Can I fix the Awful Bumpers on the Rolls-Royce?

Part 39 on this never ending series. In this episode I attempt to look at the bashed up bumpers. These bumpers, both front and back have seen better days 20 years ago...Now they are truly awful!
Can I make them look any bit respectable without forking out £4k for aftermarket ones, yes you did read that correctly, £4k for aftermarket ones! The whole car was purchased for less.
My biggest challenge yet! Can I FIX a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit with too many faults to list, there is more wrong with it than right. Will I end up crying into my Connolly leather seats or will this beast live on.
This is the cheapest Rolls Royce in the UK so I wasn't expecting much, hopefully bit by bit with sheer determination and zero skill I will attempt to fix each fault one by one.
This is PART 39 of this series. Every part will be filmed, and I hope to discover the craftmanship that has gone into this 34 year old moving piece of art.
If you would like to support these videos, please click here / mymatevince
If you have an interesting 'non returnable' item for a 'trying to fix' video then my PO box is as follows. Please only use if you are from the UK and using Royal Mail.
PO Box 2597
WATFORD
WD18 1HT
UK
Remember that this is just for entertainment and I am not an expert in these repairs. The processes in the video may not be the best way, the correct way or the safest way to fix these things. I do love fault finding and trying to fix broken things, so I hope that comes across in this 'Trying to FIX' series. Many thanks, Vince.

[@porkiepie1997]

Hello. I have written previously to say thank you. I was the Public Relations Manager of the Company in the 1970s. I have a 1988 Spirit and you have been such an inspiration that I have now installed a four pillar lift so that I can do some of the jobs you have featured. You too are welcome to make use of it for free, the only problem being I live in Normandy! Please keep them coming. I’m learning so much

[@staciesims9339]

You're doing a fantastic job Vince, you have saved this car from the scrapyard

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you so much SS 👍👍👍

[@skiddmurks]

Until he gets 100 yards down the road and it falls to bits. Glue sticking the bumper together but leaving bare rust and metal behind 😂

[@staciesims9339]

@Skiddmurks its hardly going to fall to bit's is it? At worst, he may have to use another material to stick it down

[@davidcannon1144]

Take your watch off vince

[@kiphakes]

That's SO much better! Great work fella!

[@Mymatevince]

Nice one Kip, thank you 👍

[@rondickson1491]

It’s a shame the previous owners let the car get in such a shape. You have worked wonders bringing this car back to life. Love these videos. Best wishes from the USA!

[@TheDefpom]

She’s coming along nicely Vince.

[@SanjayFrank11]

saw this video first then I binge-watched the whole series. I cant wait to see this beauty on the road.

[@TheCod3r]

It's coming along vince, I wanna take her for a spin 😂

[@LoveToGameOfCourse]

This video made me feel warm inside. Vince, best tuber ever, hands down.

[@jamesschilling2934]

I've seen people mend plastic using more plastic - zip ties for example. Scoring the plastic for grip and melting the zip tie plastic on with a soldering iron. You probably know this already bc you are such an accomplished hacker/upcycler. Enjoying the channel!

[@charmala4]

Great job Vince!

[@robinjones6999]

I admire your staying power on this project

[@ians5603]

There is a product called Black Shoe Goo that I have used to repair rubber in the past. The trick is 0nce you apply the Goo you then smooth it out with an ice cube before it dries . Great work Vince.

[@AcornElectron]

Halfords? We’re paying you too much Vince 😂

[@NeoJ4K3]

I love these episodes, they usually inspire me to go out and work on my own project, luckily though today i was out before i saw this! keep up the good work Vince, the car is turning out amazeballs thus far Sometimes these old cars just want some attention and tlc. you are providing that with your RR and it is responding, these bumpers are proof. They really respond to being treated nicely again like when they were new. unless it's a Cummins, you curse those every chance you get. Caterpillars like sweet talk and zero abuse lol

[@jedivenom]

Hi Vince, firstly I'd like to tell you that I'm really enjoying this series of videos. I'm a long time fan of Autoglym products and keep many of them in my arsenal, but for all trim be that interior or exterior I now use Carpro Pearl, on bumpers it can be used neat and it offers great results on older weathered plastics and rubbers as well as being very hydrophobic, I also use it as a tyre dressing neat. It can also be diluted to use on interior plastics and trim and rubbers. I find it lasts longer and has greater durability than the offerings from Autoglym. Hopefully you'll take a look at the product yourself. Keep up the great content.

