Newbie question on bumpers

[03classic]

I have an '03 Classic (base) model. It's silver metallic with bumpers (bumper covers?) that are sort of a dark grey colour from the factory.
Are these bumpers painted?
Should they be waxed, or is there some other treatment that should/can be applied?

[Sci-Fi]

The grey/black bumpers are not painted. Some waxes (don't use a cleaner wax) will stain it. Can try a synthetic wax or a non-abrasive wax on a spot under the bumper to see if it stains. If not then you can wax your bumpers. Can just use a vinyl care product or a quick detailer on the bumpers. Any wax stains can be removed by using a white plastic eraser from your local office supply store. Personally I prefer the grey/black bumpers, there's no worries about bugs or rocks chipping the paint and the bumper can be easily cleaned and maintained.

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

I would not use any sort of wax/paint sealant. I would use a vinyl/rubber protectant however. Meguiar's, Mother's, and Armor-All make their own version of a vinyl/rubber protectant. It works quite well too.

[turbomangt]

DO NOT WAX THE STOCK BLACK BUMPERS. THEY WILL STAIN. Use a water base dressing only. water based dressings are the most usefull product you can have in your detail bucket. Most have UV protection. great results on molded plastic (not painted/clear coated) all rubber, vinyl, tires, wheel wells and engine bay.

[03classic]

quote:Originally posted by turbomangt

DO NOT WAX THE STOCK BLACK BUMPERS. THEY WILL STAIN. Use a water base dressing only. water based dressings are the most usefull product you can have in your detail bucket. Most have UV protection. great results on molded plastic (not painted/clear coated) all rubber, vinyl, tires, wheel wells and engine bay.

Thanks for the info Gary.
Can you give me an example of a water based dressing that is commercially available.
Being up here in the frozen north, shipping product in from the US is a big hassle. Ideal for us is something that we can purchase locally, from an auto parts store, wally mart, etc.

Thanks again

[PT-ERA]

Can you get an 03 PT with the grey bumpers? I thought all bumpers 03 and up were painted! I have an 02 with the grey bumpers and was thinking of having them painted or get the chrome bumper covers.

[turbomangt]

PT ERA, any of the retail stuff I have tried is fair at best. I wouldn;t use armor all. I don't know what stores you have, but retail around here the choices are limited. Meguiars makes a #40 vinyl/rubber conditoner. It would be a better choice if you have to buy retail stuff say over Turtle wax or Armor all. Gary

[03classic]

quote:Originally posted by turbomangt

PT ERA, any of the retail stuff I have tried is fair at best. I wouldn;t use armor all. I don't know what stores you have, but retail around here the choices are limited. Meguiars makes a #40 vinyl/rubber conditoner. It would be a better choice if you have to buy retail stuff say over Turtle wax or Armor all. Gary

Thanks Gary - I use several other products from Meguiar's and am pleased with the results. I'll give it a try.

[rszappa1]

I have found a product called trim shine or trim bright. It is made by the same people that make invisible glass cleaner. It comes in a can and works great...have seen it at Wal-Mart...Pep Boys and most other national automotive parts stores. Try it...