Back in Black! How to bring those black plastic fenders and black trim pieces back to life.

Today I use two different methods showing how to restore black plastic fenders and plastic trim pieces on a Jeep Wrangler.
#jeep #wrangler #dad #dadlife #texas #car

[@michaelstanley3961]

Wash, burn, wipe and then the polish. Looks great, I am a professional detail restorer and this is the method I have used for years, great results. Good video though.

[@dadlifetexan]

awesome, thanks for the tip

[@crushingsnakes1976]

Is it the heat or the flame? Like could you use a high temp heat gun?

[@PrestonFarney]

@@crushingsnakes1976 you can use a heat gun

[@XdragonPie]

I use the torch and let cool befor I using the plastic product . Works great using both techniques together.

[@dadlifetexan]

That's a great idea!

[@bus-fun-addict]

Worked great around my gas filler neck.

[@dadlifetexan]

Right on

[@jRieg]

Stop with the MUSIC already !!!

[@dadlifetexan]

Lol noted

[@illuminaughty2929]

Needs more cow bell

[@gregs7519]

It blew my eardrums out 🤣

[@dadlifetexan]

My bad

[@gregs7519]

@@dadlifetexan all good man. I just didn't expect it. Still was a useful video. Thanks for doing the comparison

[@shanemontgomery2422]

Torch method would be good as a one time thing. Then just keep on top of it once a month with a good black polish to maintain color. Good video

[@dadlifetexan]

awesome, thanks

[@Mike-hb4pc]

You can use the heat and bring back the black, but it won’t last. Been there, done that. What you can do is paint them. Use a two-part polyurethane paint because it will flex enough and not crack. And think of this… you never have to do anything but wash it. It will always look perfect! I’ve done this for years with nothing but excellent results.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah I think that’s the way to go too

[@tigergreg8]

What paint did you use? I'm not sure about this two part paint method.

[@timkinley1779]

Solution Finish dye is the best product.

[@tigergreg8]

I just looked that up and the reviews are good. I may try it in the Spring. @@timkinley1779

[@JaysAutoSpa]

@@timkinley1779 link to product?

[@stansbruv3169]

Wow. Those fenders look like you’ve taken the torch to them before.

[@dadlifetexan]

Actually somebody else had used a heat gun on them before.

[@robvannNS]

I give it a wipe with Minwax Tung oil after washing the plastic. cheap, fast and easy and lasts about a year.

[@dadlifetexan]

Awesome, thanks for the info.

[@HarryParker-v1z]

I found a McQuires Hot Shine Tire Coating spray that I use on my plastic parts. You have to be careful to wipe it off the paint. But it’s fast and works great. Not the foam stuff. It’s an aerosol spray.

[@dadlifetexan]

Awesome, thanks for the tip. I’ll have to check it out.

[@catfish24]

That heat gun is bringing the oils in the plastic to the top after a couple of times you do this you pull all the oil out of the plastic and the plastic will become brittle and start breaking. You need to do something to add oils back into the plastic.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah, that’s what I have heard. Unfortunately, this jeep was totaled so I haven’t been able to check any difference it made. I have used the heat on other plastics before with good results but nothing over a significant amount of time.

[@garbinator09]

Very interesting guys.

[@carloslamprea3521]

Nothing like a good candle to remove all the bad things 😂

[@dadlifetexan]

lol exactly

[@wytejonez]

I'd clean the torch then polish

[@dadlifetexan]

Good idea

[@deval3596]

i used the meguiars ultimate black plastic restorer spray. I put it on in february, the 10oz spray can was enough to do both my jeeps and they still look glossy, but not to glossy black. I did put it on during the last part of our raining season and then all summer. I also only did only one coat on both vehicles.

[@dadlifetexan]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@TonyB851]

ArmorAll for plastics works great. The same stuff you'd put on your dashboard.

[@dadlifetexan]

Thanks for the tip!

