Bargamon

I spoke with Sal Zaino yesterday about what to do with the black plastic. He recommended (consistant with the owners manual) not applying any sealent to the "pourous" black surface since it is not painted. The black tin roof was ok for protection, but the plastic is textured.

the black stuff seems easy to maintain. HE mentioned putting the rubber dressing on it, but im thinking it does not need to be shiney and the stuff can look bad when it starts coming off.

I was wondering what some of the faithful do here, and what products used.

PS: ONe month of ownership now and I am really enjoying this vehicle. great balance of utility, performence and comfort. ANd It looks great! I have the dark burgandy and very happy with the choice. Nothing against the look of the standard avent look, but the black stuff really sets the car up with a muscular look that is distinctive.

While I am not planning any mods, I enjoy reading what many of you are doing. This is a great forum with a good group of participants.

RMcQ

I assume we are talking about the bumpers and fender flares. I care for mine just like the shiny paint including the same washing, cleaning, and waxing.

The manual assumes that you want a matte appearance to be maintained. I don't mind mine shining a little more to ensure that it is protected and maintained like the rest of the paint.

If you want to know how I know that the bumpers are painted...

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ryanjen1/allroad/allroad_bashed.JPG">

Bargamon

I loved your post! Reading it then scrolling down to see the picture was a hoot!

What in gods name did that damage?

If in fact painted, then the rubber dressing would be bad advice. Sal assumed it was volkswagon type rubber/plastic found in 1980s version. While not pourous, it is more of a satin sheen.

Troy H

I assume the picture is old, since no allroader would let his plates expire.

hoosier.allroad

and use Z1, Z2, and Z5 on the flairs and bumpers. They become a little shinier after the application of Zaino but after a wash or two they dull back to almost their original matte finish. It's worth it for the added protection.

All Italian

I use zymol on paint and flairs! Looks great and stays a little cleaner!

itacud

Oh, and as RMcQ has pointed out... the bumpers are definately painted. If you do a search, you'll find that people have had a great deal of difficulty matching color/matte-finish/flexibility of the bumper paint.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/45339.phtml">bumper care</a></li></ul>

rcc

Yep - Wax'em Wax'em Wax'em!

RMcQ

Courtesy of a cell phone talker that was momentarily distracted by driving her Camry. Pretty much a straight rear ender. Her insurance covered the repair at my trusted body shop. All new parts, not big deal.

Luckily the hit was not hard enough to hurt anyone or cause unibody damage.

Her Camry was much, much worse due to nose dive. The hood was kinked in half and the radiator was violently pushed back into the engine. She needed a tow truck.

itacud

as compared to the rest of your matte surfaces?

You may be one of the few with 50k miles on a repainted bumper. =)