and 8mm widths. Called chrome self adhesive detailing trim. At GBDriver.co.uk and also Demon Tweaks. Probably elsewhere as well.

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