"A" bar, paint and finish.

[HarryD]

The "A" bar on my 2000my Disco has weathered a bit to the extent that it has faded much lighter than the surrounding bumper trim. It's now a mediuum grey against the black bumper trim.
It's the dense ABS type. Apprently, there is some sort of treatment that can be applied, does anyone know what's best? Failing that, any other recommendations? "Back to Black" lasts about a couple of days and is not an option.

[ChrisP_WirralUK]

Try used end oil - miraculous.

[ChrisP_WirralUK]

Sorry should read try used engine oil.

[bilge rat]

boot polish is another but hard work, alan....

[HarryD]

Thanks to both.
My last waste oil (serviced within last 2 weeks) went to the council recycling dump. I wonder what Waxoyl will do for it? May try that later.

[|androver]

Thanks to both.
My last waste oil (serviced within last 2 weeks) went to the council recycling dump. I wonder what Waxoyl will do for it? May try that later.

waxoyl/engine oil means that every time you lift the bonnet and lean in (everyday on a landrover?) you will get crap on your clothes. I have a winch bumper that is black waxoyl coated and it defo is not misses friendly ;) Waxoyl coated the rear cross member once and when misses leaned in to dump shopping bag..... oh how she laughed about the tread plate pattern on her power gigs.

If the faded A-bar worries you that it is degrading the bling factor, why not take it off and get it blasted and recoated, or get a spray can of black plasticoat from BnQ and DIY.

[HarryD]

Thats another option and probably more practical. Flatting it down a bit beforehand.

[karlo]

Your local accessory shop will do a product that's a black liquid in a bottle to re black exterior trim, just wipe it on leave a few minutes then polish off a bit messy & you have to do it now and again but does the job!

[HarryD]

Your local accessory shop will do a product that's a black liquid in a bottle to re black exterior trim, just wipe it on leave a few minutes then polish off a bit messy & you have to do it now and again but does the job!
Thanks Karlo. Got that and you're right. It's messy all right. Doesnt last.
I think the plastic paint is prob the way to go.

[HarryD]

Krylon Fusion seems to be the paint. Just been digging around.

[HarryD]

Right. it's been a month so here's the update.
3 weeks ago, blasted the "A" bar to bits with the pressure washer. You could let a new born baby eat off it. Then on a nice sunny day (last one of the year I think), misted some Plasticote satin black over it. Took most of the day and the contents of the can. Light coats are the way to go, must have done 10 or 12 at least.
Then ran with it fitted for 2 weeks without the lamps (in case it didnt work and Id have to remove the paint)and then one week with the lamps in rain and shine, motorway and A roads. Not a crack or blemish seen. Received a comment at end of week 3 that the bar looked brand new (before mentioning the repaint).
Couldnt get that other brand of paint by the way without loads of grief like minimum purchase and then postage. B&Q came through in the end.
So, for a fiver, Im happy.