[@timkinley1779]

Absolutely not. That is how plastics get permanently damaged.

[@dadlifetexan]

@@timkinley1779 its ok, the entire jeep got permanently damaged when it was wrecked

[@ITSJBTV]

Hey, I think the torch was the best way to go, the heat brings the oils in the plastic out and it is pretty permanent Vs the other, you will have to redo it a lot to keep it that way. And don't worry about the trolls and the negative comments, we all get em lol. P.S. I looked for the next video you said you were gonna do later on, I see you didn't make anymore showing how they looked months down the road, which is looking best today? 👋🤠

[@dadlifetexan]

yeah, if it works it works! couldn't do an update video because the jeep was actually totaled shortly after the video was recorded...

[@independent900]

Very interesting project. The torched surfaces didn't appear to be as consistent as the wipeon.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah it’s definitely not

[@kees1]

What is the long time effect?

[@dadlifetexan]

It works pretty well for a while, but the jeep was totaled about a month after the video

[@drumtwo4seven]

at dollar tree and 99 cent store they sell a dollar pump spray for your car it is an interior restorer or something I've bought two so far Spray it on faded black plastic let it sit a couple minutes wipe it off it's amazing It also makes foggy head lights see thru again Discovered that by mistake words great only $1

[@dadlifetexan]

awesome, I need some of that for my truck right now!

[@vevenaneathna]

ha, there is a reason they are going to thermoplastic (uhmwpe) for the next gen stealth fighters. so easy to repair with improvised tools.

[@dadlifetexan]

Ha nice

[@harryberry474]

That Meguires isn't very good IMO, try Forever Black it's a dye and works great and lasts only needs one coat. You'll have to tape off anywhere you don't want it like paint.Also wearing gloves is highly recommended. While that heat method looks like it works I think you're prematurely aging the plastic material and giving zero UV protection which is what causes the black to discolor in the first place.

[@dadlifetexan]

I usually like meguires products but haven’t heard good things about this one

[@harryberry474]

@@dadlifetexan ...well, now you have.😉

[@neildorrity9507]

The torch is way better , the miguiars won't last more than a few week's at best. Best option is to do a trim restorer like polish angel and then coat it with gyeon trim coat to protect for 1-2 years.

[@dadlifetexan]

Thanks for the tip!

[@QueensK718]

The torch is the way to go bro, thanks for the video!

[@dadlifetexan]

yeah man!

[@rebarguy4051]

Or shoe shine

[@Mikelennon78]

Ah yeah, I think the torch takes the win.

[@dadlifetexan]

lol yup

[@Jim-re3sr]

Found another use for my torch

[@dadlifetexan]

Yessir

[@benpeters5703]

Two words. Donkey gelatin. Works like magic.

[@dadlifetexan]

interesting

[@fernesal]

I tried it. Torch lasts about a year if your car stays outside. Just do it again. Now be careful. Not all plastics react the same. Another precaution is make sure your vehicle doesn't have any gas leaks or not use it to close to flammables like greases and oils.

[@dadlifetexan]

Absolutely

[@wagu7003]

The more u torch the more brittle it becomes

[@themaineadventure4687]

Chemical Guys Black on Black Spray. Looks better and faster then both these methods. Give it a try.

[@dadlifetexan]

Thanks for the info!

[@codyallensiebert]

Hell yea!! Great info!

[@dadlifetexan]

Appreciate it!

[@rockywigg7882]

Use flood paint additive works great

[@dadlifetexan]

Good idea

[@frogmanpipes9561]

Ive used a heat gun. Its a better option than the blow torch. Less room for error

[@dadlifetexan]

Yes, a heat gun works well. I’m normally just not patient enough lol.

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I have seen a few others using a few different products after heating the surface. One channel I watched used linseed oil after the plastic cooled. I have an 04 Wrangler X with the original sunbaked plastic. I plan to remove the pieces in a few days. I guess I will see what works.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah, that's a good idea to treat the plastic with something after they cool. Would probably help protect and keep the look longer.