[@Ukmartian1701]

Hi Vince, I am new to your channel so playing catchup with your videos, at the moment I am binge-watching the roller...so interesting how you tackle everything even when you aren't sure although I have. Cringed a few times especially when you used a paintbrush, but hey-ho we all gotta learn so keep u the good work and good luck with the Roll's

[@darylwhite9022]

Another great video Vince. I brought a couple of cheap portable white blow mould tables (picnic tables) you might call them, to work on my Spur with division down here in Aus. They have saved my back and made it much easier to fit parts,spray parts and lubricant parts. It would probably be easier for you to film as well. 😊 Keep up the great work, I’m about to fit the restored SUs on my project in the next few weeks.

[@wisher21uk]

Vince the car is coming on so well, excellent work so I’m impressed with all you, I can’t wait for the next instalment 😊, just did a 3 day visit to near your neck of the woods, that bumper Reminds me of my old XJS bumper, it was in 3 parts as well and looked like it was attached to two train buffers you could hit something up to 30mph and no damage to the car😮

[@davidsmith-ih2kk]

Once again Vince the Rolls is looking better and better every time we see it. You have done so much work on it to allow it to pass its M.O.T. This car, despite its previous faults is going to be worth a lot more than what you paid for it. The mere fact it's a MY Mate Vince fix is going to boost it's sell price, not counting the amount of work you have done on it. This car will be famous for your ownership and fixing it up alone, I am no car salesman but I really do think it's going to be worth substantially more than the original 4000 plus pounds. Only time will tell but I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at it's worth when you have finished. Another informative video Vince, thank you for persevering with this project.

[@aldo9923]

Holy cow you did great in those bumpers! I thought they were done for sure! Awesome video as usual, I finally got notified for your video again so that’s good.

[@APSuk2]

Vince if you want a product that will turn plastics & rubber back to black that lasts years try "Solution Finish Black Plastic & Vinyl Restorer" expensive but it lasts at least two years. I don't think I have ever seen anyone repair a rubber bumper with hot glue before but like you said they are really bad so you can only work with what you have got. For bumper repair we use two part epoxys that are specifically for plastics like Wurth Replast but you need to buy a applicator gun & it is not cheap. I will be interested to see how the hot glue fairs in the elements. I have never used that Halfords product but normally when spraying plastics or rubber you need to use an adhesion promoter as due to their flexible nature if you don't the paint peels or sheets off as it cannot flex and bend with the plastic or rubber. I would bet seeing as parts of the bumper are aluminium and parts are steel much of the corrosion is galvanic corrosion where the two metals react with one another. Would not surprise me if Rolls Royce intended for this vehicle to have chrome bumpers but due to road safety regulations changing in the states and Europe they had to retro fit rubber bumpers to comply and be able to sell in those markets. Take a look at the MG B with & without rubber bumpers.

[@adamcasselman311]

Vince, the green autoglym stuff works well but doesn't last. Owatrol is expensive for what it is (£20 for a little tin) but works a treat and lasts. It's an oil you paint on and buff off. The Memphis car channel uses it. Fantastic job by the way - your videos are the highlight of my week!!!!

[@adamcasselman311]

The product is called Polytrol for restoring plastic/rubber/paint. Almost as many uses as IPA!

[@599miata]

Great job with the bumper Vince.👍👍

[@treenamcgowan7652]

Looks sharp. Definitely a huge improvement!

[@markwhitfield5412]

Queen of Hearts - velvet moon, nice song, another great video.

[@19mati67]

I'm no expert in painting, but I have seen quite a few videos, that I can tell you, that you should start painting in the air and finish in the air, make long strokes, don't stop painting on the bumper.

[@Rand0mFriend]

Love your videos so much! Always a wonderful learning life lessons in all your videos!! ❤❤❤❤

[@fishandreptileinfo]

Top Job Vince, it's coming together.

[@devttyUSB0]

What a great improvement again. Real nice!

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you very much Devtty 👌👍👍

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Excellent job Vince , in regard to the front bumper you could try filling the gap with black rtv sealant and smoothing it down.(from google) "Lay the silicone as normal. Next, grab your glass cleaner and spray over the fresh sealant. This won't mix with the silicone, allowing you to smooth it out without sticking to any unwanted surfaces."

