Plastic Chrome

[bbrennan]

While spring cleaning my 2005 PT, I found that the clear plastic film on one of my “plastic” chrome spears is bubbling. It has separated from the mirror finish. Is there any repair for this? Possibly slicing the film and applying a clear glue coating, then smoothing the film down with a sponge, like wall paper?

Is it even possible to get these things off for replacements?

[2_2COOL]

If a repair doesn't work...getting the spears off is do-able. Use fishing line on a warm day to slice through the 3 M tape. Then use Goop Off (the safe for paint citrus oil cleaner version) , rubbing alcohol & patience to get the rest of the leftover adhesive off. It can be done. I took my stock set off to put flat SS inserts in.

I think the clear film coming up is unfixable...but someone MAY have a good idea. Perhaps you can contact the manufacturer? They aren't that old if you have an '05!

[marvin]

3M actually makes a release agent for the glues. If you go on their website you'll find it. I took mine of with my fingers and a screw driver in about an hour and about 65 pieces later. Of course I found out about the release agent after

[bbrennan]

Thanks to all for the useful info!

[Robinh]

eeek, can you tell us what kind of chrome spears you have? I don't want mine bubbling off in a couple of months....

[DJ RickH10]

What about removing and replacing the "chrome" that has separated from the plastic spear itself. My spears (Auto Technica) are doing the same thing. I know how to get the spears off the car. I would love to be able to repair those instead of having to buy a new set. I should've contacted Maggie when this first happened as it ocurred just a few months after getting them. Me being the busy-body that I am never followed through on that end. Fortunately none of the chrome itself has come off the plastic.

[Bosch]

Originally Posted by bbrennan

While spring cleaning my 2005 PT, I found that the clear plastic film on one of my “plastic” chrome spears is bubbling. It has separated from the mirror finish. Is there any repair for this? Possibly slicing the film and applying a clear glue coating, then smoothing the film down with a sponge, like wall paper?

Is it even possible to get these things off for replacements?

Hey I would try your fix, since I can't come up with a better one. Hot glue does dry clear, and its pretty pliable while its hot. Worst that would happen in a bit it would yellow or fail and you have to replace.

Yes getting them off is pretty easy if you spear is one of the plastic chrome covers. Rach has the right idea, I would add a heat gun to soften the glue then fishing line to cut, a plastic piece to pry it back. Then 3M adhesive remover(parts house in the paint & body section) its goo gone's evil twin brother. Wash and wax after use.

[PT Ted]

They do come off and can not be fixed..I have had the same thing happen to my a ways back and like Marvin iI used a screw driver and my hands and pulled them off...

[Robinh]

I took my heat gun and some dental floss, heated up the chrome and it peeled right off by using the floss behind the chrome piece to cut the 3m tape loose. Then just a clean up and reapply - no damage to the chrome pieces at all....

[Treeglum]

I am becoming worried too, I don't have tons of money, soo I get what's more affordable, all the chrome I added is chrome plated plastic. My door spears have bubbled a bit, and I see some tin tiny rust colored spots here and there on the stuff that has seen 2 winters. Winters in New England are a biT$$ it seems.For the easy add ons like license plate borders and tail pipe extensions it seems they need to come off for the winter, but I am really dreading having to rip off the plastic chrome pieces if they start to crack not just bubble. Since this pic I have added taillight, headlight, grill "plastic" chrome.