How to clean / condition front bumper strip, smile and bellows?
 

Guys,

I've got the front bumper and all of its bits disassembled, and I'd like to clean up the rubber properly. Aside from cleaning with warm soap & water, is it recommended to use a rubber conditioner or "back to black" type product on these parts? I'd like to get them looking fresh again but I don't have the dollars to buy new ones!

Thanks,

I like silicone on the rubber pieces, like a tire dressing material. A little goes a long way. The plastic "smile" might be helped by silicone, the "back to black" looks too "painted on" in my hands. Maybe others could share a technique with it, or suggest something else.

Silicone is a good idea.

I also use 303 protectant to keep the uv damage to a minimum, even on my new window seals.

Thanks guys.

Can you recommend a particular silicone product that's known to work?

NAPA Sil-Glyde good and easy to get.3M also makes a very good silicone spray.
I use Meguiars Endurance gel on everything rubber also 303 Protectant on everything vinyl and rubber.

Vaseline works perfect

When I did a glass-out repaint of a Porsche in 1976 with doing all the disassembly and reassembly myself I experimented with various rubber cleaning methods. I wanted to get rid of the yellowish buildup on the surfaces. I found what worked best for me was using paint thinner. It quickly returned the parts to a deep black by just rubbing them with it. I then applied car wax to them to protect the surface. Looked good and lasted for quite a while. I don't know whether that is the best way of doing it but it sure worked for me and made the finished, repainted, car look show-room clean.

glycerine or back to black. same thing, other than viscosity.

3m
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335382893.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335382941.jpg

Also great for Targa seals.

back to black .. rub it in and buff ...

I use back to black as well, use to use it back on my '84 GTI which had tons of black plastic and I really like the way it works and lasts.

I have heard there is a product called "Black WOW" which is supposed to be superior in terms of durability. It's more expensive than "back to black", but I do intend to get some once I run out of my current stock of back to black at which point I'll revisit this thread with a review

If you ever want to do any painting stay away from silicone at all cost.

Vaseline is your best friend. Once clean apply a heavy coat & let sit for a day or two. It replenishes the oils in the rubber & brings back the original color. Once wiped off & buffed you'll be amazed. Then protect with 303. Works on rubber & plastic. Works great for turning those grayed out inner plastic door handles black again.

I had some amazing results with thew Sonnax gummi pflanger, I think Pelican sells a Wurth gummi pflanger. I quite honestly did not expect much for results, but this is the best I've used and I have the big rubber on the turbo tail and the front spoiler. I think it's worth the effort to find the German gummi pflanger.

I like Black Again. AutoGeek carries it. Back to Black is good but not as water resistant. Vaseline is good too, but seems to attract dust faster.

Vinylex and a brush. I have found that Vinylex will clean the dirt and leave a nice sheen to the rubber. To minimum waste/over spray, spray it onto the brush first then brush it onto the rubber. When I do this to the tires, you can see the brown gunk coming off.

I have used Back to Black on the rubber trim on the mirrors, with great results as well.