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I just finished the fender flares and a few other pieces. I used a heat gun on high, then let the pieces cool down. After that, I mixed paint thinner and linseed oil 50-50 and applied to all the parts with a rag. I removed all of my parts because there was 20 years worth of dirt under them scratching the paint. After the parts dried I put them back on. The water just beads off of them. So far, I'm pretty happy with the results. But, I will see in a few weeks.

[@dadlifetexan]

That’s awesome, removing them to get them clean was a good call

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

@@dadlifetexan . Having the parts off definitely takes the worry of damaging paint or anything else out of the picture. Plus, I'm old and slow and was smoking a joint at the time.

[@dadlifetexan]

lol perfect

[@stevenguillory9571]

I use a heat gun and works great

[@dadlifetexan]

yes definitely

[@JyroOne]

That will cause them to prematurely age and crack easily. There are products meant for this. Black shoe polish wotks wonders as well.

[@dadlifetexan]

Good point

[@skippyify]

Heat gun works too

[@dadlifetexan]

Yes, heat gun works as well

[@gbertlj4754]

Cerakote for plastic trim works better and last longer, dont waste your time with a torch

[@dadlifetexan]

Good idea

[@nathanking8396]

Did you ever do an update video at either one week or one month? I haven’t seen either on your channel.

[@dadlifetexan]

Well, funny story. This jeep was actually totaled about 2 weeks after recording this video.

[@tongkatali6904]

I used a heat gun on my truck’s bumper and it looked great but didn’t last more than a month or so before it turned gray again.

[@dadlifetexan]

Did you use any other methods after that?

[@myTrailer_rental]

Did you do the long term effect video? Just curios, I didn't seem to find that if so.

[@dadlifetexan]

Unfortunately, the jeep was totaled shortly after I recorded this video so I wasn't able to do the follow up video

[@myTrailer_rental]

@@dadlifetexan Ohh no, hopefully you where ok. Thanks either way, like the video, about to dig into it myself.

[@MyGuyKirby]

Next Jeep try Solution Finish it last longer than most and avoid ceramic coatings that seal the top, they still will return to grey.

[@dadlifetexan]

Appreciate the tip, will give it a try!

[@seanfenick9375]

I wonder if a heat gun will do the same as the propane torch

[@dadlifetexan]

Yes, it will. The only thing is the heat gun takes longer to heat the plastic so you just need to be careful to not hold it in one place too long or you risk melting the plastic.

[@PrestonFarney]

could you use a heat gun insted of a torch?

[@PrestonFarney]

heat gun works ok, but i think blow torch would work better

[@dadlifetexan]

you can use a heat gun, but the torch is definitely faster

[@PrestonFarney]

@@dadlifetexan ok, thanks

[@Gunny672]

Look, Chris Hemsworth's little brother!

[@dadlifetexan]

🤣

[@tedd7028]

Do you need the flame or would a heat gun work as well as the torch?

[@dadlifetexan]

A heat gun will work also, it just takes longer

[@BobbyBasketballl]

Blow torch weakens the plastic and makes it prone to crack

[@dadlifetexan]

That’s what I’ve been hearing

[@rachelg400]

How long did the torch hold up?

[@dadlifetexan]

It lasted for a while, but unfortunately, this jeep was totaled about a month after I recorded this video...

[@rachelg400]

Oh man! That sucks!

[@docohm50]

It's been a year which lasted longer, the torch or the McGuire's?

[@dadlifetexan]

Well, unfortunately that jeep was actually wrecked about a month after I shot the video and was totaled. Was replaced with a 2023 model and the plastics now seem to be better quality and are being protected with product from the start to try to help prevent this same issue from happening.

