Sun-baked plastic cowl - Paint it? Replace it? (1 Viewer)

[Manhattan]

My 100 has lived outside... in the sun... in Atlanta... for the past 14 years. I can't be mad that the plastic parts are slowing looking more and more like Wrangler fender flares. I've been fighting the fade on the plastic cowl and the insert on the rear bumper the whole time. I should've documented all of the products I've tried - I could've done one of those 10-product YouTube reviews... except the ending would've sucked. They all failed.

Yesterday, was another attempt to mitigate the damage...
- Cleaned - using a detail brush - with a diluted Dawn/water mix; rinsed well
- Towel dried; air dried completely
- Applied 303 Automotive Protectant (a lot!) with a detail brush, re-re-re-applied until it stopped drinking it; wiped off excess

Some areas look good. Some areas just don't "take" the protectant any more. The rear bumper is a lot worse, but the cowl is catching up - more areas don't absorb the protectant/dressing/. It's like the plastic is too far gone - like watering a dead plant. The cowl is spotty - gray and black, and will turn back to gray in a week or so.

Any suggestions? Time to replace some parts?

 

[TexusLexus]

I'm going to replace my cowl when I order my new globes from Impex. The cowl is only around $45 per side on there compared to over $200 at the dealerships here. Definitely worth it for $90.

 

[aztoyman]

It's even worse here in AZ. Plastic gets turned to dust. I'd say if you can buy it, do so before it's no longer available.

I have heard of people painting plastic parts and it's what I would try if it were mine and NLA. It would cost more to "properly" prep and paint it than replace it.

 

[2000UZJ]

Heat gun, it worked wonders for mine. It looked exactly like yours, and it's pretty much back to new (90%)

 

[Manhattan]

Thanks @aztoyman - EDIT: Looks like the parts (the cowl is two pieces) would be about $500.
@2000UZJ - supposedly the heat gun technique only works for a short period, and the more it's done, the shorter that period. What's your experience been?

 

[2000UZJ]

@Manhattan - I did mine roughly a year ago, and it still looks the same. Given, my truck is garaged 100% of the time, except when we run errands. I'm not sure I'm fair judgement on durability, but I'll look back and the pictures I took after I did it, and go compare. I don't *think* it's changed, but I may be wrong.

 

[Zuberg]

Heat gun will work for a while, but if the truck isn't garaged UV will break it down again. A heat gun application then regular treatments of 303 may be a good combo but haven't tried that.

I got a new set like @TexusLexus mentioned. after 20 years of Texus sun the old ones were cooked beyond help. Will maintain them regularly with 303 going forward. the new ones are just so nice and come with the new weatherstripping which sits against the lower windshield.

I'm biased but love the black garnet paint. Yours looks to be in good shape!

 

[aztoyman]

@Manhattan , there is a Toyota sale going on right now. Check the price in your cart at Serra Toyota of Decatur. I have even saved a bunch getting parts out of Japan from Amayama. Yeah, even with the shipping it was a lot less than local dealerships. I never tried partsouq.

 

[Manhattan]

I'll check the sales!

I do still love the Black Garnet. And the truck does still look good... from 10'... or 15'. That number is creeping up.

 

[juicemode]

Price on IMPEX is about $100 for both pieces. I haven’t been billed for shipping yet though, I’m hopeful shipping is another $100 or less. Also the best I can tell only the “cold weather versions” are available. I don’t really know what that means or if my old crispy ones are cold or warm weather.

 

[Tmparker05]

I'll check the sales!

I do still love the Black Garnet. And the truck does still look good... from 10'... or 15'. That number is creeping up.

View attachment 3754879

Mine has been in Texas most of its life. I had the same issue so decided to paint it using the sem black trim ultra. Worked out great for me. It’s been 2 years and don’t see any peeling or degradation yet. - Hit them lightly with a scotch pad cleaned them with soap and water dried them hit it with some degreaser two or three coats following instructions. I believe one can was enough and I’m happy. Also used the same paint for the trim around the windows.

 

[aztoyman]

Maybe check online salvage yards from a more northern climate??

If yours is not too brittle, it may be worth a shot to paint it. IDK how UV resistant plastic paint is. 2K auto paint is available in a spray can. My neighbor gets it from the local Napa. Available online as well. Expensive for a rattle can but a lot cheaper than getting quarts. I hope you find an affordable new one. Good luck buddy. Last post beat me to the punch.

 

[Zuberg]

Mine has been in Texas most of its life. I had the same issue so decided to paint it using the sem black trim ultra. Worked out great for me. It’s been 2 years and don’t see any peeling or degradation yet. - Hit them lightly with a scotch pad cleaned them with soap and water dried them hit it with some degreaser two or three coats following instructions. I believe one can was enough and I’m happy. Also used the same paint for the trim around the windows.

View attachment 3754907

View attachment 3754908

Those turned out great! I used that around my windows as well....no idea why I didn't think to use it on the old cowls. Nice work!

 

[Manhattan]

I do love me some SEM plastic paint! I've restored (sounds better than "rattle canned") a bunch of interior panels in my '84 Pickup - they look great. But I'd written off the idea for that cowl - assuming the gallons of petroleum-based crap I've slathered on over the years, would keep the paint from adhering. I may give it a shot!

 

[OwnerCS]

Used this in 2019 on the fiberglass wheel well trim pieces on my 1999 Tacoma. I also used it on some valve cover ornamental covers. It was originally developed to paint kids plastic yard furniture and toys. Strange stuff. I tried many other paints without success until this came along. I'm sure the SEM trim paint is a good product as well. Its all about a paint that will bond to plastics instead of a typical primed surface.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Heat gun, it worked wonders for mine. It looked exactly like yours, and it's pretty much back to new (90%)

That's what I was going to suggest...like they do on plastic outdoor stadium seats every few years to make them look new.

 

[Andrew S]

I second the recommendation for "replace what you can if it's reasonably priced". For everything else, my dad just used this for all the faded plastic trim on his Colorado pickup. I was amazed at how well it brought back the black, much better than any other product I've seen.

https://www.amazon.com/CERAKOTE-Ceramic-Trim-Coat-Kit/dp/B07SHJVK4G/

 

[Coin]

I used a heat gun on my cowl a few months ago. I was shocked at how well it turned out. It looks great. That said, I park in the garage and can’t speak for longevity.

 

[choyota]

Any tutorials on actually how to remove it without breaking anything in the process? I need to do this. Great thread.

 

[Malleus]

Try the service manual?