gota911

Just as it did on my 996, my wiper cowl panel (the plastic part located in front of the windshield, and under the windshield wipers) has faded to a medium gray color and I figure it will be light gray by summer's end.

Suncoast Porsche has a replacement part for $125 (the 996 cowl was $63 IIRC) excluding the two tabs on either end, which are $5.95 each.

Wiper Cowl Panel

While that is not a lot of money, it seems a waste to throw away something which is still functional, but just needs a cosmetic upgrade.

Has anyone ever tried to paint the cowl with spray paint formulated for plastic?
I was thinking this might be a good project.

Thoughts?

1990nein

303 no good?

iammulva

I'm curious about that too. Re: 303, don't all of those products eventually wear/wash off? I assume a re-paint would last longer?

RobC4sX51

Yes, I recommend Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer. It restores and maintains original richness to dark plastic and rubber. I have used it on several 911s and especially on the area you are talking about. It lasts several months depending on sun exposure and car washes. It costs about $7 for a 10oz bottle and lasts years as it just takes just a little on a clean rag. Only downside is it easily smears on the windshield but wipes off pretty easy. Try it. GL

semicycler

I've had great results with Forever Black Bumper & Trim: http://www.foreverblack.com/products.html

It has a black dye that does wonders on faded exterior black trim. Be sure to wear gloves so your skin doesn't stain. No affiliation, just a happy user.

tomc66

I use Mothers "Back To Black". Looks great!

Chrono

It does, agreed! Lasts maybe 3 weeks. Easy to use. However, a paint job is a great idea for a solution that lasts. Prep would be key to success. If it turns out bad, it's a $140 mistake and you end up with a new cowl.

Linnm

Might Eric be interested in doing these?

spender

I had exactly this same problem, and the only thing I could find that didn't just wipe or evaporate off was "Wipe New". When you use it, you've got to make sure that you've cleaned the plastic part well, and it is dry and not dusty. I've had really good results with it, it's what I would call "semi-permanent".

kurtv

Consumer Reports recommends ReNu Finish or Wipe New for longer lasting results in May 2014. Costs more but lasts longer than other products.

gota911

303 doesn't last that long and while I have not tried Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer, Back to Black, or Forever Black Bumper & Trim., I am wondering if they too are temporary fixes.

Chrono, I was thinking the same thing. If the paint doesn't work out I am out about $8 - $10 and a couple of hours of my time, then I buy a replacement.

Marine Blue

I would be curious to know how paint turns out if you follow through with it.

I use 303 on mine and have since new so it's in perfect shape but I expect with time that could change.

Cbst09

Perhaps black Plastidip would be a good alternative for this

carguy88

Agree and I have found it lasts a long time. Good on black parts of side mirrors also.

Chrono

They definitely are temporary. Like I said, Mothers B2B looks great but lasts like 3 weeks. I don't mind because a) It looks so good and b) by the time 3 weeks is up, I'm doing another minor detail anyway.

I like the idea of asking the Bumper Plugs guy if he will paint these!