Installing bumper protector

trenapt · 10-28-2005, 07:39 AM

I received my rear bumper protector applique. I plan to install it myself. I have put on window tint in past years without difficulty and with good results, so why not?

The instructions call for cleaning off dirt and wax with 3M solvent 70. I already have Klasse AIO & SG sealant on the car (only the 2 layers so far). Is there something else I can use to get it off thoroughly? Or can I find a small container of this solvent at a hardware store?

galaxee · 10-28-2005, 12:34 PM

basically what they want is something that will leave no residue behind- so something that's volatile enough to evaporate immediately.

i imagine you could go to a hardware store or home depot or whereever and pick something up that will do the trick. it's just to make sure the adhesive doesn't get any crud on it when sticking to the car

Dripps · 02-01-2006, 11:12 PM

I have searched high and low for 3M Prep Solvent-70, now including the internet. I find no place I can buy this stuff, outside of maybe getting 4 huge jugs in a box (enough to cover every car in the state?). Has anyone located this stuff?

darelldd · 02-02-2006, 01:12 AM

Just use any bug/tar remover from the auto store. That will get any wax or sealant off. I'd follow up with rubbing alcohol to make sure you get off whatever was in the cleaner. Wipe dry... then warm the protector and the bumper... when everything is warm and dry, slap it on there (straight!). Follow up with waxing everything around the area that you initially cleaned off.

This should be WAY easier than tinting!

mssmith95 · 02-02-2006, 10:49 PM

About to be new owner here.

I see two different types of bumper protectors. The clear "sticker" type - around $45...and a black rubber type - around $20.

Any recommendations either way?

Thanks!

galaxee · 02-02-2006, 11:04 PM

IMHO the black one is better. it's tougher so if you happen to drop a suitcase while pulling it out of the hatch you're not going to puncture the protector and get the paint. i've put some serious gouges in that big plastic thing, i can't imagine what it would have done to that sticker. or the paint for that matter.

the extra money does go toward better protection...

Dripps · 02-02-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by galaxee@Feb 3 2006, 12:04 AM
IMHO the black one is better. it's tougher so if you happen to drop a suitcase while pulling it out of the hatch you're not going to puncture the protector and get the paint. i've put some serious gouges in that big plastic thing, i can't imagine what it would have done to that sticker. or the paint for that matter.

the extra money does go toward better protection...

[snapback]202962[/snapback]

I expected to get the black rubber model but I wasn't paying attention when I ordered the "bumper protector" and purchased a clear decal type protector. I would rather have the black rubber model. But I don't understand why the decal version is more expensive!

galaxee · 02-02-2006, 11:27 PM

the decal is MORE expensive??

we paid like $35 for our rubber one... at dealer employee discount.

weird.

mssmith95 · 02-03-2006, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by galaxee@Feb 2 2006, 09:27 PM
the decal is MORE expensive??

we paid like $35 for our rubber one... at dealer employee discount.

weird.

[snapback]202975[/snapback]

Yes, I have seen the black ones for as low as $19.99 on the web

Thanks for the help!

desertbriez · 06-07-2007, 10:12 PM

THIS is why i LOVE priuschat!

i have the gorgeous prism prius bumper protector..... but can't find the 3M prep solvent anywhere...... THANK YOU priuschat!

(and the prism one is WAY "better" than the black one!!!!!)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Feb 1 2006, 11:12 PM) [snapback]202405[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Just use any bug/tar remover from the auto store. That will get any wax or sealant off. I'd follow up with rubbing alcohol to make sure you get off whatever was in the cleaner. Wipe dry... then warm the protector and the bumper... when everything is warm and dry, slap it on there (straight!). Follow up with waxing everything around the area that you initially cleaned off.

This should be WAY easier than tinting!
[/b]

so put my pretty protector on... then immediately do the "zaino thing"? and do i put the zaino ON the sticker?

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10-28-2005, 07:39 AM	#1
trenapt Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Evansville, Indiana USA Posts: 37 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I received my rear bumper protector applique. I plan to install it myself. I have put on window tint in past years without difficulty and with good results, so why not? The instructions call for cleaning off dirt and wax with 3M solvent 70. I already have Klasse AIO & SG sealant on the car (only the 2 layers so far). Is there something else I can use to get it off thoroughly? Or can I find a small container of this solvent at a hardware store?

10-28-2005, 12:34 PM	#2
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,081 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	basically what they want is something that will leave no residue behind- so something that's volatile enough to evaporate immediately. i imagine you could go to a hardware store or home depot or whereever and pick something up that will do the trick. it's just to make sure the adhesive doesn't get any crud on it when sticking to the car

02-01-2006, 11:12 PM	#3
Dripps Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern NJ (Sussex Co) Posts: 116 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I have searched high and low for 3M Prep Solvent-70, now including the internet. I find no place I can buy this stuff, outside of maybe getting 4 huge jugs in a box (enough to cover every car in the state?). Has anyone located this stuff?

02-02-2006, 01:12 AM	#4
darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern CA Posts: 4,521 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 10	Just use any bug/tar remover from the auto store. That will get any wax or sealant off. I'd follow up with rubbing alcohol to make sure you get off whatever was in the cleaner. Wipe dry... then warm the protector and the bumper... when everything is warm and dry, slap it on there (straight!). Follow up with waxing everything around the area that you initially cleaned off. This should be WAY easier than tinting!

02-02-2006, 10:49 PM	#5
mssmith95 "I think my Dad's gone CRAZY!" Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 533 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	About to be new owner here. I see two different types of bumper protectors. The clear "sticker" type - around $45...and a black rubber type - around $20. Any recommendations either way? Thanks!

02-02-2006, 11:04 PM	#6
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,081 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	IMHO the black one is better. it's tougher so if you happen to drop a suitcase while pulling it out of the hatch you're not going to puncture the protector and get the paint. i've put some serious gouges in that big plastic thing, i can't imagine what it would have done to that sticker. or the paint for that matter. the extra money does go toward better protection...

02-02-2006, 11:27 PM	#8
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,081 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	the decal is MORE expensive?? we paid like $35 for our rubber one... at dealer employee discount. weird.