[@TitanFlyer2015]

I would think spraying with Rhino Liner would be another (better) option that is more long term and adds to the durability. You don’t need to do the incredibly thick rough stuff, it comes in many finishes, plus you can choose your color.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yah that’s a good option too. We were trying to go with more of stock look on this Jeep because it didn’t have any modifications.

[@drush525]

I would think for the price of a new Jeep they would actually make a fender out of steel. No they don't and Goobers keep buying these overpriced UTV's with cheaper and cheaper parts. You are being ripped off.

[@benharper1087]

@@drush525 The flares are plastic because they will see a lot of abuse on the trail (trees, rocks, etc) and are pliable without taking permanent damage and they will reduce damage transfer to the body panels from higher impact scenarios. Additionally they are cheap and easy to replace if/when they are abused to the point of replacing, it's a cheaper/easier job than replacing steel ones.

[@CraigG21]

Any long term update on the 2 methods used in this video?

[@drush525]

@@benharper1087 why did Jeep used to make them out of steel?

[@nicoleeberle3714]

Great video.....crappy music!

[@dadlifetexan]

lol my bad

[@tna2me197]

Electric heat gun. A lot less chance you’ll burn the plastic or your paint.

[@dadlifetexan]

Very true

[@TheEvilTwinCG2]

McGuire doesn’t work on my 2002 crv.

[@dadlifetexan]

Found anything that does?

[@RICARD01]

CERAKOTE wipes. PERIOD

[@dadlifetexan]

Have to check them out

[@bossjpro8432]

What do you use?

[@katbot2190]

I hear that using a heat gun or torch that it pulls all the oils that is in that plastic to the top and after so many months it's back to grey/white and you can't get it back.

[@dadlifetexan]

I have heard that too, but I have used the torch technique on other vehicle plastics before. They do go back to the grey/white color but you can hit them with the torch or heat gun again and it will bring them back to black every time. At least that is my experience. Won't be able to test that with this jeep because it was involved in an accident and is totaled...

[@insane4wheeler1]

Torching them last about 2 weeks then its worse. Back to black sucks too

[@dadlifetexan]

Anything you recommend?

[@insane4wheeler1]

@dadlifetexan I used duplicator trim and bumper paint on my van bumper. It has a few scratches in it now, but it ain't faded white anymore. Thinking about putting another coat on it. Its been 2 years.

[@dadlifetexan]

I’ll have to check it out, thanks!

[@RedBeardDevelopment]

4-5 applications of a quality Ceramic coating will prevent and fix this.

[@dadlifetexan]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ThisGuy-c9m]

How about torch then Maguires when it cools

[@dadlifetexan]

Never tried it

[@edwardgrobe2848]

The plastic is merely dried out. Get you some transmission fluid and replace the moisture back in the plastic.

[@dadlifetexan]

Good idea

[@JR-ut1yx]

Would a heat gun work as good as the torch?

[@dadlifetexan]

A heat gun definitely works, it just takes longer.

[@woozleboy]

The torch works by pulling the oils in the plastic to the surface abd it does work... ...howver you are also actively damaging the plastic by this method, making them more brittle and failure prone. It won't last and will fade quicker. It is an old used car sales trick. Oils/treatments will help replenish the surface, but it is a regular maintenance task has to be done.

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah that’s what I hear

[@4nti0ch]

like the vid but not a fan of the music lol. =P

[@dadlifetexan]

lol yeah...my bad on that

[@Sunshine198803]

No update video?!?!

[@dadlifetexan]

Sorry man, this jeep was totaled shortly after I recorded this video

[@Alanst1xx]

Vaseline or otherwise known as petroleum jelly

[@dadlifetexan]

Is this a real thing?

[@Alanst1xx]

Yea I tried 6 different things till I read on another thread about it its been on my car now for over a month and still looking good

[@jonasbaltazar7366]

nice one, did the blow torch method lasted till now?

[@dadlifetexan]

lasted for a couple of months; unfortunately, the jeep was wrecked so I can't get any update footage...

[@stevebrainard6082]

@@dadlifetexan Was the jeep totaled?

