Hello everyone!

J

jwdvero

New member
Just would like to start off with a big hello to everyone. I am new to this forum, and hope to learn as well as contribute many things here!



I currently own a few cars, but my pride and joy is my 2002 MR2 Spyder.



Just to give you a short background, I race my MR2 in the SCCA both Chicago and Milwaukee region events, so cone marks are a way of life for me.



My current wax of choice is PS21 and I have been using Lexol for my vinyl soft top with mixed emotions.



I didnt personally like the way it cleans the top and doesnt give it a lustery shine nor does it promote beading.



I have played with good ole Armorall, and I like the look of it much better, but I was concerned about its longterm effects on the softtop.



Just a few questions I would like to throw out.



Also in racing, I put a small hole in my front bumper and bought a used (never used bought off a guy who put a body kit on) and when I got the bumper a few days later, I noticed some stress cracks in the paint on one bend by the headlight (ill get pics later)



Is that something a pro has to do, or can a handy man take that job on?



Hope these questions arnt too newbieish ;)



Thanks



Ekoesling
 
Welcome Neighbor! I too live in the Chicago Area!



Tons of info floating around here. You may want to try a search for products for your top. I'd be interested myself what works best.

:)

TJ
 
Welcome to Autopia! :wavey About that bumper, are the cracks in the plastic, or just in the paint?
 
The bumper is painted correct?



It can probably be repainted pretty easily. If you can get the correct color for your car, then you can probably do a pretty good job yourself. It wouldn't be to hard to setup an area to paint a bumper.
 
Welcome Ekoesling! :wavey



A lot of people are still scared of Armor All, but these days most of their (non-ultra shiny) products have been replaced with safe PDMS water based dressings just like your Lexol (Vinylex right?) and the favourite 303. Just watch out for the ingredient "petroleum distillates".
 
Intel486 said:
The bumper is painted correct?



It can probably be repainted pretty easily. If you can get the correct color for your car, then you can probably do a pretty good job yourself. It wouldn't be to hard to setup an area to paint a bumper.
Click to expand...



Yes it is already painted.



What would I need. I have never painted any car part (besides my Calipers and rotors) before in my life. I have an airbrush, but its just one for models.



What do you think the extimated cost would be to repaint it myself?



Some places wont touch it, because they say the paint colors will not match. Its liquid silver 1D0. I have used the 1D0 paint repair kit that came with my car once to fill in a rock chip, and the paint didnt match at all. It was much darker. I guess maybe some buffing would be needed?



Ill do some searches, but if you want to throw some experiance my way be my guest!



Thanks for the warm welcome, I look forward to the knoledge we can share with each other!



I learned more about my MR2 Spyder in one week at spyderchat.com than most dealer mechanics I have taken my car to.



Its really sad.



Any chicago area detail places around that would paint a bumper and give me an estimate? I live near Gurnee (near wisconsin border) but work downtown chicago. Communting is not a problem.



Thanks again.



Ekoesling
 
What were the stress cracks caused by? Did you overtighten something, bend it, or did they just appear for no aperant reason?
 
Nagchampa said:
What were the stress cracks caused by? Did you overtighten something, bend it, or did they just appear for no aperant reason?
Click to expand...



I assume it happend during shipment. It was sent from NC.
 
ekoesling,

I know of a great body shop in the area, but it would be a haul for you. It's in Naperville. I had my passenger door repainted when some punk busted my window and the tiny pieces put chips in the paint. They matched the Black perfectly. Very professional people. Send me a Private Message or email if your interested and I can give you more info.

tj
 
ekoesling said:
Some places wont touch it, because they say the paint colors will not match. Its liquid silver 1D0. I have used the 1D0 paint repair kit that came with my car once to fill in a rock chip, and the paint didnt match at all. It was much darker. I guess maybe some buffing would be needed?
Click to expand...



I've noticed this with pretty much all touch-up paints. My car color is 1C4 and it is totally off.



You can probably get it repainted, but being silver, it will be REALLY hard to match because there are too many shades of silver. You might have to blend in the surrounding areas of the bumper to get them to match. Silver is a good color to hide imperfections as long as it doesn't get damaged to the point of repainting



Since the car is your pride and joy, I would not try to fix it myself. I've been less than successful with trying to fix scratches on my car.



Good luck!
 
Sand the whole cracked area down to the primer. Be sure to feather the paint and clear edges about two inches with a sanding block or a D/A sander. (if you can) Use 400 grit paper and take your time.



Go over the entire repair with 800 grit paper then scuff the entire bumper with a green household scrub pad and 3M wipe and prep. (comet can also be used as an abrasive but be sure to wash all residue afterwards)



If you want to paint it yourself, get a bodyshop supply store to mix you some spraybombs using your paint code and a panel for reference.(gas door) You could also bring the repaired bumper to a body shop and have them paint and clearcoat it for you at a minimal cost now.
 
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