Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post in this forum for topics relating to the exterior. This includes body, windows, and accessories

Moderators: GRNSHRK, ron, bfons

Post Reply
User avatar
Bhart
Bigcoupe Contributor
Bigcoupe Contributor
Posts: 141
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:24 am
Location: Ontario, Canada

Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post by Bhart »

My rear bumper is not looking as good as the front. There's a few scratches, probably from loading stuff in the trunk, and some stains in the finish that are annoying me. Fine sanding will take out the scratches and aggressive polishing could remove the stains but how do I get the look of the original finish once I've worked the damages out? It's almost a matt/polished finish - but not brushed with a 'direction'....? Is the bumper clear coated?
20170326_175815_s.jpg
20170326_175815_s.jpg (514.58 KiB) Viewed 5226 times
20170326_175826_s.jpg
20170326_175826_s.jpg (706.54 KiB) Viewed 5226 times
01/1987 M6

past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
User avatar
hornhospital
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 2931
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2010 6:46 pm
Location: Silverhill, AL
Contact:

Re: Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post by hornhospital »

They were clear anodized. You have to remove the clear coating to get to the underlying metal, then polish it, and finally recoat it with clear of some kind. It's not an easy job
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
Lopena
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 9:52 pm
Location: New Jersey

Re: Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post by Lopena »

For temporary relief from cloudy trim, spray on a little GIBBS PENETRATING OIL (available online for $20/can) and wipe with a soft rag. Gibbs also works wonders on BBS alloy wheels,
User avatar
dwcains
Posts: 1465
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:01 am
Location: Lutz, FL

Re: Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post by dwcains »

Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
User avatar
Bhart
Bigcoupe Contributor
Bigcoupe Contributor
Posts: 141
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:24 am
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Cleaning up bumper finish.

Post by Bhart »

Dean - yes it looks nice but I'm trying to keep my look original.

I may just give the oil a try and see if this helps - thanks Lopena - but I will eventually want a more permanent fix.
01/1987 M6

past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
User avatar
dwcains
Posts: 1465
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:01 am
Location: Lutz, FL

Re: Cleaning up bumper finish.a

Post by dwcains »

I had a brand new '85 535i for about a year, and even when new, those bumpers took too much of my time to maintain a decent appearance. If I had one now, I might consider mirror polishing with a clear semi-matte powder coat finish. Properly done, I think you could come pretty close to an original appearance, but with a lot more durability, I surely understand wanting an original appearance, and I try to maintai my E24 in that fashion.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
Post Reply