[@ianmontgomery7534]

My nephew has a Silver Spur tucked away in a shed that has a problem with its differential. Hopefully mentioning it to him may spur him in to getting it looked at. I can't imagine it has too much of a problem. he is getting his yellow Ghost ready to go and get recommissioned though as more of a priority.

[@BikerBloke600]

Well Done Vince that's a Great job you done there. Well Done. Mick 👌🍻

[@philgornall]

Arrghhh Vince. Your DIY skills are second to none but when it comes to car detailing there’s lots to learn. I was pulling my hair out watching this video. If only you knew about products like Gtechniq C4. It’s like the ‘back to black’ stuff you keep mentioning but it’s a semi- permanent resin that soaks into the plastic and lasts 2 years. Unfortunately it’s too late now as you’ve sprayed them unless you sand it back.

[@GadgetUK164]

It is looking so much better! I know you didn't trust filler - but I would be tempted to use filler I think, just to get a smoother surface. That said - you did the best you could possibly do with it - and I think it looks great for such a beat up old part. What a huge amount of time and effort that has gone into this car - would you do it all again if you had the choice?

[@Mymatevince]

Thanks Chris, not sure if I am honest. There has been many days I have really enjoyed, but other things have suffered as the car has taken up so much time. I think once it is all done and dusted and I am looking back at this time wearing my rose tinted spectacles I will feel happy and proud to have done it 👍👍👍

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Wow.. it certainly looks much better. Not perfect but considering the age of the car it looks very very good. Also I think this car got the best treatment and much more love than it got in years.

[@redgrittybrick]

On my first car (not a RR) the bumper mounts had slots and were bolted to the frame so that in a collision the force would overcome the friction and slide the slotted mount back, absorbing some of the impact. Maybe further under the car there are some bolts that can be loosened allowing the whole bumper to be pulled back an inch or two so the front of the side bumper aligns with the panel recess. Then re-tighten obviously.

[@gamejoy-nick]

Another great video Vince. Serious de-grease on the palastics, followed by Plastic primer then the black would help avoid the patchyness if that helps for any future projects...

[@deanw666]

A nice job on those bumpers! Well done (Y)

[@StevenWichers]

You might be winding up with splotchy paint because of your technique. When using spray, it's best to start off of the object, move over it in one motion, and end off of the other side of the object. Starting on the object and moving back and forth will result in different areas getting different amounts of spray. Also, something you might want to look for and try out is sprayable rubber. I'm not sure if you'll have it available, but it could provide a better match to the bumper and allow you to fill in and cover that patch even more.

[@maxpool162]

Yes, but it looks like he got a flat paint, not textured one with high content of solids. Flat/glossy stuff just does not hide all the messy surface below and results in non-uniform finish.

[@domramsey]

My worry with the hot glue is that the first hot day with sun shining on it all day, it's going to melt and drip out. I guess just keep an eye on it, you can always redo it if need be.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

I seem to remember 100C as being the melting point so if your glue is melting then that's the smallest of your problems!

[@domramsey]

@@ianmontgomery7534 You might be right. But I think it's worth keeping an eye on - a black bumper in direct sunlight might get hot enough to at least soften it.

[@StevenWichers]

@@ianmontgomery7534 Worth noting that 100C isn't an unthinkable temperature for the exterior of a car to reach. Asphalt can reach over 77C just from sitting in the sun.

[@Dan241091]

Your completly right ive hot glued a grill 2yrs ago an in summer it melted an moved

[@stuartgilbert61]

I would spray in the shade, not direct sunlight. Being black the bumpers would get quite warm and the paint will dry unevenly. Great result though and really enjoying this project.

[@watchingdanny]

Excellent video. I like the Pagani watch too. 🙂

[@KrisDouglas]

I meantioned it in the last vid, but Owatrol leaves an awesome coating on bumper materials and chrome like that. Makes it look amazing.

[@rorykelly8275]

If it passes the 2/3 meter test that is surely good enough Vince. Yet another great video.

[@ritchi4343]

Great job mate. Love your vids always a pleasure to watch 👍

[@ekoturnip]

My 924 is still sat waiting for you Vince!! xxx :P

[@FattyTumTum]

Awesome seeing this car come back to life!