[@dadlifetexan]

@@stevebrainard6082 yeah; unfortunately, it was

[@stevebrainard6082]

@@dadlifetexan Glad to see you safe though!!!

[@willgeo2215]

Use a heat gun, not a torch

[@dadlifetexan]

That works too

[@OASH2023]

Wow those plastic fenders … what was Jeep thinking , way too much plastic. 🥴 I’m sorry but even when it looks new, it’s still bad 😂

[@dadlifetexan]

agreed

[@ammogiant824]

Unfortunately as time goes on it will look way worse from using the torch. Ask me how I know.

[@dadlifetexan]

Not cool

[@dundeeecroc]

Same thing happened to me, it got fucked up, do not use a torch! I tried this before this guy in the video did!~

[@mikekosar6135]

G. T. F. Out..!! Wow I didn’t Know that torch trick..

[@dadlifetexan]

??

[@mikekosar6135]

@@dadlifetexan I didn’t know that torch trick 👍

[@dadlifetexan]

@@mikekosar6135 haha yessir, it's not permanent but it works

[@ammogiant824]

Using a heat gun is a lot safer

[@dadlifetexan]

Just slower. I find that the time it takes to heat the plastic up enough causes people to overheat and melt the plastic.

[@MADDOG100ful]

Heat gun would be safer.

[@dadlifetexan]

Heat gun works too, just slower

[@jamesbc.8381]

Torch it first. Then put the restorer on.

[@dadlifetexan]

Never thought of that

[@TheRedStateBlue]

just take them off and plasti-dip them. easy. permanent.

[@dadlifetexan]

Not necessarily permanent as plastidip can peel off but I do like the idea. Also like the idea of bed liner 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@deltajohnny]

Horribly stressing music! 😡😡😡

[@dadlifetexan]

My bad 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@deltajohnny]

​@@dadlifetexanI was a little harsh... my apologies 🙄🙄 Great methods! 👏👏👏

[@dadlifetexan]

Haha thanks

[@twicetrader]

it doesn't last. Actually you are exacerbating the problem. A couple of weeks and there you go

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah haven't found anything that actually lasts, any tips?

[@twicetrader]

@@dadlifetexan Nope, only temporary remedies kzbin.info/www/bejne/jomyiWewa9qqjtE If you love hard work and the other side of plastic part is like new you could go with this plan kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKjOkJmEesp7bLM This is the most effective way but also time consuming. If the area is too large, go for painting like Trim Black by SEM Products for black parts. My 2 cents

[@Jay-ju9jw]

It’s called Pro tex, by pro xl. The best yet.

[@PaulTamayopaintingismypassion]

Why not use both methods. Burn it. Seal it.

[@stianh.1195]

No follow up? 😥👎

[@dadlifetexan]

unfortunately, this jeep was totaled shortly after I did this video

[@phoenixpenney3001]

I’m thinking of doing this but would like to know if it has lasted?

[@dadlifetexan]

Well my girlfriend actually totaled this Jeep, but it lasted about 3 months before it needed to be done again.

[@AEVMU]

The heat pulls oils to the surface and that restores the color but long term it will make the plastic brittle and the color will fade again (faster than the first time). Better to use a restoration product that adds back oil.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Get rid of the music!

[@dadlifetexan]

lol yes, I’ve been told

[@tgriebe]

BS music.

[@dadlifetexan]

Perhaps

[@marklucas2591]

Argh the music!!

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah my bad on that lol

[@TampaDarkknight1010]

It's not a long term fix, done it , does not last bro, better idea is how bout store jeep in garage out of sun when u can, and keep it clean, use the proper products on ur trim in more frequent washes. Ppl who don't take care of there stuff this is why that happens. I wouldn't try this method most ppl don't have the patience.

[@dadlifetexan]

I agree, taking care of stuff from the beginning is a better approach than trying to fix later

[@drush525]

One of the main reasons i would never buy a Jeep. You pay for metal fenders and they give you cheap plastic instead.

