Hey Guys,

I have a 1990 Firebird and my bumper pads/inserts( if that’s what they’re called. 2 in front, 2 in back) have started to fade, and don’t look too good on my black car. Has anyone painted theirs? I am too afraid to take them off the car because I don’t want to break anything. Any insightful would be helpful. Thank you.

 

I don't have that model year, so pardon my lack of knowledge...
Are they not a rubber or vinyl material?
There are some YouTube videos where people have used a hear gun to restore the shine to hard plastics like fender flares and interior trim.
Over time, the oils of the plastic "outgas" and you're left with brittle chalky plastic.
I have not tried it myself, but I have seen good results.

I would also assume you could paint them with some kind of satin or semi-gloss paint meant for plastic and rubber, as long as you used the necessary adhesion promoter and flex additives.

 

Have you tried any of the "back to black" type products on the market?

 

The bumpers need to come off since the bolts are accessed from the back!

 

I've used car guys finish restorer, mothers back to black, and also 303 protectant. You may get a month out of any of those.