Canada - Paint - Refinishing Bumper Cover

Bulletin
1097

Issue Date
2002-07-15

Reference
BO-02-003

Model
All Models

Year Range
1983 ~ 2004

Market
Canada

Component
BO

Subject:
REFINISHING REPLACEMENT BUMPER COVERS







In cases where a bumper cover is being replaced, a special preparation process is necessary to assure the refinish is customer acceptable. This bulletin provides the recommended refinishing procedure for new bumper covers.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES: 1983 - 2003 model year All Models.







REQUIRED TOOLS & MATERIAL:

PAINT PROCEDURE:







1. Mix a solution of mild soap (car wash soap) and clean water.

NOTE:
Carefully follow mixing instructions on the soap container. Too much soap or too much water may cause surface contamination or rinsing difficulty.

2. Scrub the bumper covers with the soap and water solution, making sure all difficult to reach areas are thoroughly cleaned.
3. Rinse the entire bumper cover with clean water, making sure all difficult to reach areas are thoroughly rinsed.
4. Dry the surface with a clean towel. Clean, dry compressed air from an oil-less compressor may be substituted for drying with a towel.
5. Degrease the surface with a wax, grease/silicone remover.

NOTE:
Lacquer thinner or brake cleaner will NOT remove silicone. You MUST use a wax/grease/silicone remover. Carefully follow application instructions on the container label. Fish eyes or other paint irregularities may result from not following instructions.

6. Apply a generous amount of sanding paste with a gray 3M Scotchbrite pad. Only a gray pad should be during the sanding process. Sand the entire bumper cover surface. Be sure all difficult to reach areas thoroughly sanded.
7. Clean the entire bumper cover with soap and water. Be sure all difficult to reach areas are thoroughly cleaned.
8. Rinse the entire bumper with clean water. Be sure all difficult to reach areas are thoroughly rinsed.
9. Degrease the surface with an anti static plastic parts cleaner and a white towel or paper towel.

NOTE:
Never use a red shop towel to wipe the surface.

10. Assure the bumper is firmly held in place to a steady fixture.
11. Apply a plastic parts adhesion promoter to the surface, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
12. Apply plastic parts primer to the surface, according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
13. Since bumpers are made of flexible plastic urethane material, use a two-part urethane finish paint system with plasticizer (flex agent) for all bumper and cladding repairs. Apply the appropriate top coat to the surface, according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
14. If heat is applied to cure the paint, assure the surface temperature does not exceed 50°C (122°F.)

For additional information concerning the refinish process for plastic bumpers/cladding, please contact your respective refinish paint manufacturer's local representative.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.