Cheap Upper Bumper Chrome Trim Fix

I went and got a roll of the chrome StyleGuard 3/8 inch Wheel Molding (part # T3605C) at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Was $14.

Well here's my thoughts. It's better than what I had.

The molding on my bumper was mostly yellowed and the clear had come off the chrome, and was sticking up in many places. Pretty ugly, really took away from the car.

I was able to pry out the ends of each of the three pieces from the metal endcaps, and then pull the old strips off. I then used a razor blade to scrape off the remains of the old mounting tape, and then cleaned the leftover dirt and glue off the bumper where the strips had been.

Mounting the new chrome molding was easy, the molding comes with 3M tape already on it, and I just cut the strips to length. The width is correct and I had no problems getting the ends tucked back under the metal end caps.

Now as to why it's just "better" and a not "great" repair. The issue is anywhere the new strips had to curve or bend to follow the bumper contours, they wrinkled. Not huge wrinkles, but not smooth chrome anymore either.

It does look a lot better though, see pics below:

Damn you sir have been very very busy wagon nut.I think that you have set a all time record for post on this forum.
Every one of your postings have been interesting and even creative but always helpful.
I am glad you joined and every time you work on your beautiful wagon we all benefit greatly so please keep at it.
You have my thanks.
Take Care
Jim "Flasheroo"

Thanks. Glad to see there are other that like these cars too. You don't see them much here. Glad to share what I've done and hope to learn from ya'll, as my car is still very much a work in progress!

-Mike

Keep an extra roll of that trim, it won't last long. I have to replace mine about every 6 months or so, but I'm in Georgia and the heat is excruciating.

Hahaha, not much cooler in Central Texas. ; )

Will do!

I know, I spent 3 years in Fort Hood.

Ahhhh, the hottest place on earth! If it's 90 in Austin and 95 in Belton it'll be 105 at Fort Hood! Never fails!

You are a tough dude!

Try using a heat gun on it next time and see if it will bend without wrinkling as much?

81X11 wrote:

Ahhhh, the hottest place on earth! If it's 90 in Austin and 95 in Belton it'll be 105 at Fort Hood! Never fails!

You are a tough dude!

If we every have a brawl at wagon fest, I am on Roberts side!!!!!

BTW I found some adhesive backed trim that does not seem to fade!!! I put mine on almost a year ago and it looks as good as the day I did it.

Tim

I put mine on July of last year and it still looks the same today. No fading...yet.

-Mike

Now if only someone can find a solution to the trim on Caprices.


(If you already have - clue me in folks!)

Wow. I missed this the first time around. Great work, Mike! Mine bugs the crap out of me! Looks like I have another mod to add to the ever growing list!

Look how pretty my grill was......

Stingroo wrote:

Now if only someone can find a solution to the trim on Caprices.


(If you already have - clue me in folks!)

It was discussed on the ISSF in the wagon section. Remove the mouldings, cut the old chrome strip off, and replace it with a set that 3M makes which many auto parts houses carry.

sherlock9c1 wrote:

Stingroo wrote:

Now if only someone can find a solution to the trim on Caprices.


(If you already have - clue me in folks!)

It was discussed on the ISSF in the wagon section. Remove the mouldings, cut the old chrome strip off, and replace it with a set that 3M makes which many auto parts houses carry.

Quick google also produced this:

http://www.msitrt.com/protecto_chart.htm

http://www.customautotrim.com/products/moldings/wheelwell.htm

Hello All:

For the front bumpber on RMW's, most of the trim I found in retail stores was oval and was either too wide or too narrow. Finally found a near-perfect match online. The originaly chrome trim strip was slanted. I order the 7/16" which is what the factory trim strip was. Simple enough to remove the old yellowing trim off. I did it in 90 degree weather which made it easy. When applying it, if it is not hot out, be sure you warm up the strip so it eaisily follows the bends and curves. The finished look is awesome. The slanted fits effortlessly into the existing stainless retainer clips along the bumper.

http://www.brandsport.com/trmg-301-05.html

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Sorry about the big photos....still learing the whole Photo Bucket thing.

Big photos great for old eyes!
Jim

Tomestonebilly wrote:

How do you get the rubber looking so good ? Mine will never look as good,but its the little things that matter.

Shameless plug:

This works. Aerosol. https://squareup.com/market/superior-finish-auto-reconditioning/black-on-black

This works better/longer, but is messy to apply: https://squareup.com/market/superior-finish-auto-reconditioning/undercarriage-spray