how do I keep my bumpers looking new

[nfpgasmask]

Badly faded cladding may need to be painted or have one of many coatings applied,

You know, I think this is a problem for a lot of folks who try products and claim they don't work. I think there is a point where the cladding gets so faded that no product can bring out the original dark color of the cladding. So, if your VX's cladding is not to that point yet, then I would said you are good to go. I think sun is your cladding's worst enemy, but if you use some of the protectant type products (like Trim Shine) I think this will also help prevent further sun damage. I park outside at work for 9 hours a day, and the relentless Nevada sun beats on my VX all day, and my cladding still shines up nicely.

And on a similar note, get a sun shade for your front window, and tint the rest out. I have seen some terrible sun damaged dash boards, steering wheels and leather seats. These materials WILL deteriorate and deteriorate fast if not cared for and protected.

The real question is, what can be done about faded hood inserts? Mine is getting a little light...

Bart

[tom4bren]

"The real question is, what can be done about faded hood inserts? Mine is getting a little light..."

Isn't the hood insert made out of the same stuff as the cladding? Same rules apply - shine/protect it with what suits you - when it gets too faded, paint it.

[nfpgasmask]

Isn't the hood insert made out of the same stuff as the cladding?

I don't believe so, I thought it was either painted metal or painted fiber-glass.

Bart

[tom4bren]

OK - let me rephrase: I use B2B on mine & when it gets too faded, I'll paint it.

Believe it or not, when my insert gets too dull, you can actually see the outline where the PO had some M&M guys decals on the hood.

[rowhard]

Before I got my hands on the carbon fibre insert, I used Turtle Wax color wax. Took a couple of applications, but didn't look that bad and to me was worth the trouble. Just remember to wear gloves or your handw will look as good good as your hood insert

[technocoy]

speaking of the carbon fiber inserts... how are those all holding up? I wish i could have snagged one when they were available.. my insert is starting to crack a bit.

On the cladding I've found that if you really take your time and powerwash it one good time it makes a big difference. Mine seemed to get rid of much of the "oxidation" that was there... it took some time to make sure it was all pretty even... then i hand washed it really well with soap and water and then did a really well buffed coat of Mothers B2B. since i did that i only have to go and apply the mothers every once in a while now... maybe 2-3 times a year.

so if your cladding is already in good shape, just keep it protected in the first place and you should be good to go...