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

[polizei]

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,

[Dublinoh]

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.

[pegasus9]

Silicone is a good idea.

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

[polizei]

Thanks guys.

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

[chuckr]

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.

[AVDCAV]

Vaseline works perfect

[porwolf]

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.

[john walker's workshop]

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

[86 911 Targa]

Also great for Targa seals.

[80-911SC]

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

[SoCalSK8r]

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

[subdewd]

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

[sparkle84]

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.

[tops911]

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.

[Palum6o]

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.

[S2GART]

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.