[@nicholasviney5975]

Good stuff for black plastic bumpers is boiled linseed oil, it's a bit sticky for 24 hours but looks great once dry

[@chrisrobson8540]

i know everyone has their own preference but having used that autoglym stuff previously (years ago admittedly) if i remember rightly it penetrates the surface of the rubber and does last a good while and when it does start to dull a little it only need a quick top up to bring it back......also thought you might have been able to get a bit of bumper adjustment from those little cotton reel rubbers.....anyway great vid and looking forward to the next episode👍

[@themellortron6289]

Perfect timing Vince, just after the champions league final 😅👍🏻 late night tv sorted for me, keep up the good work mate!

[@yambo59]

I see so many people wave a spray can like theyre chasing flies, even overlapping strokes are required at an even distance otherwise you can get patchy results - but hes got other things going on with the rubber as well making it difficult to get even results, but id say considering what he started with it looks much better than before and much cheaper than a replacement

[@leecollins5698]

That mirror finish on the metal parts of those bumpers looks mint. Those bumpers are 40 yrs old but look great. Get it MOT'd Vince. She needs to be back on the road. Good luck with insurance and fuel cost though but it will be worth it.

[@metalman4141]

Exactly the same problem on the rubber bumper MGBs

[@chrisgray305]

halfords also sell bumper filler if you wanted to go ocd with it. they came out well nice job

[@adamkenney2110]

Get some Gtechniq C4 for the bumper black. Very good stuff and lasts ages.

[@nickwhite4632]

I can’t wait for the MOT. When do you think that’ll be?

[@rohanchapman4159]

Its definitely getting there, good job

[@design-flux]

This episode reminded me of Death Becomes Her. 😂

[@NealeFrancis]

Just had a thought which might help in the future - you can get coloured hot glue sticks the black ones might have helped

[@HavingFunRepairs]

Agreed with all comments already stated, well done!

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you Shawn 😎👍👍

[@heatedgamer2931]

i swear when you first put the polish on it looked like a bird had crapped on it lol 22:23

[@markomadic9234]

4:19 my new ringtone!

[@bryanobrien2726]

looks very nice 👍

[@cav4290]

I think you should try giving the body a spray - you can build a "spray booth" with plastic and rods, add a fan to create "positive pressure" inside so no dust gets inside. It would make great content and would only cost you a liters of paint Remove the front and rear bumpers and lights, mask everything off, and give it a go.

[@MikeB_UK]

Nice idea. My dad used to spray cars. You'll find the equipment to get a half reasonable job costs a fortune. Cheap compressors atomize oil in the air so fine even an oil trap lets it through, making the paint go wierd later after it has dried. A good spray gun again costs a small fortune and you will find the cheap ones produce a garbage finish. Not a cheap undertaking at all.

[@mrjsv4935]

Definetely improved the look :) Indeed interesting design at the rear quarter panels, the indent suggests there's the designed area for the bumpers, but I guess not after all.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

maybe for US bumpers?

[@HA05GER]

Best thing for discoloured bumper or trim is a heat gun. Also slow down a bit with spraying and just short sprays from a distance.

[@DEmma1972]

wonder if its worth getting some black 3d filament which melts about 180c to fill/bond the bumper cracks and then sand/finish off. Looks much better than it was

[@ray73864]

"Premium Diesel" here in Australia has perfumes and anti-foaming agents in it, because, apparently people buy diesel vehicles but don't like the smell of diesel... Thankfully the regular diesel still exists which doesn't have those in it.

[@JimBobby2468]

@My Mate Vince Use 3 or 4 cable ties in a glue gun instead of a glue stick and use it on the area. Don't worry if you use too much cause you can then sand it down. It will give you a seamless repair and you will not notice after you have sprayed it.

[@darkostupar9435]

Can't wait to see new part!

[@Jonnyweareten]

awesome job as always :)

[@robwebster7406]

Thanks for the vid, have you tried black shoe polish on the plastic, the was type?

[@Tokaisho1]

Looking amazing

[@Tim_3100]

Ooh rolls time its looking amazing

[@hayden25795]

T-cut bumper and trim treatment I swear by that stuff has made my black bumpers look new on my rover streetwise! You can also get dark grey

[@peterroy3052]

Excellent job

[@shedworks3196]

Welcome to aftermarket parts, they vary in size just by mm but eventuality it shows, but cost of the original is still prohibitive, ok it’s no Concorde quality but it looks fine from a general perspective

[@sasanmottaghipour876]

Looks really good :D

[@MidlandBulletRiders]

Coming along Vince. You should get yourself some coloured glue sticks, might come in handy.

