Revitalizing ranger plastic fender flares? Heatgun it?

[86_FX4]

Hey all, my 2004 ranger has the large plastic fender flares, in light grey which over the years has taken on an unsightly light ashy, marbled looking faded white pattern that looks pretty bad. The plastic marbling/tiger stripe look is pretty prominent and people have commented on it thinking I did something to it, or tried to fix it with a angle grinder or something, when it's just old, grey plastic.

Anyone try the heatgun trick on this type of plastic? I see it alot in jeep forums but not sure if anyone has experience with it on their ranger. Or trim restorers? Over the years I've tried many different brands, most major types and none seem to actually last more than a few days. I haven't tried the trim solutions stuff that actually has a dye in it, but sounds like that is messy, expensive, and will turn them black (which I'm not against btw).

Hoping someone has good success with the heatgun or some other trick before I buy new clips and rip them off to paint, or attempt the heatgun myself.

 

[Shran]

I'd be pretty hesitant to heat them to the point where they change color... that seems very likely to warp or melt them.

I guess my preference would be to take them off & paint them the color you want.

 

[Jazzer]

Heating them would pull the volatiles to the surface and make them shinier, but only for a short while.

I use a trim restorer, No Longer Available Turtle Waxes Endura Shine. I bought some ‘Forever Black’ that is Rick W. approved, for my next coat, when needed.

-Jazzer

 

[dvdswan]

automotive plastic restore - Google Search

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I did the heatgun on my old quad.

The black plastic flares and stuff came out great. The actual grey body plastic i couldnt tell except a place or two i got to close lol

 

[dvdswan]

This sounds like the prospects of a good "How to" thread. Maybe take some pictures and /or video.

 

[bobbywalter]

a steamer wand works better. seen the guy at a detail shop use the thing on black trim....it was for the seats and carpet but seemed to work well on the trim....not sure on longegity....




this seemed useful

Restoring Auto Trim Like a Pro: Insider Secrets to Bring Back the Black Brilliance

Discover the ultimate guide to restoring auto trim and bring back the black shine to your vehicle.

www.fortador-usa.com

 

[MSGia]

I bought this, haven’t tried it yet but I’m hopeful. My front bumper is basically white

 

[Lefty]

I am of the opinion that fender flares look best when they are the same color as the truck. Also of the opinion that the 2k spray paint system provides for a highly durable finish: primer, color, clear coat.

 

[86_FX4]

I'd be pretty hesitant to heat them to the point where they change color... that seems very likely to warp or melt them.

I guess my preference would be to take them off & paint them the color you want.

I agree, but from what I read/see, its just a mild heat, lightly melting the surface. You're not really cooking the fender, more smoothing the surface with quick heat similar to how they restore old plastic stadium seats with a blowtorch.

 

[86_FX4]

automotive plastic restore - Google Search

None of that stuff works for me, and I've tried many and some higher end types. They just dont hold for long, or dont seem to work well with the light grey. My fenders are pretty beat though, and the texture on them is pretty rough. The next thing step up I believe is stuff with a dye or pigment that is professional trim restore but is pricey and supposedly messy and stains stuff, and is more for black.

 

[Lefty]

You can also use boiled linseed oil. It does the very same thing with no chance of warp.

 

[86_FX4]

I bought this, haven’t tried it yet but I’m hopeful. My front bumper is basically white

Hmm that looks interesting. I hear alot of folks using the krypton spray paint with great success, but you kinda need to take fenders off. It will be interesting to see how this works out. It seems like the manufacturer says it has a dye, so it seems like you might have to take fenders off anyways for this product?

 

[86_FX4]

I am of the opinion that fender flares look best when they are the same color as the truck. Also of the opinion that the 2k spray paint system provides for a highly durable finish: primer, color, clear coat.

That looks nice. You pull them off for this paint job? Personally I like the slight two tone, or white/black look, a little retro. Also not sure how well white fenders would hold up

 

[Lefty]

That looks nice. You pull them off for this paint job? Personally I like the slight two tone, or white/black look, a little retro. Also not sure how well white fenders would hold up

I pulled my flares off a junkyard truck and painted them up with 5-6 coats. but I don't see why you couldn't just tape off around them. Just make sure to cover you entire truck to shield it from the overspray.

Krylon has several disadvantages. It is softer than 2K and not at durable. Most cars and trucks these days are made with plastic panels. They were all sprayed with 2K at the factory, not Krylon! Krylon is no longer the best medium for plastic. Also Krylon doesn't make paints to match your truck colors. NAPA 2K does. Maybe Eastwood 2K does too. 2K Lays down real easy, doesn't run drip, or sag as much, sets up, nice, flat, smooth.