Date:         Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:25:35 EDT
Reply-To:     KimBrennan@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <KimBrennan@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Chrome Bumpers
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I did the following bit when I replaced the crusty/rusty Chrome bumpers on my
86 Syncro. I figured I'd mention it to the list just in case nobody else had
ever thought to do this...

The chrome bumpers can be a real pain to keep rust free in the great salted
north. Realizing this, when I replaced the ones on my 86 I did a simple
preventative measure. I grabbed some car wax (white carnuba wax) and with the
bumpers off the car, waxed them heavily on both sides. I >DID< not buff them!

I then installed them. Haven't had a problem since. The "extra" wax isn't all
that noticable on the bumpers (especially if there is a any water desposits
or dust on them.) On the exposed outside, it is easy enough to buff them and
reapply. (the other side isn't visible, which is another reason to put a good
coating on it as you don't have to worry about its lack of shine...)

Of course, you could switch to the fiberglass ones, but my GoldBrick looks
real nice with the unblemished chrome bumpers.