[@42Hertzer]

Wow, rolls episodes coming regularly now!! =)

[@instahawk8422]

No better way to end the day especially before bed watching a my mate vince video ❤️

[@sean-wh3it]

Owatrol colour restorer is brilliant for plastic and rubber trims 👍

[@maxpool162]

I would try 2 component rubber as a filler. Hot glue is a messy thing it will split from the bumper rubber quickly.

[@rdom4256]

use textured paint on the bumper vince, made specifically for bumpers!

[@Bjohan75]

What part did u fix the boot-lock in?

[@beanboy5315]

Oy! It's me mate

[@dDoOyYoOuUtTuUbBeE]

Maybe try to spray in the shade of your tree, not in direct sunlight, so the paint doesn't heat so much and dries too quickly. More or less hot plastic areas can make your paint look patchy.

[@DerekEmerson]

Buy some textured plastic bumper paint, it’s used in smart repairs, then paint dark grey as black will look odd. The texture paint goes on quite think and leaves an even texture.

[@marcellipovsky8222]

Oh Vince, it seems you've forgotten to write some of the Patreon people names under the bmper 😀And don't tell me you've got hotglue-inspired by Sorin 😁

[@erickvond6825]

You know watching this, it makes me wonder if Rolls Royce has mad any changes to their method of manufacture to solve the issues here. There are obvious failure points and it makes it absolutely nasty to work on.

[@stevenc5227]

Rolls Royce is owned by BMW now and the cars are totally different, probably more plastic nowadays, not seen any new Rolls Royce on the road, maybe i live in the wrong area, prices range from 237K to 350K😂

[@johnhart6036]

i use cherry blossom shoe liquid for back to black works wonders

[@robfoster4645]

I have seen quite a few repairs on tik-tok where they have used black cable ties to melt and merge into the damaged areas and sanded it back to a smooth finish. I wonder if the same could be done to your bumper there.

[@coctailrob]

This car is a treasure trove of repairs.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Mr. Vince 👍👌👏 Well done, Sir (video and work). 2) Please kindly allow me to suggest that you use black Sikaflex instead of the hot glue next time. This product can nearly work wonders (at least if correctly applied). 3) I'm not sure why you did all this bumper work. Maybe I got it wrong but shouldn't the car be officially inspected meanwhile? Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@mrw6156]

Regarding your third point Vince is completely correct in fixing the rear bumper prior to an MOT test. Whilst a minor crack won't be a problem if it is not secure or has suffered damage which could cause injury when someone passes by that will go down as a major fault. In terms of the possible MOT (and this is pure guesswork) there are no other exterior issues that have been mentioned, the interior seems almost complete apart from the front passenger door, the braking system has been done (hydraulic system, front discs and not sure about rear discs), tyres replaced, lights working , no glass issues and no transmission or cooling system issues seen so what is left that could fail it ? Probably quite a lot ! What haven't we seen Vince look at ? Steering rack ? Engine emissions (vehicle is before 1992 so only basic emissions test needed) ? Suspension issues ? Anything else ? Assuming no other issues I guess it could be relatively soon once the interior work is finished. There was some sort of hydraulic system manifold underneath the driver that was leaking on an early episode - I didn't see any fix on that. Fingers crossed we will see it on the road soon !

[@bwimtg]

2:23 i think the axle may be inserted the wrong way round. here you can see that the right side is wider than the left side, more closely matching the diameter of the holes in the bracket

[@davegreen7223]

I had a friend that used to swear by using black shoe polish on vinyl and rubber, always looked good

[@Croaker369]

That looks a lot better.

[@KorAllRBare]

That front wheel offset, would that be about the same as the bumper offset? Could be a design fault that occurred when a model change was made.. APU M8 I dropped a 👉👍👈

[@alexandrecouture2462]

I have seen a few people on YT restore successfully the look of black rubber bumpers and trim with products like Avalon King ceramic coating. Maybe they could hook you up with a bottle?

[@arthurwilliams3479]

to get plastic back to its original colour, use a propane torch and it will melt the sun oxidation layer. search on youtube. they use this method on plastic bleacher seats in stadiums.