Rear bumper inserts install instructions, anyone?

[celticstanger]

My rear bumper inserts are beginning to discolor and I want to take em out and give em a coat of paint (they were installed unpainted). Does anyone have the install instructions, or know where to get them?

Anyone else have this issue?

There is a product by Mothers that is called Back-to-Black, it is for plastic parts. I would try that before you try to paint them. If you do paint them, you will have problems from here on out. Finding a matte finish that won't stain or fade will be impossible. Painting on plastic doesn't work, it will chip, fade, peel and stain. Paint adhesion to plastic parts is auto part paint refinishings biggest headache. To do it correctly takes expensive products and time consuming steps. The only cheap trick I can give you is to first use Krylon Plastic Paint, it's called Krylon Fusion, then wait 24 hours and get a good sem product trim black paint and paint over the Krylon Fusion. The inserts are installed with double sided tape. The only double sided tape to use is 3M. Use a hair dryer to keep the bumper warm, press hard once installed to release the glue. Don't flex the bumper too much because you could crack the paint.

[Markass]

What are you meaning by "rear bumper inserts"? are you talking about the blackout piece, the rear valence pieces, the inserts that fill in the letters on the bumper, what?

The Back to Black stuff works great, but it's not going to turn something another color black. It's just going to give whatever plastic part you apply it to a more glossy "new" looking finish, and works best on black.

I think he is talking about the "fork lift" holes.

[celticstanger]

Yes - the inserts. In the bumper.

I'll give the Back-to-Black a try. Thanks guys.

(do you guys have inserts in your valances?)

[Markass]

I still don't understand what the hell we're talking about here. You mentioned "bumper inserts" again, what is it that you're talking about? The insert things referred to as the "fork lift holes" ?

[Goose]

Originally Posted by Markass

I still don't understand what the hell we're talking about here. You mentioned "bumper inserts" again, what is it that you're talking about? The insert things referred to as the "fork lift holes" ?

The big black rectangular (ish) holes on the rear bumper are what the guys have been refering to as the forklift holes. Apparently, some of the cars came with them while others, mine for example, did not. No one has come up with a difinitive reason for their purpose or why some have them and others don't.

[Markass]

Yeah, I KNOW what the "forklift holes" are, I just wasn't sure if that's what was being discussed here. I thought they all came unpainted (black)? Do some come paited body color?

[celticstanger]

Originally Posted by Goose

The big black rectangular (ish) holes on the rear bumper are what the guys have been refering to as the forklift holes. Apparently, some of the cars came with them while others, mine for example, did not. No one has come up with a difinitive reason for their purpose or why some have them and others don't.

Ok then. The "forklift holes". I said "Bumper inserts", cos they're the only thing "insert"ed into the "bumper".

[Markass]

Originally Posted by celticstanger

Ok then. The "forklift holes". I said "Bumper inserts", cos they're the only thing "insert"ed into the "bumper".

There are "bumper inserts" for the lettering, so I was just clarifying Tried the Back to Black yet?

[celticstanger]

Originally Posted by Markass

There are "bumper inserts" for the lettering, so I was just clarifying Tried the Back to Black yet?

Naw, forgot to get some today. Don't know what happened to those things - they were fine, then all of a sudden they look like cr@p. Washed em good, thinking it was maybe road crud, but it wasn't.

Originally Posted by Goose

The big black rectangular (ish) holes on the rear bumper are what the guys have been refering to as the forklift holes. Apparently, some of the cars came with them while others, mine for example, did not. No one has come up with a difinitive reason for their purpose or why some have them and others don't.

They are dimples to create turbulance behind the car. They are mainly used on top fuel funny cars so the parachute will open. They also help accent the rear wing. It creates a vacuum to help pull the rear of the car down. Also I was told by Phil Long Ford that they were discontinued that's why you dont see them on the more recent ones. Blueboy is 678 and I think they stopped shortly after. I would be interested to know who has them and who doesn't.

[Roush#05-1058]

I'm sure Roushinator can find a couple of Threads on this, but.....Im 1058 and I have the "fork lift holes".

[Roushinator]

Originally Posted by Roush#05-1058

I'm sure Roushinator can find a couple of Threads on this, but.....Im 1058 and I have the "fork lift holes".

okay, whats the story on the "forklift holes"??

Does your 05 have the "fork lift" Holes?

[celticstanger]

Finally got the B2B, and it made a HUGE difference, thanks guys!

BTW, I put some on the wing mirrors and it's done wonders for the drab grey/black look they used to have. In lieu of a good set of covers, I recommend this stuff on them.