6 replies to this topic

[dyl003]

I have the original black plastic arches on my 1995 Sprite that I would like to keep if possible.

 

They are in decent condition but a little faded.

 

Is there a good way or bringing them back to life and smartening them up? 

 

I have tried spray on 'back to black' but it hasn't made much difference.

 

Any good suggestions?

 

 

[HarveyT]

If they are the same as mine then you would probably be best off buying some new ones, they are about £20 maybe £30 for a new set which isnt the end of the world, but in terms of putting spray on them, any silicone based spray will just make them go back to looking grey and faded after a few days 

[dyl003]

I don't mind buying new, as you say they are pretty cheap, wasn't sure if it was tricky taking off the old and fitting new :)

[Lordcroker]

If they are the same as mine then you would probably be best off buying some new ones, they are about £20 maybe £30 for a new set which isnt the end of the world, but in terms of putting spray on them, any silicone based spray will just make them go back to looking grey and faded after a few days 

 

I'll second this.  On my previous Mini I had one arch, just one, which kept fading.  In the end I replaced the whole set and fitted the rubber seal behind them that some limited edition models with painted arches had.  I thought that this was a bit nicer than having the hard plastic up against the paintwork.  Once fitted, keep them well proofed with something like Auto Glym Vinyl and Rubber Care and the problem shouldn't re-occur!  The original arches are fitted with rivets, but I used brass nuts and bolts for the new ones, in the hope that they wouldn't corrode should they ever need to be removed.

[henri1972]

or you could mask them out and plastic prime and spray with halfords satin black but make sure you remove all traces of silicone with carb cleaner 

[venkman]

I've done the following on my switches and a mates micra. Using a hot air gun you can apply gentle heat until they turn black again just be careful!!!

 

I am guessing the the plastic arches are the same plastic as a micra bumper

[timmy850]

I've also heard boiled linseed oil can work pretty well, and so can peanut butter...