Date:         Sun, 12 Apr 1998 00:28:42 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael J Vickey <vickrail@VELOCITY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Michael J Vickey <vickrail@VELOCITY.NET>
Subject:      Spiffing up my van
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

>>. . . I washed all of the above items  with a scotchbrite pad and  soapy
water rinsed well ( the 2 front and rear grills remove very easily) and
dried it
I used SEM trim paint 8.00 bucks U.S recomended by a body shop use masking
tape  and LOTS of newspaper . . .<<

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Many of the parts mentioned are plastic, with the color molded in. For
those who prefer not to paint these items, I've found a dye-type product
called "Forever Black". As with painting, the entire surface must be very
clean to work best. I prefer using Forever Black instead of painting - I
think it looks better. A kit including a bottle of cleaner is available
from Rocky Mtn Motor Works, but I assume it could be purchased elsewhere.

Much-faded plastic may require two or more applications, but the results
are impressive.

Forever Black can also be used on rubber sufaces, such as bumper guards,
moldings and mud guards.

When using the applicator bottle, a trick is to shake it occasionally (with
the lid on) to keep the dye mixed. Use plastic gloves - this stuff is
difficult to clean off skin.

Mike Vickey
vickrail@velocity.net

My VW van collection:
84 Wolfsburg Vanagon (parts)
85 DblCab PickUp light gray
87 GL Syncro #1 Wolfram gray "Flash"
87 GL Syncro #2 dove blue met. "The Blue Flash"
87 GL Syncro #3 Wolfram gray
87 GL Brown "Betty"
88 DblCab PickUp slate blue
91 GL Westfalia Camper Orly blue
93 Eurovan MV Tornado red