Newbie Asks About Tape Marks On PT Cruiser Bumper

[crabbymaddy]

Originally Posted by freckles

I had the same problem with my 02, had no problem with the dealer, there is a TSB out telling the dealers to paint the bumpers

Newbie here...whats a TSB?

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by crabbymaddy

Newbie here...whats a TSB?

Technical Service Bulletin

[Candyman]

Hey Everyone,

I did a write up on this issue a while back, and figgured I would post it here for you guys!

Do you have a strange discoloration around the edges of your plastic bumpers that looks like someone put masking tape on it? It seems their was a problem that was prevalent on 2000 - 2002 PT Cruiser Models in which the bumpers were injection molded with a TPO plastic utilizing a technology referred to as MIC, or (Mold In Color) where as when they come out of the mold, they are that gray color that PT's are known for. Some side components surrounding the mounts of both the front, and back bumper areas are painted body color, and baked in an oven at high temp as part of the curing process. As the part is heated in the oven, the adhesive from the masking tape interacts with the plastic, pulling out the ultraviolet resins primarily as a result of the baking process. Daimler Chrysler did extensive testing, and eventually were able to isolate, and correct the tape issue, but their are still a lot of Cruisers with this discoloration problem.

Their is a company in San Francisco, Ca, called Marketing Business Advantage who produces a water based plastic dye kit that will resolve those unsightly tape lines, and discoloration found on most bumpers on models from 2001 - 2003. Their is a catch with this product, which is, the dye only comes in black. In my experience with plastic dye on PT Bumpers, my clients usually welcome the change in color from dark gray, to black as it tends to blend better with the factory black mirrors, however if you do not want your bumpers black then your best bet would be the alternate kit referenced in my previous post on this subject.

The product is called "FOREVER BLACK" BUMPER & TRIM RECONDITIONER. It is a water based dye kit with a life expectancy of two to three years before re-application is necessary. The kit contains a 4 oz bottle of cleaner concentrate, and a 4 oz bottle of FOREVER BLACK DYE, with a retail cost of approximately $11.95 per kit. For more information on this product, please visit:

Forever Black Car Care Products

Take it easy, and we will catch you a little further down the road!

Candyman

[rocketsigntist]

Been a long time since I was on the forum!

Anyways...

The dealer did repaint my bumpers back about 4 years ago. The tape marks started coming back this summer.

I ran over to the local fleet store and got some of the bumper paint. Used one entire can to do my mud guards and back bumper - but I also have all the chrome inserts!!

Was a PITA to tape everything off, but being that I used to own a sign shop, I had a roll of 6" transfer tape to put across the chrome and around the bumper, then used the blue masking tape to hold down the edges of the transfer tape, and use a vinyl squeegee to make sure it was all down tight.

The paint dries EXTREMELY quickly - I was pretty surprised.

Just remember LIGHT COATS. And don't use a continual spray - let off on the button at the end of each stroke across. That also helps you from double coating the edges.

I really like the black MUCH better - especially with the two-tone black. I will have to get some updated photos.

It's only been a few days now, and I still need to do the front yet, but for $3.49 a can, no complaints so far!!

[2k1PT]

Originally Posted by Candyman

Forever Black Car Care Products

Take it easy, and we will catch you a little further down the road!

Candyman

After reading this post, I went on the site and bought it, as my PT has the same marks, and has faded so bad its almost white..

I will let you know how it worked after it comes in

[bob67firebird428]

same problem on my 2002 , i will buy the Krylon plastic paint , black ... comes in a spraycan , available anywhere .

[2k1PT]

Well I got the stuff in yesterday, and the wife and I went to it this morning.

At first I was about to write this stuff off as a waste of money, but... after I started adding more coats, and putting it on a little thicker, it didnt come out to bad.

I think painting with spray paint would have come out better, but for a quick job to make it look better then it did for $20, not terrible.

P.S. - Anyone that does this, dont be afraid of it, put the coats on thicker, and use a small painters brush to spread out the bubbles, and get close to the car.

(the pics are attached, I dont have a site to upload them to )...

[bobs turbo pt]

looks good !!

[grillchef4]

This is one of the things I have to get done on my 02. I thought about painting the bumpers inferno red but do actually prefer the gray color. So, what prep should be done on the bumper before painting? Use a primer? Clear coat afterwards?
Thanks
Daniel
02 Inferno Red Touring

[wazzzzman]

I have the same thing on my 2002. I tried the armoral wipe thing and it looked good, but did not last. My bumper is kind of a flat grayish black. I would want a paint that looked the same. I bet all PTs with the blackish bumper have the same color. Anyone found a brand paint that matches?