[@dadlifetexan]

I definitely think they need to do better

[@drush525]

@@dadlifetexan especially at the price point.

[@independent900]

​@@dadlifetexanFor those of us who drive their Jeep's offroad and have to deal to brush and branches, the plastic fenders are excellent. They hide the scratches and are cheap to replace. If you want prettier fenders, Jeep offers color matched (I.e. painted) fenders. Blaming Jeep for plastic fenders is naive.

[@Ojb_1959]

Can you play the intro music louder. 🦻🏻 No paint protector 😳

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah my bad on the music

[@Ojb_1959]

@@dadlifetexan 🤙😄

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

The torch method is releasing the oils from within the plastic back onto the surface, it won’t last as long as the original black, and will leave the plastic brittle over several attempts..

[@dadlifetexan]

yeah that's what I have heard

[@michaelstanley3961]

Sorry but the torch method is burning off the layer of plastic that has been tarnished by the UV exposure, then exposing a new plastic layer. Been using this method as a professional detailer for years, then black polish after to protect the new surface from the UV

[@richardturk7162]

The Meguier's is not a very good product. if you are lucky it lasts about 3 weeks. It tends to streak and get splotchy quickly.

[@dadlifetexan]

Unfortunately, I think you’re right

[@matthewsonger2313]

Great video ! other then the most irritating music like wanna be rocker soloing nonstop

[@dadlifetexan]

Thanks! And lol yeah a lot of people were not a fan of that music

[@matthewsonger2313]

@dadlifetexan haha, keep up the good videos

[@outlawmultigun7076]

Bad bad bad too loud music

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah my bad on the music

[@jamesbrown7991]

Project Farm found a product that is the best. He time tested all the leading restorers. I think Meguier's was tested the worst

[@dadlifetexan]

I need to check that out

[@a.p.369]

But both methods look kind of spotty🤔

[@dadlifetexan]

Yeah neither are perfect

[@donewithdemocrats]

Brad Pitt owns a Jeep?

[@dadlifetexan]

lol he probably owns several

[@Matt_Morgan]

Who’s the woman that pulled up @06:54? She’s definitely throwing vibes out for some Texan Daddy good times.

[@dadlifetexan]

lol

[@peterrudy9207]

Prevention - Periodically spray 303 Protectant , let set for a few minutes and wipe with a microfiber towel

[@dadlifetexan]

Awesome, thanks!

[@PakmanR3]

I wonder if you oven bake it you can get the same result but more even? 🤔

[@dadlifetexan]

Maybe worth a try?

[@BCTCanadian]

How have they held up? I used the torch one vehicle but it faded back after a month or two.

[@dadlifetexan]

Actually this jeep was wrecked shortly after this video was taken so I don’t have the long term comparison

[@melvinhunt6976]

Chemical Guy’s! Good stuff!

[@dadlifetexan]

Good to know!

[@philgraves4998]

Never seen the blow torch method that was cool man!! Would probably work on even the most sun faded plastic. I use a product called Trinova that works really well as fast as you can wipe!

[@dadlifetexan]

Awesome, haven’t heard of that product

[@TruthBombz]

And now they're brittle.

[@dadlifetexan]

Perhaps

[@f5fstop]

How about a heat gun?

[@dadlifetexan]

Yes a heat gun works as well

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

I thought I knew a lot at my age . But nope that torch thing did great. Wow I’ve used back to black and like it . I might try torch first then back to black. Excellent video 👊🏻 fellow Texan here 🤠

[@dadlifetexan]

Awesome, good luck with it! Always great to hear from a fellow Texan!

[@zululeppard]

Cerakote came out tops on Project Farm channel. I used it and it worked great.

[@dadlifetexan]

Good to know!

[@tactdad8424]

What now way ...😂

[@dadlifetexan]

haha