Side/bumper molding

[Twin Que]

Want to replace/paint my black side molding to color match my car. Have a 98 convertible. Been told by body shops that the paint will eventually peel. Believe that to be true. Any suggestions?

[jllphan]

If you don't do it right or if you give it 50 years, then yes it will peel. Other than that, you should be fine. All you do is remove the skirts, prep 'em (sand it, primer it, sand it again, primer it again, etc..) and paint 'em.

[Laxiepoo]

I've read more than one "How-To" about color-matching the lower skirts that describe a process of removing the paint covering with chemicals and some elbow grease. Is there any validity to that method?

[El Presidente]

tons.

I have seen it done unintentionally on BMWs where the owner obviously has neglected the finish and the grey has started to come off on its own. Given time and neglect, it will come off on its own. Underneath the grey was body paint that looked to be in good condition. So if it looked like that on a beater, then Im sure when done on a car with love and attention it will look great.

[bimmerfan620]

I would take them off and run the car without mouldings... :P

[Laxiepoo]

From what I've read (and just do a search here or on google for methodology), it's just applying something to loosen the paint, then painstakingly removing the grey stuff, and applying either a couple coats of clear or just wax it up real good.

I still think I'll wait until I do a new rear bumper and front aero kit - don't think the skirts would look great with color-matched paint when the rest of the underside has that grey plastic. I have the silver blue color on mine (not sure of the factory paint name) - see my avatar for a quick pic.

[bimmer_boy]

Yes, I am also very interested in this subject. I would like to keep my current stock e36 side skirts, but painters tell me the paint will not stick and will not cover pealing.

Is there some sort of way to paint them myself?

Any faq's for this made? Any instructions written? Articles? Anything? Thanks.

[Twin Que]

Thanks for the replys. I have thought of one thing that might work.......
I might try it & with a little luck it may work. Here goes.......
- Remove trim all around.
- Wet sand and prep 3x or more to remove all of the armor all, oil ect......
- Paint with matching paint and let stand 2 days or so.
- Apply UltraShield Stone Guard on all trim for cover (clear cover stone shield) and bake into shape all around.
- Replace and cross my fingers......

Any thoughts from the crew? Have seen this ultra shield product at the local BMV dealer (contractor applies).......

Other ideas & thoughts, please before I set myself up for paint failure.....
I have a 97 5401 & convertible 98 E36, both are well kept damn near like new...
Added Angel Eyes & clear tails to both and think this will be the last trick if it works...
THX....
Twin

[jllphan]

OK, so that's what you get when you open your mouth..err fingers before you know what you are talking about. I guess this is what i would do...

[dutchbmw]

http://www.protech.nl/upload/PDF_bestanden...ng%20PM9301.pdf

nothing better than that!!

[dutchbmw]

BTW, can someone told me how to set "user's local time" in my profile?
Here it's 6 hours later then the given time!! Lots of thanks when helping me

[El Presidente]

Sorry man, my PCs been messed up lately and I have't been able to load a lot of email responces. Basically, you have to set it to you local time, then count the difference, then add or subtract that to the number its should be and you'll end on you're local time...just nowhere near your local area!!!

Hopefully the new owner can fix the clock.

[dutchbmw]

....Basically, you have to set it to you local time...........

But how? Which button i have to push to set?? used